Self Isolation and how to use this time to explore some magical ways (if you want)

Disclaimer
You can spend the next three weeks in isolation alone or with your family, sitting on your arse and watching tv. THIS IS A PERFECTLY VALID CHOICE.
Don't let anyone shame you into trying to be "Productive" - it's a myth and a burden. If you get through this doing basic normal things and don't come out the other end speaking a new language or playing concert piano, so what? (anyway uke is more fun than piano)
 The important thing is to come out the other side, as sane as possible. The pressure to suddenly revel in deep spiritual insights in isolation, cherish this time, become a better person - all bollix. This post is only for you if you want to try something new, or renew your interests. Otherwise, scroll on by with my absolute blessing.

SO, assuming you're now bored out of your gourd and thinking, what the fuck have I done with my life up til now? (No? Just me then? )here are a few magical chores you should fill your time with.

SPRING CLEAN ENERGY
The "Bua" energy of a place is the energy it gains from human use (as opposed to the "Brí" energy, the naturally occuring energy of a place, especially a wild uncultivated place.)
At the best of times, our houses accumulate a lot of Bua - our living there builds up layers of energy from every mood, every action, every event, until it begins to become the "feel" of a place. Ever walk into a building and think it feels cozy or welcoming? ever think it gives you the creeps or there's a weird atmosphere? That is the Bua and an essential part of Irish traditional witchcraft is the ability to tap into and use either the Bua or Brí of a place.

However turning your own home into a swamp of bubbling Bua energy, not such a good idea. It's the magical equivalent of sitting in a stuffy, smelly room. Apart from magical practice it also makes spiritual growth more difficult, and many people feel they've reached an impasse in their spiritual practices without realizing why.

My favourite way of cleaning out this energy is to use fresh air and noise, a form of Draíocht Ceoil practiced by our Ancestors since time first ticked. Now, this is a good moment to talk about burning sage - please don't, unless you're actually Native American or from a similar indigenous heritage that uses it, it is cultural appropriation and lazy. Instead, familiarize yourself with Irish traditions of needfire, bonfires, cleansing with smoke (at Imbolc for example) and adapt accordingly
So back to music, and noise. You need zero musical ability for the following, just enthusiasm. If you share your space with kids, this is a great family activity.
Open all the doors and windows (hint, choose a day that isn't full blown storm.) and let the fresh air start to sweep through the energy that has accumulated. Then starting at the top of the house, aarm yourself with noise makers. Musical instruments, pots and pans, shakers, a bodhran...it really doesn't matter. You are about to drive out the energy, clean each room and allow the energy therein to return to "Neutral"
You need to work your way down through the house and drive that energy out in front of you. I prefer to drive it out the back door, but depending on your house layout you may prefer to drive it out the front door, or both in turn.
When you are satisfied that you have achieved your aim, shut the door firmly and say "Fán Amach" (fon amaw-k - stay out.) Do this at both doors. Then in turn shut each window, saying the same.
Your energy is now neutral and clean, so you have a chance to build it up in a more positive way Or don't. It's up to you :)

HEX AND WARD

I have never lived anywhere that I didn't hex and ward. Even as a kid, I understood the "holy water" by the front door was to keep out bad people, bad events, bad spirits. I was reared with the superstitions of the past, for example I knew since early childhood if a door blew open never even jokingly to say "come in" for fear of what you might be inviting in! This was never a really fearful or anxious thing however, just a cool practicality. Bad things exist. Bad things Happen. Take every precaution.

SO while you're at home, watching the entire nation go through a sea change, relieve some of the natural anxiety that brings by putting wards on each of your windows and doors. There are many many ways to do this, but a traditional Irish way involves making a paste or oil infused with herbs or plants associated with protection and marking each portal into your house with a mark of your own design (like having a unique alarm code.) I can't tell you what mark to use, but I can give you some broad outlines to help you construct this for yourself.

There are many things you can use to create a paste or infused oil. Older methods involved blood (research Bleeding for St Martin in rural Ireland) I have done this many times using blood from butchered meat to represent the sacrifice of the animal and it's very effective (assuming you also eat and use the meat!) but in this day of veganism one has to include the plant based options too. Any vegetable oil can be used, and you can infuse with dried or fresh herbs, essential oils and similar. TRY to use indigenous Irish plants,try to use plants traditional to Irish practices. If making an oil I like to leave it on the window sill to infuse for a few days, letting the natural light and sun warmth do its job.

To construct a mark requires nothing more than imagination. Some use ogham symbols, others (like many a auld wan back in the day) just draw a symbol that has personal meaning to them. Whatever you use however should have a two-fold meaning - protection and punishment. Your symbol should say, magically speaking, this house is protected but if you do decide to push forward you'll regret it for a very long time. Hexing is a vital part of Irish traditions and no ward was constructed with that element.

After you've sealed your house like a Pharoah's tomb, and cleansed it of the built up energy, you might need a little down time. Might I suggest Imrammic Meditation - Check out Imramma by Eblanna Raven . The free website is currently down but her books are free for a couple of weeks starting 25th March.

So that's it for now. Stay safe and wash your hands