Magic Rituals: The Art of Calling in the Muses

Uninspired action really sucks, and I mean really, really sucks.

Not just because doing something you're not thrilled about is a total bore, but also because it's a useless waste of effort. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about ... that useless head-banging that doesn't net you anything but a headache?

Yeah, that would be because you are working without the magical benefit of muses, our sources of inspiration. Without that kind of inspiration, action is fairly useless. I believe that the metaphysical teaches Abraham said it best:

"Take time to line up the Energy first, and action becomes inconsequential ...if you don't find the feeling place of what you're looking for, not enough action in the world will make any difference."

That's pretty clear, huh? So if you are feeling dull, lackluster, and totally not into what you're doing, just stop. Do a magic ritual to call in the Muses. When they appear, then it's time to spring into action.

A Magic Ritual to Call in the Muses
Muses do exist in the world, and as magical creatures they bring us inspiration. People call them by all kinds of other names--angels, spirit guides, helpers, totems--you name it. But it's not all that important what you call them, just that you allow them into your life to amplify your heart's desire and call your forth in happy and inspired action.

So how do you call forth a muse? There are several magic rituals that you could use to do this, and my favorite is the simplest one of all:

Just sit there and call for a Muse.

Yup, just sit on your fanny and call for a Muse. You can do it out loud or just ask silently. Use whatever words come naturally to you. Your own Muse is always hovering nearby, just waiting to hear your call, so the words really don't matter. I often just think the word, "Muse."

Then I wait. This is the part of the magic ritual that is the most difficult for most people. If you can master the art of sitting and waiting, then you have mastered the art of control, at least in one area of your life ... and control of your attention and intention is crucial to a successful magical practice.

Why Sitting and Waiting is So Difficult
Did you know that you expend more energy just sitting in a chair doing nothing than you do digging a ditch for a couple of hours? You do. Why is this? Because movement is life, a natural part of life, so it's much easier for our bodies (not to mention our minds) to be in movement than to be still.

When we hold ourselves still, we actually have to exert tension over our bodies to do so. This tension expends a lot of energy, far more than movement, which is why we have such a hard time sitting still. It takes a lot of work to sit still.

But if you can manage to hold yourself still, both in body and mind, while you wait for your Muse, you'll find that you don't have to stay still for long. Muses can only speak to us when we are quiet, both inside and out, so the sooner you can be still the sooner your Muse will deliver the inspiration you have asked for.

Sometimes it helps to stare at a candle flame or listen to the gurgling sound of a fountain as you do the magic ritual. This keeps your mind occupied, which means your body will naturally be still.

For instance, the other day I was having difficult with this ritual. I needed to write the notes for a magic class I was teaching, but could not concentrate. I had asked for a Muse but felt so jumpy that I couldn't hear anything from my Muse. So I plunked myself down in front of the woodstove and simply watched the flames as I waited for my Muse. My mind and body calmed immediately, since flames are notoriously hypnotic. About 15 minutes later, I sprang into inspired action (after, of course, thanking my Muse).

Doing the magic ritual this way works particularly well, especially if you are feeling the pressure of a tight deadline, are experiencing an adrenaline rush, or are downright frustrated with your lack of progress. Just watch of listen to something distracting, call your Muse, and practice the art of waiting.

Patience, my friend, is a virtue ... and luckily one that yields many magical rewards

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