Opening Macha's Fence

This is a technique developed based on the etymology of the name of the Goddess Macha, who is not only a war goddess, but a goddess of Sovereignty as well. The root of Her name means, field, plain, an enclosure for milking cows, pasturage for beasts, closed field, or corral. Thus the root of this goddess' name means a safe and nurturing enclosure. This is sacred space, the innangardhr, where peace and harmony dwell. The idea of sacred space or a circle is not a new idea and can be found throughout Ceremonial Magick as well as Wicca. By calling upon Macha, you can establish a sacred space or enclosure. First you would visualize a golden wall surrounding the working area. Start a one point, and pivot counter-clockwise forming the wall as you spin (More on the value of counter-clockwise later). When you are completely surrounded by the wall, next form a roof and then have the golden light travel below so that you and your working space is surrounded by a globe.

Then say the prayer as follows: "We call upon Macha, whose name is the closed field, the fence, the milking yard, the pasturage for beasts. We ask, Holy Macha that a sacred space be established here, by and in thy name. Let a magickal enclosure surround us as a corral encloses our cattle, insuring safety and succor, that we may work our magick free from harmful outside influence and the forces of destructive chaos. Macha... Macha... Macha."

The last three intoning of Her name should be vibrated so that the force of Her name fills not only yourself, but the entire working area as well. Vibrating a word or name is used to create resonance between it and you, much like how one tuning fork, when struck, can cause a second fork to resonate and make sound even though they are not touching. Macha's name should be vibrated to create resonance, and to gain access to Her authority. (part of associating one's self with a higher power). To vibrate, the name to be used is chanted, usually in a deeper voice than usual. One tries to produce more resonance in their voice. Imagine that the sound reverberates throughout the room and within oneself, that everything is affected by the sound.

Once the sacred space is created, it must be cleansed. First, visualize a brilliant white light above you, near the top of the enclosed area. Now see light stream out of this to completely fill your sacred space. Know that as the light fills your area, it cleanses everything, on all levels, and that no negative energies can remain. The energy should swirl in a counter-clockwise direciton.

When this idea of cleansing can be fully felt, say: "Peace up to heaven, heaven down to earth, earth beneath heaven, strength in each, a cup very full, full of honey; mead in abundance. Summer in winter, peace to all."

Now, you have a safe, working area. This enclosure also acts to contain magickal energy as it is raised so as to concentrate it in one spot.