Category: Spellcrafting

Let’s Talk Witch – Strengthening the Circle

Let’s Talk Witch – Strengthening the Circle

A circle of light or a physical circle can be strengthened by casting three elemental circles just inside it.

Some practitioners aim to put the triple circle on top of the light one but I prefer radiating circles, albeit close together.

If using empowered salt and water as one of your elemental circles, you would empower the mix first before the elemental casting.

The three clockwise circles, either positioned one over the other or extending inwards, should be made with salt and water, or just salt (the first), with incense (the second) and with the directional candle of the south or a central one (the third). If you use salt for circle one (and not the salt and water mix), use incense for number two and magical water droplets for the third circle.

Create simple elemental casting chants according to the substances you are using and the nature of the spell or ritual.

*Note* With a group, before the triple circle casting invite them to walk the triple circle in line after you as you cast it. You can use three people to make the triple circle by having them each carry a substance around it. You need not use words for this unless you wish. With a group it is easier to make the three circles over one another just inside the original light circle.

You can end the triple element casting by sprinkling each person with a few drops of either the saltwater or the water alone saying:

You are Blessed!

If you are working alone, end the triple circle casting by taking the water and sprinkling yourself, saying:

May the Lord and Lady God and Goddess bless me and my spell/ritual.

Items you need to do Magick

Items you need to do Magick

In reality I break this into two categories. NEED & WANT.

NEED: A quiet place. This can be any location within your dwelling. If you have am enclose area about your home this can be come your “Sacred or Quiet” place. It is nice to work out doors, but not mandatory. You will also need a small altar. A place to hold two candles, incense and a goblet of wine; even the wine is optional.

WANT: Everything that looks like, smells like or tastes like Magick. Can you do Magick without a robe? Sure you can. Do you need a sword to create a circle? Not necessary. Do I need an Athame to call the quarters? Nope, a hand works well here. In other word, resist the urge to go on a spending spree.

Let’s deal with reality. In my opinion, the most important “Witch Ware” one needs is a “Book of Shadows.” This can be anything from a hand made, leather covered book to a ten cent spiral bound book. The main purpose of the BOS is for your notes, visions, etc.

Candles: Gold for the Lord, Silver for the Lady and holders for each. When using candles make sure to keep them in safe holders. We do not want to reenact the Burning Times.

Compass: Borrow one! This is a one time shot to help align your circle to the 4 cardinal points; North, South, East and West. It can get a little embarrassing when you are calling “Fire of the South” and are facing west. Once you know your cardinal points, return the compass; Cost FREE.

Censer: A safe place to burn your incense. Decide if you will be using stick or cone incense and get the appropriate holder. A simple time is good for the cone while a small pot filled with sand is good for stick incense.

Pentagram: This item will be used on the altar as an amulet for protection.

Wand: Made of wood to help direct energies.

This list can go on for many pages, but at this time I believe you get the idea as how it can grow. OK, so you have some coins in your pocket and are ready to part with them. Where do you go to get the items you want.

Most people will run off to the local metaphysical shop. Yes the Aura of magic is here, but lets face it, this is a business and the goal is to make money. So where do you go?

First of, when you purchase your magical equipment, it should call to you. You just don’t go out and buy one of these, two of those and one of them. With that in mind, where do I shop? If you can, make most of what you need. By making your equipment you put your energies into them. How difficult is it to carve a pentagram out of wood?

OK, so you’re craft challenged, a good source of Magical items are Flea Markets and garage sales. There are also the “After Holiday” sales. Imagine the material you can get after Halloween or Christmas. I purchased 3″ pentagrams for my coven for less than $1.00 each at an after Christmas sale. Just because an item is not labeled “Made in Trollhatten by Trolls” does not make it bad.

I hope you get the point I am making, a home made broom is as good as a Nimbus 2000 (Harry Potter) I hope I don’t discourage too many of you now, but we do not actually use the broom to fly. A broom is, even in the craft, used for cleaning. Strange concept. What is cleansed may not necessarily be dust bunnies, but cleaning it is. The broom, like the Athame, want or hand can also be used to direct energies.

Remember this:

Don’t go crazy buying Magical “STUFF.”

If it doesn’t call you – don’t buy it. Do not get talked into buying “STUFF.”

Keep magickal “STUFF” separate from you mundane “STUFF.”

Try to make it before you buy it.

How to do Magick

How to do Magick

Very, very carefully

There are certain factors that must be in your mind when you do magick.

1. The Wiccan Rede?

2. The rule of three?

3. Have you been asked to do the magic?

4. Are you ready to take away another’s will?

5. Are you ready to pay for what you are going to do?

Magick is something that one does not take lightly. Do not let the movies or TV be your guide at this time. For everything we do there is a price to pay.

So say you, that you will only do “good magick.” Therefore you have nothing to worry about. You have a friend that has been ill for a while and you decide to help them. You cast a healing spell and your friend does not get better, but instead dies. You know whose fault that is? You – the caster.

First by casting the spell without being asked goes against the Rede. Secondly you are taking over a persons will. You have no idea what medication had been given to your friend. You stick your two cents in and wind up counteracting the good the medication might have done. Now what do you thing will happen to you? Remember the rule of three. Good returns good three times, evil returns evil three times. Feeling comfortable with this, are you?

Great, you will stay away from healing, but what about that great looking Guy or Gal at the office. You would like them for yourself. Before you cast, think, which of the five items above are you willing to accept?

All of a sudden casting does not seem like fun and games. In the future you will learn that casting is not to be taken lightly. It is not a gift, but a responsibility, and one not to be taken lightly. When you are willing to accept the responsibility and results of casting them should you get involved.

 

Cook Book Spells

There are many books on the market with spells in them. Spells, unlike recipes are not some thing that you can get out of a book. In my Grimore are spells I have cast and that have worked for me. I can hand the book over to you and all you would have is a book of lovely words. That’s all! A spell is part of the individual casting.

