Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” —1 Corinthians 3:16

The “magical world” is an abstract idea used by fantasy and religions alike. Methods may vary, but the main difference comes from the argument over who has the better story or philosophy. This is not to say that what the world calls “magic” is not real. It’s simply to state that one’s path is not the same as another’s, and that’s okay. There’s no reason to fight over paths that work. God’s vineyard is far larger than one sect or denomination. And those that haven’t heard the Law, yet have it written in their hearts, will still be saved (Romans 2:11, 14-15, Doctrines of the  Saints 42).

The Magic of Love

Anyone that has felt true love’s embrace cannot deny that what many call “magic,” in some form or another, exists. The questions shouldn’t be, “does it,” but rather how can one use or channel it. This is where we shall start. The first thing to know about what people call “magic” in Mormonism is generally called the power of the priesthood or priesthood keys. A better term would be “miracle working.” Holding priesthood keys unlocks God’s gifts in deeper ways, yet it is still available to disciples. This is because as we align ourselves with God, God works miracles through us. This is what is meant by “keys,” we must be in tune with the Spirit, like a musical instrument. We are in harmony with the Lord. It is by this power that we pray and miracles occur.

The power of the priesthood is an energy, given to us by God through the Holy Spirit. Understand that it is real, and it is powerful. Think of it as a natural, raw power like electricity. While it is not necessary to have faith in electricity to be killed by a lightning strike, it is necessary to believe in the power of electricity to harness it. Who in their right mind would put a cylinder battery into a toy if they thought it had no power? The same is true with using the “magical” miracle working powers of God. Holding the priesthood gives us a ministry that God will use to shine truth and light, and to preform might miracles, you will perform might miracles in God’s name. And these miracles will be done by the Gifts of the Spirit.

The simplest way to explain how one may harness these spiritual gifts is to say that they only works from the inside out. We are the temples of God, we house the Holy Spirit. When we use spiritual power, our spiritual gifts, God works through us. Being in tune, you become a “lightning rod” for the power of the Holy Spirit. The magic of this miracle must come from God for you to work with it. Just a little faith can go a very long way. Imagine how much further God will take us once our faith in the Lord has grown just to the size of a mere mustard seed!

Mormon Meditation

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.” —Psalms 119:15

To use these spiritual gifts, we must first take control of what goes on inside of us—in our heads. If we cannot control ourselves, how can we be expected to understand or do God’s will and take control of the outside world? The first thing we do to take this control is practice meditating.

Meditation in Mormon Kabbalah is different from other types of  meditation. In most forms of Eastern meditation, for example, the idea is to empty ourselves. In Mormon Kabbalah the idea is to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit. We empty our Ego and pride, allowing God to judge us, to remake us in the image of Christ.

Remember, the Holy Ghost is a holy fire, or Gevurah (strength), Judgement. It will burn us as Hellfire unless we repent. But for the pennant, this fire transforms us, like a clay pot in a kiln. Christ’s Mercy, or Chesed (Hebrew for mercy), has washed us clean. The Holy Spirit’s fire cleanses us from the inside out. We are the temples of God, and all unclean things must be cast out (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Alma 5:26 [7:21a]).

One technique you can try is based on the word “chedvah,” which is Hebrew for “joy.” There are four letters, which gives us our four steps in the breathing cycles. We inhale for 8 seconds for the first letter, chet, exhail for 4 seconds for the second letter, dalet, then inhail for 6 seconds for the third letter, vav, and finally exhale for 5 seconds for the final letter, hei. Then the cycle starts over.

Example of Jewish Kabbalistic Meditation 

Through practice, this breathing technique will become so natural, one will no longer need to count.

Start Small

You may need to start by meditating for just a few minutes – 5 at a minimum. Pray first to invite the Holy Spirit and to ask for a circle of protection. Clear your mind and focus on the energy inside you, and the power of the Holy Spirit you’ve invited. You will know it is the Holy Ghost because of the peace you will feel from Him (Avahr 13:40-41) . Feel that energy inside of you. Move it around, let it flow in one direction. As you do this, you are working the true Christian magic of miracle working. Keep doing this until you can meditate for 15, 20, or even 30 minutes. Reading from the scriptures before and/or after meditation is also advised.

Prayers and meditations should be daily practices. By doing this, in conjunction with scripture study, one’s faith will grow. With it, spiritual gifts will also grow. Remember, these are teachings Joseph Smith Jr. used to divine the Book of Mormon. But, also remember that Oliver Cowdery failed due to his lack of faith and understanding. Be patient. Oliver was later able to use his divining rod to gain powerful revelations from the Lord. In time, so will you. For now, try finding your center and grounding your energy.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O YHVH, my strength, and my redeemer.” —Psalm 19:14

Assignment 4: Mormon Meditation

In more than 300 words, describe your experiences meditating for 7 days, preferably in a row. How long did you mediate? How did it feel? Did you notice a change in yourself throughout the week as you started meditating?

Please send your written assignment to David Ferriman: dferriman@cjccf.org

Additional Resources:

Woman’s Kabbalah: Ecstatic Jewish Practices for Women by Rabbi Tirzah Firestone