BASIC SPELL CONSTRUCTION Because of the very nature of Magick, each working should be highly individualized and personal. Even if following a traditional spell, it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective for you. Understanding the basics of Spell Construction will enable you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose you desire. Preliminary planning is necessary. The very first step is to decide precisely what your desired end result is to be. Before you can start, you must decide where you are going. You must be very explicit. It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully. You should take into consideration all Astrological implications, energy currents and Moon phases. The Moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time when the Moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for your working. For example: Aries/Action - Enthusiasm, Taurus/ Renewal - Sensuality, Gemini/Communication - Curiosity, Cancer/ Emotion - Nurturing, Leo/Vitality - Determined, Virgo/Organizing - Studious, Libra/Balance - Cooperation, Scorpio/Sexual - Philosophical, Capricorn/Authority - Ambitious, Aquarius/Innovation - Social, Pisces/Sensitivity - Idealistic. Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the Moon is Waxing (from Dark to Full); when the Moon is Waning (from Full to Dark), it is time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away. The highest energy occurs at the Full Moon and, therefore, this is the most powerful time for magickal workings. The New Moon is the next most powerful time for Magick. Whenever possible, follow Nature's natural Energy Currents. There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things ( a harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning. Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier. Remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy. It is important that you have no distractions. Generally speaking, it is best to work as late at night as possible. A time when there is less frantic energy is most appropriate. You might consider Midnight or later. In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable. Your place should be private, quiet and secure. If at all possible, set aside a special place for this purpose only. An unused room, a special corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden. A place that is yours. A place that you can come to whenever need arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible. Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the things that you will need. All of the things used are tools. They have no inherent magick. They are to help you create a mood. If correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from deep within you. They should be chosen with care. Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools accordingly. If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils, incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response. If the desired result of your Magick is Tranquillity, then the tools should make you feel calm, peaceful and serene. Any candles you might use should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be appropriate for your working. Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any means necessary to clean and purify. Historically, people have fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices, practiced chastity and used many other methods. Most often a Ritual Bath is the preferred method. A bath frequently utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils. A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind completely of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day. Your ritual Bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to your purpose into motion. You must not only cleanse and purify but must, also, begin to create the type of energy necessary. Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now ready to begin. Proceed to the special place you have previously chosen in which to perform your magick. If at all possible, you should make use of the primitive responses set into motion by a well-chosen piece of music. Your music should start slowly and build to a rousing climax. As you use your oils, light your candle or incense (or utilize any other tool you have chosen), you should begin to further intensify the energy that you have set into motion around you. A high degree of intensity is vitally important. The Altered State of Consciousness that you must reach is not a meditative state. Anything that interferes with your ability to concentrate upon, reach and control the high energy state necessary to perform magick should be avoided. Such as, screaming children, a sink full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc. Do not scatter your energy by attempting to do more than one magickal working at a time. Remember that Magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of energy. Your visualization can be a method used to intensify further and direct your will. Your visualization can be the method by which you control the magickal energy you have produced. You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the high-energy flow. You must direct it. One of the most important elements in the practice of any form of Magick is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. This means that whatever you do (or don't do) you cause something to happen. The most important consideration is the Universal Law of Retribution. This means that no matter what you do, it comes back to you in like kind. It is the nature of things that as you send something out it gains momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is three times stronger. If you do something nice for someone, someone will do something nicer for you. "As you weave and spin your spell, Three fold return the tale will tell."
CONSTRUCTING SPELLS



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 results 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 and the Knowledge.

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

It is there powers that have been personified as Goddesses and Gods. Attuning
with them is a spiritual experience and 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 then 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.

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

EXAMPLES:

"I ask in the name of (Goddess and God or The All) that I, (your name), be
granted (state desire)…I ask that this be correct and for the good of all
people. So mote it be. In no way will this spell reverse, or place upon me any
curse."

"In this night and in this hour,
I call upon the Ancient power.
O Goddess Bride and Consort Bright,
I ask thee now to bring your light."