It is not necessary for a spell to be spoken in rhyme, but it helps. By writing your spell in rhyme it forces you to give though to what you are doing. You MUST be very specific with what you want a spell to do; else it can come back to you.

 

Self Gain

Never cast a spell that will benefit you with riches, or rewards. It is not our place in the universe to be the richest people in existence. But don’t get me wrong. If you are unemployed there is nothing with casting a spell to gain employment. But be careful here too. Your competition for the job may be unemployed also.

 

For a Simple Healing the cost is…

Wiccans and Witches DO NOT have a sliding fee schedule for the magic we do. As a matter of fact we DO NOT charge. To charge is to belittle who and what you are. We give from our hearts. For the most part the Wiccan community cares for those around us. We love the Earth and all she stands for. We care for animals and humans alike. Being a Wiccan / Witch is NOT a business.

 

Ask These Questions Before You Cast

Ask these questions before you cast a spell:

1) Have I done everything I can to resolve the situation without magic?
Try all the mundane methods of attaining your goals before resorting to spellcraft. If you want a job, send out your resume before you break out the green candles and patchouly. If you want to meet someone special, try reading the personals or signing up for an adult ed class before you reach for the aphrodisiacs. If you’re having conflict with someone at work, try talking to them about the problem before you go looking up binding spells. As one experienced witch put it to me, “this way, you can be sure that your intentions are pure.”
2) Will this spell harm another, or bend someone’s will to mine?
Witches do not cast spells meant to harm someone else. Nor do they cast spells on other people without their permission, no matter how honorable their intentions. There’s a good reason for this: harmful and meddlesome spells have a nasty tendency to backfire on the people who cast them.
When you’re watching someone close to you suffering, it can be hard to consider the situation objectively. One reader asked me about spells to help alleviate anger. When I dug deeper, it turned out that spellcraft was entirely inappropriate. If possible, discuss the matter with another trusted pagan friend. 
3) Am I prepared to accept the consequences of this spell, whatever they might be?
Think long and hard about this one. As I’ve said before, you may cast a spell with the best of intentions, but end up with unexpected consequences. Meditate a bit on it before you decide to cast the spell. Talk to other witches and see if there isn’t a better solution.
Either way, your spell has a better chance of success if you fully “own” it, and anything that results from it. The best way to avoid unforseen consequences is to follow the guidelines set out above — and, most importantly, to cast the spell with love in your heart. Making magick is a powerful and transformative experience. In the midst of the spell, you become the subject, and you become the result. Make sure that what you’re asking for is something you’d like to become.
Remember, the most powerful tool a witch has is their mind. As we can only perceive reality, we can bend it by changing states of consciousness. The universe is like a web, we can change the strands, and we can even break them with our magick. Be careful of what you do. Before every magickal working ask yourself:
‘Do I dare disturb the fragile energies of the universe?’
A spell cast on someone without their permission can be considered as manipulative magick. Even when the best of thoughts are at heart, you must tell them your intentions, or deal with the consequences. Sometimes it isn’t possbile to tell someone you want to cast a healing spell on them,so outweight the benefits to the negative consequences.
A spell which bends will or binds it to yours is completely WRONG. Do not perform them unless absolutely necessary, and by that I only mean bindings and transformations, and if you have no other alternatives, banishings. If you are under some sort of physcial attack, for example abuse, rape or harassment, see the police immediately, do not attempt to bend their will through a spell.
A spell cast to harm someone is just as wrong as bending their will, if not more so. Do not cast a spell to cause ill to a convited murderer, a friend who has gosspped about you, no matter what the magnitude. If it is a felony or illegal under law, get the law enforcers involed. Remember you human rights, and theirs also.
A spell which is personal gain is OK *AS LONG AS* you do not demand too much. Be careful for what you    ask for, you just might get it.

