One thing that always fascinates me is the way certain traditional magickal technologies are recycled and made viable to new generations. Usually this involves nothing more than renaming the old technology, perhaps introducing new jargon, and announcing that it is new, powerful, and, to use an old expression, "the greatest thing since sliced bread."

One of these powerful new techniques is a method for creating your future. The basic idea behind it is that each of us has a "time line" that goes from our past (and even into past lives) and extends into the future. Working with this time line in the past can help you get over various mental, physical, and spiritual problems caused by past experiences. That's a bit too much to discuss here. The part of this that I want to share with you is the way to use this system to create your future.

The technique is quite simple. You strongly imagine or see yourself in the future (that is, ahead on the time line) having achieved a particular goal. Then, in your visualization/imagination, you work backwards, viewing all the events that lead up to you achieving the goal. This process has several names, but I have to laugh because I've been using this incredible, powerful, "new" technique for a long time under its well-known name: creative visualization.

There are many books and products available that can help teach you this time-honored technique. Perhaps the most important thing to know is that even though it uses the word "visualization," it doesn't mean you have to "see" anything in your mind. Some people successfully use the process and simply "feel" it rather than "see" it. Some people say, " can't visualize," but this is untrue. Think of your room at home. Where is the light switch? Where is a dresser or table? How can you know where they are if you're not there? Through visualization, of course!

The truth is, you can visualize or imagine, and even if you don't think you can, you can certainly feel what it must be like to achieve your goals. There are some subtleties to becoming successful with this simple but powerful magickal technique. If you've tried it and not succeeded, you need to learn those secrets. A great place to start is the book Creative Visualization for Beginners by Richard Webster. It features a lot of simple exercises and techniques including the basics of relaxation, visualization, seeing everything more clearly, the "secret room" technique, and the benefits of combining creative visualization and affirmations. Special sections include "Controlling Eating Habits," "Stopping Smoking," and "Dealing with Difficult Emotions," so there are sure to be ideas you can use.

If you're looking for a classic introduction to the technique, you'll want Practical Guide to Creative Visualization by Denning & Phillips. Using their famous clear and straightforward system you'll learn the Simple Creative Visualization Method, the Charging Technique, and the Master Method of Creative Visualization. You'll also discover the powerful Star Technique of Creative Visualization and the special symbol you can use to achieve your goals.

Finally, I'm a strong supporter of the uses of new technology, and one of the best new products you'll find is The Illuminated Chakras, an absolutely astounding audio-visual tour of the chakras on DVD from Anodea Judith. Featuring state-of-the-art 3D animation, it will give you the idea of what visualizations look and feel like, priming your visualization abilities so you can soar into this powerful form of magick.