Grounding
Grounding is a basic energy magic. It is recommended both before and after any magical or spiritual work. Before it drains negative or hectic energy from you, and afterward it allows the more powerful and directed energies to escape. Most people ground to the earth element, but some find they ground better to one of the other elements; water, air or fire. A person who grounds to earth may imagine themselves to be a tree, and they see the energy pouring out of their roots into the earth, while a person who grounds to fire may visualize the fire burning away the energy.

Centering
After grounding, most people take a moment or two to center themselves, calming their own energies. Deep breaths assist in centering.

Shielding
Most magic workers use sheilding on a near-permanent basis, and some extend sheilds to their home and / or family. Some people visualize a shell a few inches away from their skin, while others make an oval sheild. Sheilds may be visualized as electrical energy, a mirror, or light. Some sheilds are passive or diffusing while others reflect. Remember to take down your sheild before any external energy work, even grounding.

Charging
Items such as charms, poppets, stones and crystals can all be charged with a particular intent, emotion, or elemental affiliation.

Projecting
Projecting consists of sending one's energy out, away from the protective area of your aura. Good control is needed, and it is recommended that one has a good understanding of the other energy magics before attempting projecting.