Why Spells Don’t Always Work

WHY  SPELLS DON’T ALWAYS WORK

Spell casting, in and of itself, is not difficult. Generally, it follows an
easy formula with separate and distinct steps. A spell is a procedure to
follow to reach a desired end. It does not require a great deal of money, a
huge compendium of tools, or exotic ingredients to work. It does require
faith in yourself and a commection with deity.
When describing spells to non-magickal people, a witch will often tell them
that a spell is much like a prayer. You are calling upon divinity to assist
you, as in a prayer, but a spell requires more than just pleading to divinity
to help you out of a jam. In a spell YOU are an active ingredient. Your
faith and your knowledge are as important as understanding there is divinity
out there to call upon.
Many of you have already heard of the Witches’ Pyramid, the foundation of our magickal acts: To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Be Silent. This pyramid is  the underlying structure of any spell formula.
To Know 
Before you can cast a spell, you need to know who you are. Ego aside, you
have to come to terms with who you are, how you operate, and why you do the things you do.
The second thing you must know is precisely what you want. This is not as
easy as it seems. People rarely sit back and consider what they really want
out of life. Part of this is because they are afraid. They fear they may not
get what they want, and they fear that they will fail. These fears stop us
from knowing.
For example, time and time again people I know have spelled for love. They
have not done the ultimate no-no by targeting a specific person, but they do
something just as bad–they don’t really know what they ultimately want.
When they get what they spelled for, often they are disappointed, because
there is something attached to that new lover they didn’t think of.
Therefore, all spells must be specific.
One of the best ways to begin a working is to write out, in detail, exactly
what you want in one straight line on a piece of paper. Underneath,
phonetically begin to pare each word down. Underneath that line, pare the
words down again. Continue this procedure until only one letter from each
word is left. Interlock the few remaining letters into a sigil. Use this
sigil in whatever magickal application you have chosen to ensure your spell
remains specific.
To Will  
Another stumbling block in spell casting is lack of will, whether it is will
power, belief, or conviction. Will depends on how badly you want to make a
change. Do you believe you are capable of making the change, or do you think
it is only wishful thinking? Are you willing to re-program your mind, your
environment, your relationships, in order to bring about ther change you
desire? Without will, a spell will fizzle. Is your mind fogged with doubt,
or unnecessary problems that will prevent bringing about the change you say
you want?
One of the best techniques for increasing your will power is the use of
meditation on a daily basis. Once you have learned to relax, use the alpha
state to program the events you wish to come to pass. You should work on
both short-term and long-term goals.
Another technique that is useful in spell casting is to write down why you
wish to manifest something. Let this explanation sit on your altar
overnight, then re-read it. Does it make sense? Is this what you really
want? Does your reasoning still appear firm, or is it full of holes?
Are you patient? Patience has a lot to do with will. Once you have a firm
grip on “will,” you are a third of the way through on accurate spell casting.
To Dare  
To dare means you are not inclined to sit around on your laurels. It means
that you are not choosing to procrastinate, rather you are choosing to move
with purpose. To dare indicates that you are no longer afraid of the
outcome, or fear failure. You are confident that you control your own
destiny to the point where you won’t even argue about it, either with someone
else, or yourself.
Although “to dare” doesn’t appear to create a lot of work, it does require
you to make an active decision. This is the next catalyst for your magickal
operation. From here, you will plan the appropriate day, hour, moon phase,
astrological energies, and tools required for working magick,including what
divinity you will choose. To dare can lead to a great deal of work and
preparation.
To Be Silent  
Even if you are an adept, you should learn to be quiet about your magickal
operations. There is only one exception, which is when you are working with
a group. If the group mind is actively participating on a project they
should be informed of their success or failure.
In the beginning, you should be silent so that you are not affected by
others’ opinions. Don’t tell them what you are performing magick for, as you
risk failure. Why? Because they can unconsciously affect you with their
disbelief or negativity.
Likewise, once you become proficient at spell casting, don’t announce
it–especially to a novice. No real adept will ever tell a novice that “My
spells always work.” Not only is it rude, it is also untrue. Everyone
fails. Imagine what a novice would think if they knew you lost your job,your
kids are running rampant, and you are deeply in debt. If your spells always
worked, you would not be in such a fix, would you? Foolish words can ruin
your reputation, which in turn, will ruin your own self-confidence.
Therefore, keep your trap shut–this ensures success in your magickal
operations as well as keeping your reputation intact. No one likes a
braggart, and no one considers an egotistical Witch a good leader or cleric.
When Spell’s Fail  
Try this chant
Oh God/dess (whoever you worship) I am not worthy of    
your perfect grace, nor the magick i find within myself    
and within you. I ask now in Just, for i have grown weak    
that thou would accompany me in rituals and spells.    
Be By my side in this time of need. I do not deserve you    
Oh God/dess. but still I ask, for i am only but a mortal    
Oh God/dess, Bless me!    
Oh God/dess, accompany me!    
Oh God/dess, Shine light upon me!    
Oh God/dess, grant me wisdom!    
Oh God/dess, Grant me Humility!    
Oh God/dess, Stay with me!    
Oh God/dess, Protect me from evil!    
Oh God/dess, I love thee above all things!    
Please Oh ancient ones, hear me!    
Amen

Basic Spell Construction

 

BASIC SPELL CONSTRUCTION

 

Write your own spells

Because of the very nature of Magick, each working should be highly individualized and personal. Even if following a traditional spell, it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective for you. Understanding the basics of Spell Construction will enable you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose you desire.

Preliminary planning is necessary. The very first step is to decide precisely what your desired end result is to be. Before you can start, you must decide where you are going. You must be very explicit.

Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier.

Remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy.

It is important that you have no distractions. Generally speaking, it is best to work as late at night as possible. A time when there is less frantic energy is most appropriate. You might consider Midnight or later.

In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable. Your place should be private, quiet and secure. If at all possible, set aside a special place for this purpose only. An unused room, a special corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden. A place that is yours. A place that you can come to whenever need arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible.

Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the things that you will need. All of the things used are tools. They have no inherent magick. They are to help you create a mood. If correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from deep within you. They should be chosen with care.

Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools accordingly. If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils, incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response. If the desired result of your Magick is Tranquillity, then the tools should make you feel calm, peaceful and serene. Any candles you might use should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be appropriate for your working.

Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any means necessary to clean and purify. Historically, people have fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices, practiced chastity and used many other methods.

Most often a Ritual Bath is the preferred method. A bath frequently utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils.

A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind completely of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day. Your ritual Bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to your purpose into motion. You must not only cleanse and purify but must, also, begin to create the type of energy necessary.

Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now ready to begin. Proceed to the special place you have previously chosen in which to perform your magick. If at all possible, you should make use of the primitive responses set into motion by a well chosen piece of music. Your music should start slowly and build to a rousing climax.

As you use your oils, light your candle or incense (or utilise any other tool you have chosen), you should begin to further intensify the energy that you have set into motion around you. A high degree of intensity is vitally important.

The Altered State of Consciousness that you must reach is not a meditative state. Anything that interferes with your ability to concentrate upon, reach and control the high energy state necessary to perform magick should be avoided. Such as, screaming children, a sink full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.

Do not scatter your energy by attempting to do more than one magickal working at a time.

Remember that Magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of energy and a visualisation is an even stronger form of energy. Your visualisation can be a method used to intensify further and direct your will. Your visualisation can be the method by which you control the magickal energy you have produced.

You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the high energy flow. You must direct it.

One of the most important elements in the practice of any form of Magick is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. This means that whatever you do (or don’t do) you cause something to happen.

The most important consideration is the Universal Law of Retribution. This means that no matter what you do it comes back to you in like kind.

