The Magical Aura of a Concept

There are many examples of the way words change over time. Awful( once having a spiritual connotation, as in full of awe) became something bad; is one such word. I really like the way the Greek word 'temenos' has developed. Once it stood for an area that was cut off, protected, and had a special use. Maybe the use was just for the way sunshine would reach plants in a protected part of the garden in the winter, or it could be a special area to be used by nobility. It has come to be used as a special place, or emotional atmosphere, where one can be truly himself. Friends create a place of temenos for friends, one of acceptance and understanding. The one in that protected place then flourishes, as if given magical soil and water. Consider ways that you can provide a magical circle, or temenos, to your friends and yourself. Allow that magical circle to develop. We all need it. Providing it for others will help it manifest for yourself. A bit of listening can go a long way towards bringing a spark of magic into your life.

The Light Needs It's Shadow

It's a wonderful thing to get jolted out of one's ruts from time to time. Perhaps you can try this for yourself. As you go along, day to day, in the old mundane way, look for the contrary view. Say "No" with a ring. Turn things around. Hang a picture upside down. If you are traditionally wild and free try being prim and proper. Too much wild and free and be boring, just as can too much prim and proper. Experiment with "Why?" and "What if?" Trying this will let light into the shadows.
There may be all kind of riches hidden in those shadows. If you can't do it out loud, you can do it quietly, in the kingdom of your inner self. If this seems unsafe to you, let me give you a reason on the side of safety for doing this pushing-at- your-walls. Life is going to push at your walls. If you have already peered outside of your safe little world, the jolt when the surprises come will not be so big. But I don't advocate it just for that reason. It's a way to make your world more fun, richer, more magical.