The post this week is going to be a brief foray into things that go bump in the night. Now when I talk about the night, this is a metaphor for things we hold onto in our sub or unconscious mind that rear their nasty heads at the most inopportune times. These are the demons that we carry with us; integrated, parasitic and reluctant to leave. Now, when I say demons, I am not referring to those things we don’t like about ourselves or consider our shadow nature. I’m talking about those characteristics within ourselves that are downright scary, hard to control and if left to their own devices would completely take over. When I say that your personal demons may be scary, I mean this in the sense of fear holding us back and overwhelming us in ways we become so accustomed to that they are transparent to us in their design and insidiousness. These are the emotions and thoughts that torment (spooling in an endless loop) us and distract us from our true purpose.
By definition the word Vanquish means:
- to overcome in battle : subdue completely
- to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation)
These definitions give some insight into the intensity of approach that is needed to completely and totally remove something negative and destructive from your life. We hear of the reference to battling demons frequently when reading about an individual’s battle with addiction, disorders and disease. These are not the natural state of being that we are inheritors of. And, the torment, fear and pain that is felt is difficult to control. Their conquering must take the form of mastery over the negative behaviors or cells at war with their physical form. However, gaining mastery is not enough. There is a needed release and level of dominance that must be achieved to drive out the thoughts, emotions or damaged cells that hold you prisoner.
Take these analogies and now apply them to our spiritual practices and growth. For the most part, we are continually striving for return to the natural state of being that is our spiritual birthright. We work and we strive towards control of our surroundings so we may craft the supports and foundations we need to grow. We ward and shield and protect our lands, homes, loved ones and ourselves. And, yet we still fall prey to the fear and false truths that are our inner demons. As you move through your week, take some time to think more deeply on what holds you in a place of fear and torment that obscures an image of a healthy and whole individual.
What are those demons that hold you from fully embracing the truth of your own Divinity? Are they the stories you’ve been conditioned to retell and relive about yourself? Are they the excuses you cling to for not sitting in meditation, and showing up fully present for your personal spiritual work for the day? Is fear holding you back from stepping into your own power?
Drive them away
Take action
Full speed ahead
And stay the course.
They hide and linger
Whilst all about you
None would guess
The heavy burden you carry.
Rise up to challenge
Release and disburse
Whatever holds you in
Its grip of fear.
Their form is not natural
And their intent is to
Lay to waste your
Yearning to step
Full and strong into
Your place of power.
Drive them away
Call each by its name
Vanquish the demons
That bind you and
Emerge whole and free.
The Magickal Pen 
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