"I have a need that must be met. I ask thee (name of deity) that I obtain the
perfect (whatever it is) for (reason)."

"I ask the Universe to lend the power of all the correct astrological
correspondences so they may enter this circle now to obtain my desire."

"Therefore, I specifically draw toward myself the (desire) without affecting the
free will of all and harming none."

"I now proclaim space and time, We call now the Old Ones; the Goddess of the
moon, seas and rivers; the God of the rayed Sun, of valleys and forests; Draw
near us during this, our circle.

BREAKING A SPELL

First Saturday after Full Moon or on a Full Moon; One white and One black candle
for balance.
Props: protective nature (amethyst, apache tears or smoky quartz) – Say:

"On the Eve of (___) I cast a spell and the effect I created I must now quell.
Specifically (_____). May this spell be lifted and I now be gifted, Specifically
with (___).

SPELLS TO BIND

A binding spell is the act of grasping the negative energy that is propelling a
person or thing and stopping it. In a way, you are negating the unhealthy
energy.

The most important thing to remember when conducting a binding spell is that you
must control your own violent emotion of hatred or fear. The binding spell is
for protection only, not for harm. This is not easy. The Goddess to be employed
is Aradia, Queen of Witches. Be sure you are honest in your intentions. Aradia's
symbol is the red garter. If you desire justice, call upon Maat, she who
balances the scales. However, you must be sure that your own hands are free from
violence and hatred, lest she weighs the scales for you as well. Her symbol is
the pure white feather.

The binding itself is a very simple matter. A poppet can be sewn to represent
the malicious person. Fill it with earth (grave dirt if you can find it),
rosemary, sage, a piece of smoky quartz and a piece of amethyst. Also enclose a
piece of the person's fingernails, a lock of hair, or another personal item.
Handwriting can be enclosed if you have nothing else. Photos can be used
also. If your intention at any time during the ritual is to harm that person,
remember that you will only bring harm upon yourself – so be very, very careful.

If you can't do the ritual right away, store the doll (with the head still open)
in a white cloth. During the ritual, you will sew up the head while connecting a
psychic link. Then you will proceed to sew arms and legs of the doll together.
You will finish by wrapping the doll mummy-fashion with a black ribbon. Bury the
doll when you have completed the ritual.

A person can also be bound using mental capabilities.

Placing a sample of a person's handwriting and copper tightly in an old bell jar
is a way of stopping malicious gossip. When the danger is over, burn the
handwriting.

WORKSHEET FOR SPELLS & FORMULAS

* Type of Spell or Formula:
* Date and Time Made:
* Reference:
* Astrological Phase:
* Specific Purpose:
* List Of Ingredients and/or Supplies Needed:
* Specific Location Required:
* Date, Time and Astrological Phase When Used:
* Results
* Deities Invoked During Preparation and/or Use:
* Step By Step Instructions For Preparations and/or Use:
* Additional Notes:

RITUAL RECORD SHEET

* Type of Ritual:
* Date and Time Made:
* Moon Phase and Astrological Correspondences:
* Weather:
* Physical Health:
* Purpose of Ritual:
* Tools and Other Items Required:
* Deities Invoked:
* Approximate Length of Ritual:
* Results of Ritual:
* Ritual Composition:
* Additional Notes:






HINTS FOR SUCCESS


Success in spellcrafting, as with any art, comes from practice and patience.
Medieval monks didn't learn to brew world-renowned beverages overnight, nor did
da Vinci create a masterpiece without making some mistakes. So, be patient with
yourself in honing your magical arts and follow these suggestions to help get
over the rough spots:

Bring as many of your senses into the magical procedure as possible to clarify
and delineate its purpose(s).

Always visualize your intentions in detail while you work.

Repeat spells whenever you feel the need. Each reiteration provides supportive
energy for manifestation.

Phrase the verbal component to be geared toward your specific intentions.

If you are uncomfortable with vocalizing spells, you can mentally recite them
just as effectively. Remember, thoughts are words uttered inwardly.

