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Power Places

The place where you choose to do your magic is as individual as the kind of magic you do. Some people prefer a special spot that they set aside for the purpose of performing magic spells and rituals. Other people choose different locales, depending on the magic they're doing, the time of the year, or for other personal reasons. You may wish to designate an interior and an exterior place for your magical work. Once you select a space, consider it sacred.

Find a spot that feels comfortable for you. This could be a place that holds special meaning for you or one that seems to resonate with the right vibes. Privacy is a key factor, too, especially if you live with other people or pets. Cats are notoriously curious about anything new going on where they live. They've often served as witches' familiars, and if you have a cat, it may want to participate in your practice. It's also a good idea to choose a spot that won't be visible to your neighbors or the general public.

Interior Places

Your goal is to create an atmosphere that helps you feel centered, calm, and powerful. Remove anything that might disturb your peace or distract you from your purpose. The walls, furnishings, and floor should also be colors you find appealing. Some people enjoy soothing blues and greens, while others respond to the intensity of purple, fuchsia, or even black.

Some people prefer power spots that have an almost Zen-like spareness; others like surrounding themselves with objects that remind them of magic and enchantment. It's up to you. Make sure your space includes something comfy to sit on and a surface of some kind where you can put candles, incense, and other tools of the trade. This surface might be as simple as a wooden box or a board supported by bricks, or as ornate as a formal altar. Again, this is a matter of personal preference.

If the surface is used for other purposes, smudge it before you use it. The smudging process entails burning sage and allowing the smoke to waft over the surface. Many people opt to smudge the space in which they do magic before performing each spell or ritual, in order to clear any unwanted vibrations that might interfere with their work.

Even if you don't have a perfect spot, you can transform any ordinary place into a sacred space with your intent, passion, and belief. The more you work magic in a certain spot, the more it will take on the essence of your intention and the magical power you raise. If you have a favorite object — such as a statue, stone, crystal, or painting — keep it in the area where you cast your spells. A power object such as these helps maintain the magical atmosphere even when you're not there. A small object can be moved around or taken along when you travel. Power objects help to focus your mind while you work and remind you of your objectives.

Outdoor Power Spots

Many magicians prefer to work outdoors. Druids, for instance, have long performed their magic in oak groves. To find a power spot in nature requires some time and intuition. Even if you decide to cast spells in your own backyard, you'll want to find a spot that feels right.

You can do this by slowly walking the area you've chosen, remaining alert for any unusual or intense body sensations: a sense of peace, an elevated awareness, a slight chill on the back of your neck, a cozy warmth in the pit of your stomach. You'll know which spot is ideal for you.

If you wish, you can dowse to find the right spot. You've probably heard of dowsing as a way to locate water. Some dowsers use forked sticks or metal rods that are sensitive to whatever they're looking for. The dowsing tool dips down when it comes to the best location. A forked branch of a willow, if you can find one, is an ideal dowsing device, but you can make a simple dowsing rod from wire hangers. For any dowsing tool to work, though, it must be infused with your intent and purpose. Request aloud that the dowsing rod locate the right spot for your spell-casting.

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