Pathworking is a type of meditation that involves a visualized mental journey. Pathworkings are performed for a specific purpose and begin and end by following a script that is decided beforehand. What happens in between is not scripted, and it is our goal to remember what happens during this part of our trance.
Some reasons a person might use pathworking are to:
visualize a goal as part of a ritual
heal and release negative influences
derive information psychically
Interact with deities, spirit guides, and other metaphysical entities
build an astral temple
Meditation, grounding energy, and visualization skills are essential to successful pathworking. Some say they should be mastered before attempting pathworking, others contend that pathworking is a good way novices can practice these basics all in one session. I see some truth in both points of view, but suggest new people have some experience with these basics before pathworking.
It is necessary to relax before entering a hypnotic state. Find a quiet time and place free from interruptions from cell phones and other people. Personally, I sit in an office chair in a dark room with a fan turn on halfway to block out distracting noises from outside. Use meditation aids that work well for you. Some prefer gazing into a flame, gazing into dark mirrors, or meditation music, even active meditation with movement.
Before the pathworking, some practitioners choose to cast a protective circle or otherwise cleanse the energy of the area. At this point, one might pray to a spirit to join them in their pathworking and make an offering. People often take a shower and burn some incense to create a spiritual atmosphere. Mugwort and frankincense work well here.
Relaxation is important in achieving trance. Take slow deep breaths; do square breathing if it helps. Acknowledge and release any distracting mundane thoughs as you would during regular meditation.
Next, it is a good idea to ground any vibes that could interfere with the pathworking. I do this by visualizing a long root of golden energy reaching down to the middle of the earth, while seeing and feeling the energy flow in and out of all parts of my body. Some prefer to inhale a visualized white mist of pure energy and exhale a dark smoke of what is not wanted.
To start the journey, people visualize being in a safe location that marks a transition from the mundane to the spiritual plane. Sometimes called an induction, this can be the mouth of a cave, a gate, the enterance to a forest or tunnel, any place of transition you prefer, even one that physically exists. Do your best to imagine this place with all your senses to make it as real as possible in your mind. We are returning to this point later, so the more details the better. Touch a landmark nearby such as a tree or doorway to signal the start of your pathworking.
When you feel yourself entering a trance, move forward through the forest or tunnel while still visualizing to the best of your ability. Take your time here and remember all the details you can about what you see along the way, as they may give subtle clues to the information you seek. At some point you might enter a clearing or distinct area that feels sacred in some way to you. Here you may wish to perform a ritual you planned beforehand or visualize the spirit you wish to meet. Keep an open mind and allow them to speak. It is advisable to treat all spirit beings with respect, especially if you are inexperienced.
When finished here, see yourself return to the starting point the same way you came. This is important since quickly dissolving your preception of the spiritual plane cheapens the experience and does not give details adequate time to emerge into your conscious mind. When you reach the starting point, reflect on your experience so it is fresh in your mind then touch the landmark you did at the beginning. Feel the trance fade as you release the images from your mind.
Perform one more grounding as before to release any energies you picked up along the way. It is good to write down your experience in detail without waiting, as waiting causes people to forget important things.
I hope people find this guide helpful. Feel free to add tips, techniques you like to use, or pathworking experiences you've had.