It is the nature of things that as you send something out it gains momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is three times stronger. If you do something nice for someone, someone will do something nicer for you.

It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully. You should take into consideration all Astrological implications, energy currents and Moon phases.

The Moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time when the Moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for your working. For example:

Aries/Action – Enthusiasm, Taurus/

Renewal – Sensuality, Gemini/Communication – Curiosity, Cancer/

Emotion – Nurturing, Leo/Vitality – Determined, Virgo/Organizing –

Studious, Libra/Balance – Co-operation, Scorpio/Sexual –

Philosophical, Capricorn/Authority – Ambitious, Aquarius/Innovation

– Social, Pisces/Sensitivity – Idealistic.

Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the Moon is Waxing (from Dark to Full); when the Moon is Waning (from Full to Dark), it is time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away.

The highest energy occurs at the Full Moon and, therefore, this is the most powerful time for magickal workings. The New Moon is the next most powerful time for Magick.

Whenever possible, follow Nature’s natural Energy Currents. There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things ( a harvest time) and, of course, a time forest and planning.

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Reversing a Spell With Fire

samhain1

Let’s Talk Witch – Reversing a Spell With Fire

Yesterday, we covered reversing a spell with Water. Today, I thought we would cover how to banish or reversing a spell with Fire. If you already know this, please have patience with me. I know we have several new ones to the Craft. I am hoping they will find this info helpful. Thank you!

Reversing A Spell With Fire

This method of reversing a spell is particularly effective for magickal work that has been done with Fire. This covers the entire range of candle magick, as well as any magick intended to influence yours thoughts. Some people may want to use this spell on a regular basis at the Full Moon, for it will provide protection against all of the usual negative influences from others which accumulate in the course of a month. You will need a two cups full of dirt and a candle to use this spell and process. People who do not have access to dirt in their backyards may use potting soil. The candle type, use any kind you would like.

Take a small candle and light it. Place it in the dirt (make sure the dirt is in a fireproof container) while it is lit and allow the flame to stabilize. With a sudden motion, take the candle from the dirt and reverse it, extinguishing the lit end into the dirt. Bite the burned end off the candle and light it again, saying:

“As the candle flame is reversed,
so let all that opposes me be reversed.
As the flame has perished in the dirt,
let those who oppose me come to nothing
in their work.”
 

The candle is now left to burn out. When it burns out, take the candle and dirt out of your home. Outside, put the candle and dirt in a small plastic bag. Go to the furthest part  of your property and bury it there. Now forget about. Always remember when you do your spells and rituals, do them and then do not dwell on them. It seems if you keep fretting and worrying about a spell or ritual working, it won’t. So never dwell on any spell work you have done.

This way of reversing with Fire has been used for centuries. And I can testify is does work well. It can also be considered an effective curse breaker. If a curse is actually present, this spell often produces an immediate feeling of relief as soon as the chant has been said. In some cases the relief can be impressive, as the spell may be done by one person for another. However, when the spell is done by a Practitioner for another, it should be followed by a cleansing and a blessing.

Let’s Talk Witch – The Written Spell

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Let’s Talk Witch – The Written Spell

Spoken spells have a transitory force, affecting only the action to which they are directed. Written spells, on the other hand, are thought to last as long as the written spell is in existence. To maintain the long term effect of the written spell, many of the prayers of the Egyptians were written on coffins and placed in the Book of the Dead with the mummy.

As written spells combine the effect of symbols, these spells are thought to be far more potent than other kind. The Islamic Koran is, as the revealed word of God, a sort of written spell in itself. Anyone who has heard it read aloud in Arabic knows that it is also a spoken spell of great beauty, even to those who cannot understand the language. The Latin psalms have the same quality, but without the tonal beauty which is found in the Arabic language.

Older written spells on parchment, some of which have been in existence for hundreds of years are particularly revered. In many cases their real effect lies in the fact that so many people believe in them. Some older writings have taken on a magickal aura solely due to their age.

Because of their strangeness and the mystical power associated with strangeness, spells written in a foreign language or in a mystical or magickal alphabet are also thought to have great power. This is one reason why spells written in Hebrew characters are supposed to be superior in quality. In the Middle Ages, a talisman was a man who wore a tallis, the shirt or undershirt worn by orthodox Jews. As this was felt to be a source of power to them, the idea of talisman quickly transfered to a spell written to give power or protection. In the first thousand years of Christianity, Hebrew was the pre-eminent language for the writing of spells and Jews, who were the most literate members of any European community, were the pre-eminent “magicians of choice.”

This obviously lead to some silly situations. One old “authentic spell” in a European museum was removed from display when it was pointed out that the words of the spell said, “What is the meaning of this?” in Hebrew characters transliterating medieval French! It had been supposed to be a spell to call upon a demon to cure sick children.

Written spells form another branch of the spell-caster’s art. In the Hex practice of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, himmelbriefs, or heavenly letters, are designed to act to protect the one who carries them against ills and evils of all kinds. The older versions were written with painstaking care by the hexenmeister who copied them one letter at a time. The newer versions are usually mimeographed copies of a typed original which are sold for a dollar or two as curios.

Just as a spoken spell requires a certain ability to use one’s voice, a written spell requires a certain ability to concentrate upon what one is writing, and hold the image of the desired work for the spell throughout the entire operation. The spell should be written with absolute concentration on every letter of the spell. It should then be read aloud in the same manner when it is finished. If the spell is to be given to someone it should be enclosed in an envelope, but not sealed. Most of these spells are to be carried on the person when they are in use.

Magick Is Not To Be used To Gain Power Over Others

MAGIC IS NOT TO BE USED TO GAIN POWER OVER OTHERS.  

