~Concerning Spellwork & Ritual~
~What is Spellwork?~
There are many different definitions for spellwork, but the most general definition of spellwork is the performing of magick to achieve some sort of change that will result in a desired outcome.
~How Do I Perform Spellwork?~
How does one perform spellwork? This can be a matter of opinion and debate amongst witches. How a witch casts a spell is based on their beliefs, their magickal training and their experience through trial and error. I cannot say that there is one "right way" to perform a spell, for we are all individuals. What may work for one witch, may not work for another. This is where perfecting your Craft comes into play, or the "trial and error" stage, as I like to call it.
~Trial and Error~
When taking those first tentative steps into spellwork, many often rely too heavily on others' spells. How often have you read through a how-to Craft book and it has stated that the spells that are printed within are only meant to be a guideline for you to follow and are not meant to be recited word-for-word? Not too many new beginners heed this,(I know I didn't), and try to perform their first spell exactly as it is printed in the book. I have rarely heard of any new witch who has tried to perform a spell this way getting their desired outcome. That's not to say the spell didn't work, though in many cases it may not have, but often the outcome manifests in a totally unexpected way.
There are instances when the spell actually may work correctly, but I still stress it is best to write and perform your own spells. Of course, you may have written your own spell and it still did not manifest in a desired way. There are several reasons why it did not, but usually it is because of lack of experience, lack of focus, or relying too heavily on another's spells to work for you. Just changing the names and a few words around does not make a spell your own.
~So, What Went Wrong?~
If you are focusing so hard on getting everything perfect, trying to perform a spell exactly as it is done in a book, then you are not focusing your energy on your desire, which is key in any magickal spellwork. All you are doing is reciting the words and mimicking the actions of another. Think about it. If you are calling on a deity you are not familiar with, chanting words that you can barely pronounce, let alone understand their meaning, then just how well do you think the spell will work for you?
Some other reasons a spell might not work:
Intention or purpose may not have been stated precisely or correctly.
The timing of the spell may not have been right for that particular spell.
The powers that be may not grant your request because it does not work within your spiritual plan.
You may be expecting too much too soon. Impatience does not help you or your magickal work.
Magick cannot replace physical action. Use magick only after all other recourses have been tried. You can't depend on magick to do everything for you. You must put forth every effort to correct a situation before resorting to magickal means. Laziness is not an option.
The situation may not be in balance, meaning sometimes things must get worse before they can improve. The Universal energies keep everything in balance, therefore, your interference with this balance may result in a "dead" spell or a spell that doesn't work. Like it or not, the powers that be have the final say-so in spellwork.
Sometimes it just doesn't work. You may have performed the spell correctly, used the right correspondences, the correct timing, etc. and the spell still didn't work. Perhaps the spell just wasn't the right one to do. Don't beat yourself up over it. Simply try something else.
The keys to spellwork are personalization, focus and belief. This means you need to write and perform a spell in a way that holds true meaning for you. If you are comfortable performing a spell, then you will be able to focus on your intention and will not be distracted by words and actions that are foreign to you. Don't worry about all the bells and whistles of ritual if you are not familiar with it. A spell does not have to be a complicated undertaking to work. When first learning, I think it is best to keep it as simple as possible. Remember, the fewer distractions you have, the more focused you will be.
A good understanding of the basics of Witchcraft and spellwork is needed, but also a strong belief is required to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish. Self-doubt will send a spell astray quicker than anything else. Always keep this in mind before attempting to perform a spell.
~Planning Your Spell~
To begin any spellwork, you must first decide what type of spell you want to do. What type of spell you choose to perform will help you decide on what correspondences you will use as well as when you will perform your magickal work (i.e.~ lunar phase, day of the week, astrological signs, etc.).
~The Basics~
1. Choose the type of spell you are going to perform. (As an example, I will do a money spell.)
2.Choose your correspondences. (i.e.- colors, herbs, stones, a deity~ if you choose to work with deities)
3.Decide on the best time to do your spell. (i.e.- moon phase, day of the week, etc.)
