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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:47 am...

The Magick of Casting Spells

Spell casting is a safe and simple way to improve a situation by using your wishes to harmonize natural energies.

A spell is the comination of words and objects used to focus magickal energy and direct it into ensuring the desired result. Casting spells can help you deal with areas of your life that cause problems and give you the confidence you need to overcome them. By working with words and objects that symbolize the goal you are seeking, you can direct and focus your own natural energies.

The Ethics of Spell Casting

Spell casting is usually associated with witches (or Wiccans, as they are often called in modern times). All true witches follow the ethic, "An it harm none, do as you will" - meaning you should cause no harm to anyone with your spells, including yourself.

By using the power of your imagination, focused and heightened by concentration, will-power and belief, you can start to cast spells safely and positively.

Spell Casting Through History

Witches and their beliefs have been demonized in recent times, but for thousands of years spells were used to help protect people from life's sorrows and pains.

Ancient Wisdom

In the Middle Ages, local witches combined the roles of doctor, midwife and vet, dispensing herbs to heal human and animal ailments and to aid births. Without a local pharmacy, they found their own ingredients, and an extensive knowledge of herbalism was essential. The traditions of herb and Moon lore, learned by witches, were usually oral. These were passed down and adapted through time.

Understanding Spells

Spells can be divided into three broad areas: blessing, wishing and protection. According to the Wiccan ethics, no spell should be cast that will bring harm.

Blessing Spells

Blessing spells are used to improve existing conditions. Within a rural community, such spells may include blessing crops and encouraging the appropriate weather to ensure a good harvest.

Healing Spells

Blessing spells can also heal people and animals, bringing more happiness and positivity into a persons life. They can be used to purify places and buildings, removing unwanted influences. Blessing spells remind us of our connection to the people around us and our environment - for example, uyou may cast a blessing spell for a long and happy life on a newborn baby or on a newly wed couple gto ensure their future happiness.

The Catholic tradition of dabbing holy water onto your forehead is a typical example of a blessing spell.

Wishing or Attraction Spells

Wishing spells are cast to improve your quality of life. They include:

Spells to improve your current job situation or help you find a new one.
Spells to help you overcome nerves and perform well during exams.
Spells to improve your luck.
Spells to attract love into your life.

When you perform wishing spells, remember you are seeking to attract what is right for you. It is better to do spells to attract the "right" job or lover rather than a specific person or career, which may not in fact by right for you. You can cast a candle wishing spell at any time of the year, not just when you blow out the candles on your birthday cake!

Protection Spells

Protection spells were among the most popular kind cast in ancient times. These can include:

Protection when traveling (by air, land or sea).
House protection from burglary or negative influences.

Binding Spells

Binding spells are cast to stop an individual acting maliciously or negatively in a manner that causes harm. Such spells also help the person causing the problem to realize the harm they can do. They are not curses.

Magickal Realization

Example: if you are sexually harassed at work and wish to prevent the perpetrator from behaving in this manner, a binding spell would reflect their negative energies back on them and make them realize how they are harming others.

Wearing charms as jewelry is a typical form of magickal protection.

Glossary of Magick

These are some of the terms you will encounter as Your Casting Spells section builds up.

Amulet - A protective charm, to keep bad situations or negativity away from you.
Charm - Any object, such as a crystal, plant, or piece of paper or jewelry, used for its symbolic qualities to work with a particular type of energy.
Sigil - A sign or drawing that represents your desire and can be used as the focus of a spell.
Talisman - A charm that is used to draw things that you want to you.

Last edited by Lady_Elaine on Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:00 am; edited 1 times in total

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:54 am...

Understanding Spell Ingredients

You don't need a special supplier to provide you with the equipment you need to cast spells. You can buy most of the things you'll require in any mall or supermarket.

Spell ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive. Magick is all around us; the herbs and crystals you use to focus energies rather than create them. In fact, the most vital ingredients are a genuine belief and the right intent.

Long-Lasting Luck

Choosing an ingredient that has an affinity to the result you are aiming for - such as roses in a love spell - strengthens your focus. The more you know about ingredients, the better chance you have of choosing the best ones for the task.

Think about the length of your spell. Perishable ingredients such as candles are appropriate if you want a quick result, but if you want protection over a longer period use durable ingredients such as crystals or ribbons.