 
Magic is a technique used in developing your own    ‘power from within.’ Spells  that are directed at gaining power over others weaken the ‘power from  within.’ Aside from the damage done to oneself, it is important for  another reason. Many people who do not understand the laws of magic  are afraid of being attacked magically and are given to paranoia.
The  witch’s main stock-in-trade used to be removing a competitor’s hexes  
and preparing charms to protect their clients. While true psychic  
attacks are EXTREMELY RARE, a person’s guilt makes up for any lack,  
and after using ‘forbidden’ help, their paranoia leads them to seek  
protection from the same person they just turned to in desperation.  
Do yourself a favor, and resist the temptation to ‘help’ these types.  
Most magical formularies consist of formulae gathered and tested by  
witches as well as many charms to protect the common man from those  
same witches who sold them their charms. 

 

 

 

 

Think Before You Cast

Think before you cast

HOW TO CAST A SPELL
To cast a sepll you have to follow the basic ritual structure.
Preparing the Altar.(nothing too elaborate, just a few of your favorite tools). Lighting the    candles.
Cleansing the area.
Casting the circle.
Invoking the elements.
Invoking the Deities.
Stating the Purpose of the ritual.
Magickal workings or devotions.
Raising the Energy. Releasing the Energy.
Grounding.
Thanking the Deities.
Thanking the elements.
Closing(or sometimes called opening) the circle.
Cakes and ale.
At the magick working section, you have to use your spell. In this spell you have to use the    correspondences to make a good ritual. You have to use the correct herbs, essential oils, foods, trees, flowers, crystals, colours, days, time, planetary    hour, zodiac hour. Look along them to see which fits in to what you want, let’s say protection:
Herbs – These can be used in a spell around a candle and then put in a silk bag (of appropriate colour)    and carried around as a charm bag. They add energy to the spell.
Essential Oils – These can be annointed on the candle or charm bag, made later
Foods – These can be eaten after the ritual, and for a week after, or until you don’t need the    spell anymore, to help you feel more protected.
Trees – These can be used in a wand, or in a talisman, as a writing tablet, where you inscribe symbols,    numbers and words. They can also be placed into the charm bag.
Flowers – These can be planted around your house and picked for the spell. The flowers will also act as    a protective barrier and as a home for fae, who will help too.
Crystals – These can be used in the spell and afterwards placed in the charm bag. You can make    protective patterns from many crystals and that will help protect too.
Days, Times, Planetary Hours, Zodiac Hours – These are used for the right moon phase, sun phase, zodiac    house etc. to help achieve the goal. When used in conjunction, all in the right way, there is a particular influece in that time which will help the spell    to travel, and for you to concentrate.

Spell Caster’s Affirmation

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Spell Caster’s Affirmation

There is one Presence and Power in the Universe
That manifests to me as Goddess and as God
It guides the stars and the planets
It guides me and moves through my life
For I am a perfect incarnation of God /dess
And a perfect priest/ess of God/dess
I am a complete manifestation of this power
I release all imbalanced energy and it’s effects
I harness harmonious energy
And shape it for the good of all
In accordance with free will
With ease and with joy
With love and kindness
So mote it be

Let’s Talk Witch – To Cast or Not To Cast

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Let’s Talk Witch – To Cast or Not To Cast

That Is The Question

The first essential element of spellcasting is deciding whether or not to use a spell at all. After all, you don’t always need a power tool; some jobs are just as easily done with a simple screwdriver. So before you get started, you need to decide if a spell is really the right tool to deal with the problem at hand. Take a long, honest look at the situation, and see which one of these categories fits you best and the task at hand:

When to cast a spell:

When you have exhausted all the mundane options but still need to achieve a goal (the spell not only puts your intentions out into the universe but is also a way of asking for help).

When the spell will affect only you (such as casting a spell to open yourself to love).

When do you know what you want and are willing to do the work required to get it (like putting in applications at appropriate places after asking for the perfect job).

When only good can come from the spell.

When not to cast:

When there is a simple solution that doesn’t require magick (you need to lose five pounds, haven’t tried a diet yet, and have plenty of time).

When casting a spell would interfere with free will (casting a love spell to get a particular person, for instance).

When you aren’t sure what you really want to achieve (if you are uncertain of the end results you want, it is hard to truly focus enough will to make a spell work).

When there is the possibility of causing harm to yourself or to others (remember, harm none).

If you are certain that the best solution for the situation is casting a spell, then it is time to get down to work and craft yourself the perfect spell to get the job done.

Spells For All Occasions – Some Spell Ethics

Spells for all occasions

Some Spell Ethics

The central ethic within Wicca is, “An ye harm none, do as ye will.” This applies not just to spells and rituals, but also to everyday life as well, ya know… Besides, with concepts such as Karma or The Threefold Law, I wouldn’t want to do anything harmful for fear of that harm coming back to me, most likely three times as bad.

We as Pagans should set a good example anyhow. For many many, many years, Witches have been cast out as being “evil” people, or we have wrongly taken the blame when something goes wrong. Yes, it is the 1990’s, and one would think by now that such medieval notions would have been forgotten by now. But, that isn’t the way it is. So, I believe that it is up to us to break those myths. It is up to us to say, “HEY WORLD!!! I AM NOT A BAD PERSON!!!!!

Anything causing harm to anyone, including oneself and others, and anything that limits anyone’s free will should be expressly avoided!!!

For example, one of the questions hear get the most is, “Corky, how do I make So-And-So fall madly in love with me?” The answer is simply, “You don’t.” Forcing someone in specific to fall in love with you is limiting their free will. So, how can this be avoided? Well, let’s say that all the person wants is to find a romantic partner and that in their mind, this person is the best choice. Why not do a spell for “A lover who is perfect for me.” and put the energy out into the universe to bring whoever that is into your life.

