By practicing a chosen technique or developing a new skill, you not only learn more about yourself and your tradition, you grow in other ways as well, which can help you become a vital part of the Pagan community. How can you learn about specialties? The most traditional method involves a close working relationship between teacher and student(s), either in a coven context or between solitaries. Pagan gatherings offer workshops, seminars, open rituals, drum jams, and other presentations. Many also host a "merchants' row" where you can shop for ritual supplies and chat with crafters. All of these methods give the student a chance to ask questions and receive feedback, which makes learning faster and easier. Finally, you may turn to other resources if you can't find someone to teach you in person; experiment with books, magazines, mailing lists or newsgroups, Websites, and other distance-learning methods. Here are some popular specialties to get you started:
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using fragrance to affect mood, physical well-being, and spiritual awareness. This delightful skill comes in handy when you need a special dressing-oil for candles or annointing oil dedicated to a certain Goddess in ritual. For this discipline you need a sensitive nose.
Divination makes it possible to discern information not readily available through the physical senses; it does not predict an unchangeable future, but it can clarify the most likely outcomes of several different choices. Tarot cards, runes, scrying, and pendulum dowsing are all respected methods. Try divination if you are good at seeing many possibilities.
Energy manipulation involves raising, monitoring, directing, and dispersing all kinds of energy. If you have a good sense of rhythm and a ready understanding of how other people feel, this could be a good specialty for you.
Herbalism includes three main branches and concerns the use of plants for culinary, medicinal, or magical purposes. You may study any or all of these. This is a good discipline for anyone with a green thumb.
Music creates a fun and effective background for ritual, meditation, and other activities. Whether you sing or play an instrument, you can raise a lot of energy. If you are blessed with perfect pitch or a lovely voice, show thanks by developing your gift; even without such gifts, however, you can pursue music in other ways by working with something simple like a rattle.
Ritual and liturgy design encompasses several related abilities, all of which pertain to creating sacred ceremonies. Someone must write the invocations, chants, and songs used; develop the spells; and plan the sequence of actions which make up the ritual. Consider this course of study if you possess strong organizational skills or a gift with words.
Stone magic refers to the use of gemstones and minerals for ritual purposes. This typically appeals to people who have a strong connection with Earth and an eye for color so they can identify the individual rock types.
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