Simple Spell Crafting

[Myst]

I thought I'd put up a simple post about basic spell crafting for those who are just beginning to walk this path. Hope this is helpful to someone :)

Sometimes when people begin looking into Paganism the first thing they want to do is cast spells. While spells are a big part of our lives, they won't solve every problem. Sometimes though, you've done all the mundane work and want to try something different.

At this time you may wish to craft a spell. While there are many, many books of spells out there you will probably find it's not hard to get the hang of crafting your own - and your own will work better because their mind keys are what make sense to you!

Mind keys, you ask? I think of the little correspondences as mind keys - for example if yellow makes you think of friendship, then yellow's a mind key for your friendship spell! You might want to look at other people's tables of correspondences to help you think of mind keys, or you might just make up your own. Sometimes when you're just beginning it's hard to think of these things, and you might want to try mind keys others have already had work. You can find a list of mind keys that are inexpensive and in the grocery store in Silver RavenWolf's Teen Witch, among other places. Just remember that anything that is a mind key for you will work, regardless of what anyone else thinks!

So you might decide that the waxing moon, a yellow candle, oranges, sunflower seeds, and a bracelet you make yourself would be good mind keys for a friendship spell. Maybe the waxing moon makes you think of "growing" friendships. Yellow, oranges, and sunflower seeds make you think of summer when you have lots of fun with your friends. So you get these things together on the night of a waxing moon, you cast a simple circle and light your candle, and maybe poke the sunflower seeds in the orange. Then you might make yourself a friendship bracelet while you ask the Gods to send you a new friend. When done you might close your circle and go back to your mundane life, but wear the friendship bracelet all the time till you find a new friend (at which point you could give it to them or save it or bury it or anything else that feels appropriate).

See? Spells don't have to be hard! Just follow some simple steps and it's not hard to write your own

a) decide your focus - figure out exactly what you want to do and why. Do you want to find new friends or strengthen your already existing friendships?
b) find your mind keys - again, you can check for tables on the net or in books or you can just choose your own - anything that makes you think of your focus - especially colours, smells, moon phases, or objects (like your orange, sunflower seeds, and bracelet)
c) do the spell!

[Mairwen]

Maybe you want to clarify a bit. Spellcasting isn't central to ALL Pagan Paths.

Mari
Who resembles the comment she just made. :D

[Myst]

I didn't meant to imply it was; I think you said it eloquently, Mari :)

[poz]

Thanks tons! I am not new at this but I would still wonder if what I chose for corrospondances was right. I wondered if a color in one book meant one thing and something else in another. And herbs have a zillion different meanings. I would get confused about everything from incense to candles,etc. I really dig the fact that it can be that simple.

[Rick]

Very well done! Can I pick Magick Moderators, or what?!

[Flar's Freyja]

I found a really excellent site with good info on spellcrafting:

http://www.ladybridget.com/scmenu.html

[Jazzmine]

I went to that website. Really done well. Thank you!!!:D :D

[FelixFire]

I'm not trolling for spells or anything, this is more of a curiosity thing. :)

Do you spend a lot of time, researching every aspect you can think of - moon phase, astrological alignments, etc.; finding and properly harvesting juuuust the right herbs, creating just the right chant, etc?

Or do you more or less wing it, using what you already have on hand, and make up your chants (if any) on the fly?

Or somewhere in the middle?

And has this changed over time for you?

I'm just curious, I have been feeling bad because I've neglected my BOS for over a year now, seldom scratching anything in to it.

I used to really go nuts with my spells in the beginning. Everything had to be JUST SO, everything concecrated, purified, lined up, etc. Every influence I knew of had to be perfect, I wrote long litanies that I memorized and recited out loud, I invoked the Gods and elements with their own poems and tools... A typical spell took me well over an hour to perform, and weeks to prepare. And each one is faithfully recorded in my BOS.

Nowadays, I've achieved just 3 years of experience and I'm almost the opposite. When I feel a spell is necessary, I mull it over in my head for a day or so, less if time is an issue. I gather a few simple things, which seem to vary almost every time, and will use just about anything in a spell if it feels appropriate. I never cast a circle anymore, and rarely lean on the elements or the Gods. I save all that "stuff" for the Sabbats or when I feel like I really do need some extra help. I rarely speak out loud anymore, preferring silence and pure mental power to program the energies to my task. All those spells I recorded just look like drivel to me now...like I was using a lot of crutches to get through what I can now do "on my own". NOT that I think it's bad or that it means you're weak to have a very ritualistic spellcasting, it's just...well, I dunno. Not my style anymore, I guess.

I guess I sort of have pulled the religious aspects out of my spellwork, and now it's just cut-and-dried magic, done in a fairly pagan style.

My spells actually seem to work BETTER, possibly just because I've ceased wasting energy worrying about the details, all my effort goes forwards, into the spell. Or maybe it's just practice. They certainally aren't weak, that's for sure. The Gods know I have a hefty amount of respect for magic...I have NO doubts that it works, and works WELL. (When used for the proper purpose, that is...magic does have limits, in my opinion.)

