How to set up for Ink Well
First, you will need somewhere to draw. A pen and paper will do, or watercolors, markers, whatever you like. I love to use Procreate on my iPad with Paperlike's screen cover and magic pencil grip. As the artist, you of course choose the canvas, the muse, and the tools you will use. You will also need at least 5 minutes. On some days we find that completing this ritual takes half an hour. You will know when to proceed and when the ritual is complete by a subtle feeling of relief somewhere within you.
It's my shadow. I'll draw it out however I like.
Canvases
- iPad + Procreate + magic pencil + Paperlike
- Print the template (PDF | JPEG) and use your art supplies
- D.I.Y. → Draw It Yourself
- Scratch in the dirt with a stick
DIY: Draw It Yourself
- We draw a circle in the center of the canvas. Here we hold space for intention.
Step 1 • Draw a circle in the center of the canvas with a diameter of about one-third of the shorter side of the canvas. - Then we divide the rest of the canvas into four equal quadrants. Most Inkwellers prefer
landscape orientation. One could draw perpendicular bisecting lines, or fold the paper in half
one way then the other.
Step 2 • Divide the canvas into four equal quadrants by drawing lines (but leaving the circle clear) or folding the canvas. - Each quadrant represents one of the four base elements of creation. The receptive elements lay
to the left, while the active elements pose on the right, and the spiritual elements sit atop
the material elements. Meanwhile in the center waits the 🌌 Void of all possibilities.
Realms Receptive Active Ethereal 🌊 Water 🌬️ Air Material 🪱 Earth 🔥 Fire 
Step 3 • Draw small elemental symbols in the corners of the quadrants.
With your canvas set up, you are ready for the ritual.
Why Ink Well
Deep within there sits a well
well without bottom,
well-being waiting.
Falling in, we fathom Source
finding wonder bubbles forth.
Foamy froth on surface forms.
Bubbles burst in grief and mirth.
Intent, aware,
we do the work
form the formless,
sculpting earth.
Chaos in cosmos,
foam in formation,
sharing the mystery,
dreaming creation.
Presents or presence,
dancesteps or service,
hugs or sweet nothings,
even true love can hurt.
Our best intents
may hide a taint,
by force unseen
mangled, stained.
Down the cave wall
and into the well,
shadows seep silently;
insight will fail.
Fear's inky syrup
a bubble may pop.
As foam we form up,
here to play non-stop
in scum and film,
in song and in paint,
as image, appearance,
or vulnerable pain.
To pour our pure love
from the depth of the well,
we must first draw the shadow.
May we use the ink well…