Eliminate, substitute, or augment any prop/focal you desire.

Be certain to maintain the congruity of meaning.

Use the timing as a guideline, not as an edict. Any time is the right time for
magic!

Make notes of your successes and failures. These memos will prove immensely
helpful in the future.

It is not necessary to use all the props and focals listed in devising your
spell. In fact, trying to do so would probably make the spell unmanageable
(unless you have three hands). Choose only those items that intimately sym-
bolize your goals, and that you feel are necessary to the spell's construction.













HOW TO CAST A SPELL

A spell is nothing but a story (from an old word "spelen," to "tell a story").

You've had spells cast on you all your life, without knowing it.

When your father called you "lazy," or "stupid," or "sloppy," or "a failure,"
he was casting a spell on you. Most likely, you still act the way your father
(or mother) said you were.

And you've cast spells on yourself all your life, without knowing it. Whenever
you say the words "I can't" you are casting a spell of failure on yourself.
Whenever you tell someone they give you a headache, you are casting a headache
spell on yourself.

Learning to cast spells is learning how to control your own life.

You can cast a spell simply by telling yourself a story out loud, alone or with
friends.

You can cast a spell by thinking a story to yourself.

You can cast a spell by acting out a story. (This is the purpose of ritual, of
course.)

And you can cast a spell by wearing or carrying a physical object that
constantly reminds you of the story (an amulet).

A spell works simply because it is spoken. Strong emotions are not necessary.
You don't even have to believe it to make it happen.

Try it. Start each day by saying to yourself: "Today, I am going to receive
some money" (or "will make a new friend," etc.) See what happens.

One caution: Be careful what you wish for -- you WILL get it!

And remember the ancient rede: "An ye harm none, do what you will." This
means that we cannot cast a spell concerning another person (with the possible
exception of a healing spell) without their consent. Any interference in
another person's life force is unacceptable.






Spells and spell casting. When talking about spells and spell casting you can get into some sticky situations. No other subject can cause so many divisions in the pagan community. It seems that there are as many different ways and ethical practices as there are gods and goddesses in the universe. If you take into consideration that spells and the way you cast them is what makes them effective it begins to make perfect sense why. In effective spell casting there are three very important ingredients that you must have, resolve, focus, and comfort. Without resolve there can be no change, it is your commitment to an action that is the basis of a spell. You have to really want it! Without a genuine intention to effect a change you are casting magic to the wind, cluttering up an otherwise flowing universe. Spells without resolve can be detrimental undirected or worse misdirected energy is free to change unknown situations. Make sure you really want the change you are trying to make. When you get it, it's yours. This is where a little divination would come in handy to make sure you will be truly happy with the outcome of your spell. Focus, direction, or meditation, how good can aim? The focus of your spell casting is as important as the resolve to make a change. If you can't see the broad side of a barn you will not have the ability to effect a change on it. You have to be able to taste it! If you physically build a dog house, you have to have some idea what it will look like when you are done. A spell is like a dog house, if you don't know what it's supposed to look like when your done, you could very well end up with a failed attempt or worse. You have to belive it's possible. If you can't belive that something is possible it's not. Anything is possible if you truly belive it can happen. If you belive you can make a change and you know how the change will take place and you can picture the end result of your spell, you are there. Comfort is easy, if you can't ethically accept the responsibility for your spell or there is something that bothers you about what you are trying to do or how you are going about it, don't. You are the power in your spell, you are the creator and the control. Poor comfort will mess up your focus and your resolve. Without comfort you will have a very poor spell at best. WHAT ARE SPELLS



Spells are used by people to make things change in their life and this is often
a misconception because people think that you use spells for what ever purpose
you wish.

But there is that rule "if you harm none do as you will" Spells are when you use
words, candles or oil etc to make things change or improve in your life.

There are many different types of spells. Love, health, wealth, luck and
protection are just a few. But a word of warning. Spells are not to be messed
around with.

Because if you think you can do a spell on someone to make them ill or something
even worse, it will come back to you three times worse. But if they are done
with good intentions then they are fine to do.

