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What tool do all of the following workings have in common?

   Healing

   Scrying

   Casting a circle

   Blessing a house

   Candle magic

You guessed it, they all require you to use your most powerful tool, you! Your mind, your brain, your will, etc. You may have heard of the eightfold path that will help you attain appropriate mind states in which to work magic, but many of the techniques (such as scourging and drugs) may not appeal to you or may be outdated. Knowing the reasons behind the eightfold path, and knowing the mind states that are conducive to different workings may help you improve your magic.

If you have read The Power of the Witch, then you have heard of the alpha state. Alpha refers to the dominant brainwave pattern associated with a particular state of mind. The brain emits electrical signals (detectable by an EEG) that are commonly linked to different conscious states. The frequencies fall into four categories that are present at all times in the brain. The dominant frequency is considered what 'state' you are in. Brainwave frequencies are measured in cycles per second or cps. The 'fantastic four' are:

Beta: approximately 14 to 16 or more cps this state is associated with wakefulness. It is the state you are probably in right now as you use your senses to take in information. Caffeine and certain stimulants, or exercise will often bring the cps into the higher numbers.

Alpha: approximately 7 or 8 to 13 cps is dominant when you are daydreaming or are relaxed but alert. It is often used for self-hypnosis and magical workings, and is often the state you are in when you watch television for a long time. Deep alpha in the 7 to 9 cps range is associated with dreams and with the state you are in when you first lay down to go to bed. Images will often flood your mind, but can be directed by you consciously. Rapid eye movement or REM takes place in these frequencies. Light meditation and rituals that are often repeated will trigger this state. See that lady in the Catholic Church using a rosary? She is probably in a deep alpha state. People are highly susceptible to commercials and other suggestive techniques in this state, hence its usefulness in hypnosis and advertising.

Theta: 4 to 7 or 8 cps is a deep mind state somewhat associated with dreams. This state is often found in healers, and coincidentally it is also the state that patients who are under anesthesia are often in. It is a highly creative state that is useful (especially in the 6-8 cps range) for scrying and divination, art and writing, solitary rituals, etc. It can be difficult to interact with other people in this state.

Delta: 0 to 4 cps is the dominant frequency range while you are in the deepest stages of sleep. If you can increase your delta frequencies while you are in alpha, it is possible to increase mental functions such as memory and learning. Yogis, Zen practitioners, and healers often utilize these frequencies to refine their focus and psychic powers.

References

1) The Witch's Bible Complete   by Janet and Stuart Farrar

2) The Power of the Witch   by Laura Cabot