The Ethics of Spell Casting

The single most important ingredient of any spell is your reason for casting it. Responsible spell casters will set out with only good intentions, following this code of ethics:

"An it harm none, do as ye will" - This is the most important ethic of witchcraft. Never work spells or act in a way that could cause harm to anyone, including yourself.

The Law of Rebound - Any energy you send out into the world will eventually rebound back to you. If you send out only negative energy, that's what you'll get back!

The Threefold Return - The type of energy you put out in a spell will return threefold into your life. This is the best reason to do positive deeds - and so receive three times the positive energy back.

Planning Your Spell

As well as the actual ingredients of your spell, you'll also need to consider other factors such as timing, location, your intent and magickal correspondences.

Before you can cast your spell, you need to gather all the components.

Carefully consider what will be the most appropriate spell ingredients and research their magickal associations (known as magickal correspondences) to be sure that you attract the type of energy you desire.
Plan your spell and all the details, leave it for a day or two, and then go back and look again with a fresh eye. If you have any more ideas, add them, or if you are happy with the spell, go ahead and do it!

Vital Components

A good spell will include some or all of these ingredients:

Candles
Crystals and charms
Flowers and herbs
Intent
Location
Ribbons
Timing
Intent - The intent of your spell should be stated aloud or written down.

Precision is very important when casting a spell. If you are not precise the energy may come to you in an unexpected or even unwanted form.
Write down yhour wishes for your spell so that the intent is clear in your mind.

Location - An undisturbed, peaceful location where you feel comfortable is a must to ensure a positive state of mind. You may also want to set up a specific place with an altar or shrine.

Candles - Always use new candles and choose an appropriate color and shape.

Even if you're not casting a specific candle spell, white candles are good for setting a peaceful and magickal mood.
Ribbons - Ribbons are used for blessings and bindings and should be of the appropriate color.

If you are tying knots in the ribbon to fix the spell, consider the symbolism of the number of knots used.
Herbs - Use flowers and herbs in charms and healing spells.

The more energy you put into the spell, the better the results will be, so gather or even grow the plants yourself.
Remember that dried flowers and herbs will last longer than fresh ones.

Crystals & Charms - Objects used to make charms, such as crystals or pieces of wood, should be new or, even better, gathered or prepared by yourself where possible. Check the energies that correspond to the object to make sure it is appropriate - such as oak for strength or emerald for purity.

Timing - The timing of your spell ensures you tune into the magickal forces at the most appropriate time to focus the energy.

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:57 am...

Choosing Your Spell Space

Casting spells requires concentration and, to be successful, you must choose a location where your intentions will not be disrupted.

Does location affect your spells? The answer is yes, because it effects you. Spells can be cast anywhere, but you will find some places and situations more conducive to spell casting than others. Obviously, the middle of a rush-hour train is not the ideal place to start chanting and waving your arms around!

Setting the Mood for Spells

A quiet spot where you will be undisturbed is the ideal choice. If you choose a location outdoors, make sure that it is somewhere out of the way that inspires you and lifts your mood. Privacy is very important - the last thing you want is to be disturbed when casting a spell, as it may cause the energies to go awry. If you are casting a spell in your own space, choose a room in the house that you feel most relaxed in, such as the living room or bedroom.

Casting Considerations

Follow these simple steps to set up your spell casting space.

Make a list of what you need to avoid disrupting your ritual once you have begun.
Take steps to ensure your privacy, such as turning off your phone.
Ensure your desired location is easily accessible.
If possible, use incense, essential oils or joss to fragrance the space and help set the mood.
If outdoors, check the weather forecast.
Timing is often crucial to casting a successful spell. Many spells are cast at night, and you should take precautionary measures such as bringing a flashlight and checking on available transportation.
To make sure you don't get lost on your casting expedition, bring a map.

Spell Casting Locations

Your environment is often an untapped resource in the evolution of your spell casting. Make the most of your location and the magick it has to offer.

Magick on Vacation

To cast a spell while you are on vacation, you must be well prepared. Always pack a few neutral, white candles, versatile essential oils and maybe a few different colored tibbons to use in your spells.

