Of Rings

[qos]

My teacher gave me my second degree initiation and ordination at Pantheacon 2009. The next time I went to the vendor's room, I purchased a ring to wear every day as a symbol of my oaths. It fit on the middle finger of my right hand and felt very comfortable there.

Approximately two months ago, that ring started irritating my skin -- so much so that I could not wear it without intense discomfort. I laid it on my altar and then realized I should leave it off until after my re-dedication with Ereshkigal at the next new moon. After the ritual I put the ring on again, but within a couple of weeks the irritation returned, and its something that lingers even if I have not worn the ring for several days. I finally accepted that the energies it's charged with are not compatible with my new phase of training and development.

During this same time, on the advice of my teacher, I've been listening to Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki's CD series "Your Unseen Power" -- which is a somewhat sensationalist title for very down-to-earth training in ritual magic. She talks about the traditional tools of the magician, and one of these is the ring, which has a gemstone in it and is worn on the index finger of the right hand. Gradually I came to accept that I needed to get this kind of ring.

I found it today, almost by accident. It's very different from my first ring: a very different stone color, a very different style -- and it definitely fits with the new energies in my life. The other difference is that I am not going to wear it all the time. In this tradition, putting on the ring is part of what triggers the magical personality and the shift of consciousness involved in magical work, something that I'm finally starting to work on.

My hand feels naked without my first ring. I have to keep reminding myself that I have not abandoned the symbol or the commitment; I'm adapting to a new way of working with that tool.

Comments

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

I am not a ring girl, but there is an Anubis ring that I very badly want. It is silver, so I have to wear it on special occasions as silver can sometimes irritate my skin (I'm part werewolf), but I will have it eventually.

[anax-anarkhos.livejournal.com]

My sibling has that issue occasionally. It helps to coat the inside of the jewelry (the part that touches your skin) with clear nail polish.

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

I know. I've tried that, but it doesn't actually help. I'm not sure if it's the irritation of the metal, or the irritation of having something against my skin. I have very sensitive skin.

[haggispatrol.livejournal.com]

Sometimes such change is necessary. I suggest that you ritually cleanse the ring and position it in a place of respect and honor. That way you'll be thanking it for its help on your path, and treating it with respect, but also acknowledging the fact that for now it's time to leave it off. And if it ever becomes right to wear it again, there it'll be, all clean and ready for use.

[shadowandstar.livejournal.com]

I hadn't thought about cleansing the first ring, but that makes sense. It's sitting on my Ereshkigal altar, and I touch it after each practice session as a way of connecting with Her energies and reaffirming my commitment.

I'm really looking forward to cleansing and consecrating the new ring and working with it. I'll share more in email, but the stone I got turns out to be perfect for my work and my personal needs on all kinds of levels.