The Bedroom
The bedroom is the center of one of our most mysterious processes--sleep. Sleep can be used as a type of magic. In ancient times, priestesses and priests interpreted dreams as messages of the future, possibly advice from a deity.
A Victorian young woman would cast spells in order to dream of her future husband. Also, the tradition of dumb cakes, originating in England, were prepared to induce dreams of future love. No sound was uttered during preparation. Once prepared, the cake was marked with the woman's initials and laid under her pillow. This was done on a Friday night for best results.
Sleep or dreams can play a prominent part in rituals-- such as chanting a spell to cause drowsiness, or controlling a dream by causing it to accomplish magical goals.
Many believe we travel in our sleep. When we close our eyes and still our minds, astral projection may occur.
In folklore, types of beds are a subject of interest. For example, feather beds were thought to be protective against lightning. Many people would lay on their beds during thunderstorms.
The ideal position for a bed is parallel with the room's floorboards (if they are visible). This is so that energies running through the house won't encounter any obstruction.
There are also certain types of sleeping positions:
North
The head pointing North is said to increase stability and calmness. This seems to be the ideal direction, since North is a source of magical power.
South
Folklore indicates sleeping with the head pointing South leads to weariness and disease. This may also cause or aggravate insomnia.
East
The East is associated with religion and spirituality. In this direction the Sun and Moon rise, which brings about the belief that you should sleep East to West following the natural course of the heavenly bodies.
West
Sleeping with the head pointing West ensures love and spirituality, and promotes psychic ability. Dream magic can be practiced this way. It is also recommended for artists since it is used to promote creativity.
Turn your mattress at the wane of the moon, from the full to the new. This is said to keep them flatter, since the Moon's powers of attraction are the weakest.
Dreams
There are three types of dreams:
psychic indicators of the present, past, or future
half-recalled memories of astral projection
wish fulfillment and mental ramblings
Keeping a dream diary
Keeping a dream diary can be personally insightful. It provides clues to past lives. It can help in problem-solving. It sometimes teaches important mystical principles, since it serves as a record of any reappearing spirit-guide or a recurring metaphorical sequence. The longer you keep a record of your dreams, the better you can understand their symbolism. Use these recurring symbols in meditation in order to focus and inspire special responses in your behavior.
Keep a journal or notebook by your bed. Meditate quietly in bed before going to sleep. Use a dream affirmation to help you remember your dreams. A simple statement such as "I will remember all my dreams tonight" can help your dream recall in the morning. You can even request a dream from your patron goddess.
When recording your dreams, try to remember as much detail as you can. Also record anything relevant that happened the day before that would have an influence on your dreams: the weather, a quarrel, a TV show, etc. Record the date and time you awoke.
When reading over your dream descriptions, try to analyze it. What type of dream is it? Determine its importance. If it is a psychic dream, decide how you will act on it.
Herbs at Bedtime
To ensure sleep:
stitch a 6-inch pillow. Stuff it half full with cotton batting, then fill it with celery seed. Sleep with this pillow on top of your regular pillow. The scent should cause drowsiness.
Drink tea made from anise, chamomile, parsley, valerian, clover, lavender, woodruff, dill, and/or verbena. Valerian is the best one to use, but the other ones can be combined for a relaxing tea before bedtime.
To promote psychic dreams:
burn eyebright
sleep on a pillow of mugwort
sip a glass of warm rosebud tea
To promote love:
orris powder between the sheets
musk, patchouli, rosemary or vanilla incense
The Bath
The bath can be a major part of the magical ritual. Bathing is a reunion with the element of water.
To purify the body, spirit, and soul: add salt to the bath and soak. The salt neutralizes negativity and lends strength to the body.
Folklore suggests that we bathe on the Winter Solstice or Beltane with a penny wrapped in a washcloth. This is to ensure good luck.
Bath Spell
The bath is a wonderful place to meditate. Begin your meditation this way:
Inner world, of caverns and candles, I come to you.
Between yesterday and forever, I float.
Between the waves of dawn and darkness, I float.
Here, with the light of morning dancing to the rhythm of my heart
And the winds of day singing with each breath,
I am touched by the waters of a universe,
Until nothing exists but the soul in flight,
And the simple peace of knowing I am.
--Marian Loresinger
Add some herbs to your water:
For relaxation: lavender, sage, chamomile, tangerine rind, sandalawood, rose, thyme, or vanilla
For energy: rosemary, rosewood, patchouli, peppermint, juniper, lemon, lime, bay, or yarrow
For uplifting the spirits: geranium, orange peel, jasmine, or rosemary
Light a candle. Play some soft music. Burn a small bit of incense.
Full Moon Bath
Fill the tub half-full of water (not too hot). Dip a quart of this water in a glass bowl. Hold this bowl outside for a few moments; let the moon's light shine on the water. Then return inside and add the water back into the bath.
Add one half-cup of milk and a bit of lemon peel to the water.
Light a white candle.
Burn jasmine incense; alternatively, burn lotus, gardenia or sandalwood incense.
Bathe, feeling the moon's power flowing through you; nurturing you; comforting you.
Close your eyes and visualize the moon directly above you.
When finished, dry off and go about regular activities. Realize that you have attuned yourself to the moon and have become strengthened.
Sources
Cunningham, The Magical Household
Telesco, Folkways
Telesco, A Victorian Grimoire
http://geocities.com/Wellesley/6686/bath.html
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