Spellcrafting 101 - A Learning & Discussion Topic

[LadyWinterWolf]

This thread will be dedicated to the learning and discussion of the topic of spellcrafting. Spells will be listed, tools, components, informational posts and discussion will be encouraged. How is one to learn without discussion, for everyone has the ability to impart knowledge, as well as to absorb it.

So seek the knowledge, and share your own with others.



This information was gathered while I still walked a Wiccan path. The ideas mentioned here are very elementary and not all apply to my current beliefs and practice. I consider some of what is here to be somewhat silly now, as my experiences have caused me to discover new ideas and techniques. I should specify.....the techniques may also seem a bit silly, but the ideas themselves really are not. You might understand what I mean as you read through. This information signifies a past state of mind and a past practice of mine, so you are free to learn from it, or be entertained by it......

BE SPECIFIC

When you perform a spell, it's important to be specific in what you want to achieve. If you are vague, your energy can be misdirected and bring you something you didn't intend to receive. If you desire something- money, love, or even protection, you need to focus specifically on what you want, not project a general idea. If you ask only for love or money, you may receive one of these things at the expense of another person. Focus on exactly what you want, not just on a general idea. If you don't, it can result in the projection of unintended negativity. This is not something that can and will happen, but something that can and MIGHT happen.

HOW TO PREVENT A NEGATIVE SPELL

There are ways to help prevent your energy from bringing you something you didn't intend to receive. First, of course, is to be specific about what you want. As specific as possible. Before each spell, visualize your goal, imagine receiving what you need, and imagine what your life will be like after receiving it. Concentrate as long as you can stand it. State how you would like to receive your goal- the money in this example- in a lump sum, or in a series of sums- but also state a time limit. Maybe you would like to receive it within the month. Also, state that you wish for it to be enough money to pay for what you need. Don't ask for a million dollars when all you need is 500 dollars. And, when you end your spell, say, "This or something better now comes to me," or form your own similar phrase to say. This insures that if the god and goddess have more in store for you than you asked for, you will receive it. You asked for 500 dollars, but what if circumstances are enabling you to receive 2000 dollars? Speaking a similar phrase keeps the door open to better possibilities.

Also, an extremely important thing to remember before ending a spell, is to speak words to help prevent your energy from being directed in a negative way. This should be a standard ritual for you- to speak protective words before ending every spell. Saying, "For the good of all, and my energy harms none," is a good phrase to use. This helps to keep your indended positive spell from unexpectedly harming someone.

Simple candle spell guideline:

What you need- a candle corresponding with the intent of your spell, a candle holder, a piece of paper (plain paper or parchment paper), oil to anoint your candle.

First, light your altar candle.

Cast the circle, invite the deities, guardians, etc. Raise your energy and focus on the goal of your spell. Sit at your altar and anoint and charge the spell candle. Place the candle in the holder and light it, saying words you wrote, derived from your intention (to bring a new love into your life, you can say, "I am loved because I love, bring a new love into my life.") Now, write on your paper a description of what you want to receive. For a new love, write the characteristics of your ideal mate (NOT a specific person). Fold the paper up and place it on your altar. Release your energy, bid farewell to the deities, and close the circle. Allow your spell candle to burn down completely in a place it will be undisturbed. Place the paper in a safe place. When you see the results of your spell, burn the paper.

FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS

Remember, one of the most important elements in spellcrafting is FOCUS. You must focus completely on your goal. Visualize it in detail after you raise your energy and before proceeding with the spell. Take as long as you feel necessary to effectively visualize your detailed goal. Visualize it as you perform the spell as well. Without complete focus, your spells will likely be ineffective.

A question I am often asked is, "Should I memorize my spells?" Yes, this is important also. How can you focus if you don't remember how to proceed? And how can you focus if you are reading from a piece of paper? Yes, memorize your spells.






EDIT: for title coloring

[LadyWinterWolf]

What is a spell? It's a prayer with props.....simple really.

ALL ABOUT SPELLS


The spell is at the heart of folk magick. it is simply a ritual in which various
tools are purposefully used, the goal is fully stated (in words, pictures or
within the mind): & energy is moved to bring about the needed result.

