Sometimes I feel like I am not "spiritual" enough, or committed enough, or courting enough depth of personal practice. Sure, my daily practice is (mainly!) secure, and I often participate in seasonal rites of the moon and sun. Yet, the rest of what it means to be a Witch is kind of ad hoc. My spell work is not regular, nor my divination practice. I don't engage in trance any where near enough, nor do I perform elaborate devotions to my allies.
In an effort to map the various aspects of my Feri praxis (which is not to be confused with daily practice) so that I might have a better understanding of areas I am neglecting, I was inspired by the seven directional Guardians, each of whom governs a particular path:
- Eastern Path - Magical Vision. This includes using magic to create change in the world, "low magic", folk magic, the practical side of Witchcraft.
- Southern Path - Energy Work. This is the running of Pentacles, invocations and evocations, possession and aspecting work.
- Western Path - Trance. Pretty self explanatory, this is trance and astral projection. I also include dream work in this path.
- Northern Path - Devotional Arts. This is any rite or action that serves as devotion to our many allies, whatever form it takes.
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- Path of Above - Gnosis. Divination and self-knowledge, enlightenment and the seeking of higher/deeper purpose.
- Path of Below - Dark Arts. Anything to do with birth, sex and death!!
- Path of Centre - Core Practices. Ha prayer, kala, sitting practice, our daily spiritual practice.
This Seven-Fold Feri Praxis is a guide, an inspiration. It's shouldn't engender feelings of not being good enough. It is a tool to help us understand what parts of our practice we are really hot on and which parts perhaps need more attention.
Which paths do you feel you could work on?
It was such a relief to read this text. I feel the same way most of the times. I do my practice everyday and once in a while I change it to adapt my needs and focus. In the "in betweens" of my days I feel like there's more to be done...
ReplyDeleteThis text reminded me that I am the center (daily practice) and the circunference (praxis).
Thank you!
I'm so glad you found it useful! I use it as an internal map to "check" on what I'm paying attention to. I sometimes use it to correct any imbalances. What path do you follow?
ReplyDeleteI'm a Feri student as well! I've been studying for almost 3 years now, as I live in Brazil it's hard to find someone who initiate me, but I already studied with Karina BlackHeart and I'm taking classes with Valerie Walker!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I'm a Feri initiate...I started studying Feri in 2008 and was initiated in 2011. We have a website and we do distance training via Skype. The website is amhranaimati.org
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