Hi Readers,
One of the most common aspects of any form of Witchcraft is visualization. Visualization is something that several people struggle to do. This is not a bad thing necessarily however it can be challenging. For example, I personally can visualize well despite my blindness. How? I don’t just “Visualize” Visualization is often described as seeing something in your mind’s eye in addition to being able to picture something. However, I personally believe that visualization can be done even though many people believe they can’t. I was inspired by This article by @Avery Hart If you have not read any of her stuff and are interested in learning more. You can follow her on Instagram @thetravelingwitch
In the article, Avery gives an excellent discussion on the topic. Most importantly, I found the discussion on all of us having a dominant sense or more than one dominant sense refreshing. Further, as she pints this topic is rarely discussed. Moreover, her suggestions on using other forms of magick without using the visual sense but using your dominant sense. Also, I liked her suggestions on how to locate which one of your senses are dominant they are straightforward and practical. I would like to continue this discussion on the subject by responding to the article providing my own perspective.
I believe that visualization is not just visualizing as I mentioned I incorporate all the senses into my visualization. For instance, If I want to visualize a large busy café, I would consider what I would hear, smell, touch etc. Another example would be visualizing something you love like flowers, what would they smell or feel like? However, if you struggle with the actual visual aspects then I would agree that using another sense or more than one sense is a good way in which to use for magickal practice. I have stated before that learning visualization can be done from the viewpoint of using physical objects to start with. For example, if you are blind or struggling perhaps holding an object or looking at it for a few moments paying attention to what it feels or looks like what color is it? Try to get as many details as you can. Then, you could close your eyes and try to visualize it using both visual along with other senses along with all the details. This idea can be utilized within the context of magickal practice. Such as when raising energy what would it feel like as the energy builds and peaks?
Another aspect mentioned in the article that I found useful is the looking into other traditions for other ways to incorporate into your Craft. I liked that she mentioned that you must be respectful towards such traditions in addition to using outside sources like psychology that are not related to witchcraft. For myself, I take inspiration from several sources within a respectful manner. In terms of visualization within my personal Craft I use what is publicly available along with creating things specific to me within my practice.
For example, I like to write, and I find the use of chants to becoming more central within my practice. However, I do not find that typing it out always helps, but I can’t hand write. What does this have to do with visualization struggles? Well, I can use another sense. I can still speak and touch. What If I focus on a goal like prosperity and instead of writing it out, I focus on what prosperity would feel like? What does prosperity mean for me and what would it feel like to be a prosperous individual? What If I focus on a thing that I think of but do not have available that makes me think of prosperity?
Moreover, when it comes to visualization and magick I personally believe that it is a central component to the practice of witchcraft. However, I do not mean that it is something that can not be modified. I think If you can’t visualize you will struggle in certain respects. You must think outside the box and be aware of what works for you in order to adapt the practice. I think that visualization is a skill that can be learned If you approach it from the perspective that it is not literally picturing something. However, if you have attempted to use all your senses or even just one and it doesn’t work from the visual standpoint, then adapt. Use the sense or senses that do work for you. Ultimately, the choice and your practice are yours.
Many Blessings!!