Questions on Shielding
© 2003
>> I have been meaning to ask about the purpose of rotating the shield. I have heard of 'white light' shields and the like, but making it rotate is new to me. I have thought that it may have something to do with keeping the shield around your body like a center of gravity, or to keep it from going 'stagnant'? Is clockwise the active direction? <<
Rotation keeps the shield active and the clockwise rotation specifically, works to maintain the integrity of the shield while gradually increasing its density and power.
A shield that stands still, especially one constructed of the VE, tends to dissipate fairly quickly. One set rotating however, tends to remain focused for a longer period. It's also much easier to make a rotating vortex of energy, tap into and continuously replenish itself from the universal storehouse of energy, than it is to do the same with a standing-still, inert cloud of energy.
Setting your accumulation of Light or VE into motion directly communicates your intent to the shield. It gives it immediate and unmistakable purpose. Therefore, when something you want to shield against enters your environment, it will immediately recognize the intent of your shield.
>> As part of Thought Discipline (step 1 of IIH) I frequently need to dismiss thoughts inappropriate to my current environment (i.e., thoughts of work intruding at home and vice versa). I have developed the habit of banishing these thoughts with an imagined sweep of my arm (I envision my gesture sweeping the intruding thoughts away). I instinctively sweep right to left (counter clockwise). Since initiating the shield (rotating clockwise) I have encountered distinct resistance to sweeping away thoughts with a counter-clockwise gesture--even though I wasn't thinking of the rotating shield at the time. I have had to use my "other" imaginary arm to sweep thoughts away left to right. That works just fine without resistance. I have no idea if this is a purely psychological phenomenon or if it has something to do with the shield itself. <<
It's likely a combination of these two factors but primarily due to the shield itself.
It *is* possible to program your shield so that *it* accommodates you and what you are used to. :) You can direct it to offer no resistance to your counter-clockwise banishing. Or, you can adapt to a clockwise banishing and take advantage of the extra oomph that your shield can offer in that process. For example, for banishing you could use your right hand in a sweeping motion from your left shoulder outward and in this way, forcefully cast out all negativity, etc., with a clockwise motion. And for invoking, you could also use you right hand, starting in front and slightly above and to the left of center, and sweep downward to your right hip, thus following a clockwise direction.
Best of all is to follow *your* intuition and shape your shield into a tool that suits *you*. :)
>> A question related to shielding: In some traditions, it is said that clockwise gestures are used for invoking something or other, and counter-clockwise is used for banishing. Is this supposed to be a universal rule, or just a matter of preference? I ask because you suggest that the rotation of the shield be imagined as clockwise. Is that for a particular reason, or just a personal preference? >>
A clockwise rotation increases power and defines a contained space, such as in a magical circle casting. A counter-clockwise rotation releases energy and opens established confines, such as in a magical circle banishing at the end of a ritual. A shield is very much like a magical circle. It defines a space and acts as an energetic and philosophical barrier to what exists outside of that enclosed space. It separates an interior from an exterior and creates an interface between the two.
By rotating the shield, you create a sort of dynamo which steadily draws energy to itself and converts it into 'shield'. Since you've programmed your shield to draw this energy from the universal storehouse of undifferentiated energy, it taps that source instead of your general surroundings, thus keeping your shield vital and at-the-ready.
And when you need your shield, it's an easy matter to simply think of it and visualize it spinning around you. This ignites a shield more quickly and more forcefully than imagining a static skin, for example.
If you think of a spiral universe that rotates clockwise, you will see how a clockwise rotation can be either radiant or constricting. It really depends upon your mindset and what you want to do with the rotating energy. It can be used to banish or to invoke.
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
11 Feb 2003