Lesson 1 Story Exchange

[~Elise~]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

Elise

[TheWomanMonster]

Hey there, I'm Meagan aka TheWomanMonster *waves*

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?
In the past I've worked with basic forms of shielding as well as charm and talisman protection. I've done simple self penned spells and rituals and a small amount of astral and energy work. In addition to practicing more than a few types of divination. Most of what I know I've just always known... so it's nice to have a chance to learn the techniques of others.

What has worked for me so far is most of the simpler things, I am in serious need of some well practiced meditation and shielding techniques.

What has not worked for me in the past, well... shielding against rather unpleasant individuals and full on attacks... I crumbled. Seriously.
And anything that's very ritual based, basically because I've never done any research on it. I don't know the 'steps' to certain things and therefore I haven't tried them.


What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?
A greater knowledge than what I now possess and a feeling of confidence through my practices. I promise I won't get TOO confident.


Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?
I'm from the great province of British Columbia, lately I've been learning (self taught) a lot about energy work and manipulation. I've signed up for 2 previous magical self defense classes and life just got in the way... this time I'm here for sure though.

And once again, thank you so much Elise for running this class... I can't wait.

[acdb]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

I haven't really had any experiences in the past that have required me to use much Magical Self Defense, so far as I can tell.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I try to have 'shields' as such, not too sure if they work or not. I've tried some charm-like things; not too sure how well any of them have worked.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

A good basic understanding of what Magical Self Defence is about.

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I'm from Queensland, Australia; what prompted me to join this class was an interest in what it was all about.

[Merilwen]

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I haven't tried anything, I havent really felt a need to.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Knowledge

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I am from Texas, in the United States. I joined to learn techniques and the ideas behind them as I may need to know them one day.

[Drouach]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.Being an Empath I always pick up all sorts of yucky vibes I would rather not. Also dealing in stressful situations I could have used it.


What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?
To be honest I haven't done anything in the past. Perhaps tried to focus my mind elsewhere.


What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?A better basic understanding of what Magic self defence is about, and some ideas about energy.


Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?Melbourne, Australia. I saw the class posted on the board, and thought it was just the thing for me.


:lookwhats

[LIGV]

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I've sort of been flirting with the pagan path for many years but have never been able to find a mentor. Basically I've tried candel magic things as simple as light a white candle to prevent my daughter from hurting herself in a competition for example. So far it has become pretty much a tradition, and no injuries so far.

But in my case it's hard for me to concetrate on things for myself so I seldom try to defend myself against anything pretty much I only prey.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Id like to identify when is an attack and not just life and be able to dress and defend myself accordingly. Lots of bad things happening in my life lately that I seem to have no control of . Looking for another tool to better my life.

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I'm committing to the path realized its the only path for me. And I'm hungry for knowlege, I wanna have more control over my shortcomings and feel that this is a great tool to achieve that. and maybe someday pass the knowledge along to my kids. :)

[Shawn Blackwolf]

Answer to question one :

Well , Elise , from reading some of your posts , I have to say , in certain ways , you and I are alike...

We are very outspoken , and some people tend not to like that ;


I have also dealt with attacks from "secret society" organizations , due to my revealing certain things , they would rather keep hidden...


A Coven decided to attempt a mgieckal war against me , and I had an ex - wife trained in psychic warfare , as a " spider woman " , sent to take me out...


Answer to question two :

Just a few methods I have used :


1. Mirror and Reversal Chant

2. Dreamcatcher Mind Projection

3. Flaming Blue Sword

4. Wraith - Full Deity Shield

5. Six Shields Surrounding

6. Blue Fire Sphere Surrounding ,
or Projected as Weapon

7. Psionic Helm of Awen

8. Bind Rune Spells and Chants

9. Rune Shield

10. Shapeshifted Form

11. Various Stones , Herbs , Medicine Items

12. Egregores and Wards




Answer to question three :


More Knowledge , to integrate into applicable Wisdom




Answer to question four :

For now...California Coast...


And...I wanted to acquire more knowledge from a gutsy , outspoken , Woman , Priestess , and Goddess , in her own right , who is not afraid of a battle , and does not back down...

