Equilibrium
Whenever a group of people gather for ritual, what ever the event that Precipitates it, the basic circle effects what happens. Always its an Issue for me who will come or not. The intent and purpose of the circle is decided before it ever gets formed. Whether open or closed circle basics are the same.
The obvious aspects that get covered in every book of witchcraft such as calling quarters aren't the most important consideration in my Opinion.Far more necessary is the participant's desire to engage with the others in sharing the energy that will be raised. To be able to give and take and put other's before the self, I often say "check your ego at the door” The ones that can't either never get asked or more importantly never get asked back again. Better to continue to have friendship outside of ritual than have strife inside the circle.
Someone who is capable of being humble and know the awe of the power of the universe and think outside of the box is hard to find. My journey leads me to meet many Witches. But as I have gotten older I have found a small number that i want to practice with on a personal level. Open circles call for a far more accepting, tolerant level of energy sharing. One witch I know isn't as sensitive to nuance so she was wonderful at public Ceremonies due to her being metaphorically hard of hearing to other's pulling on the energy well unevenly.
Fortunately, there are few that are so selfish as to be dangerous. But there are many Witches that are self centered and cannot bond into a group in a successful balance. They approach the whole situation with the view of what's in it for them. What they can get out of a situation and are not able to add to the Energy well with genuine consideration or respect for others that they take energy from. They are in many ways insecure and try to impress other with their knowledge in aggressive ways.
Basically what I am trying to express is to find a perfect balance takes time, work and effort far beyond what many will want to give. But anything worthwhile takes effort and committment.Also sometimes the choices are painful as there will come times when someone you love just isn't suitable and you have to exclude them from your inner most workings.
Covens in many traditions usually try to address the issues by having Rigid hierarchical standards that everyone must learn. This ensures a form of standardization of approach so that all can tap into the energy well coming from the same aspect. Obviously this meets with success due to evidence in the history of Witchcraft. But it also inhibits freedom of self and retards exploration of self and energy manipulation Independently.
An Eclectic Coven is far harder to bond as the members all have their own path and have individual ways to draw from the Energy well. However with the right chemical and emotional bonding the abilities for Manifestation far outstrips a Traditional Coven. When allowed the Unrestrained freedom to explore and expand, the joy in sharing in bonding within the energy well is exponential. Everyone is there with the sole purpose of celebrating each other's joy, in each member's coming Together to share and equally draw on the well and give freely.
But that is the trick, finding the Equalibrium.What is an energy well? This is not an easy answer. Not one I can fully answer in an article
this length.But think of a plate, a disc, a frisby.When they are flat they hold your food, fly evenly or balance like a surf board. Think of The circle being an invisible plate with everyone standing on the edge.
Think of it connected to extension cables that send energy that makes it glow and each individual is a power switch.The switches will vary with the practitioners' ability and subsequently their energy pull and conduction into the energy well between the practitioners in the center of the circle.
The trusting pooling of energy done in respect, love and balance to me is far more important that what many other's consider so. To maintain it is an ongoing affair and when someone becomes less generous, less considerate then the energy will flow towards that person and the Equilibrium is lost. For this same reason I am very careful regards who will be at which point in a circle.
So, Its not as it at first appears and is all about intent.Be honest in
your heart and the rest will follow you.
Light and Love
Starwalker