Spells can be as simple as reciting a short chant over a fresh rose while
placing it between 2 pink candles in order to draw love; forming & retaining an
image of the needed result in the mind; or placing a quartz crystal in a sunny
window for protection purposes.

To perform effective magick - 3 necessities must be present: The Need, the
Emotion & the Knowledge.

It has been said that magick was the first religion, & that if you lovingly
utilize the forces of nature to cause beneficial change, you also become one of
them.

It is these powers that have been personified as Goddesses & Gods. Attuning with
them is a spiritual experience & is the basic of all true religion.

COMPOSE THE RHYME OR WORDS OF POWER

Clearly state your need.

Clearly state all dimensions of your need (enduring love, rather than just love;
complete protection, rather than just physical protection; etc.).

If possible, mention some of the tools that you've decided to use in the spell
in your words of power or magickal rhyme. Indeed, for some spells, these words
may help you to structure the entire rhyme or chant.

Use hypnotic words (those beginning with 's" or containing a "z") for psychic-
awareness, love, healing spells; Use potent, strong words for protection spells.
match the words to the type of ritual you're composing.

Don't expect the words to simply flow from you. Work at it & work with them.
Your psychic mind knows what you need.

[kaber]

Quite Interesting. Your ideas on spell work remind of the "Blue Feather Effect". Essentially what you think, you can make real. To best explain it try this little technique:

Close your eyes and picture an object of desire. It can be money or a car or anything physical. Hold it in your mind in a void. See yourself holding the object or within the object. Once you have a clear picture open your eyes and think no more of it. Generally within 3 days it will come to you.

The idea is that mental energy can alter physical reality, just like spells. Spells require "material components" such as a symbol or words to focus energy. Emotion intensifies the energy and vocalization imprints your will on the cosmos via vibration. It is the manipulation of energy that functions much like a spell but without the focal points.

Now there is something to be said for will power. It seems if an opposing will is stronger, then your "Blue Feathering" may not function as wished. I still haven't figured out all the laws that govern this effect but I have used it many times successfuly.

Hope you don't mind a different view here LWW. I know its not techniqualy spell craft but the same principles apply.

[RowanMoonWynd]

Very good information LWW, please keep posting the knowledge.

And Kaber.......I got that stove I've been wanting envisioned.......I'll let you know if I'll be getting it in the next few days!

[LadyWinterWolf]

Kaber wrote:

Hope you don't mind a different view here LWW. I know its not techniqualy spell craft but the same principles apply.

Of course I don't mind sweetheart, a different view doesn't make your post off topic; it gives everyone something else to consider.

Spellcrafting is not just using components at all times; the energy you speak of is most definitely a factor that can be utilized. Practicing energy manipulation can make one stronger mentally, and in the long run, help with focusing.

Wiccan bookshelves probably contain more verbiage on spellwork than on any other topic. Let's cut through the clutter, and get it down to one simple paragraph:

All spellwork consists of visualizing a goal, then focusing magical energy and intention onto that goal. Everything else is stage props and window dressing.

That's not to say that the stage props aren't important. Anything that helps you focus and prepare for magical work, anything that helps you visualize a goal, anything that helps you raise and direct the energy, is a useful magical tool. Any tool that works is, by definition, a good tool.

On the other hand, the most carefully planned and precisely executed ritual procedure is worthless, if it's performed without focus and intent. Any spell whose words and symbolism don't work for you is worthless to you -- though for someone else, it may be excellent. There are certain spells, or general ways of creating spells, that are carefully handed down because they've been honed by generations of practitioners and they work well for most of us. Even so, if you try one and it doesn't work for you, try something else. Don't entirely forget about the one that didn't work for you; it might be just the thing for one of your friends or coveners. Or in a few years, under different circumstances, you may find a technique that didn't work for you before is now full of power and usefulness.

There are many possible paths to any magical goal. There are many possible applications for any technique. There are many possible meanings for any ritual activity or symbol. You've always got lots of options.

