Introduction to Magick: Lesson VII The Art of Spellcasting
For some Wiccans and Witches who may not always share a passion for writing, creating a personal and unique spell may seem a little challenging. Writing an effective spell can require a few essential skills including: learning to be creative, gaining good knowledge of Goddesses (and/or Gods) and acquiring knowledge of crucial magickal correspondences. As a result, many who are new to the Craft (as well as some intermediates) may simply choose to seek and follow published spellworks – which is a perfectly acceptable method. After all, no one would expect a novice cook to bake a perfect loaf of bread without using a tried-and-true recipe at first. And spellwork is exactly that – a recipe!
Spells are a formulated list of “ingredients” known as correspondences and when combined together (in spellwork) will manifest a desired outcome or result. One might say, casting spells at your altar is very similar to cooking in your own kitchen. In essence, both spellcrafting and cooking require chemistry, physics, the proper ingredients, careful attention and timing. Similar to cooking, if you’re not careful and add the wrong ingredients (or accidently skip a step) the final result may not be a desirable one!
While there is nothing wrong with spellcrafting using a spell found in a published book or simply found on the internet, there may come a time when you seek a spell that works optimally for a unique situation. In some cases, you may successfully modify a published spell by substituting “ingredients.” However just like cooking, if you happen to mix incompatible ingredients, you’re not going to end up with a tasty dish. Chances are that at some point along your Wiccan path, you’re going to find the need to create your own unique spell. Understanding how to do so successfully is known as the Art of Spellcasting.
There are two kinds of spellcasting: 1) Informal or “practical” spellwork, which can be summoned anywhere and at anytime. Your mind and will are the two most important aspects of practical magick (while this type of magick does use intention, it requires very little preparation). 2) Formal spellwork in contrast, is highly structured and follows a “five step” formula: Intent; Preparation; Casting a Circle/ Raising Power; Casting the Spell and Closing the Circle.
1) Intent – This is the What, Why, and Who of the spell. True Magick is not only very real but it also extremely powerful and highly sacred. So the What that you desire to manifest (or change) must hold extreme importance, so much so that it justifies your intervention with universal energies. In light of this reason, it is crucial that one is as “clear as possible” on What it is that one desires to manifest. This first step is of great importance, because your intent focuses your will to succeed. Your intent must be precise or your spell may end up having poor results or unintended consequences!
The next part of Intent is to ask yourself: Why are you performing the spell? You must analyze your intent and verify that it aligns with your personal code of ethics. If the Why isn’t based on “Love and Light” and “Good Will,” your spell may have dire and harmful consequences.
The final part of setting Intent is confirming the Who. Knowing “who” the spell is for and “who” may be unintentionally impacted? If the spell is for someone else, do you have consent from all parties involved? If not, the spell may have unintended consequences, especially if it’s a spell you wouldn’t want someone to perform on you without your knowledge!
After you have made clear your intentions of the What, Why, and Who; once more it’s important to verify that your intentions are in alignment with the Wiccan Code of Ethics. It’s a valid point to note there are numerous traditions and most traditions have written or adopted their own “Witches’ Creed.” For the purposes of this article, we will reference the “Rede of the Wiccae,” (Thomas, Gwen, “Wicca-Pagan Pot-Pourri,” Green Egg, Vol. VIII, no. 69; Spring 1975). However you may choose to follow a specific Wiccan Creed pertaining to another tradition.
Line 26 of the “Rede of the Wiccae” states, “And it harm none, do what you will.” This moral code is fairly straightforward. If your spell will bring harm onto anyone – it is “highly” advised that you reconsider not performing the spell. If the spell is designed to help someone then you are free to perform the spell however it is still recommended to obtain consent. As mere humans, we cannot always anticipate the consequences of magick. For this reason many Wiccans will include a clause in their spells specifically stating the spell cannot bring harm onto anyone. This clause is often spoken at the end with something akin to, “With harm to none, and by the Law of Three, as I will, so mote it shall be.”
2) Preparation – The Preparation phase of spellcasting can be broken down into three categories: Research; Planning; Gathering.
Research – Every successful spell requires “specific” and “correct” correspondences. At times, a spell may require numerous correspondences. The correct and specific correspondences may include: specific Goddesses (and/or Gods), altar tools, colors, oils and herbs, candles, incense, crystals and even garb. Other special tools such as talismans, sigils, and poppets may also be required in a spell. Even music can be required in helping set the ceremonial (or magickal) ambiance. However, there are two crucial details to remember when creating your own spellcrafting or conducting a published spell work. The first is that each correspondence must energetically match the spell being cast. The second is each element: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth must be represented.
