This may belong in another forum, but I was wondering what people do when they feel the need to shield themselves from the energies
of others, both positive and negative? I have tried some visualization/meditation exercises, but I could use a little help with this. There are two times when I really feel that I need this: when I am teaching my students, and when I am in a particular crowd that I consider kind of toxic people, if you know what I mean. In both cases, I often leave the party feeling overwhelmed, and then drained.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you in advance!

Well, it depends on how much shielding you want/need.

ou can visiualize a plethera of item to suit your need.

i generally use coffeee filter type, lol, don't laugh, for general use, and more layers the more I need, up to a lead coffin to hide in!

When I was in front of my class, I used to envision myself stepping into a pentagram and being enveloped by it.  Sort of a balancing out of my energies and a shield to keep them balanced.  I wasn't always successful in keeping it there, but most of the time it worked.  The best way to shield yourself from a crowd of toxic people, if you can help it, is to leave their company.

Hi MountainMoon, we had a similar sheilding question in this thread: http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7555&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=rosemary+negativity

You may find some of the suggestions helpful

Silver's spells for protection is a great book to own. Lots of tips and tricks to use to help with with some of the things you were talking about. I hope it gets better for you.