There are a lot of people out there who say that doing any spell for any self- glorification is bad. I, personally, do not see things this way. Yes, if you are doing spells to make yourself the best person in the world so that you can show off to all your friends and the people in the checkout line at the local supermarket, yes, I do believe that would be true. Every now and then, whenever the need or want arrives, I feel it is OK to splurge a little.

So, if you are planning on doing a spell that may or may not be ethical, how can you figure out weather or not to do the spell? Well, one good idea is to think it over. What is my specific need or want? Are there any other ways to go about getting it? Another good idea, if you know anything about tarot or runes or ??? is to do a reading of some sort to see what the results (or consequences) of doing such a spell would be, and to take the results of the reading into consideration before performing the spell.

The Spells

To Bless a New Relationship

Bake a fresh loaf of bread. Hold it up to the moon and ask the lady to bless the bread as well as the relationship. Break off a piece of the bread for your partner, as well as one for yourself as well. As you share time together, share the bread as well. (Do not cut the bread with a knife or any other cutting tool. Just break off the pieces with your hands. Adding butter or jam might be a good idea to help sweeten things up a bit.)

To Attract a Love

Play a CD or Tape of some romantic music that means something to you. Make sure that the music does not include songs that you associate with another person. It is important to keep specific people out of your mind performing this spell. On a sheet of cardboard, light a candle of your favorite color to represent you. Then, light a red or pink candle to represent whoever your new love may be. Using a red magic marker or crayon, draw a heart around the red candle. Every day for at least a week, relight the candles in the evening, and as soon as you light the candles, move them slightly closer together, so that on the last day, the candles are as close together as possible.

To Heal a Friendship

Shortly after an argument, buy a greeting card which closely expresses what you would like to say to your friend. Rub the greeting card with lavender leaves before you give it to them or mail it to ensure that it is well received.

To Bring Adventure to Your Life

Sprinkle the soles of your shoes with some cinnamon and place some almonds in your pocket before setting out for the day.

To Protect From Nightmares

Fill a small pillowcase with anise seeds, dragon’s blood, and lavender and place the pillowcase under your pillow when you go to sleep. Ask the Celtic Goddess, Mare (MAH-re), the bringer of dreams to only bring you nice dreams.

To Quiet a Noisy House

Powder some dragon’s blood, and in a small bottle, mix it with sugar and salt. Cover tightly and secure it someplace in the home where it will not be seen or disturbed. This will help keep things peaceful and quiet.

For A Peaceful Home

Gather freshly cut parsley and place it in a pan of water. Let it soak for nine minutes, and then sprinkle the water throughout the house while visualizing a calm environment. Peace will be restored.

For Protection and Purification (Bath)

Steep a teaspoon of basil in a cup of boiling water, and strain out the herb. Add it to you bath water for a protective and cleansing influence. It is particularly useful to clean off the feelings left by contact with those who are negative or controlling.

To Attract Customers to a Business or Visitors to a Home

Make a fine powder out of some basil leaves and sprinkle them around the main entrance to the home or place of business. It is believed that only good and friendly people will enter, since it supposedly repels those who intend harm toward the workers of a business or the occupants of a home.

To Lose Your Troubles

Take a handful of earth and gaze into it. Put all your troubles and thoughts of distress into it. State exactly what it is that’s troubling you. When finished, throw the dirt behind you and walk away without turning around to look at it.

To Bring Certain Influences Into Your Life

In a plot of prepared land, or in a medium sized flower pot, sow the seeds of an appropriate plant in the form of a symbol or rune representative of your need. Tend to the plants. After they sprout, draw a circle around them in the earth or soil with your power hand. Stand in quiet contemplation of the growing, living symbol. As it has sprung into existence, so shall your need.

You may want to look in a magical herbal book for the magical influences of certain herbs.

To Help Heal Depression

Light a green candle. As you gaze into the candle for a few moments, try to relax as much as you can and clear all thoughts from your mind. Visualize the Mother Goddess sitting in front of you. Listen for a moment to hear if she has any words of encouragement for you. Visualize her next hugging your and holding you as you rock gently back and forth from side to side easing away your pain and sorrow.

Another good idea, if you suffer from chronic depression is to see a therapist of some sort. There may be another way to deal with your problems, and sometimes just talking about it helps too.

To Enchant A Book

Light a blue and an indigo candle. Invoke a Goddess of Wisdom, and ask for her help to enchant the book. Inscribe the book letting the inscription express the desired wish.

To Help in Times of Financial Difficulties

With clove or cinnamon oil, trace a money symbol or rune on the largest denomination of bill that you have. Put this in your wallet and resist spending it for as long as you can. Every time you look at the bill, visualize the rune to reinforce its power.

WRITING SPELLS

WRITING SPELLS

Below are some steps that will help you get started when writing your own spells. Please keep in mind that this is not the only way to write your own spells. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to creating your own spells. A spell comes from your heart, not some universal law.

Your Spell’s Rough Draft

This is the construction process of a spell.

Define Purpose- Decide what it is you would like to accomplish with this spell.

Locate Correspondences- Look for various herbs, gemstones, colors, etc that correspond with the spell and look for other supplies you will need as well (e.g. working tools) .Also decide how you will use the correspondences during the spell. This could be anything from simply placing them on the alter in a given position to creating a charm or amulet.

Casting the Circle- Decide what technique you will use to open and close your circle.

Calling the Quarters / Inviting the God and Goddess- Decide what technique you will use to call the quarters (the elements) and invite the God and Goddess. (Note: this step or part of this step does not always have to be included in your spell)

Meditation- Decide on a meditation technique you would like to use during your spell.

Your Spell’s Final Draft

This is the sequence in which you may follow when casting a spell.