Personalize Space - Treat the hotel space as if it were your home. First make sure you are alone. Next, remove the phone cord from the phone to prevent disturbance, and make sure you hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the front of the door.

Choose Spell - You may want a spell for a safe journey home, for peace and quiet or for a summer romance.

Wonders of Nature

Casting a spell in the woods or at a sacred site has a magickal feel. Outside is the perfect place for casting spells that draw upon the power of nature, such as tree and flower magick.

At One With Nature - This atmosphere can give you a big boost, especially when the Moon is shining brightly. If the twilight hours are your preference, be sure you can access the site easily. Research the site before the day you plan to cast your spell in order to avoid surprises such as group hikes or activities. Plan what you need to bring and don't forget any vital components or you may need to postpone the spell.

Practicing at Home

Your home is probably the easiest place to cast your spells, as you are in control of your own environment. Home has the advantage of being usable at any time, though you should be sure to tidy up the space you are going to work in order to improve the atmosphere and help rid your mind of clutter. Make sure everything you need is on hand, and you can do things at leisure.

Creating the Mood - At home you can relax and concentrate all your energies on the spell. Preparation is essential for successful spell casting, so set up a beautiful altar with everything you need in advance. Your home is an excellent site for more intimate spells related to romance and success.

Blessing a New Home

You may wish to cast a spell to bless a new home if yu have just moved in. All spells work better in a place that feels sacred to you and has been cleansed and purified first. Birch trees are associated with purification, and the twigs have traditionally been used in brooms to cleanse an area both psychically and physically. Before unpacking, brush around each room in your new house to cleanse it for future magick working. You may then wish to perform a house-blessing spell; this is a nice ritual to go through to make your new property feel just like home.

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:59 am...

Understanding Magick & Time

If you want to harness nature's power for your magick it is important to get the timing right - from the time of year to the time of day.

The energies used in magick are influenced by the seasons and the pull of the planets. Thus, there is an optimum time for every spell - one that harnesses seasonal power or one that aligns with the stars.

You should also consider the day on which you cast your spell. The days are named after old gods, whose influence extends to every sphere of life.

Magickal Days

Intuitive spells are best cast on Monday, ruled by the Moon, while active spells work best on Tuesday, ruled by the warrior god, Tew. Wednesday is named after the god Woden (Odin) who rules communication. Spells for protection and travel come under Thor or Thursday, and love spells are governed by Freya on Friday. Financial spells conform to Saturn's influence on Saturday, and the Sun blessed health and prosperity spells on Sunday.

Setting Your Time Limits

Setting a time limit on your spells focuses the energy you are using into a specific period of time. If you begin your spell at the appropriate moment then the powers you are working with will bring your magick to a natural conclusion. A spell cast at the new Moon, for example, will be active until the full Moon.

Length of a Spell - How you activate a spell also afects its timing and ultimate outcome.

A fast-burning candle brings a quick conclusion.
A slow-burning candle releasaes magickal energy long after it has expired.
Burning a wish frees energy instantly, while burying it releases energy over a longer period.

Choosing the Right Time

Tune your magick to coincide with the day or night, cycle of the seasons or special festivals, depending on the type of energy you wish to capture for your spell.

Changing Seasons - The changing of the seasons coincides with the tide of powerful natural forces.

Spring is the time to plant magickal seeds that will grow into your wishes.
Summer is a period of powerful sunshine. Use this influence to concentrate on success, prosperity, and health.
Fall is the harvest of the magickal cycle, so perform spells that resolve issues.
Winter offers the opportunity to turn inward and to release negative influences.

Find out how to harness the magick of the Celtic seasons in the calendar of tree months. (See our BOS on the sidebat for more info on these.)

Time of Day - The pattern of magickal energies that rise and set with the days can also affect your spell casting.

Dawn rules spells for inspiration and new beginnings.
Noon is a time of power and pasion, and spells should focus on courage, health and sexuality.
As the Sun sinks into the west, focus on love magick and spells that balance your emotions and intuition.
Use the dark of the night to concentrate on your concerns and cast spells to banish all your fears.

Special Festivals - Traditional festivals celebrated today, such as Christmas and Easter, are often rooted in Pagan customs that connected these times of the year to certain natural energies.

