What type of shield do you use?

[Istaqa]

I have a very strong connection with the wind and the element air. For about a month I was visualizing myself with wings

A little off topic perhaps but your description of your experience makes me wonder. The connection of air and wings makes me think of east on the medicine wheel, Eagle can be both a spirit guide and a messenger, east is also the home of air. It might be usefull to you to read a little about the wheel. Perhaps there is more than just a shield for you to find.

[Elem]

I never concsiously shield myself these days, and haven't for a long time, but I know that I am shielded because I can feel the existence of a shield still there. I think it's just become a subconcsious thing - a logical extension of my existing energy flow that I no longer have to manipulate myself.

From what I can tell, the shield is formed of no particular energy - Just generic 'Elemental' energy, a combination of all four Elements. It protects me from negative thoughts and emotions (although as some of you may know, this failed recently.. But I believe it certainly helped me regain control), it helps me when I have to do something I'm nervous about, and it generates a feeling of general well-being. Kind of a.. multi-purpose shield .

I think that, rather than seeing it as a shield - something that is held, or created or separate from my body and protecting me - I see it as an addition to myself. It's something that is as much a part of me as my right hand, and as such, my mind 'automatically' fills it with energy - negating the need for shield replenishment.

Anyway, just rambling now . See ya around!

Elem

[Sercee]

I'm sort of retraining myself to shield. When I was a teen I built a wall around myself, it was a shield of heavy red brick and mortar that I trained myself at the time (for reasons I no longer agree with) to keep up at all times. It became subconscious so I didn't have to think of it anymore. But then I came across something a couple months ago where I didn't WANT it up anymore, so I had to consiously pull it down, brick by brick right to the ground. Now I have 2 different shields I visualize depending on how I'm feeling; a bright white egg (almost) of light, or a pair of draconic wings wrapped around me in a hug.

[Elem]

That sounds interesting, Sercee! Was there no way around it other than taking it down brick by brick? Although you say you didn't want it there any more anyway, so I don't know why I'm asking .

I like the idea of using two different shields, depending on your needs. I think I'm just too used to having one that changes to fit my need, as opposed to visualising different ones. I'll have to try it out and see if using separate shields is more effective than just one 'universal' shield .

Elem

[Sercee]

The reason I took it down brick by brick was that I had it up so long, non stop, that I kept feeling like I wasn't really dismissing it until I did that. It wasn't a super slow process, just a very deliberate one.

I'm not sure if using 2 shields is better or not, it just feels good for me. The egg one I use when I know I'm around or about to be around a lot of negative energy. The wings I use when I just feel little and alone. They're very comforting.

[spiralwind]

(Back to the beginning of thread, where Suki1016 started.)

Well, I learned under the older Wiccan ways, things have changed some...The basic methods are still unchangable though. After casting a circle, you build what is called THE CONE OF POWER first, before starting your visualization. A good start would be pointing the wand at the point you began in casting a circle. Then follow the circle edge in a clockwise direction, all the way around. Lay down the wand, see yourself enveloped in a sphere of bright light. The energy could start spiraling, depends on the person. You see the circle filling up to a cone shape. Some would see flames around the circle, others one big ball of light. Shielding is a personal thing, whatever works is best. Just use the power to form a shield.

Now the ritual or visualization should begin.