Set up the Alter Casting the Circle Call the Quarters and Inviting the God and Goddess Correspondences (place correspondences on the alter, light candles, etc.) Stating the Purpose (this can be done through rhyme, although it doesn’t have to) Charging the Charm/Amulet (if you choose to have a charm, this is the time to charge it) Meditate Thank the Quarters and the God and Goddess Snuff out Candles Close the Circle

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Spells and Spell Casting

Spells and Spell Casting

When talking about spells and spell casting you can get into some sticky situations. No other subject can cause so many divisions in the pagan community.

It seems that there are as many different ways and ethical practices as there are gods and goddesses in the universe. If you take into consideration that spells and the way you cast them is what makes them effective it begins to make perfect sense why.

In effective spell casting there are three very important ingredients that you must have, resolve, focus, and comfort.

Without resolve there can be no change, it is your commitment to an action that is the basis of a spell. You have to really want it! Without a genuine intention to effect a change you are casting magic to the wind, cluttering up an otherwise flowing universe. Spells without resolve can be detrimental undirected or worse misdirected energy is free to change unknown situations.

Make sure you really want the change you are trying to make. When you get it, it’s yours. This is where a little divination would come in handy to make sure you will be truly happy with the outcome of your spell.

Focus, direction, or meditation, how good can aim? The focus of your spell casting is as important as the resolve to make a change. If you can’t see the broad side of a barn you will not have the ability to effect a change on it. You have to be able to taste it! If you physically build a dog house, you have to have some idea what it will look like when you are done. A spell is like a dog house, if you don’t know what it’s supposed to look like when your done, you could very well end up with a failed attempt or worse. You have to belive it’s possible. If you can’t belive that something is possible it’s not. Anything is possible if you truly belive it can happen. If you belive you can make a change and you know how the change will take place and you can picture the end result of your spell, you are there.

Comfort is easy, if you can’t ethically accept the responsibility for your spell or there is something that bothers you about what you are trying to do or how you are going about it, don’t. You are the power in your spell, you are the creator and the control.

Poor comfort will mess up your focus and your resolve. Without comfort you will have a very poor spell at best.

Spell Working

SPELL WORKING

Because of the very nature of magick, each working should be highly individualized and personal.  Even if following a traditional spell, it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective for you. Understanding the basics of spell construction will enable you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose you desire.

Preliminary planning is necessary.  The very first step is to decide precisely what your desired end result is to be.  Before you can start, you must decide where you are going.  You must be very explicit.

It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully.  You should take into consideration all astrological implications, energy currents and moon phases.

The moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time when the moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for your working.

For example:

Aries/action – enthusiasm

Taurus/renewal – sensuality

Gemini/communication – curiosity

Cancer/emotion – nurturing

Leo/vitality – determined

Virgo/organizing – studious

Libra/balance – cooperation

Scorpio/sexual – philosophical

Sagitarius/strength – humour

Capricorn/authority – ambitious

Aquarius/innovation – social

Pisces/sensitivity – idealistic.

Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the moon is waxing (from dark to full);  when the moon is waning (from full to dark), it is time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away.

The highest energy occurs at the full moon and, therefore, this is the most powerful time for magickal workings.  The new moon is the next most powerful time for magick.

Whenever possible, follow nature’s natural energy currents.  There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things ( a harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.

Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier. remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy.  It is important that you have no distractions.  Generally speaking, it is best to work as late at night as possible.  A time when there is less frantic energy is most appropriate.  You might consider midnight or later.

In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable.  Your place should be private, quiet and secure.  If at all possible, set aside a special place for this purpose only.  An unused room, a special corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden.  A place that is yours.  A place that you can come to whenever need arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible.

Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the things that you will need.  All of the things used are tools.  They have no inherent magick.  They are to help you create a mood.  If correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from deep within you.  They should be chosen with care.  Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools accordingly.  If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils, incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response.  If the desired result of your magick is tranquillity, then the tools should make you feel calm, peaceful and serene.  Any candles you might use should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be appropriate for your working.

Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any means necessary to clean and purify.  Historically, people have fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices, practiced chastity and used many other methods.

Most often a ritual bath is the preferred method.  A bath frequently utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils. A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind completely of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day.  Your ritual bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to your purpose into motion.  You must not only cleanse and purify but must, also, begin to create the type of energy necessary. Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now ready to begin.  Proceed to the special place you have previously chosen in which to perform your magick.  If at all possible, you should make use of the primitive responses set into motion by a well chosen piece of music.  Your music should start slowly and build to a rousing climax.

More Hints For Successful Spellcasting

More Hints For Successful Spellcasting

Success in spellcrafting, as with any art, comes from practice and patience.
Medieval monks didn’t learn to brew world-renowned beverages overnight, nor did da Vinci create a masterpiece without making some mistakes. So, be patient with yourself in honing your magical arts and follow these suggestions to help get over the rough spots:

Bring as many of your senses into the magical procedure as possible to clarify
and delineate its purpose(s).

Always visualize your intentions in detail while you work.

Repeat spells whenever you feel the need. Each reiteration provides supportive
energy for manifestation.

Phrase the verbal component to be geared toward your specific intentions.

If you are uncomfortable with vocalizing spells, you can mentally recite them
just as effectively. Remember, thoughts are words uttered inwardly.

Eliminate, substitute, or augment any prop/focal you desire.

Be certain to maintain the congruity of meaning.

Use the timing as a guideline, not as an edict. Any time is the right time for
magic!

Make notes of your successes and failures. These memos will prove immensely
helpful in the future.

It is not necessary to use all the props and focals listed in devising your
spell. In fact, trying to do so would probably make the spell unmanageable
(unless you have three hands). Choose only those items that intimately sym-
bolize your goals, and that you feel are necessary to the spell’s construction.

Key Elements of Successful Spell Casting

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Key Elements of Successful Spell Casting

1. Like attracts Like – what you are focusing on is what you wil attract. If you focus on the problem or what you don’t want. Even though you say you don’t want it, because you’re energy is caught up in that negative emotion you will attract more of the same.

