Our home is our sanctuary. When the rushes of the day finally cease, the place we call home is our safe
zone. At home we are (ideally) free to be who we are and can express ourselves better here than any other location. In our home, we must find comfort and ease from outside influences, bringing our focus to ourselves and the subtle expression thereof. This is where interior decorating comes into play-without it, our home would only be a house; just another place to be present and live without fulfillment.
The decorative arts allow us to bring our emotional energy outward, in turn bouncing back to our sphere of perception by being surrounded by our own decorations. All external stimuli have an influence on our inner state of being and we therefore must pay attention when choosing what we are to constantly surround ourselves with, mindful of the effects they have on our comfort and everyday living.
Many a Witchy folk naturally prefer extravagant decorations and expressive flare as an outward expression of creativity and philosophy-posters, veils, and artwork are always a plus! Pagans are drawn to art of numerous ancient cultures and often choose to decorate accordingly. Interior décor consists of everything in the home environment from furniture to curtains to lighting. Surrounding oneself in meaningful decorations aids in creating a spiritually engaging environment.
When I was a teenager, my bedroom walls were completely covered in posters and magazine clippings, leaving little to no wall (or ceiling) space! This kind of decorating is popular for many alternative teens. Living now in a place of my own, the chaotic atmosphere has shifted to one of symmetry and esoterica. The posters have been narrowed down to a few spaced evenly about the house, and extra accenting materials have taken the place of clutter. Masks, veils, lights, candles, hanging herbs, bottles, spider webs, Tarot cards and a plethora of nifty Witchy doodads fill the space-and no television! I believe Martha Stewart would approve.
Decorate your home with as little or as much needed to feel comfortable and claim a space as your own unique, magickal environment. If you live with a roommate, collaborate on the visual art, allowing it to be a mutually expressive amalgamation of both of your personalities. Also pay attention to the placement of furniture and electronic devices, actively deciding whether they inhibit the flow of vital energy through the house. For detailed information on what may be best for you personally, research the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui and decorate in accordance to those principles and your own intuitive abilities.
However you choose to decorate your sanctuary, make sure it's an honest expression of your inner nature. Make your home or bedroom a sacred, magickal space that is conducive to your lifestyle.
BIO
Raven Digitalis (Missoula, Montana; age 24) is a Neopagan Priest of the "disciplined eclectic" shadow magick tradition Opus Aima Obscuræ, and is a radio and club DJ of Gothic, EBM, and industrial music. He is also the author of Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture (Llewellyn, 2007) and the forthcoming Shadow Magick Compendium (Llewellyn, 2008). With his Priestess Estha, Raven holds community gatherings, Tarot readings, and a variety of ritual services. From their home, the two also operate the metaphysical business Twigs and Brews, specializing in magickal and medicinal bath salts, herbal blends, essential oils, and incenses. Raven holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Montana and is also an animal rights activist and black-and-white photographic artist. Check him out at: www.ravendigitalis.com and www.myspace.com/oakraven
the goth part is beautiful,the craft of witchcraft isnt for me.iam a onyxian wizard and i dont think youll like us....
Posted by: onyx paradox pranxtor | June 12, 2008 at 08:25 AM