Two Powers

Grounding and centering is a ritual practice that helps the user return to a base state. Sometimes it is used as a preparation before undertaking further spiritual practices. Other times it is used to simply refresh one back to base state. The Two Powers is a particular example that performs this function, but within the ADF cosmology.

The Two Powers are an example of grounding and centering. The first step is to center, which is to set one’s awareness firmly within your body. The Two Powers script in the Dedicant Manual includes explicit instructions to extend one’s awareness throughout one’s body, from head to toes. Then, the script extends the awareness to energy below – and energy above. At this point it should be pointed out that grounding is being undertaken much like an electrical circuit; it is as much about returning to a base energy level as involving the earth. In the Two Powers script, one first connects to the Earth Power, letting its energy flow up and out. Then one connects to the Sky Power, also letting its energy flow through. These two serve to provide the return to a base energy state, albeit in a dynamic form discussed further below.

Within ADF cosmology, there is the concept of the Vertical Axis. At the same time, the text form is more specific to the realms of this world – the Sky and the Earth (with water deep within). So, in a sense, it is as much, if not more, about reaching down to the waters and up to the sky, like a tree. The Earth Power is seen as watery, cool, and dark; the Sky Power is seen as bright, electric, and warm. These impressions from the script combine with other associations; the Earth Power is often seen as chaotic and the Sky Power as orderly. But in the script they are combined, and then returned to their sources. This combination is because the mixture is more powerful than either alone; the Sky Power is orderly and bright, but fragile; the Earth Power is chaotic and potent, but scattered. Through mixing them and returning them, the individual undertaking the Two Powers meditation engages in reciprocity, and when the tap is lessened, the Dedicant has their energy at a constant level, even as the flow continues.

Now, to me, each Power has its own other associations. The Earth Power sounds like a deep, brassy note, like a tuba or baritone. By comparison, the Sky Power is a shining flute note. For a long time, I thought I connected better to the Earth Power; however, I have come to realize that it’s my reaction to the raw potential of the Earth Power, which remains unfocused without the Sky Power. Despite others' impressions of the Two Powers and the inclination of ADF to honor an Earth Mother (and sometimes a Sky Father), I see neither power as being male or female. They are far too primal for that, much like bacteria; in combination, I could see them as making up maleness or femaleness, however.

Also, having practiced the Two Powers in disparate geographical locales, I will say that my experience of the process (and even some of the “feel” of the Powers) has varied. My most notable impression is that the Earth Power seems more muted when I am in Germany on my business trips, though I am in a much larger city than I have ever lived in.

One interesting perspective I have discovered came about as a result of leading a ritual brewing effort at Trillium 2007. I characterized the Two Powers as Water (Earth Power) and Fire (Sky Power), which we were bringing together for our brewing (Fire Water). Through this I became aware of the mild element of danger and intoxication mixing the Two Powers carries, as well as the transformative aspect of mixing the two, making something new rather than a mere mixture.

The Two Powers help recapitulate the ADF cosmology, and provide a base state for ritual. Simultaneously, they remind us of the trees held important by ancient Pagans, though this has lead to the occasional misnomer of it as the “Two Trees Meditation.” Regular practice of them has provided me with a sense of balance I lacked in previous practices (Too much earth, or too much sky), and I continue to practice the meditation regularly.