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Ground
and Centre
Before you begin to cast a circle you should ground and center
yourself first. This is the process of calming yourself
as you get into the right frame of mine and body to work with
magick. There are several ways to ground and centre,
ranging from elaborate meditations to simple Tai Chi
exercises.
Method
1
(You
may wish to transfer the following 'meditation' onto a
cassette - together with an appropriate pause time as
required. This will give you a smooth meditation,
without having to flick through pages and conentrating on
keeping your place on a page)
-
Close
your eyes and feel your feet grounded firmly on the floor.
(Pause)
-
You
are solid, your weight rests comfortably and evenly on
your hips, legs, and feet. Feel the weight of the
day, the weight of your body settle firmly on your legs,
feet, and hips. (Pause)
-
Now
feel roots begin to grow out of the bottom of your feet.
They push through the floor and grow down into the soil.
(Pause).
-
These
root tendrils push through rock and stone, through dirt
and crystal, through cavern and underground stream. (Pause)
-
Feel
the roots from your feet plunge deep into the Earth, they
are travelling fast, growing, writhing, searching as they
burrow through the soil. (Pause).
-
Feel
the roots from your feet as they break through into the
core of the Earth. The core of the Earth is glowing
magma, hot and healing, and the roots from your feet
plunge into the lava. (Pause).
-
The
lava begins to rush up the roots, pouring through the
tendrils, up through rock and stone, up through dirt and
crystal, through cavern and underground stream.
(Pause).
-
The
lava travels up the roots trough the floor into the
bottoms of yoru feet and fills you with a glowing warmth.
(Pause).
-
Now
feel the lava pour up, filling your ankles and calves,
welling into your hips and thighs, warm and embracing.
(Pause).
-
The
lava fills your stomach and wraps around your heart.
It travels down your arms, into your hands and fingers and
loosens the tension from your shoulders. (Pause).
-
Now
it wells up into your head, releasing old pains and
tensions from your neck. (Pause)
-
Your
arms begin to rise over your head and the glowing lava
from the core of the Earth pours out your fingertips and
through your crown chakra to fountain up. (Pause)
-
Now
the lava fountains from your fingers and head, pouring in
glowing showers to the Earth again, and you feel this
cycle connect you and ground you. You are rooted and
filled with Earth's energy. (Pause).
-
Reach
down and touch your fingers to the floor, feel the
connection between you and the Earth below you. (Pause)
-
When
you are ready, stand up and open your eyes.
Method
2
This method of grounding takes less time but may not induce as
deep a centering as the first method. However, it is
satisfactory for most ritual and spellwork.
Stand with your feet firmly on the ground, separated to about
shoulder level. You may close your eyes if you wish.
Raise energy between your hands as follows:
-
Hold
your hands in front of you, palms facing each other.
Your elbows should be bent so that your hands are turned
inward. Bring your hands together and rub vigorously
for a few seconds.
-
Now
very slowly begin to separate your hands, keeping them
level with one another. You should feel a tingling
sensation - some people notice a magnetic sensation, as if
your hands are trying to pull together or push apart.
-
Still
moving slowly, separate them a little more until your
hands are about two inches apart.
-
Now
slowly bring them together again, not touching but very
close. Feel the prickles between your hands.
-
Once
again, begin to separate them.
-
Continue
this back-and-forth movement until your hands are
separated at least five or six inches. If you are
very kinesthetic you should be able to feel the connection
when they are over a foot apart.
When the energy is firm between your hands, reach out and
sweep your hands down to the floor. Gather up energy
from the Earth. It should feel like you're sweeping up
gusts of warm air.
Bring the energy against your stomach as you slowly stand up.
Pause a moment, then, palms facing inward, push the energy up
to your heart. Pause a moment, then push the energy up
over your head and let it cascade out of your hands.
Then sweep down again and repeat. Perform this exercise
about four or five times until yuo have built up the energy.
It is easier to do than it sounds.
Method
3
If you are confined to a chair or bed, this exercise can still
effectively ground and centre you. This method involves
using a large bowl of clean soil or large, thriving house
plant.
Sit facing the dirt or plant. Close your eyes and raise
energy between your hands (see Method 2). Turn your
palms so that they are facing the plant or touching the soil.