Any spell that can be done at all, can be done with empty hands, in silence, any place where you can get a few minutes' peace and quiet. However, most of us, most of the time, prefer a little more help than that. The less experienced one is, the more tired or out-of-focus, the more useful the externals and stage props of magic are. The externals are also very helpful -- almost essential -- to get a group focused together on a magical effort. The more you work with groups, the more valuable it is to use the same symbol systems that are known and accepted by others.

Still, don't get carried away by the externals. If you're spending half your grocery money on altar tools, if you panic because you can't find the proper herb or stone, or if trying to remember the words of a spell distracts you from focusing on the intent -- it's time to go back to basics, and remind yourself of what's really important.

With that in mind, let's look at a few of the varieties of spellwork:

Verbal Spells: These work best when they are short, rhythmic, and state clearly the purpose of the working. Repeated over and over, they function as musical chants do, to silence distractions in your mind and to focus on the goal and raise energy. A purposeful bit of doggerel you create for the occasion will work better than some elegantly worded piece of poetry written by a stranger that you've copied out of a book and used by rote. The spells you find in books are suggestions and possibilities, nothing more.

Talismans: Stones, herbs, colours, bits of jewellery -- these things have no inherent magical value; they are symbol systems only. What works for you, works. Any object can be a focus and vehicle of magical intent; if you can't come up with, say, a doubly-terminated amethyst crystal, wrapped in silver wire and tied into an orange cloth with three bay leaves and a copper coin, then use a pebble from your driveway or a twig donated by a nearby bush instead. The symbol systems used in talisman making can be useful ways of visualizing the goal and focusing your efforts -- but don't make the mistake of thinking these symbols have any inherent or absolute magical power. They contain only the power we give to them.

The one exception to this is -- sometimes -- Herb Magic. Certain herbs do have a medicinal effect when ingested; certain scents do trigger hard-wired responses in the human mind and body. Herbs with such effects should be used only as lore indicates. Herbs and scents whose magical value is purely symbolic, however, may be adapted and customized just like any other magical tool.

You can focus magical energy into a talisman gradually, as you are creating it, or afterwards with a cone of power or some such -- or both.

Knot Magic: Knots may be tied with magical intent. Several people may tie their cords together, to combine magical effort. The knotted cord may be burned to release the magic (natural fibres only, please!), or it may be kept like any other talisman, or it may be used as a meditation device, fingering the knots like the beads of a rosary. The later untying of knots may also be part of the spell.

Some Witches keep one magical cord, and use it over and over; others use a new cord for each spell. The traditional "Witch's Ladder" is a nine-foot cord with forty knots; however, if this proves unwieldy, use whatever length works for you. Depending upon the application, anything from thread to finger-thick cord may be suitable.

One powerful group technique is the weaving of a web. A ball of yarn is tossed back and forth across the circle, unwinding as it goes, while participants sing some appropriate web-weaving chant and/or shout out words or phrases appropriate to the goal. Knots may be tied in the web, or small objects fastened into it. The group can raise more energy by dancing the finished web around in a circle, raising it up and down (perhaps with the person who is the target of the magical working lying on top of it... Whee! what a ride!), firing a cone of power into it, or whatever. This can be a wonderful group bonding exercise, too.

It needs at least seven people; if you've got more than twenty you might want more than one ball of yarn going at once. Start with a solidly wound sphere of yarn; soft machine-wound yarn balls have lousy aerodynamic properties.

Burning something written on a piece of paper: This can be done for many different purposes. Burn the name of something you want to banish, and let the flames destroy it. Burn a prayer or a thank-you message or a promise, with or without a pinch of incense, as a way of sending it to the gods. Burn a goal or commitment, as a way of making it irrevocable (it can no longer be erased or changed) and of adding the fire's energy to it. Burn a message to ash, then add the ash to a talisman.

Candle Magic: The good thing about candle spells is that magical energy is being released the entire time the candle is burning. The bad thing about candle spells is that a candle is a fire hazard for the entire time that it's lit. A long-burning candle should be contained in a sturdy, untippable jar; a taper left burning unattended should be in a sink or a similarly sturdy, fireproof basin out of the reach of pets and children. Watch out, too, for overhanging hazards such as cupboard doors that could swing out over the flame.

Occult supply shops are full of special-purpose candles at exhorbitant prices. Don't waste your money on them; a candle you prepare for yourself is far better than an assembly-line product created by strangers.

