Friday, May 2, 2014

An Informal Guide to Spellcraft

This is a selection from my BOS that I retyped today.  I thought you all might be interested.

Casting spells is all about your frame of mind.  Don't approach a spell with a negative mindset; it's apt not to work or do so with disastrous results.  Keep in mind that spells use many elements, some of which are kept secret to protect the witch.  If something doesn't work, look for more correspondences or factors to oomph the power of your spell.  With this in mind, use these questions as a guide for writing your spells

What is the goal or outcome of the spell?
  • Keep this as positive as possible.  Karma is a bitch!

What are the elements involved?
  • Remember the difference between elements (earth, air, fire, water) and elementals (gnomes, sylphs, salamanders, sprites).

What God or Goddess are you working with?
  • Get to know the deity.  Do research before engaging with any unfamiliar presence.
  • Don't invoke something you cannot banish.
  • Make sure there are no conflicts (i.e. do not summon Yahweh and Zeus).
  • Above all: know what you are working with.

What materials do you need?
  • Lighting, candles, incense, and herbs.  Make sure everything fits.

What is the appropriate date and time?
  • The more correct correspondences you have, the better.

What is the appropriate place?
  • Inside, outside, in a park, against a tree?  Be creative.
  • Make sure that there is a back up plan, especially if you are using public areas.

Does it rhyme?
  • A spell can include one word, a song, or a chant.  A spell can also be silent.
  • Use divination to decide what to use and when to use it.

How do you raise energy?
  • Raise energy in the shower, with your own thoughts, music, etc.

How are you going to give thanks?
  • If you are ungrateful, you won't get results.
  • Even if there is nothing tangible, give thanks.

Do a final draft and put a date on it.  This goes in your Book of Shadows.  Make sure you note how you feel.  If you're sick, the spell won't be as powerful.  Where are you mentally?  Are you "present"?

What was the weather like?  What was it supposed to be like?  Does this work for or against your spell?

Who was involved?  People, gods, goddesses?

What was the environment like?  Were there distractions?

How long did it take you to do it?   How long before you saw results?  This is good for future reference.

What did you notice before, during, and after?  Did you see spots?  Ringing in your ears?

What sounds did you notice?  Thunder, lightning, dogs barking, people arguing?  These are important and can be deciphered later.

How long do you believe it should take before you see results?  Use your intuition.  Make check-in points.  Answer the above questions, and you might get a reality check.  Maybe even set an alarm to evaluate the spell and its effectiveness.

Were there any changes?  Even small changes should be noted.

Did it work like you thought it would?  Did you over-exaggerate?  Try not to have too high of expectations, but don't cap yourself, either.

Do you need to change anything?

The more you write, the better your spell will be.

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