This is the exception to the rule. This is the one time I will include a specific spell, mainly because it has worked extremely well for me, and because I feel that, in this day and age, our Kindred need all the help they can get to protect themselves.
The following ingredient list is only for Wards; they aren't necessary for installing a shield; to begin that spell, start with "grounding".

You'll need the following:

*a small potpourri burner,
*one tealight candle,
*sea salt, or coarse salt,
*purified or spring water to fill the bowl,
*a protective herb, such as peppermint, cinnamon, or sage,
*a potholder so you don't burn your fingers.

Put a tablespoonful or two of salt in the bottom of the burner (Earth element). Set the candle (Fire element) in the salt and light it. Place your herb in the bowl and cover with the water (Water element). Soon, the herb will begin to steam (Air element). You're ready to begin the actual warding. Don't forget the potholder. The salt will dissipate some of the heat, but I wouldn't chance it.

After you've readied your burner, you will need to ground yourself. I like to think of being a great willow tree, with roots going deep into Mother Earth, drawing strength up, up, up through the center of the earth, up through the oil of things passed, up through the rock, up through the soil. (you might even "smell" the woods, so don't be surprised.) Know that this strength is available for you whenever you have need of it.

(*For warding, take the potpourri burner, and walk around that which you wish to protect at least three times, preferably nine, clockwise. Let the steam follow and encircle you, and cleanse the space, readying it for your protectors.)
Once you're grounded, (and, for warding, the space has been cleansed) cup your hands before you, and feel a line of sparks (I don't care for the word "energy"; it sounds so New Age hokey.) travelling up through your roots, through your hands, and collecting between your palms. (You may feel static or tingling at this point; it's okay.)
Concentrate on this "ball" until it glows a certain color (blue is good, purple, pink, or green; any color, as long as it fits your intention. I, personally would watch out for reds and oranges; these colors attract rather than repel.) and you can no longer hold it. Let it go; it should glow & hover in front of you.

Next, envision this ball as the center of your protection (or protection for someone else). You will start to see it looking like a soccer ball, with all the pentagon-shaped sections. (Mine sort of "twinkle" their way onto the surface of the ball, one at a time, until the ball is covered.) These are your "mirrors", that which will reflect and deflect any negativity coming your way.

About now, the sections will seperate from the ball, and surround you at whatever distance you choose. Walk around if you like, and inspect each mirror. These shields will stay planted indefinitely. You may need to perform another inspection, from time to time, and "feed" any one with "spark" if it appears to be getting weak. You can do this at any time. (*Now, for warding, when the "mirrors" break off and settle into place, set an animal in front of each one. A big, junkyard dog, or something more frightening, like a troll, or, my favorite, Dragons. Don't envision them "tied", "leashed", or "chained"; this will limit them. You will need to "feed & water" just as in the shields, so keep an eye on your wards, and check them every so often.)

*To close your warding spell, extinguish the candleflame if it has not gone out already, and walk thrice or nine times (the same number as you chose to begin) again around the circle, clockwise, not counter; you don't want to undo the spell, and sprinkle the contents, water, herb, salt, and wax, if any, from your burner, on the ground as you go.
Place your hands on the ground and "drain off" any excess spark back into Mother Earth so you won't come away feeling disjointed or "spacey".

There may come a point when you hear a faint "pinging" sound coming from the shields here and there. This is merely something you don't want near you literally "bouncing" off of a mirror. You'll get used to it, or you can tune it out; your choice. Mine are like windchimes-hee hee! A very comforting little sound.