Shielding is a method used to keep negative or unwanted energies generated by others away from you. Everyone generates different energies. I'm sure that at one time or another, all of us has had the experience of having contact with people that left us feeling drained, tired, frustrated, stressed out, depressed etc. This is caused by absorbing the unwanted energies of others. It's a very unpleasant experience, and long term term effects of absorbing these energies, leaves one feeling more and more drained. As this leaves you in a weakened state, it can also leave you more susceptible to it's effects.  The following submission from Aredahne, is an extremely effective, and easy to use guide on how to erect your own shield.

Shielding is a technique that erects a shield of energy around you which blocks these energies from reaching you. Some who use this technique have reported hearing a 'ping like' sound, when these energies bounce off their personal shield. Erecting a shield around oneself had a great deal of benefits.

First and foremost, you will need to ground yourself. I like to think of being a great willow tree, with roots going deep into Mother Earth, drawing strength up, up, up through the center of the earth, up through the oil of things passed, up through the rock, up through the soil. (you might even "smell" the woods, so don't be surprised.) Know that this strength is available for you whenever you have need of it.

Once you're grounded, cup your hands before you, and feel a line of sparks (I don't care for the word "energy"; it sounds so New Agey.) traveling up through your roots, through your hands, and collecting between your palms. (You may feel static or tingling at this point; it's okay.) Concentrate on this "ball" until it glows a certain color (blue is good, purple, pink, or green; any color, as long as it fits your intention. I, personally would watch out for reds and oranges; these colors attract rather than repels.) and you can no longer hold it. Let it go; it should glow & hover in front of you.

Next, envision this ball as the center of your protection (or protection for someone else). You will start to see it looking like a soccer ball, with all the pentagon shaped sections. (Mine sort of "twinkle" their way onto the surface of the ball, one at a time, until the ball is covered.) These are your "mirrors", that which will reflect and deflect any negativity coming your way.

About now, the sections will separate from the ball, and surround you at whatever distance you choose. Walk around if you like, and inspect each mirror. These shields will stay planted indefinitely. You may need to perform another inspection, from time to time, and "feed" any one with "spark" if it appears to be getting weak. You can do this at any time.

There may come a point when you hear a faint "pinging" sound coming from the shields here and there. This is merely something you don't want near you literally "bouncing" off a mirror. You'll get used to it, or you can tune it out; your choice. Mine sound like windchimes-hee hee! A very comforting little sound.