Feel the soil or energy of the plant beneath your hands as you
listen to the following meditation. (You may find it
helpful to transfer this onto a cassette tape for a smooth,
flowing experience).
-
Feel
the pulse of Earth's energy beneath your hands. It
coils up like the tendrils of a plant to touch your
fingertips. (Pause).
-
The
energy enters your fingertips, you can feel the warmth of
the soil, the cool touch of the plant enter your body as
it begins to spread. (Pause).
-
Feel
the strength of the Earth as it races up your arms,
filling your chest and lungs with the breath of the
Mother. Take three deep breaths, and with each
breath you drink in the energy of the Earth.
(Pause).
-
The
cool green fire of the forest pours through your limbs
into your lower torso, filling your legs and feet with its
strength and healing powers. (Pause).
-
The
green fire enters your mind, clearing away any tension
held in your neck, shoulders and brow. Let the
life-blood of the forest calm you. (Pause).
-
The
energy from the Earth pours up through your crown chakra,
fountaining down to embrace you in a cocoon of green,
healing light. As it circles around your body, feel
your connection with the Mother grow and strengthen.
(Pause).
-
When
you are ready, you may open your eyes.
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Circle
Casting
It is a basic tradition in modern Witchcraft to cast a circle
of power within which to confine and focus the energy we raise
during ritual and spellwork. You need nothing more than
yourself and your will to cast a circle; the use of ritual
roots can aid through your own magickal energies and through
the symbolic energy they represent.
To draw the ring of power, you must first become a conduit for
energy, which is accomplished by grounding and centering, then
raising energy and letting it flow through you, down into your
arms, then out through your fingertips. If you are using
a magickal tool, you will direct the energy through your body
and into your tool. It will flow out from there.
When the energy is flowing, turn in the direction you wish to
start (traditionally East, but I start at North). If you
are working in a small space, you may stand (or sit, if
need be) in the center of the area that is to be the circle
and simply turn around. In a larger space, you may
choose to 'walk the circle' as you cast it. Whichever
method you choose, begin to circle doesil (clockwise), letting
the energy pour through you to create the sacred space.
If you wish you can use a specific chant of your own or choose
from the following list. However, this is not necessary
and some people prefer to cast a circle in silence, pouring
all of their energy and concentration into casting the circle.
Whichever you choose to do, be certain it reflects your own
nature and path. If the thought of handling a dagger (athame)
is unsettling then your concentration will waver when you try
to use one. If the very thought of using a feather
to cast the circle sets you laughing then, your focus won't be
as strong as it needs to be. In other words, find what
works for you.
Triple
Goddess Chant
Maiden,
cast Your circle white
Weave
a web of glowing light
Stag
and bear, hawk and wolf,
Bind
us to thee.
Mother;
cast Your circle red
Weave
the strands of glowing threads
Eath
and Air, Fire, Water;
Bind
us to thee.
Old
Crone, cast Your circle black
Weave
the wisdom that we lack
Sunlight,
moonlight, starlight's shimmer
Bind
us to thee.
Solitary
Circle Chant
Three
times 'round I cast my blade
That
this circle shall be made.
First,
white crescent from the Maiden's Brow,
Her
strength and independence, be here now.
Second,
red blood from the Mother's Womb,
As
I weave my life on Her starlight loom.
Third,
black shadow from the Crone's Abyss
Teaches
me wisdom with Her Underworld Kiss.
Sacred
Space within this circle now lies
Protected
from unwelcome eyes
Let
no one enter here within
Who
has not been made welcome.
So
Mote It Be.
Calling
the Circle
I
cast this circle with my blade of power;
I
cast this circle once in the name of the Maiden and the Green
Man,
that Their youth and vitality embrace my rites this night.
I
cast this circle twice in the name of the Mother and the
Horned
Lord,
that Their strength and passion empower my rites this night.
I
cast this circle thrice in the name of the Crone and the Lord
of
Death,
that Their wisdom and shadows balance my rites this night.
In
the name of the Lord and Lady, this circle is cast.
Let
nothing unwelcome enter within.
By
my will, so mote it be.
