How to set up for Ink Well

Ink Well template with prompts

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

DIY: Draw It Yourself

  1. We draw a circle in the center of the canvas. Here we hold space for intention.
    Inkwell Step 1 - a centered circle on a page
    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.
  2. 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.
    Inkwell Step 2 - four quadrants around/behind the circle
    Step 2 • Divide the canvas into four equal quadrants by drawing lines (but leaving the circle clear) or folding the canvas.
  3. 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
    Inkwell Step 3 - quadrants with designated elements
    Step 3 • Draw small elemental symbols in the corners of the quadrants.

With your canvas set up, you are ready for the ritual.

Why We Ink Well

Deep within us there sits a well. A well without a bottom the well of being, some say. Diving in, we begin to fathom the Source from whence raw love bubbles forth. A foamy froth forms on the surface. With our two tools, attention and intent, we shape the foam of love. When the foam is in-formation, we are ready to share our creation. We share the love we shape through words and deeds, movement and speech. But the love we seek to share often comes with a taint. We witness our best intentions mangled and stained by some unseen force. For in that well of being, our shadow pools unseen, trickling down behind the mind's eye. The inky syrup of fear lurks murky, coating love's bubbles in scum and film, image and appearance. To bring purer forms of love into the world, we must first draw out our shadow. May as well use the ink well…