As I understand it, there are many definitions of the term 'pathworking' - I use it to refer to taking a journey in my mind, of freeing my subconscious to take a journey to help me to discover things or to clarify issues. For me, it is an alternative to meditation: I often find that my mind is too 'busy' to really 'get into' meditation. So, alternatively, I use my skills of visualisation to take me where I need to go, as it were.

For instance, if I seek an answer within myself, I might undertake a pathworking to 'visit with' the Goddess. Using visualisation I conjure images that I feel are both relevant and relaxing - everything is recreated, scent, sound, colour, texture, taste. Through this landscape I travel until I 'meet' the one I am looking for - then I ask what I want to know, and am answered. It's a way of getting in touch with your subconscious, and with the deities via your subconscious.

A simple pathworking might go as follows:

Inhale deeply, slowly - visualise the breaths you take as being made of golden light. Feel the light gather in the centre of your torso, building up until it explodes: it gently spreads golden light throughout your body, spreading down your limbs and out through your fingers and toes. Feel the shell of your body collapse as though it is made of ash.

You are standing barefoot at the edge of a cliff. The ground beneath you is dry and grassy. You can feel the wind blowing strong and cold, bringing with it the tang of salt from the sea. You close your eyes and hear the gulls crying out as they circle above. You start to walk along the edge of the cliff, and eventually find a path that leads down towards the beach. As you are walking remain aware of the scents and sounds that surround and envelop you. You start to follow the path downwards, sections of it are cut into the cliff-face itself, and you circle in and out of the chalky rock as you continue your descent towards the sea.

You reach the bottom and find yourself on a pebbled shore. Your bare feet flinch at the feel of the cold, damp stones - but you quickly become used to it, and begin to relish the feel of your soles moulding to the shape of the pebbles beneath them. You walk away from the cliff and towards the sea - as you near the water, the pebbles beneath your feet become smaller and finer until you find that you are walking on rough sand. You stand there and let the waves wash gently over your feet, you feel the sand pressing between your toes, and the tingle of the cold salt-water covering your feet and then receding. When you have enjoyed the feel of the sea long enough, move onwards.

Walk along the beach - take your time, there's no rush. If you see any pebbles or shells that catch your eye, then stop and examine them. Keep walking until you come to a cave in the cliff-face. You enter the cave, and it's damp and cool with shallow puddles and pools on the floor. At the back of the cave is a dark opening - enter it.

That's a good beginning: what you find once you enter the darkness at the back is up to you. You might find yourself following a path, leading you to someone or something that can help you find the answer you seek. You might just face the darkness and find what you are looking for within it. Whatever you find, remember that it's yours - but also remember to give thanks. When given an answer, leave a 'gift' in return - anything you like, you're restricted only by the bounds of your imagination and skills at visualisation.

Remember too, that when you feel that you are finished with your pathworking, to 'bring yourself back' slowly - take the time to breathe deeply and slowly, to bring your inner self back gently and without a sudden shock.