So just think about what your real intentions are before you rush in and do one.

Who can do or use Spells?
You do not have to be a witch, warlock, druid or any other magick maker to do
spells. Anybody can make magick so long as they believe they really can.

Believing is making things happen. So don't think 'oh I must be a magician or
something to do a spell'. The more you believe and concentrate when doing spells
the more effective they will be.

But are they right for you?
Spells may or may not be right for you. But if you are preparing to do a spell
and you have any hesitations such as 'is this wrong?' 'does this go against
god?' etc then probably now is not a good time for you to do a spell. Perhaps
even never! Or maybe the spell itself is not right. Also if they are right for
you they should feel special and sacred and right.

When is the right time? How to set the mood?
Now that you think a spell would be a good idea for you choosing the right one,
right time and setting the mood are important. Certain spells should be done at
certain times.

The full moon {when you can see the whole moon} is the most powerful time of
month to do any spell. The waxing moon {when it is going towards full} is the
time of month to do spells that are attracting things such as love or good
health. The waning moon {after a full moon, going towards no moon at all} is
the time of month to repel something, rid your house of bad spirits for example.

When doing spells make sure you are somewhere you will not be disturbed and
somewhere quiet. Perhaps play some soft music in the background. Light candles
around the room. This creates a very soft magical environment.

-author unknown-

***********************************************************
This spell is from The Book of Spells by Nicola de Pulford.

It is called "Peppermint Cream".
If you are not performing at your peak, peppermint, the flower of
refreshment, will lift your spirits.

You will need:
peppermint tea,
peppermint oil
and a large bowl of water.

Method:
brew the peppermint tea and leave it to steep for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile prepare a foot bath by adding 5 drops of peppermint oil to a large
bowl of water.

Do this in a methodical manner, thinking only of the task at hand.

Stir the peppermint oil into the water in a clockwise direction, and while you
are watching the circles of oil disperse

chant: 'dispel the cloud upon my brow, uplift my spirits here and now.'

Sit in a comfortable chair that hugs your body and sit the cup of tea as you
soak your feet.

Close your eyes and feel the warmth spreading up your body from your feet
meeting the hot peppermint tea you are drinking.

As the warmth and essence engulf your senses your whole body will glow,
revitalized.


Spells and spell casting.

When talking about spells and spell casting you can get into some sticky
situations. No other subject can cause so many divisions in the pagan
community.

It seems that there are as many different ways and ethical practices as
there are gods and goddesses in the universe. If you take into
consideration that spells and the way you cast them is what makes them
effective it begins to make perfect sense why.

In effective spell casting there are three very important ingredients that
you must have, resolve, focus, and comfort.

Without resolve there can be no change, it is your commitment to an action
that is the basis of a spell. You have to really want it! Without a genuine
intention to effect a change you are casting magic to the wind, cluttering
up an otherwise flowing universe. Spells without resolve can be detrimental
undirected or worse misdirected energy is free to change unknown
situations.

Make sure you really want the change you are trying to make. When you get
it, it's yours. This is where a little divination would come in handy to
make sure you will be truly happy with the outcome of your spell.

Focus, direction, or meditation, how good can aim? The focus of your spell
casting is as important as the resolve to make a change. If you can't see
the broad side of a barn you will not have the ability to effect a change
on it. You have to be able to taste it! If you physically build a dog
house, you have to have some idea what it will look like when you are done.
A spell is like a dog house, if you don't know what it's supposed to look
like when your done, you could very well end up with a failed attempt or
worse. You have to belive it's possible. If you can't belive that something
is possible it's not. Anything is possible if you truly belive it can
happen. If you belive you can make a change and you know how the change
will take place and you can picture the end result of your spell, you are
there.

Comfort is easy, if you can't ethically accept the responsibility for your
spell or there is something that bothers you about what you are trying to
do or how you are going about it, don't. You are the power in your spell,
you are the creator and the control.

Poor comfort will mess up your focus and your resolve. Without comfort you
will have a very poor spell at best.