Physical
Methods of Creating Sacred Space
While most methods of creating sacred space involve more
active participation, you can enhance the energy of the space
in other ways. Physically create the circle or mark it
out using anything - here are a few ideas:
-
Tree
boughs. Use ones that have blown off trees naturally
rather than cutting, though.
-
Crystals
placed around the sacred space sets up a certain
resonance.
-
Herbs,
placed in bowls or bundles will add to the energy field
too.
-
Shells
can again add more power - use ones found on the beach
rather than commercially-bought ones.
-
Candles
- these add real atmosphere (and warmth!) and are really
only practical when used indoors. Ensure that
nothing can touch the flames as you don't want your sacred
space to burn your house down!
-
Ribbon
- choose the colour most appropriate for the spell/ritual
you are to perform and it will add to the energy.
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Invoke
Elements
(see
also Invocations)
When we invoke the elements during ritual, we call them in to
our circle and our rites, and ask for their help and guidance.
There are many ways to invoke the elements. You can
invoke them silently; you can call the element; you can use
musical instruments while you invoke them. (If you
choose the latter, I suggest that you use a drum for Earth; a
flute or recorder for Air; a lyre or stringed instrument for
fire; and a rainstick or bells for the Water.)
After you have cast your circle, turn and face the North.
Raise your hands or athame in greeting and say:
Spirits
of the North, Spirits of the Earth,
You
who are stone and rock, bone and crystal,
You
who are tree and root and branch,
You,
whose soil is the body of the Goddess
And
whose grass is the green of Her hair,
Spirit
of Earth, come to me!
Spirit
of the Wolf, Spirit of the Gnome,
I
call upon thee.
You
who rule from the blackest caverns below
To
the highest mountain tops,
Hear
me.
Bring
to these rites your spirit of prosperity,
Of
stability and manifestation.
Begin turning doesil (clockwise), focusing a line of Earth
energy through your raised hand or athame. Make one full
sweep, saying:
With
a ring of stone and bone and crysal,
I
encircle this sacred space and all within.
Let
nothing enter unwelcome.
Draw
an invoking pentagram (starting at the bottom left of the
pentagram and completing it in one motion in a clockwise
direction) in the air, facing north.
Spirits
of the Earth, welcome and blessed be!
Turn
and face the east. Raise your hand or athame and say:
Spirits
of the East, Spirits of the Air;
You
who are mist and vapour and cloud,
You
who are fresh breeze and wild hurricane,
Webweaver
at the edge of Dawn
Sweeping
out stagnation to weave the new day,
Come
to me.
Bring
into these rites purification and clarity,
Sweep
through and remove stagnation.
Begin
to turn doesil, focusing a line of Air energy through your
athame or hand. Make one full circle, saying:
With
a ring of mist and vapour and fog
I
encircle this sacred space and all within
Let
nothing enter unwelcome.
Facing
East, draw an invoking pentagram in the air.
Spirits
of the Air, welcome and blessed be!
Turn
and face the South. Raise your hands or athame into the
air and say:
Spirits
of the South, Spirits of Flame and Faerie Fire
You
who are the crackle of bonfires
You
who are the golden sun and glowing lava,
You
who are the heat of the desert, and the
Sparkle
of phosporescence on the shore and
In
the water;
Come
to me.
Spirit
of the Phoenix, Spirit of the Flame Dancers
Hear
me.
Bring
into these rites your spirit of creativity
And
passion,
Your
ability to transmute and rise new from the
Ashes.
Begin
to turn doesil, focusing on a line of Fire energy through your
hand or athame. Make one full circle, saying:
With
a ring of sunlight and lava, I encircle this
Sacred
space and all within
Let
nothing enter unwelcome.
Face
the south, draw an invoking pentagram in the air.
Spirits
of the Flame, welcome and blessed be!
Turn
and face the west. Raise your hands or athame into the
air and say:
Spirits
of the West, Spirits of the Water
You
who are the Moon Mother;
You
who are the Undines of the Rivers
And
the Sirens of the crashing ocean breakers
You
who are the Naiads of the Grottos,
Come
to me.
Spirit
of the Shark,
Hear
me.