Easter is the perfect time for wish magick - just hold a chocolate egg, make a wish and eat it!
Candle magick is most effective on February 1, which is known as Candlemass or Imbolc.

Phases of the Moon - Cast a spell to coincide with the Moon's phases according to the intent of your magick.

The new Moon initiates beginnings, perhaps a new house or new relationship.
The waxing Moon charges spells that make things grow, for example a spell to improve your health or finances.
The full Moon manifests dramatic change in your life, so cast a spell to alter your career or your fortunes.
The waning Moon helps to shrink parts of your life that you do not want; for example, a long illness or loneliness.

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:03 am...

Casting Simple Candle Spells

The light and warmth of a candle's flame is one of our most powerful connections to fire - the element of creativity, life and health.

Remember the first time you made a wish as you blew out the candles on your birthday cake? As a child you believed your wish would come true and had an innocent faith that something magickal would happen. You probably didn't realize it, but as you visualized the end result (made a wish), concentrated upon it (blew out the candles), and hoped your wish would be granted, you were casting your very first candle spell.

Getting Started

Candle magick is very simple - but highly effective. From the tealights that warm your essential oil burner, to the romantic candles on your dinner table, you probably have everything you need in your house already. All that needs to be added is the knowledge of how to choose the appropriate candle for your purpose and how to use it to weave magick.

The Magick Power of Candles

Paper, ribbons and scents can also be combined with candles to cast simple spells. (Be sure to check out our Candle Magick section in the BOS on the sidebat for more information.)

Choosing the Appropriate Color

As candles give out light, their power lies partially in the visual realm of the color spectrum. As colors have strong magickal associations, choosing the appropriate one for your candle can help to strengthen the power of your wish.

Transformation

Fire holds the power of trnsformation and purification.It can burn away your bad habits and carry your good intentions out into the world in its smoke.

Connection

People all across the world have lit candles for centuries. Close your eyes as you light yours and feel yourself connecting to your neighbors and ancestors across the world.

Choosing Your Candle

The magickal associations of your candle can help to strengthen your spell and carry your wishes out into the world.

Color

If you cannot find the appropriate colored candle, use a white one as it is the color from which all others are reflected

Red - Passion, energy, vitality, success.
Orange - Stimulating, courage, creativity, prosperity.
Yellow - Change, mental strength, travel.
Green - Fertility, harmony in relationships.
Light Blue - Healing, spiritual harmony, peace.
Dark Blue - Removal of obsatacles, long-term issues.
Purple - Good luck, fortune, legal matters.
Pink - Friendship, love, loyalty, romance.
Black - Absorption of negativity, depression and other dark states.

Timing

Each day has different attributes. Choose the appropriate one to cast your spell.

Monday - Day of the Moon. For fertility and healing.
Tuesday - Day of Mars. For strength and courage.
Wednesday - Day of Mercury. For communication, study and travel.
Thursday - Day of Jupiter. For luck and fortune.
Friday - Day of Venus. For all relationship issues.
Saturday - Day of Saturn. For clearing obstacles.
Sunday - Day of the Sun. For health and success.

A slow-burning, midnight blue candle will help to chase awy long-term problems and depression. Meditate quietly on its flame and imagine problems melting away.

Scent

Each scent has associations with a planet, therefore you can enhance the power of your spell by choosing a scent to compliment your focus.

Cypress (Saturn) Protection. Dark blue or black candle.
Frankincense (Sun) Purification. Orange candle.
Geranium (Mars) Strength, protection, courage. Red candle.
Jasmine (Moon) Healing, conception. Pale blue candle.
Anise (Jupiter) Luck, money and gain. Purple candle.
Patchouli (Venus) Attracts love. Green candle.

To bring romantic and long lasting love into yur life, choose a pink candle scented with the gentle smell of rose or the compassionate aroma of lavender.

Casting Your First Simple Candle Spell

1 - Choose Your Candle - Choose the candle most suited to your wish. Before you start, make sure you will not be disturbed.

2 - Set Your Intent - Decide on the exact wording of your wish. This is known as youor "intent" and focuses your mind on exactly what you are asking for.

3 - You can write your intent down, speak it aloud, or just think it silently.

4 - Light your candle and sit quietly beside it, contemplating your wish.