Don't get me wrong - I'm not worried that I'm doing things wrong...results speak for themselves, LOL. I'm just curious about this shift in focus from the external objects to the internal work, wondering if it's typical.

[Demeter]

I think that happens the more practice you get. I used to be a lot more hipped on correspondences and such, too. Mind you, I still do a lot of the formal stuff with candle spells, but that's partly because I enjoy mixing the herbs and carving the candles and all that. I think the bigger the spell, the more "extra" stuff goes into it. When you are just learning how to focus, all spells are "big." The more you work with it, the less extraneous stuff you really need; you just access the quantum field and tweak the probabilities directly. I guess it's sort of like biofeedback. You can't really explain how it works, and but if you use the machine at first, eventually you can do it without the machine.

[Flar's Freyja]

Oh Boy, have I gotten into it with people over this! I'm just not a very organized person who really gets into details. I do keep references around with the appropriate moon phases, planetary aspects, days of the week, etc., but I generally only do "spells" when I have a really pressing need or have the time. The only influence that I really use is whether the moon is waxing or waning, but I have been known to do money, job and other I need it now spells during a waning moon when it's an emergency. If all of the correspondences are there, great, but if not, I don't get hung up in it.

Some people just really enjoy in-depth spellcrafting. I believe that it's the intent and energy that you invest in your ritual that really determine the results, so I'm not sure whether this makes that much of a difference - although I'm sure it helps.

If you want to get into spellcrafting, I did find this excellent site not too long ago:

Spellcraft Menu (http://www.ladybridget.com/scmenu.html)

[Lavender]

I do spellwork about the same way you do. All these corespondences are nice but aren't really necessary. I think at some point, you've realized that the power is coming from you. All other things are just tools...an object to focus your energies on. It's not such a bad thing.

[AmbivalentMirage]

Thanx for the link, Freyja!!! I've been looking for something like that. I love details and like to make my workings as exactly precise as possible. I know it's not NEEDED to use all these correspondences, but it adds extra energy and enjoyment for me. ;)

I tend to visualize the entire ritual/spell while I am taking a cleansing bath or before opening my eyes but after ending my meditational trance. Then I mull it over in my mind for a while and write it down. Then I tweak it a little as I go through the actual working. I think working "on the fly" is good for personal or small workings, but I prefer to be very organized and carefully planned out for larger things. =)

Just my personal preferences.

[Flar's Freyja]

*nods* I think it has a great deal to do with personal preference and personality types. Some folks really love putting the little details together and I'm not one of them.......it just occurred to me, though, that I do really get into the small details of setting up an altar when I do a formal ritual.

I think that any method one uses to prepare for ritual can really help us focus and get into the best mental and emotional state that we can for ritual and magick.

[st0rm]

I dont really bother with details, I just focus and let it happen

[Raevyn]

Originally posted by Wildchild
I think at some point, you've realized that the power is coming from you.

I agree. I always felt it important to use tools and correspondences, because I believe in understanding how things are done and why, before doing it your own way. I very much believe in learning how to do it "the right way" or "the most common way", at least from the framework of Wicca which I was working from, before altering things. I consider it essential to understand why things are done and why they shouldn't be.

Even now, at times I will pull out all the stops, for example if I have an elaborate or important ritual or spell (or say, a handfasting), while at other times I'll just sit and pray, or raise energy out of nowhere. In the latter case though, I don't use the tools and correspondences not because I'm lazy or can't be bothered, but because I've thought about it and decided not to use them.

I think what's most important is knowing what you can do and why you should or shouldn't, rather then following a set of rules.

[SagaDraco]

I draw on my own energy. Fast, simple, but limited and tiring. Why I hardly ever do it anymore. Ritual magic has simply never worked for me, perhaps it is incompatible with me?Or maybe it bores me and I despise props and theatrics? :)

[Witchy Cowgirl]

I enjoy the detail, but I don't fret over it. I like for things to be a certain way but hey, if they can't be that way, that's OK too. For instance the first working I did....I had no tools what-so-ever and the entire working was done visually. So, I use what I have.

And like Freyja I prefer to use the power of the moon phase but if there is an emergecy I'll do the working even if the moon isn't in the "correct" phase. You know that can always be changed....well, not the moon phase but how you use it. For instance, your doing a working for a job, we're all used to doing this on a waxing moon....but it's an emergency and it's a waning moon....so the working can be concentrated on removing negative blocks between you and the job.:)

[Grey]

Ive always "winged" it .... unless I was just trying something I knew little about. I dont do much winging it theyre... I tend to draw the starting energy from myself then pull from the area around me. I also use kind of a "battery" I guess youd call it. Before I go to bed most nights I do a simple spell to remove all the energy I dont need from myself and channel it into a few items of mine. I then later use these items in my spell work and drain the energy I need from them.
I find that if I just go by the feel of whats right with something it comes out for the best... not always the way I expect but always for the best in the end.
As for a grimmoire... I keep spells I think others might like in theyre so I have it set, everything else is floating in my head and it works well that way. Maybe when Im older Ill sit down and write it out. Dont want to lose it ya know? we done to much losing already

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Oh yeah, I keep a record in my BOS as well. Usually not in much detail as I build all my own workings and these records are just notes on my thoughts as I'm crafting. For instance I'm doing a very detailed working for someone right now and it'll take a full month until it's actually finished. I've got notes on it but no step by step instructions.