Take a candle -- any plain candle will do -- charge it with magical intent and a strong visualization of your intended goal, and then burn it. If you wish, you can meditate further upon the goal while the candle burns in front of you. Don't spend too long staring at a candle flame at close range; you may damage your eyes.

If you want to get more elaborate, do some or all of the following: Choose a candle whose colour corresponds to the magical purpose at hand. Rub the candle with appropriate scented oil, or warm it enough that the wax is slightly soft, and roll it in appropriate incense or powdered herbs. Carve or write suitable words or symbols on it.

If you're into making your own candles (and stubs of old candles, provided they're not magically charged, can be recycled in this way), you can combine the colours you want, add herbs or scented oils to the melted wax, mold or carve the candle in a particular shape, or build a candle in layers that will burn in the appropriate sequence. As with any other magical work, the more focused effort and intent you put into creating a ritual tool, the more effective it will be when you use it. We can't all forge our own athames, but most of us can melt a little wax in a double boiler and pour or dip a candle.

[LadyWinterWolf]

Physical Spells: Any physical action that effectively models the magical intent can be used as a part of spellwork. This can include flushing down the toilet a symbol of something you want to get rid of (be careful not to clog the drain!), tying two people (or dolls representing them) together at a handfasting, or sprinkling water on a map of an area where rain is needed. Spellbooks will give you some ideas, but if a book doesn't have what you want, use your imagination. Work with the available materials and practical constraints. Be creative -- but you don't have to be elaborate. Read Wiccan texts to learn some of the symbols, and systems of symbols, that are available -- and then apply them in a way that works for you.

Cone of Power: This is simply a way for a group to simultaneously raise magical energy and direct it to a goal. There are many possible external procedures used to raise and shape and direct the energy. It may be fired off in a slow trickle or in a sudden climactic burst. It may be used to charge an object that's physically present, or sent off to some distant target. Usually the cone of power is directed by one person -- but not necessarily. The only external characteristic that all cones of power have in common is that the participants stand (or sit) in a circle, facing inward.

No matter what the external process or the accompanying visualization, all good cones of power feel much the same internally.

If a cone of power is fired off in a single burst, the release feels a bit like a good orgasm. This is no coincidence. Magical energy and sexual energy are made of the same stuff and are often interchangeable; this is the "secret" behind all sex magic techniques, and is also the reason why most Witches choose a day or two of sexual abstinence before a major magical working.

An orgasm is also, incidentally, a failproof and pleasant way to ground leftover magical energy when you get home after a ritual.


ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The ethics of magic is a subject important enough to demand repeated discussion. In summary, though, the rule is this: examine every spell you do for its ethical implications before you begin. Are there any ways in which the intended result could cause harm to anyone or anything? (Remember, a gain for one person can mean an undeserved loss for another, and rain in your parched garden could translate to flash floods or drought fifty miles away.) Are there any loopholes in the wording or intent? (Remember the cautionary tale of The Monkey's Paw.) Are you willing to pay the necessary price, and to follow up the spellwork with effort of the more mundane sort? Are you resorting to magic too soon, before other alternatives have been adequately tried? Do you have the consent of the intended recipient of the magical gift? Is what you're asking for what you really want? Is there any potential for harm in this spell? Communing with your deities will most definitely help you come to the correct decisions.

[Rune Walsh]

Kaber, you just basically described the basics of what I practice -   Elementalism.

Very fundamental way of spellcasting, if anyone's interested I'll post on it and how you can basically incorporate it in with whatever other spellcasting you are doing. Elementalism is fairly universal.

[kaber]

Excelent Rune. Yes elementalism is what I practice. I would very much like to know your views and how you practice.

[Rune Walsh]

Hah, I'm a rather simplistic elemental myself. Wind by birth (major) and Water by past life (Minor). I was tought the craft by having it used upon me by an old sister of mine, Kat. (gawd I miss her and Christina...) Upon that note the first spell-like effect I learned to do with it was make another person's stomach contents rise into their throat not unlike how it was done unto me the first time. It's not nausieating or painful, it's just kind of warm. The second thing I taught myself was, well, we were playing voleyball in gym and I channeled my energies in the same way and put them into the opposing server's arm. Every time I did (usually) he would over-serve or screw up. It was funny, I just snickered in the background.