5 - Focus on Your Wish - As your candle burns down, visualize the energy of your will being released by the candle flame.

6 - Release Your Intent - If you wrote your wish down, at this stage you should hold the piece of paper it's written on in the candle flame, until it has completely burned away.

7 - Bind Your Spell - To "bind" your spell, you may wish to recite a suitable incantation: "I call on Earth to heed my spell. Air to speed its passage well. Bright as fire shall this spell grow, deep as tide of water flow. By my will, this spell is done." Say this out loud or recite it silently.

8 - Blow out the candle and keep your wish secret until it comes true!

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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Posted Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:05 am...

Candle Magick in the Home

A candle can do more than just look pretty, create a pleasant atmosphere, and provide subtle lighting. It can also have a magickal impact on your daily life.

Most people these days have sseveral candles in their house for a number of reasons - tealights, elegant candlesticks on the dinner table or buffet, and candles kept in a cupboard in case the power cuts.

These candles no doubt look nice and have a pleasant scent, but did you realize that you can work magick with candles, too?

Placing Magick Candles

By simply taking a moment to think about your candles and where you place them, you can increase their positive effects on your life.

Refer to the tables on the previous post to check for different magickal associations with candles. Then think about whether you've placed your candles in the most appropriate positions, such as soothing scented candles in your bedroom and bright, welcoming candles in your hallways.

Candle Magick Traditions

A tradition in Scotland involved the use of a candle at midnight, on Halloween. A single woman was to sit before amirror in a dark room lit with a single candle. She was then to cut an apple into nine pieces and eat it while looking in the mirror. It was thought she would see the image of her future husband appear behind her in the mirror and take the last piece.

Wishing as you blow out the candles on your birthday cake is a tradition that is part of our lives. Remember, you must blow out all of them for the wish to come true.

Imbolc, or Candlemas, on February 2, is the festival of lights, celebrated by both Pagans and Christians. The ancient Romans also burned candles at this time to scare away evil spirits.

How to Use Candles Around Your Home

Use the guide below to find out where to place different kinds of candles so that you best use their magickal properties to enhance your life.

On the Windowsill

If you have any large "pillar" candles (which are sometimes called "church" or 7-Day candles) that burn for long periods, the best place to put them is on your windowsill - but keep an eye on them and make sure they are kept away from curtains and other flammable materials.

Pillar candles help you attune yurself more closely to nature and the lunar cycles.

Every evening, light a candle and spend a few minutes contemplating the flame, and the sky behind it. This helps you appreciate the changes in nature that are happening around us all the time.

Try lighting your candle when you can see the Moon, so you can observe the whole cycle of new Moon waxing, through to full Moon and then waning.

In summer it may still be daylight when you light your flame, but in winter it may be very dark out. This will help you to focus on how the length of the day changes with the seasons.

Anoint the wick of the candle with some cedar or patchouli oil - or buy a candle already scented with one of these aromas. This will give you an earthy smell as you perceive the changes of the seasons and Moons.

By Your Bedside

If you have difficulty either dropping off to sleep at night or getting out of bed in the morning, try placing a candle by your bedside.

To Help You Sleep

Light the candle in an aromatherapy vaporizer as you prepare for bed. This will release pleasant scents into the atmosphere of your room. Choose a relaxing scent, such as lavender, which is good for encouraging sleep. Try rubbing a few drops of the oil onto the wick of the night light to link the flame to the evaporating oil and water.

To Wake You Up

Peppermint is the ideal essential oil to burn in the mornings if you have trouble getting up and out of bed. The refreshing aroma will provide you with an extra boost of energy to encourage youto get up and begin another day.

A Spell to Bring You Happiness

To attract happiness into your home, cast this spell when there is a full Moon.

1 - Place a yellow or gold-colored candle in whichever room feels the most significant to your happiness.

2 - Using your fingers, rub cinnamon oil into the candle wax and say this:

May happiness always dwell in this place, reflected in each heart and face."

3 - Visualize a gentle, warm, golden glow,tinged with rainbow shades coming from the candle flame. This signifies the positive mood that is filling the room and expanding into the sphere around your entire home.

4 - As the wick of the candle burns down, do only those things that make you happiest to help fix the spell.

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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