Bring
to these rites your deepest intuition
And
truest emotions,
Teach
me to be flexible, to adapt and flow
Like
your waters.
Begin
to turn doesil, focusing a line of Water energy through your
hand or athame. Make one full circle, saying:
With
a ring of wave and rain and tears
I
encircle this sacred space and all within
Let
nothing enter unwelcome.
Face
the west. Draw an invoking pentagram in the air.
Spirits
of the water; welcome and blessed be!
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~~o00o~~
A
Sample Circle Casting method can also be viewed HERE.
~~o00o~~
Alternative
'Elements'
The invoking of the elements described above is only meant a a
guide. What works for someone else may not nessarily
work for you. Rather than invoking the elements (or even
'as well as'), some people prefer to invoke other forces
- Ancestors and Angels spring to mind. I am therefore
including here invocations for these forces. After this
you will find an excerpt from Yasmin Galenorn's Embracing the
Moon in which she warns against using such being.
However I have known of several people who are having great
success with this - you must choose whichever YOU feel most
comfortable with. Jasmine Galenorn is obviously not
comfortable with Angels, hence her words. I am not
comfortable with Ghosts (including Ancestors!) and would never
invoke them into my home. But, of course, your opinion
may differ...
Drumming
in the Ancestors
(Yasmine
Galenorn's Embracing the Moon)
I
usually only do this if I am in a circle, because I generally
don't like inviting spirits into my home unless I call them
into a defined area.
After casting the circle and invoking the elements I pick up
one of my drums (you can drum on just about anything. In
the past I have used a wooden tabletop and a two-litre bottle
half-filled with water. If you don't have a drum,
improvise).
I begin a slow, steady beat. When the pattern is set and
I am in a light trance state I chant the following in a slow,
rhythmic voice:
Ancestors
I
call you
Ancestors
Witches
Shamans
Healers
Wise
Women
Medicine
Men
Shape
Changers
Ancestors
I
call you
Join
us in this circle
You
who are of welcome intent
Be
with us
Work
with us
Hear
us
Speak
to us
Share
with us
Gather
'round
You
who have gone before
You
who have lived before
You
who have worked the magick before
Ancestors
We
are calling you
Join
us tonight
Ancestors
Angels
(from
Sivler Ravenwolf's Angels)
The procedure is as per Invoking the Elements above, but you
use the following chants in place of those given.
Ariel,
Angel of the North
Invocation:
Forest
green and sienna brown
The
winter rolls out, to touch the ground
Where
frosty midnight brings mystery
Of
visions, dreams, and prophecy
Nature
spirits dance the spell
To
call the thunderous Uriel.
Volcanoes
of information now burst forth
On
crystal snowflakes from the north
With
lions roar and Sekhmet force
I
call this angel of secret source
Shining
earth and truth to tell
I
seek the knowledge of Ariel.
Of
rocks and stones and forest trees
A
hawk-eyed being who endless sees
The
truth cut cold of human lies
And
brings the gift of angel eyes
Spread
thy wings of hurricane scroll
Enlighten
my poor mortal soul.
Quarter
Calls
Hail,
angelic guardian of the north
Ariel
is thy name.
He
who is the bringer of dreams and prophecy.
Angel
of nature, psychism, and instruction.
I
call thee forth to guard this circle and protect this sacred
space.
Raphael,
Angel of the East
Invocation:
From
azure coast and Ugit ocean
Chalean
linage, shining god of healing devotion,
Cresting
on dawn's golden, enchanted breezes
Rising
to purge humanity of insidious diseases
I
beckon thee, great angel of the Sun
To
enter here with sparkling laughter and creative fun.
Whisper
the secrets of the pentagram, fair Raphael
The
son of El and consort of Atrial is Labbiel.
Your
wand entwined by mystical serpents
Science
and knowledge are thy devoted servants,
Now
command the legions when magick requires it
And
bring forth the power of healing mist.
angel
guardian of spiritual leaders
Brush
peacock wings on swirls of scented cedar
Floating
among humanity in disguise
Spiraling
from the east as blue gold prayers use
Bring
into form Gaia's balance again
And
let us ne'er cry over what might have been.