4.Get a pen and a piece of paper and start writing out a rough draft of your spell. (This doesn't have to be an elaborate ritual, so don't get excited. Just take your time and focus on what it is you want to achieve.) a. State your purpose.
b. State your reasons for the purpose.
c. State what desired outcome.
d. Ask the powers that be (deity, Spirit, Universe, etc.) to grant your request.
e. Thank the powers that be for aiding you in your spellwork.As you do these steps, incorporate the items you have chosen to use in your spell. Choose when you wish to use these particular items, write down how you will use them, what actions you will perform with them, and when you use them, think of their purpose in the spell.
~A Simple Spell~
~Moone's Money Spell~
What you will need:Note*- This spell can be performed based on moon phase alone. If a waxing or full moon does happen to fall on a Sunday or Thursday, it will increase the spell's power more, but if the moon phase doesn't correspond with either day, you can still perform the spell and it will be affective.*
What to do:First and always, ground and center yourself.
Choose where you wish to perform your spell, such as your altar or a table, then create sacred space by casting a circle.
(If inviting a deity to preside over your spell, do so now, asking that they bless the magickal work you are about to perform.) Cleanse and consecrate all the items you will be using. On your altar, table, or you can use a plate, draw a pentacle with the salt. It should be large enough that you can place the candle within the center of the star.(Do the best you can. I know making a pentacle with salt is not easy.) With your knife, carve out a dollar sign in the candle.
As you carve, think about the purpose of your spell. Annoint the candle and the money.
(If you choose to ask a deity to aid you in your spell, ask that deity to bless these objects.) Place the money in the center of the star, then place the candle over the money.
(I would suggest using a candle dish or holder of some sort. It's not only fire safe, it will keep your furniture and money free of wax.) Sprinkle the moss around the candle. Light the candle. As you light the candle, visualize the money you need coming to you. (You can see yourself holding a wallet full of cash, or see yourself holding a check worth the amount of money you need, for example)Now say something like..."I light this candle to draw
money to me to meet my financial needs."(If working with a deity, call on the deity to help fulfill your need. Example- "I ask Thee, (name of Goddess/God), to grant me that which I ask.") Allow the candle to burn while you meditate on your needs, visualizing yourself financially stable, free from debt and happy. When you feel the time is right, now say
"So mote it be!"
You may now extinguish the candle or allow it to burn throughout the day (as long as you do not leave it unattended), then open your circle.
(Remember to thank the elements, spirits, deities, etc. before releasing the circle.) Your spell is now done.Note*- This spell can also be done as a seven-day spell. Using a taper candle, carve six notches down the side of the candle, the space between each notch representing a day. (example~ the top of the candle to the first notch is one day. The sixth notch to the bottom of the candle is the seventh day).
Each day for a week, light the candle while focusing on your desired outcome. Allow the candle to burn down to the next notch, then extinguish it. When the candle has burnt completely down, your spell is done.
~Drawing Down the Moon~
One of the most popular rituals performed today is the DDM ritual or Drawing Down the Moon. This ritual is performed during the full moon esbat. Its purpose is to draw the Goddess' energy into yourself, empowering and rejuvenating you.
In covens, this ritual is most often performed by a man and a woman, usually the High Priestess and High Priest, for it also symbolizes the unity of the Goddess and God. Thus, the chalice and athame are used during the ritual.Because I am a solitary, I have adapted this ritual for a solitary practioner.
What you will need:
chalice
athame
water,juice or wineWhat to do:
Set up your ritual space.
Cast your circle
Call the quarters and invite the elements.
Invite the Lord and Lady to preside over your ritual.
Begin your ritual.Below is a ritual chant that I wrote, which may be modified to suit your own preferences. I only ask that if used, my copyright remain intact, please.
~Solitaire's
Drawing Down the Moon Chant~
~Magickal Links~
Home
Tools
Timing/Moon Phases
Correspondences
Amethyst's Moon Magick (for more in depth study)
