The latest Domagick challenge is nearly complete. Its theme was meditation, and while it was recommended that we give classical forms a try, I chose to meditate each day with my paintbrush in hand on the Daemonic Divine. I’d hoped that the artistic meditations would deepen my connection to the Daemonic Divine as well as prepare me creatively for any other work I had to do later in the day. Now, a month later, I would have to say that this is a successful technique—with some caveats.
Artistic meditations depend on lighter work—quite literally. Unlike meditations it can be conducted by candlelight or even with your eyes closed, these kind of meditations require good lighting and your eyes open. Some people may feel they are not able to go as “deep” while doing art, either into their trance state or into their own psyche. To rectify that, I would suggest putting on a pair of headphones while you paint or draw, noise canceling if possible, and listening to either a drumming track or music you find atmospheric but nonintrusive. This will disconnect you from the outside world while helping anchor you more profoundly to the subject of your meditations. Even so, I was still experimenting with color and shapes using this technique—playing to a certain extent—and it was nearly impossible for me to finish an artistic meditation in a dark mood. Therefore, while this technique could be used for hexcraft and the like, I believe it is better geared towards “lighter” magick.
Secondly, the artistic meditations tended to satisfy my need to be creative well enough that I often felt done for the day once completing them. I would become so completely absorbed in my task that I sometimes lost track of time. That, coupled with a hectic month, meant I got less writing done that I wanted. Despite this, my mood was vastly brighter than usual during these dark winter months, and I felt marvelously accomplished despite the lower than desired page count. Regardless of whether my paintings were decent or not, I now look over this month’s sketchbook with a certain amount of pride for a job well done. Seen this way, they are possibly too involving to successfully prime me for other creative work later in the day, but shouldn’t be dismissed when it comes to emotional control and regulation.
These meditations have helped me see a different side of the Daemonic Divine too. They helped me realize I can relax more than I have been with the Daemonic, that I can have fun and just bask in their energies, rather than doing hard labor all of the time. Occasionally, resting and restoring your reserves is enough. I frequently tell that to my students but have a hard time listening to my own advice. It was good to absorb the lesson so easily and intrinsically that I didn’t fight against it every step of the way.
When I was pushing for a higher wordcount, my writing caused me repeatedly to meditate on Astaroth this week, as I have many times throughout February. As before, I struggled to capture the seduction and confidence of this powerful demoness. More than anything, I’ve wanted to get her eyes down on paper, as I find these the most arresting thing about her. I’m not sure I’ll ever get the Queen of Heaven right at this point, but I have greatly enjoyed the time I have spent with her. It’s been frustrating at times, but enlightening.
May your March be filled with light and joy!
