Spellcraft Basics
First of all, what is a spell? A spell is a way to manifest our desires into reality. A spell can be as simple as wishing on a birthday candle before blowing it out, or much more complex. Some people will say that the simpler the better when it comes to Spellwork, but there's a lot to be said for taking the time to gather the proper herbs, mixing them at the proper moon phase, and using every magical tool at your disposal to create an intricate and satisfying call to the elements. So Mote It Be. Spells are not limited to those that you find in books or on the internet, or even those passed down through familial connections (if you are so lucky). You can, and most likely will, create your own spells most of the time. With just a basic knowledge of herbal meanings, crystal colors and vibrations, candle colors, and aromatherapy, you can acomplish almost any type of spell with ease and confidence. While timing may be a factor you want to keep in mind (such as the moon phases or time of day), the most important ingredient in any spell is INTENT. You can take the most intricate love spell ever developed, gather every necessary herb and stone, burn the right candle at the right time, but without intent, nothing will happen. Intent is basically two things: Focus and Confidence. Focus your energy, with the absolute confidence that your power cannot be ignored. There can be absolutely no doubt in your mind that your spell will work. Remember, you aren't asking. You are commanding.
There are so many different kinds of spells, it would be impossible to list them all here. Some spells go back for centuries, and those usually have healing connotations as they most likely originated from village "wise-women", or mid-wives. These ancient spells sometimes call for herbs or other ingredients that make no sense to us now. This is because villagers didn't know the common names for some plants, so made up their own. This may have also been done to make their medicine seem more mysterious or unique. Whatever the reason, we can only assume which plants they used based on the time and locale of the origination of the spell. Most spells were handed down by word-of-mouth anyway, so the integrity of some of the more curious spells is questionable. Scott Cunningham (a name you'll hear a lot in spell-casting circles), has several spells in his books with unconfirmed ingredients. This is why all modern day spell-casters are encouraged to write down their recipes for future generations. There are dozens of beautiful blank books for sale just for that purpose. You may even wish to create your own book once you have enough spells collected.
While thousands of spells have already been tried, and thousands more are waiting to be discovered, there are five basic catagories for modern-day spellcasting. They are:
--Love Spells --
Everyone wants to be in love. Most love spells are cast with the intent to bring the right person into your life. Spells that claim to "make" someone in particular fall in love with you are called "manipulative" spells, and are a big no-no. We'll get into more no-nos later, but as long as a love spell is only cast with a broad intent to find someone special, then the intent is good. Other love spells include spells that eliminate discord between lovers, spells that promote communication between people, and spells that inspire lust (again, without manipulation). Love spells are easiest to work when cast on yourself. Casting spells on others is tricky, and can get you into trouble.
--Protection Spells --
It's not a safe world we live in. Protection spells are an excellent way to guard your home, your car, and yourself from negative energy. Protection spells are also used to stop unwanted harrassment, gossip, or anytime you feel like your peace is being disturbed by malicious or negative behavior. Protection spells can also be cast against nightmares and other unseen negative forces.
--Prosperity Spells --
Prosperity spells usually go hand in hand with good luck spells. These are usually cast as a general call for an increase in wealth or good luck. Prosperity spells can also be cast for job promotions or improvements, investment guidance, and luck while gambling.
--Binding Spells --
Binding spells are used to stop someone else from affecting your energy. We've all been victim to "psychic vampires", people who leech energy from you, to the point that you feel drained simply by being around them. A binding spell is an excellent way to protect yourself against a specific person's effect on you. A binding spell is not a "hex". Harm is never wished to anyone, but instead a protective barrier is being placed between you and the person in question. A binding spell is also used to break a percieved "curse" on you by someone else. Again, no harm is wished. You are simply making yourself impervious to any harm wished upon you.
-Healing Spells --
When someone is ill, or mentally worn down, a healing spell can be very beneficial for their well-being. Healing spells are done for many reasons, but usually for illness, depression, low self-esteem, broken hearts, or a boost in self-confidence. Healing spells is one of the few types of spells that can be done on other people with excellent results.
Spellcraft No-Nos
NEVER wish harm on anyone, or try to make a bad situation worse. NEVER try to manipulate anyone's free will. One of the most important Wiccan rules is the rule of three: Whatever you wish comes back on you three-fold. So can you cast a spell to make your new boss break her heel and fall into a puddle of muddy water on the way to work? Sure. But will it be worth the flat tire during a rainstorm and then realizing that your cellphone is dead and you have no spare? Probably not. But that's not the only reason not to mess with other people's lives. First of all, you'd be trying to alter destiny, which just won't bend no matter how powerful your energy may be. Which makes it a waste of energy on your part. No matter how many voodoo dolls you stick pins in, you can not make someone fall in love with you. And, quite frankly, why would you want to do that? Isn't it better to use a love spell to draw someone to you that actually will love you for who you are?
