This exercise is a variation on the Glass of Water ritual. Often in magick when we learn a single ritual or technique, what we’re actually doing is learning a formula that can be used in a variety of different ways. Traditionally, these variations were never taught—you were expected to figure them out for yourself.

What we will do now is use energy to draw patterns that carry an intent. In this case our intent will be to bless our food.

In modern times we often gobble our food absentmindedly while multitasking—watching television, talking with friends, or working on the computer. Blessing our food not only imbues it with more chi, or energy, but it also reminds us to come back to the present moment and remember that everything we do is a step toward completing the Great Work.

• Begin by inhaling several times while visualizing the chi being drawn through your nose, down through your body, and out through your feet. It fills the earth with white light. The white light grows brighter and brighter with each inhalation.
• Then, extend your right hand out over your food, and as the light/energy rushes back up through your body and out your hand, use your first and second fingers to surround your food in flaming blue light, the color of the flames that come from the burner on a gas stove.
• As you eat your meal, visualize each mouthful of food as being infused with the divine light, and see it spread out through your entire body as you swallow.