Anyway, my views. Honestly, I just see elementalism as an extension of myself, more like an enhancement than anything else. I've never personally really been able to get anything visible to happen, which is rather disappointing, but the magic itself nonetheless is still strong. In general you don't need components, at all, just think and it happens, meditate for a more powerful effect, but if you want a really big thing to happen with a big effect, components are handy. Only things I ever used were insence, my fish and his water, and a dagger. Nothing spectacular. I don't practice much... If anything, I practice while in the shower while I have my OCRemix music blasting next to me, just moving around gracefully with my energy and doing a small bit of 'divination'.

No, don't start, that wasn't perverted at all. I was serious.

Any other questions? I could go into how it ties into with who I am (which only Kaber knows and would recieve which information in a PM or such). And while you're at it, tell me about your practices Kaber.

[RowanMoonWynd]

RowanMoonWynd said:

And Kaber.......I got that stove I've been wanting envisioned.......I'll let you know if I'll be getting it in the next few days!

So I thought I'd tell you...........it took longer than a few days, but I'M GETTING MY STOVE!!! The impossible has happened!! Incredible huh? At that time I made that post I had no idea how I was going to get a new stove, and thought I'd have to wait until Feb or Mar when we got our income tax return back, but thanks to this article, I tried the elementalism.........AND IT WORKED!!!! YaY!  

[kaber]

Excellent Rowan.  
The process of "Blue Feathering" has proven itself time and time again. It is one form of "Elementalism" that I practice. It utalizes energies of the spirit. I can also call the wind, Cloud Speak-summon clouds, hear trees sing, the earth's vibration and of course manipulate energy among other things.

Elementalism is just that, manipulating the energy around you through the use of visualization and focusing it for a specific purpose. The energy around us comes from the elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Air and spirit. They can be combined as say steam (Water-air). The more elements you draw from the greater the energy but you must beware of opposing forces. Using Fire and Water as base elements in which to draw from may cause conflict and your "Spell" will not have the desired results. Use opposing elements to produce greater energy (Earth-air=storm) then use that energy.

Some thoughts on how to use the elements by defining them.


Earth is a grounding force. it is solid, wall like. Unmovable as a whole and very physical. It is the manifestation of a reality that we can touch. It is also pacive. It is foundation and rarely causes change but is often effected by change. Because of its stability it is a good focal point, ie: crystals, metals, ect. but to much and it will ground the energy around you.

Air is invisible. It moves at will. It is a carrier, a messenger. It sees all but knows nothing. Intangible and hard to define it surrounds everyone and everything. Air is playful. It embodies freedom, flight, fantasy and the heavens. It is a carefree traveler. Combined with earth however, air can become savage in the form of a storm.
As thunder it haralds the coming storm, it is the messenger of destruction. It can cause great damage itself when "angered" as the tornado. Swift, howling rage beating from all directions.

Fire is highly energetic. It consumes even as it lights. It needs air to lift it and earth to fuel it. It is quick, desisive, like lightning. In small amounts it to is playful, party like. It is the light and it is a focal point. It dances, mesmerizing, hypnotizing. Colorful, flambouyant. It radiates energy and that energy lights the darkness, burns away the uneccesary. It is a symbol of rapid change and of love. Fire is romantic and mysterious. Passionat and bold. It's light is revealing. Showing the hidden things. It is protective, keeping the creatures of the night at bay. As air it can grow uncontrolable. It is fury, a dragons rage. It will destroy indiscrminatly. Consuming all in its path. It is vengance leaving only ash and dust in its wake. Be very careful when using fire it can backlash and it will burn the hand that uses it.