I think that is a good enough reason...Blessings...

[maudlin]

Some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you:
--none really spring to mind, other than the fact that i am starting to be able to pick up on peoples emotions/feelings/vibes and would like to be able to block it out sometimes.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked? ive done basic shieldings, but nothing else

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class? knowledge

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class? im from tennessee and the class seemed interesting. i love learning new stuff.

[Mitsuko]

My bf's a psy vamp....I know he's been leeching energy from me, and I want it to stop. I don't know shielding or any kind of defense really...so...yeah, I need help.

[~Elise~]

Good start folks...

Shaun--backing down usually isn't an option for me. I'm too damn stubborn.

As for the empaths--there will be a couple of links that I'll hand out that will help. You need a slight oomph from what non-empathic folk need, BUT it can be done, don't let people tell ya differently.

LIGV--yes, this is something you can pass onto the kids.

EVERYONE should know basics on grounding/centering/shielding... and those are each steps on their own that sometimes get overlooked. This will help in your jobs, personal life --heck all the time.

Keep sharing, guys

Elise

[LIGV]

By the way I'm from Puerto Rico :)

[odd_duck71]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

Elise
1. I don't think I've ever actually been attacked. I'm mainly hoping to learn to defend myself from soaking up the yucky energy in a room and how to prevent myself from being drained by the end of a workday.

2. I've tried a few things I read about occasionally, but nothing has ever become a habit.

3. I'm hoping to learn to keep my energy in and others' energy out. Also how to keep others from bringing their yuck into my office and home.

4. I'm from the southern US, and one of the things that prompted me to join the class (other than what I've mentioned above) was that I've been trying to clear our house of physical clutter and energetic clutter and keep having the feeling that some of it is fighting back. (I'm perfectly willing to entertain the idea that I'm off my rocker though)

[Dancingflame]

Magickal Self Defence in the past would have helped me: over come the fact of being watched and unprotected. Being able to get through a threat with an unwanting so called pagan person.

What have I done in the past? A spell prayer has worked for me, not facing it has not worked to well in the past.

What is it that I am wanting from this class? A sense of awareness, understand of what this is and as a teen curosity and hoping it well help with keeping my bubble without any threats.

Why this class and where am I from? This class I choose out of truely when I saw it the first thing I thought sound interesting enough hey why not. But now Im going hey this is actually cool and answering the questions above really answer this one. I choose this one know to come one with another side of understanding apart of me and where I stand sry if it doesnt make sense but I think it will come together. OH im from South Carolina my name is Chelsea and Im 15 but all be 16 in a month yay.

[~Elise~]

Nah--if that is your only indication that you might be off your rocker... I'd say no worries, mate.

By the time we're done--I promise you won't be bringing home that energy and I'll have shown you how to clear the house of that energy. (provided you do the daily exercises I'm going to give you)

Elise

[~Elise~]

Why this class and where am I from? This class I choose out of truely when I saw it the first thing I thought sound interesting enough hey why not. But now Im going hey this is actually cool and answering the questions above really answer this one. I choose this one know to come one with another side of understanding apart of me and where I stand sry if it doesnt make sense but I think it will come together. OH im from South Carolina my name is Chelsea and Im 15 but all be 16 in a month yay.

Okay--there are ALWAYS going to be pagan people who do NOT have your best interests at heart, esp with your age and freshness to the Craft. You'll need to fine-tune your BS detector and turn it onto HIGH. I've seen it time and time again within the Pagan Community. ETA- I just read your profile and that your mother does run a circle--so that's great!

I will say that I do not teach teenagers IRL without parental permission received from a face-to-face meeting with them and I do hope that your parents do know what sites you're going to and that they aren't going to freak out about things. This site has let you join, so I will teach you, no worries. Yay on the birthday, as well. :blowcandl

This class can help you protect yourself from some of the yucky stuff out there, but it won't protect you from you.
:yayah: just sayin'

I'm not trying to lecture-but it does seem that way and I'm sorry.

