The Cauldron and the Drum: A Journey into Celtic Shamanism

How does your perception change, knowing that this is your only chance to see, feel, and handle this object before it is gone? Do you feel a newfound appreciation for the color and texture of the object, or for its emotional significance? Do you feel that you are literally seeing it more clearly, and with something like greater reverence?

To start, choose a small object in your home. It could be a shoe, a dish, a flower, or anything else within arm's reach. Pretend that you are seeing this object for the first time. Remember that the object's name is just a convention we use for communicating with one another. Take a moment to experience the object beyond its name, as if you are dis

bring consistent, loving attention to everything you are thinking, feeling, and perceiving.

When you steep your mind in the qualities of lightness, alertness, and gentleness, you

attention you bring to your internal and external experiences. For example, how finely can you pay attention to the sounds of the birds when you're walking in nature? How closely can you track your own emotions as they arise and dissipate? Can you saturate these experiences with love and acceptance as they are happening?

zazen—a way to deeply observe your inner workings in whatever form they arise.

To close the ritual, take a few deep breaths and say a statement or prayer of gratitude (silently or out loud) for the cleansing and sanctity of the object of your intention. Notice any energetic changes you feel in the coming days around the object of your intention as a result of this ritual.

Envision the object of your intention receiving the blessing of sacredness and purification.

okay to keep it simple and short. For example, you might say, “I ask that this space be made sacred, and that all who enter feel loved, protected, and at ease.”