"Thoughts are things, and as their currents run
they may become crimes or miracles" - Edgar Cayce
Psychics, spiritual advisers, and new age practitioners have also held to the tenants of controlling one's thoughts. Edgar Cayce, one of the greatest psychics of the last century, taught that the key to keeping clean thought was in not dwelling in the past. When we dwell, our mind tends to fester. Live in the present and future, not in the past.
Spell casting is the concentration of thought towards a desired goal. Group ritual is the combination of group energy and thought towards a greater goal. Some consider group prayer very similar (in effect, if not deed) to group ritual.
For the ordinary individual, thoughts come in two forms: positive and negative. Each of these forms of thought are sub-divided into two more categories: conscious and subconscious. Conscious thought can be sub-divided further into two more categories: reactionary and pre-meditated. Positive thoughts are among the greatest things in our universe. When adversity strikes, it is often positive thought that changes the situation. Negative thought, and all of its sub-divisions, are very dangerous and should be avoided at all cost.
Negative thought is very detrimental to the body and spirit. Negativism always leads to person failure. How many times have you met someone who is quite literally living under "a black cloud" and everything they seem to do results in failure?
Negative thought is also a very powerful weapon. When focused on another individual manifestations will soon be seen. However this practice should never be indulged, as it will result in bad karma. Poor health conditions are almost always negative thought focused on the self, or bad karma. The karma being the result of negative thought focused on another individual. These types of thought need not be conscious in order to be damaging.
You should tackle controlling negative conscious reactionary thought first. These are the thoughts that seem to automatically shoot into your head when something happens. Maybe someone cuts you off on the freeway. Immediately you think, "You god-!@#$%& S.O.B.!" Almost no effort is put into the generation of these thoughts. These are dangerous, as they send negative energy out into the universe. With practice, these thoughts can be controlled. For some people it will be harder than it is for others. In all cases however, a change in temperament will be required.
The second sub-category of conscious thought is pre-meditated. Because these thoughts are not impulsive, they are easier to avoid. If you have a vindictive vengeful personality it will be more difficult. These negative thoughts are usually the result of being tread upon. When we seek revenge these thoughts are usually the result. Thoughts of this kind are far more dangerous than negative conscious reactionary thoughts. Their power comes from an individual dwelling upon a subject. With enough time, the thought will turn into a reality.
Negative subconscious thought is difficult to avoid. These thoughts come in the form of dreams. Some people may not experience any of these thoughts whatsoever. Others however, have very violent dreams. A meditation regimen can help in changing one's dreams.
One of the greatest powers of meditation is the manifestation of thought. Meditation gives the sole practitioner the ability to achieve many things not otherwise in one's grasp. Through meditation you can focus your mind and inner spirit and truly achieve noticeable results. When at your most comfortable, relaxed state, focus on what it is you want to achieve. Be disciplined and do not let your mind aimlessly wander. Focus on what you want to change. In no time at all, you will be able to affect meaningful change in your life.
A word of caution, what is sent out into the cosmos, returns from the cosmos. If your thoughts are not pure you will be subject to the consequences of the universe. The old saying, What goes around comes around, may have originally been meant for physical deeds, but holds more karmic truth in regard to evil thought.
Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed
innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts;
ruin and destruction mark their ways.
Isaiah 59:7
Originally published in Acrimony Magazine Issue #3 October 2003