Elise

[Greymuse]

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?
I don't believe I've ever been outright attacked magickally or psychically. I am very sensitive to the emotions of those around me and it gets worse when I'm around people I care for. It's especially bad when my fiance is in a sour, self hating mood and I pick up on it like an overpowered radio antenna. Our 2 yr old is alot like me and can sense negative moods herself, but cannot defend against them.
I've tried to shield against negativity in general, and my fiance in particular by imagining myself surrounded in a silver white aura of sorts, but it seems when I do that it just makes him even more hateful and sour. This doesn't tend to help the situation, and sometimes his negativity just seems to eat through my defenses and can destroy my good mood in an instant. Our 2 yr old daughter is very sensitive and moody herself but at this point I don't know how much is her own emotion as opposed to just what she's picking up from me or her father.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?
I'm hoping to learn how to shield myself without reflecting negativity back, as I think this may be what I'm unconsciously doing with my fiance. I also would like to figure out a way to protect my daughter until she's old enough to understand how to protect herself.

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?
I am from Des Moines Iowa, which is pretty much the middle of the midwest and the upper center of that infamous Bible Belt. I joined the class because Elise did not promise grand life altering changes, merely the guidance to find one's own way in this subject.

[yemayashija]

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?


i usually try to be more offensive than defensive, in the past a weak magical defense has left me open to alot of unnecessary trouble.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

some new ideas of how to shield myself and my house better, to protect and repel things sent to me. basically how to take my self off the metaphysical map of others, lol

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

rochester new york, i have been told by several readers here locally to be more defensive in my workings due to the frequent dealings i had with quite a large and jealous spiritual group.

[wolf]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

I work in a setting where I see a lot of people who are ungrounded, some who are either intentional or unintentional psychic vampires, and a small number of whom have extra attachments that put them and me at risk. I have been psychically attacked at work, and have had to fend off these attacks in ways that my coworkers don't notice.

Outside of my mundane job, I do shamanic work, including soul work, which can be dangerous to the practitioner as well as the patient.


What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I have used a variety of active defense techniques, have a number of passive shields in place, and also use amulets and talismans. Doing nothing has worked the worst. ;) Edit to add: I also use oils, potions, and smudges.


What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Everybody does things differently. I look forward to learning new ways of doing things, as well as different takes on techniques I already use, like mirrors.


Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I am taking the class because I saw the title and it looked interesting.

I am from the Philadelphia suburbs.

[~Elise~]

Nope... no GRAND life altering changes. But I do think that IF you do the work I give DAILY until it becomes habit-it will alter how you interact with the world and how it interacts with you. (I think in a better way--but I"m biased)

You know what they say, yemayashija - the best offense is a good defense.

And, I do hope that y'all find the class interesting.

Elise

[yemayashija]

lol, not looking for life altering; but i am looking for a few suggestions or new ideas. who knows maybe something will call out to me and i will know that it is what is missing. but i do intend to do the assignments and see what works. so i look forward to being in the class, i am sure it will hold my interest!

[Morgaine_cla]

Magickal Self Defence in the past would have helped me: mainly to understand how other people work, and be better able to recognise a real occult problem when I encounter one. While I'm most comfortable eliminating physical/health issues first, one needs to know what to do when these possibilities are ruled out.

What have I done in the past? I've only ever walked the path I am on, and when the traditional safeguards are kept one remains pretty safe... and under other pagans' radar scopes. but as my work takes me more often into the wider community, I know I will need to know how to deal with people not on my path; to be able to recognise and respond to the potentials without becoming paranoid and living in fear.

What is it that I am wanting from this class? Methods to improve my awareness, deepened understanding of the issues, and techniques through which to remain as safe and secure as one can reasonably be walking between worlds.

Why this class and where am I from? This is the first "real" class on this that I've seen outside of a traditional setting. I've been an observer here for some time at MW, and feel fairly comfortable with how things work. I'm from Virginia, so it's hard to find people to connect with face to face (which I would admittedly prefer).

Thank you for offering your time and knowledge.

[~Elise~]

I see you found your way here all right. We're still early enough in the class that I'll take new students--but I don't after Lesson 3. So, Welcome.

Thanks to all who shared stories.

Lesson 2 is now up!