Quarter
Call
Hail,
angelic guardian of the east
Thy
name is Raphael.
Healer;
protector; nourisher of Gaia's children
Angel
of love, joy and laughter.
I
call thee forth to protect this circle and guard this sacred
space.
Michael,
Angel of the South
Invocation:
Chaldian
prince and Pagan god
Avenging
lance of sword and rod,
Warrior
angel of noon fire's grace,
Who
guards herein this sacred space,
Into
form burst forth my Michael,
The
Scarlet flame, Sabbathiel
Loyal
fighter and astral guardian,
The
crimson leader: man's perfect specimen
Mercy,
patience, and warm compassion
Whose
divinity's to care to fashion
Hail
unto thee, Opatron of the Nile
I
call thee forth, strong Michael.
Courage
and trust bring into form
Time
favoured angel of legends worn
Centre
thy energies wise and just
The
Goddess' champion in whom she trust
This
terminator angel, heavenly hunter
My
battle angel of blazing summer.
Quarter
Call
Hail,
angelic guardian of the South
Michael
is thy name
He
who brings balance into our world.
Angel
of justice, strength, and protection.
I
call thee forth to guard this circle and protect this sacred
space.
Gabriel,
Angel of the West
Invocation:
Sumerian
Priestess of Light I seek thy presence here this night,
As
aquamarine fog enchants the dusk
And
autumn blooms its sacred musk.
Arise
sweet Gabriel of the Moon
With
gold-tinged wings and crying loon.
Goddess
energy here on earth
Bring
transformation and rebirth
The
lily opens, fed by the chalice
This
angel removes and avenges malice.
Governess
of mystical light divine
Resurrection
and mercy her design.
Come
now, unite my Warrior Queen
Who
tells of birth and things unseen.
From
wisdom's fountain I seek to drink
And
open mystery I've yet to think.
While
fairies paint the starry skies
And
Jibril guards this paradise.
Quarter
Call
Hail,
angelic guardian of the west
Gabriel
is thy name.
She
who brings transformation to the children of mystery.
Angel
of resurrection, mercy, and peace.
I
call thee forth to guard this circle and protect this sacred
space.
Angels,
Ghosts and Other Astral Entities
(excerpt
from Yasmine Galenorn's Embracing the Moon)
Beware!
Far too many New Agers and Pagans new to the Craft have an
idealized view of the astral plane. Before you decide to
work with entities on these levels, think your plans through
and take the following information into consideration.
-
Angels
are part of the Christian religion. If you read the
Bible, you'll realise that they don't resemble anything
like the cute little cherubs on the angel cards and angel
decks and other angel paraphernalia. While some
Witches call Archangels at te direction, it seems a
holdover from Christian tradition and I don't believe it
has a place in natural magick. Angels are very
powerful beings that exist on another plane. They
are basically Jehovah's henchmen, and we have no real
proof they have our best intentions at heart. [Weatherwax
Note: I just want to reiterate here that this is
Yasmine's opinion - you may agree with it, you may not.
I do not believe that Angels are purely Christian JUST
because they happen to appear in the Bible. My
eclectic view is that the 'Gods' worshipped in every
religion around the world are the same God known by a
different name - the Goddess is also another aspect of
this 'God' as a deity so powerful and omnipotent would
have no need for any particular gender. I therefore
also believe in Angels - others may think of them as
helpers or higher Spirit Guides - they are not solely
Christian property. I know that this point of view
is shared by Silver RavenWolf - who points out that Angels
are evident in other religions around the world and were
around before Christianity. See her website (via the
Links page) for more details.
So I urge you to make up your own mind - and go with what
YOU feel comfortable with.]
-
Ghosts,
spirits, and the like should, for the most part, be left
alone. Just because someone is dead doesn't mean they're
nice or helpful, and it doesn't mean that they won't lie
to you. Too many people accept channeled information
at face value. Get rid of your Ouija board.
Your best guidance comes from within. When you
invoke the spirits without good reason, you can interfere
with their ability to transcend their connection to this
plane, and they may not be able to go on to their next
incarnation. It is difficult to say goodbye when a
loved one dies, but seances usually cause more harm than
good.
