Well, I'm finally back from my trip and well, I didn't expect this to take off like it did. Haha. But all the information has been terrific and just hearind everyone's different opinions and knowledge is extremely helpful.
I was on a family vacation and, as my parents are strictly a no-no to any of this, I wasn't able to practice at all. But now that I'm home I'm expecting to work on it soon, like, tonight. The unfortunate thing is I have to wait until everyone is asleep (they are so loud!) so as to not be distracted, and that can be a long time... but I read in one book that the veil is thinner at midnight, so that might be a good thing.
I've heard about setting up a circle with an athame, but I don't have that. And I read where you take water, sprinkle salt in it, and take a sprig, dip it in the mixture, and sprinkle it around your area vanquishing dark spirits and keeping them away. And I have done that at times. Most books though simply suggest calming yourself with the mindset that nothing bad can happen to you... I don't know, I'm still working on the journeying part myself, haha. When I actually make it I'll worry about finding my guardian- well, I mean thats my first step.

And about possession, Iconoclast wrote: "I'm sure everyone is well aware of the power a nightmare can have on someone, and I'm sure a number of possessions occur while people are in a half-dream state." Hmm, I know what she means... I don't know if this is the same thing, but about three to four months ago I was having an extremely vivid dream (okay, this part is odd) where my cat was in my room wanting out and there was an entity in the room, (couldn't see them, just felt them) and it asked if it could let the cat out and like we were old friends i casually replied yes and as soon as the door had shut behind my cat the covers began being peeled back and i was in an eagle-spread position and couldn't move, and i tried to yell out for my mom but nothing would come out, and i kept struggling and then woke up, and the covers were half gone and i was in the exact same position. my cat was still in my room though, and clawing at the door... so i let it out and turned on the light and was so scared i wouldn't move. the next night i made my dog sleep with me, and ever since he's slept with me every night- which he's never done before. in fact, if he's not in my room at eleven he'll claw down the door until i or someone else lets him in, or he'll track me down wherever i am. it kind of scares me. that may be kind of off topic though...
I would like to do a class but I don't have the financial means and I don't think I'm old enough, as soon as I can though, I will.

maire wrote: "Some people are naturally empathic and therefore more susceptible to negative forces. I know, because I was just such a person when I was growing up. I had no idea how to protect myself, and I could sense spirits all the time, all around me."
this is true for me as well... when I was young I was extremely empathetic, so much to the point that I had to be excused from reading the Hatchet in fifth grade because there was a heart attack scene and I felt I was having one too, justs from reading it. That's lessoned over the years, but I can still feel things both emotionally and physically, if that's what you're talking about. I use to feel negative and positive forces all the time (truth be told, mostly negative when I felt them). but i'm not sure what that means.
ach, sorry, this was long... but thank you :yay: