In Enchanted Skin

Ly de Angeles’ first exercise in Witchcraft: Theory and Practice is what she calls “The Center.”

The center de Angeles refers to is the spirit, the soul, the consciousness, the “essence.” Other witches might call it the sixth sense. “It can best be accessed by considering the other five senses as the perimeter of a circle, and all other things perceived there flow inward, literally, to the center. The center is also a doorway through which influences not instigated by the conscious mind or from some other source can enter, be assessed, and assimilated into the understanding.” She labels the nonjudgemental, external consciousness the “nemet.” Its purpose is to record all the center’s observations. It notes the reasons for your reactions and responds in real time.

To develop the center, she suggests setting aside one hour a day. Your goal is to train the nemet to record everything you think, feel, say or do for your center. Consciously take note of everything. At a separate time of day, gather all your recollections. She recommends you write them down in this order:

• what you saw;
• what you heard;
• what you smelled;
• what you touched;
• what you tasted;
• what you thought about; and
• how you felt.

De Angeles warns readers to be disciplined. Creating a disciplined routine allows you to ingrain the pattern. When you’re disciplined, the technique turns from a conscious practice to second nature. After several days of performing this exercise, you’ll discover it’s an automatic action. 

For now, observe. When you’re comfortable, you’ll be able to start responding to what the nemet shows you. Add or drop as you see fit. Take it slow! Idealists, perfectionists and the impatient often torture themselves by centering. They lose scope and flexibility in the shadow of self-righteousness, bigotry, or flagellation. 

What does your center tell you? Do you agree with the idea of the center and/or the nemet? If you perform the exercise, let me know how it goes!

Check out Ly de Angeles’ book, Witchcraft: Theory and Practice!