Water is reflective, meditative. Calming, soothing. It is a healer, washing away the dirt and purifying. It is a voyager and it keeps many secrets within its depths. Water generaly moves slow but changes much. It erodes earth and puts out fire. It is the color blue, it is tolerance and understanding. Patience and practice. It is a sustainer, life giver. Water is a symbol of the psychi, and altered states, the depths of the mind. It flows to fit any container, maleable, it represtents adaptation, change to fit any enviroment. It can take the forms of a solid, a gas, liquide and plasma.
It to can be destructive. It can rise to a torent, washing away all around you. Its energy can become to much to control and thus "drown" you. It's beuty can be misleading and draw you further into its depths. It is turmoil. It can conflict with earth and beat against obsticals in its way until they fall. Undermining the coarse set for it.

Spirit is the force of energy within us and surrounds all around us. Like air it is intangible but its precence is strong. It is the guide, the seeker and teacher. It is devine in nature and cosmic in energy. It is thought made reality, White and Gold it is universal and powerful. It binds all forces together and with it you can manipulate all elemental energies. It knows no distance or boundry. It has no concept of time or place. It is knowledge and wisdom. It too is a healer and a portector. Practice and pateince. It teaches us. It can be used for good or ill but in itself is neither builder or destroyer. It is charged, positive or negative. Repelling or drawing. It shapes other energies accoarding to ones will.


So hope this helps for those of you wishing to explore more about elementalism. The defanitions give examples of how you may use certain focal objects or associated energies to achieve desired results. Let me know how you use them and to what effect.

(Note: edited to add smilies   )

[LadyWinterWolf]

Congrats on the new stove Rowan, but your attempt at blue feathering went so well that I just got a new stove myself......thanks!!!

This is wonderful seeing the discussion and exchange of knowledge between folks that take spellcrafting seriously, and are not just dabblers of the art, or pretend to know the arts to fit in with the Pagan "crowd".

[LadyWinterWolf]

Being a Dark or Nocturnal Witch, the laws of spellcrafting apply in different manners and concepts.

Taken from: www.waningmoon.com



Dark Paganism


Common Laws of Magic
(author unknown)

1. Law of Knowledge: to effect/affect a thing you must know the thing. The more you know about yourself the more you can know something else.

2. Law of Identification: with your will you can become anything- be one with anything. (Our only tool is the brain)

3. Law of Contagion: anything that has been in contact with something else maintains contact with that thing through the ether.

4. Law of Names knowing the True Name of something defines the action you take to focus a function on that thing.

5. Law of Cause and Effect: under exactly the same conditions using the same actions you will always obtain the same results.

6. Law of Infinite Data: there is more in the universe than we can sense or know. Learning never stops.

7. Law of Association: if a thing reminds you of something else it can be used as a simulacrum for that something else for magickal purposes.

8. Law of Infinite Universes: change your perspective in one area and you change your universe. There are always three choices available.

9. Law of Invocation and Evocation: there are forces outside and inside of you that you can tap and direct through your brain.

10. Law of Pragmatism: if it works, it is true.

11. Law of Predestination and Free Will: events are predestined, each person chooses whether and to what extent to participate in them.

12. Law of Polarity: everything contains and implies its opposite.

COROLLARIES:

a. As above so below. You can extrapolate the universe from one atom.

b. Rhythm serves as a counterbalancing pendulum.

c. "Chance" is a Law which tends to be ignored.

d. "Time" is a function of perspective, subject to the aggregate psychological outlook of your society.

e. Matter is a function of energy, energy can be converted but not destroyed.

f. The combination of any two energy forms will result in a third energy form more complex that the combination of the original two.

g. Even though there are always three choices available, you can always think of another one.

h. There is no such thing as a wrong emotion, just an incorrect interpretation and manifestation thereof.

i. Don't take yourself too seriously, you are a physical function of a very young race. And Life is a lowlife clever practical joker, that loves to piss on your plans - keep your sense of humor.

j. It may not matter 10,000 years from now, but if it affects you it matters. Understand it and react accordingly.

k. Don't pee in the beer.

[Rune Walsh]

I actually really like those ideas presented... It all works with the way I work, if it makes sense, do it! I may have to look into this Nocturnal Magic more...

[LadyWinterWolf]

Rune said:

I actually really like those ideas presented... It all works with the way I work, if it makes sense, do it! I may have to look into this Nocturnal Magic more...

Already told you I would most likely take you on as an apprentice....and of course, you would work with Kaber also, for a very well rounded magickal education.