-
Astral
entities are not necessarily evil, nor are they
necessarily good. Until you are highly proficient
with magick and your psychic powers, I urge you to leave
them alone. They have caused havoc for a number of
inexperienced Pagans who decided that they could handle or
control these beings and their experiments got out of
hand. I've cleaned up more than one psychic mess
caused by somebody who thought that reading a book about
magick and using a Ouija board rendered them invulnerable.
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~~o00o~~
Working
with Deities in Ritual and Magick
(excerpt
from Yasmin Galenorn's Embracing the Moon)
Working with the Gods can be a wonderful and cautionary
experience. The Gods are quite real. Do not
lightly invoke any God or Goddess. Do careful research
before you go into a circle and summon a Goddess of
destruction. You could get your hand slapped, or far
worse karmic kickback.
Respect the power these deities wield. Even though They
are finite, limited, it doesn't mean that you, as mortal and
human, are going to be able to control or deflect everything
They send your way.
Another consideration that you must attend to is this: Never,
ever invoke two deities who are at odds with each other!
Your common sense and knowledge gained through research must
come into play here. If you know through legend and lore
that two deities don't like each other, then don't invoke Them
together!
By the same token, don't invoke someone gentle (for example,
Kuan Yin) along with someone harsh (Kali-Ma). Not only a
stupid thing to do, it's potentially dangerous.
Fire and water deities probably won't get along. It's
not the best idea to invoke a Goddess of motherhood along with
a Goddess of death. Use logic and common sense, and do
your homework. Some nations were constantly at war with
one another; don't invoke their Gods simultaneously or you
might find that same war continuing in your living room.
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~~o00o~~
Cakes
and Wine
(See
also Feasts)
A
full ritual usally includes cakes and wine. Of course,
these can be substituted for whatever you fell more
comfortable with - ale, juice or water. This pagan rite
has a very long history and is the origin of the Christian
communion. A simple blessing for the consecration of the
cakes and wine is:
Bless
these cakes in the name of the Great Mother who provides
sustenance that we might live. In the name of the
Maiden, Mother and Crone, these cakes are blessed.
Draw
an invoking pentagram (clockwise) over cakes with athame or
hand.
Bless
this wine in the name of the Horned God, whose blood is the
fruit of the vine. In the name of the Green Man, Horned
One, and Lord of the Dead, this wine is blessed.
Draw
an invoking pentagram over wine with athame or hand.
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~~o00o~~
Thanking
the Deities
Many Witches refer to this part of the ritual as 'dismissing'
the deities but I don't think that sounds respectful.
When you have finished cakes and wine say a short devotional,
such as:
Lord
and Lady, I thank you for participating in my rite tonight.
As I open the circle and go about my daily life, remain in my
heart, watch over me and guide my feet along the path that is
best for me. Blessed be.
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~~o00o~~
Devoking
the Elements
It is traditional to stand at each 'quarter' to thank the
elements (or whichever force you invoked) for attending and
release them. This is done in the opposite direction to
when they were invoked, so working from the West back round to
the North. I have stated the Angel devocations below
(again from Silver Ravenwolf's Angels) and the wording can be
altered slightly to release the elements of Earth, Air, Fire
and Water.
West
Angelic
essence of the west
Gabriel
is thy name.
I
thank you for your gifts of resurrection, mercy, and peace.
Go
if you must, stay if you please
Hail
and farewell.
South
Angelic
essence of the South
Michael
is thy name
I
thank you for your gifts of justice, strength, and protection.
Go
if you must, stay if you please
Hail
and farewell.
East
Angelic
essence of the east
Raphael
in thy name.
I
thank you for your gifts of love, joy and laughter
Go
if you must, stay if you please
Hail
and farewell
North
Angelic
essence of the north
Ariel
is thy name.
I
thank you for your gifts of nature, psychism, and instruction.
Go
if you must, stay if you please
Hail
and farewell.
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~~o00o~~
Opening
The Circle
A
besom, a magickal broom, is traditionally used to open the
circle. But, if you don't possess one, simply repeat the
circle opening motions that you performed (walking the circle
or using your hand) but this time in the opposite direction
(counter-clockwise). Do this three times saying:
The
circle is open but unbroken.
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