Part of the preparation process is planning. After having chosen the correct correspondences for a spell, you will next need to plan the correct timing for your spell. Timing refers to aligning a spell to the most auspicious energies generated (by the universe) in order to maximize the energy of the spell. Timing may include: phases of the lunar cycle, astrological zodiacs, day of the week or even the time of day. The Timing of a spell can also influence the direction of your spell. For example, if you are performing a manifestation spell during the waxing moon, you will set your altar and cast your circle in a clockwise (or deosil) direction. If for example, you are performing a banishing spell during the waning moon, you will set your altar and cast your circle in a counter-clockwise (or widdershins) direction. (Your altar should also always be set facing north).
The final step in the preparation process is gathering. After choosing your correspondences and planning the timing for your spell, you will then begin gathering your supplies. This may seem obvious – However this step is actually one of the most difficult for some Wiccans as it is the appropriate phase to begin writing your own personal spell! Of course you may choose to adopt a published spell from a book or even one from simply the internet.
A spell will always begin with the invocation of the Goddess(s) (and/or God(s)) of your chosen correspondence (for more detailed information on “Invocations,” refer to: How to Write an Invocation, under the Athenaeum section of our website). Following the invocation will be the body of your spell. The body of your spell will include all magickal correspondences chosen during your preparation. For example, if you are charging a talisman for protection, the body of your spell will include holding the talisman while repeating words of protection. If you are binding a lying and gossiping tongue – you will hold the poppet and wrap a cord around its mouth while reciting a binding incantation.
One key to writing an effective spell may also be found in the Rede. Line 4 states, “To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.” Although this “key” principle has been lost in many modern traditions, there “is” a spiritual and scientific purpose behind rhythm and rhyme. Rhythm helps raise vibrational energy and creates a trance-like state that aids in accessing one’s higher self, and the “higher self” is where all magick comes from! Rhyme creates a pattern of vibration energy that is sent out into the universe. This pattern of energy will continue to make its travel throughout the universe and attract more energy. Through our intent (spell and/or prayer), this energy will ultimately manifest (in one outcome or another) into matter on the physical plane!
In the start of your journey through the Wiccan path, it may seem like a challenge to write your own spell if one is not accustomed to creative writing. However, there are a few steps you can take to help unlock this powerful skill. Such step may include: lighting candles to create an ambiance, adapting meditation and concentration exercises or even performing a “creativity” spell in asking the Goddess(s) to grant you inspiration and creativity. Also, nature itself can be inspiring as well, by simply taking a walk or hike. Reading poetry, using a thesaurus or a rhyming dictionary can also be useful. In essence, roll up your sleeves and put in practice. A personally written spell will have greater meaning, carry greater energy and can bring even greater power to your spellcrafting!
3) Cast the Circle/ Raise the Power (Energy) – After all the preparations are completed and the timing for your spell has come, you will be ready to set up your altar, cast a magick circle, and raise the power (energy) within.
Casting a Circle – Casting a magick circle, is creating an energy bubble, or sphere, that is free of lower vibrational influences and protected from external interferences (for detailed information on setting an altar and casting a magick circle, see Lesson VI under the Athenaeum section of our website).
Raising the Power (Energy) – Raising the power, is the process of generating energy within the circle to feed into the spell (if you have been practicing energetic exercises, then raising the power should be fairly easy). You should be able to feel the energy coursing throughout your body including the energy running between your hands like repelling magnets (for more information on energy see Lesson II under the Athenaeum section of our website).
There is more than one way to raise energy and it can be drawn from nature (or nature items) and/or directly from the earth. You can use meditation and concentration practices. You set an ambiance with candles, nature items and power crystals. Or you can even use one of many musical instruments with chanting, singing and/or dancing. You should experiment with different methods then practice the method that works best for you. Once you obtain a state of psychic readiness, you will then be ready to cast your spell.
4) Cast the Spell – Perform the spell reciting its incantation and carry out any actions it requires. A spell’s incantation should always be recited with a commanding voice leading your intent to travel into the universe.
5) Close the Circle – Close the circle and ground the energy. After your circle is closed, you may need to carry out any after spell actions required (for detailed instructions on how to close the circle, see Lesson VI under the Athenaeum section of our website).
Learning to create and write your own personal spell is a powerful skill that all Wiccans must practice and master. Spellcasting requires knowledge of correspondences, a level of creativity and practice in raising power and energy. Although it may seem like a challenge at first, with a bit of work, all Wiccans can become a master of the art of spellcraft for their own powerful and magickal manifestation!
– The Goddess Kingdom© 2023