Elise

[Libris]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

My DH and I used to walk around the campus of Notre Dame. There are two lakes on the campus, Lake Mary and Lake Joseph with footpaths along them. We used to walk around the former in the evenings quite often. At at a certain spot along the trail we always became a bit paranoid, as if someone were watching us. Once we saw shadows move up the hill at this spot behind some woods. It was very eerie. We eventually explored the area and found an old cemetery tucked behind the woods. It was hidden from the path, but it was exactly where the shadows were headed. We explored the cemetery and I felt very heavy and "oppressed" (that's the best word for it). It really felt like something was holding onto me, dragging me down. I performed a greater banishing pentagram and the feeling was instantly lifted, but as we left and continued down the path it felt like something was following us the whole way, almost to the car. It would have been nice to know a few more protection methods or be a bit more effective in my banishing pentagram so the presence would not have followed us.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

Drawing the banishing pentagram on all sides and visualizing a shield have worked fairly well in the past. I think that if I were calmer whilst casting the pentagram, it would have been leagues more effective.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

I would like to learn methods of magical self defense, an overview of defense theory and more about shields. Its even great just trading stories with everyone though :D

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I'm from North-West Indiana, USA. The experience in the cemetery made me realize that magical self defense is an important skill that I could definitely improve.


Thanks for having me :wave:

[Annorah]

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I have tried basic shielding and asking for protection which have seemed to work.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

I'd like to come away with an increased knowledge of how and when to apply magical self defence.

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I live in the wilds of Norfolk, UK. I wanted to join this class because at times I feel overwhelmed by things which are going on around me, the negativity, aggression and apathy - I need to find some way of dealing with this in a positive way.

[Lady Soulscribe]

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self Defense would have helped you.

Im not exactly sure if it would of helped, or even if these are correct situations; but there are days (like today) where I get super sensitve at people/things/situations. There are somedays where I just dont get the engery to do as much pushing in life as I've had in the past (work/family/friends).

Sometimes when my dh comes home from a physically/mentally exausting day from his work he looks to me to vent/share/re-charge and I just cant do it, and I get a 'pulled down' feeling.

Generally I like to think of myself like a duck or an armadillo... You let things just roll off your back, or your tough shell keeps you protected, but lately the duck is getting wet, and the armadillo... is road kill...

I dont know if thats just empathy, emotions, life... I sometimes cant tell the difference.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I breathe alot... I have rest days where I dont do any chores or try to talk to anyone. But lately I need more rest days then time alots.

What is that you're wanting to come away with from this class?

Information. Ways to shield and protect. Understanding whats going on that problem A is emotion and you just got to work through it, problem b on the other hand, is something that we can help protect you from.

Also--where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

Central Ohio area... I tried to join earlier but life got in the way. So I'm fighting to stay aware that this is also going on (damn ADD!)

[Gypsyballad]

Hello Elise. How are you? I would like to start by apologizing for not getting in touch with you sooner. I have been experiencing some problems with my computer, and I'm hoping that these problems will clear up soon. I also hope to be able to catch up with the class. Thank you so much for your patience.

Please post some experiences that you've had in the past where you think that Magical Self-Defense would have helped you?

Well, a number of years ago I experienced a psychic attack while I was trying to fall asleep. Something was trying to choke me. A few months later, again while I was trying to fall asleep, I felt my bed shaking for a few minutes.

While I was a kid growing up in my childhood home, I felt something lightly touch my shoulder. This also took place at night, and in my room. I believe if I had had some knowledge about magical self-defense it would have helped me ward off these attacks.

What have you done in the past? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked?

I bought the book, "Psychic Self-Defense," by Dion Fortune, and tried burning garlic, as recommended in the book, to dispel negativity in the home. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I can honestly say that not much has worked.

What is it that you're trying to come away with from this class?

I would like to learn how to defend myself from psychic attacks. I would also like to learn how to dispel negativity from my home, and elsewhere, such as work.

Also, where are you from and what prompted you to join this class?

I was born in the United States, but I currently reside in the Caribbean. I wanted to join this class because I knew it would be a great learning experience.