2. Faith & Certainty. In order to successfully cast a spell you must have absolute certainty that what you want to have happen will. There is no doubt, hope or longing. You know and so it becomes!

3. YOU are the key ingredient to a spells success. As it is your energy and focus that will determine the outcome of the spell.

4. It is strongly recommended that you cast your own spells. As often people will position themselves as witches and offer to cast a spell for you – and they are not aligned to what it is you want, as they are not true magickal practitioners. As any true white witch would tell you that YOU are the best person to cast your own spell, for the reason your energy is closer to the outcome than anyone elses.

5. And harm ye none. You Never Ever Ever look to go against another’s free will. Meaning you do not try to make them love you, or do anything you desire. We each have the right to choose for ourselves. We also are to never wish revenge or pain or suffering onto another.

6. The Rule of Three is that if you go against the right of another to free will and spell cast to make them do something. Feel something or have something happen to them – you will invoke the wrath of the Rule of Three and encounter something back tha tis three times in magnitude of your wrong doing.

 

Creating Spells from Scratch

Creating Spells from Scratch

by Skye Alexander

People who are new to magick often ask if it’s okay for them to create their own spells. The answer is a resounding yes. Think of it this way: someone, somewhere had to come up with the idea for the first spell, and the hundreds of thousands of spells after that. Personally created spells are often considered a very important step in the witch’s training and adeptness.

Once you’ve become familiar with casting spells and adapting existing spells for your individual purposes, you’re ready to design your own, original spells from scratch. Other than your fundamental knowledge of magick, you no longer have a construct to work from. You must devise all the actions, symbols, timing, wording, and other components of the spell yourself — that’s what makes creating original spells so exciting. It’s like being the composer of a piece of music and the performer as well.

Combining Components

The components you include in a spell should support, strengthen, balance, and harmonize with one another. They should also be items you feel comfortable using. Some witches enjoy working with flowers, herbs, and other botanicals. Others have a fondness for gemstones and crystals. No one type of ingredient is inherently better than another, but your feelings will certainly influence a spell’s outcome.

Keep your objective in mind at all times as you select ingredients. For instance, if you are making a love talisman, you might want to include pairs of ingredients: two rose petals, two pieces of rose quartz, etc. Consider the symbolism of each component and how well it aligns with your intention. A ring is a powerful symbol to put in a love talisman; a coin clearly symbolizes an intention to attract wealth.

Choosing your own ingredients, rather than following a prescribed formula, allows you to fine-tune a spell to your specific needs. Let’s say you’re doing a prosperity spell to help you (1) attract money and (2) hold on to it. To achieve both objectives, you could combine a piece of aventurine with a piece of hematite. Once you understand the basic natures and symbolism of various components, you can mix-and-match them to create exactly the right combination of energies.

Designing Steps and Procedures

In cooking, it’s necessary to follow certain steps and procedures in a particular order. The same is true in spell-casting. Following these steps will help you create spells that are just as effective as those you learn from a book or from another magician.

  • Boil down the purpose of the spell to a word or short phrase.
  • Find the ingredients suited to your goal (by using correspondence lists in this and/or other resource books).
  • Determine the best possible timing for the spell (see Chapter 18).
  • Decide if you want to include an affirmation or incantation. If so, write it so that it describes your components and your goal.
  • Cleanse and bless all the items you will be using as part of the spell (this rids them of unwanted energies).
  • Consider any actions that might help support the magick and where best to insert them in the spell-casting process (for example, lighting a candle at the outset to illustrate your intention).
  • Prepare yourself and the space where you’ll cast the spell, as described further along in this chapter.
  • Focus your will to raise energy and guide it mentally toward your objective, then release it and trust in the outcome.
  • Keep a journal (or grimoire) of your results for future reference.

It’s not necessary to always follow every step of this process. There will be moments when you can’t conduct a spell at “just the right time,” or when you don’t have perfectly suitable components. Some spells don’t require numerous ingredients or actions — a visualization or simple statement of intent may be all that’s necessary. Your thoughts and your will are the most important components of any spell; the rest are optional.

Adapting Spells

Adapting Spells

by Skye Alexander

Today, you’ll find many books on spellcraft that contain instructions for casting spells. You can also purchase ready-made kits that include all the ingredients necessary for a spell. Nonetheless, if those instructions or ingredients don’t make sense to you or break your personal ethics, the spell will not work.

The best spells are those you create yourself or adapt to suit your own purposes. The process of collecting ingredients, preparing them, and designing the steps of your spell focuses your mind on your intention and adds energy to the spell. Sometimes you must adapt a tried-and-true spell because you can’t get the designated components. For example, if you lived in New England and used ash leaves or bark in protection spells but then moved to Texas, you would not be able to find such plant life; you could then compensate by substituting another ingredient, such as basil.

One of the beauties of spellcraft is its versatility. Spellcraft, of course, isn’t a fixed, rigid dogma; it’s a living, growing body of knowledge and experience that continues to expand as the number of witches working magick grows.

With the previous example in mind, it’s easy to see that there will be many times when a witch or Wiccan will want to adapt a spell or devise one of her own. How do you begin the process? Adapting a spell is far easier than creating one, so let’s start there. When a witch examines a spell, she looks for continuity and comprehensiveness.

  • Does the spell target your goal through its words, actions, and components?
  • Does it do so on a multisensual level (involving your hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell)?
  • Does every part of the spell make sense and excite your higher sentiments?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, try to find a substitute. To illustrate, many old love spells call for blood as a component. But modern awareness of disease (or squeamishness) might make blood inappropriate. Instead a witch could use red wine. The red juice from crushed raspberries, strawberries, or passion fruit (fruits associated with love) would also work well. In this manner, she can still follow the basic spell while relying on components that are safe and support her ethics.