Raising energy is the process by which we draw energy to us using our wills. We do this after we've centered and grounded our energy. Once the amount of energy we have drawn reaches a certain point, we can then direct it toward our goals.

    It is by your will, and the will of those who help you, that magick happens. To will energy to come to you doesn't mean commanding it. It's not that you have dominance over energy; you want the energy to come to you, and you express that desire without words. You do it through thought. You feel your inner desire for energy to draw to you. You feel the energy in your own body, and feel it resonating with the energy within the Universe. You call to that energy with your mind and spirit. You invite it to your side. You offer it an opportunity to be a part of your magick. It is not a cold, hard object. It is living, breathing, pulsating - it has no bounds. It's physical shape is often indistinct, and you know it's there only by the way your temperature begins to rise, your blood begins to vibrate within your body, your heart begins to race, and your head begins to spin. What defines life? Energy. It is the energy within you that makes your heart beat and allows your senses to take in the world around you. You can raise energy by humming, singing, laughing, dancing, chanting, or simply concentrating on feeling the energy around you. Remember that loudness and intensity are not the same - always be intense, but adjust the volume to what is appropriate. When you've raised enough energy, you'll know. Perhaps you'll feel full, like you'll burst if you go any longer. Maybe you feel like you'll pass out or fall over. Maybe your spirit will feel like it's about to come free from your body. I get dizzy and light headed.  However it feels for you, be open to it and recognize it when it occurs. Once you reach this point, you should direct the energy toward your goal.

   When raising energy, make sure you're centered and grounded. Breathe deeply into your diaphragm (see the Breathing Exercise page for info on this) and keep your body relaxed. Be open to forms of energy other than you're used to - sound, taste, sight, smell, and touch. You may usually feel energy as heat, but this time you may detect it as shimmering around you or a buzzing in your ears.

   I raise energy through chants or singing and movement. I sit in front of the altar and begin to chant or sing. Sometimes I play music and sing along to it. As I do, I find the rhythm of the chant and sway my body to it. I move my arms, hands, and fingers as well as my hips, head, shoulders, and torso. Sometimes I get up and dance. I do this until I feel light headed and begin to get a little dizzy, and my body feels very warm - this is how I know I've raised energy.