And last but not least, BE SPECIFIC. When you cast a spell, never just issue a generic wish such as "I want to lose 15 pounds". Do you want to lose a leg? No, you want to lose 15 pounds OF FAT. Use imagery if possible, draw pictures along with your words, and VISUALIZE YOUR INTENT. Don't say "I want a million dollars". Do you want to win it in a malpractice suit because of a botched botox treatment and now your face is frozen? No. VISUALIZE YOUR INTENT. Say "I want to win the state lottery next Saturday night." Is it that easy? Sure. Will it come true? Anything is possible. Time limits are another tricky aspect of spellcasting. By setting a specific month or day you'd like to see your spell realized, you risk disappointment and frustration when that time comes and goes and your goal is not reached. The problem is that we don't always know how long it may take a spell to work. Think of it this way: Imagine baking a cake. You have the recipe, you have the ingredients. You carefully mix the ingredients just as the recipe instructs, and pour it into a pan. Now you bake it. Baking equals Intent. By putting the pan into the oven and heating it with energy, you are commanding your cake batter to become a cake. But if the recipe says it will be done in 30 minutes, do you take the cake out of the oven at exactly that time? No. You check it first. It may need more time. Time limits are not always a good idea, because sometimes they result in a half-baked spell, which is just a waste of time and ingredients.
If you feel your spell does require a time-frame, use the moon phases, or a season as a guide. If you are Wiccan, use a Sabbat. Saying something like, "By Samhain, I will meet the next teacher in my spiritual life." Or, "By the next full moon, I will have more excitement in my life." That's a tricky one, but it can generate some interesting results.
When to cast your spells
Moon Phases
Moon phases are probably the most important thing to keep in mind when casting. The power of the moon increases spell intensity, and it changes throughout the month. There are five phases of the moon: Waxing, Waning, Full, New, and Dark (when there is no moon at all). While the moon may seem like just a rock that circles the earth, spellcasters know it is much more than that.
The moon's orbit around our planet affects the rising and falling tides, air currents on the earth's surface, and the occurrence of thunderstorms. The gravitational pull of both the sun and the moon affects us, but we feel the effects of the moon more acutely. Tides manifest the gravitational pull of the moon as it circles the earth. The tide cycle follows the same time cycle as the rising moon, occurring faithfully every twenty-four hours and fifty minutes. Tides rise in lakes and rivers as rhythmically as in oceans. Everything that grows upon the earth, does so in rhythym with the moon.
In other words, the pull of the Moon has a significant role in the amount and type of energy available for spellcasting. This is why the four phases are so important when creating a spell.
New Moon
A new moon is at the end of waning, and almost to dark, when the visible crescent is facing left. The new moon is the best time to make plans. This is the phase for spells involving change, movement, or improvements.
Waxing Moon
The waxing moon is half-full, on it's way to becoming full. The right side of the moon is visible. This is the time for growth and increasing spells. Prosperity spells, love spells to enhance an exisiting relationship, and abundance spells are all cast at this phase.
Full Moon
The full moon is when the moon is at it's most powerful. Use this phase when your spells require the maximum amount of energy. Protective spells, Love spells to find someone new, any spells that involve spirituality or divination are done now.
Waning Moon
The waning moon is the opposite of the waxing moon, left half of the moon being visible as it wanes to New. This is the time for Binding spells, elimination spells, spells to rid yourself of bad habits, or negative energy. This is also the time for healing spells to get rid of illness or emotional distress.
Days of the Week
Along with the changing phases of the moon, you may wish to take into consideration which day you use to cast your spell. If you're casting at night, as most of us do, this can get a little confusing because at midnight, the day changes. For this reason, many of us consider when the ritual ends to be the time it is cast. Here is a list of days and their corresponding energies:
Sunday is ruled by the sun. This is the time for spells involving promotions, friendships, and healing.
Monday is ruled by the Moon. This is the time for spells involving homelife, family, healing, dreams, and water.
Tuesday is ruled by Mars. This is the time for spells involving disagreements, lust, strength, and masculine energy.
Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. This is the time for spells involving learning, teaching, communication, and intellect.
Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. This is the time for spells involving prosperity, luck, and legal matters.
Friday is ruled by Venus. This is the time for spells involving love, romance, and feminine energy.
Saturday is ruled by Saturn. This is the time for spells involving the elderly, wills, estates, and funerals.
Remember, these are just a generality based on the past experiences and ancient texts of those who have practiced before us. It doesn't mean that you can only cast a prosperity spell when the waxing moon happens to fall on a Thursday. Spellcrafting is personal, and you should cast your spells when you feel they need to be cast. Never forget that INTENT is the most important ingredient in any spell, no matter what day or moon phase you've chosen.
Happy casting, and Blessings to you all. So Mote It Be.