[tarotbear]

I always feel casting a spell is kind of like cooking. A recipie book is good, but you always adjust the ingredients to suit your own tastes and preferences.

[Witchy Cowgirl]

:thumbsup: I like that Tarotbear!

[Stacy]

At first I used other peoples way of doing
rituals and casting a spells, which straight
led me to start doing the same but in my own way...

The first one never really "worked" exept
that it was a great practice.

When I customized the rituals and spells to
my own way, I used a lot of tools to help me
focus until I learned how to focus without them.

I haven't done a ritual and cast a spell in a long
time, though. I feel like this period is made for me
to withdraw partially from it and let it settle. I
need to learn how to focus my thoughts so that
I don't cast any spells when I'm just daydreaming
or intensivelly thinking about something. That part
I haven't learned yet, which couple of times caused
a problems that were unintentional from my side.

BB
Stacy

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump for Tellin Windglimmer

[redheadwitch]

oy! so glad this thread is here! ;)

like many others here, i wing it. i haven't been at this long, i don't even have a BOS yet! hee hee

but it's amazing how things just come to you. when i started doing rituals, i would just gravitate to a certain essential oil i wanted to use, and would later read up on it and find out it is used for exactly what i wanted! or i would choose to do really weird things, that seemed powerful and symbolic to me.
and the spells are always very special to me...a special time.
yet i pretty much pick out what i think i need and go for it.

most of the time i don't even cast a circle.

but my spells don't always offer immediate results, either.
perhaps if i planned to more detail my results would be quicker.

** sagadraco:
it may be that you need to find a certain kind of energy to connect to in order to make these things feel more right. i find i have a strong connection to trees...but i haven't used that energy much. now that i am starting to connect to them, i can literally SEE the energy flow from the tree to me...so maybe if you find what gives you energy..water, dirt, talking...maybe that will make your spell time more interesting for you.

[Flar's Freyja]

bump

[Mocari]

I just wonder wether You use pre-written spells, or write Your own, or don't do spells at all.
Do You think pre-written (does the word even excist?) spells work better, or own created spells?
Do words or symbols or even complete spells that have been used for thousands of years by practicioners of Magic hold extra power, for there is some sort of recognition in the universe?

I myself always do spells by my heart and feeling, and have never used a spell I find anywhere (or it was nothing much of a spell). I think it's better to do so, but maybe there are spells that can be more succesfull because of their usage in history.
So what do You think?

[Rainx]

Do words or symbols or even complete spells that have been used for thousands of years by practicioners of Magic hold extra power, for there is some sort of recognition in the universe?

It would depend on the purpose of the words or symbols - if they are sympathetic, then they're useless unless they are mind keys for your purpose. If they have been created specifically because they are symbols for another entity, then using anything else is going to be useless.

[Flar's Freyja]

We've had countless discussions on this topic. Here's one thread that may help:

How Do You Craft Your Spells? (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21568)

There are lots of threads with related information here:

The Mystic Wicks Book of Shadows (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21667)

[Mocari]

I am unable to delete this post..
delete delete delete
Erase & rewind
:(

[Flar's Freyja]

:rotfl:

You don't need to. I can merge it with the other thread if you'd like, or we can wait until there are some more replies and either leave it alone or merge it.

[Rainx]

*bump* I wrote this as myst awhile ago, it might be useful to some.

Keep in mind - a spell is just actions, tools, ingredients, etc. that help you focus on your goal. The magic isn't in the items you choose, but in your mind's ability to use them. In reality, you don't need any tools or ingredients or anything, just yourself. Those things are just what you've picked to help yourself out.

[~*Ginger*~]

Ooooh thanks sugar!
:)

[Flar's Freyja]

:bumpsmili

[♪Hazel♪]

thank you for that! That really makes it easier trying to figure out what goes where... Some places ive read are so strict about things.. it makes me scared to make up any of my own.. i think i might criss-cross what goes with what... :\.... But thank you!

[Raven7]

"In reality, you don't need any tools or ingredients or anything, just yourself"

Thats my big thing....I used to go about the whole cast the circle, proper moon phase, the whole nine yds but it always felt wrong....i dont use anything anymore other than crystals and candles and thats mostly because I like them ;) I've not cast a circle in a few yrs now and I have to say that it works better for me personally....everyone is different though :)

I think the most important part to remember is that the tools are just dressing - you ARE the only really needed tool....and the rest is completely up to you (whether or not you use things and how you use them)....after all its coming from you isnt it?

[boydshocot]

I really like this site alot. it is very helpful. Thank you for sharing it.

[wildwoodswoman]

I don't actually DO spells. I just think them. I plan them out in my head until they are just right. That way I can design all the items I need perfectly. Then I assemble them (in my head) and think the spell. Works quite well actually. Sometimes, it is even simpler than that. Today, I left my three dogs at my mother's house. I was worried about them getting on the furniture. I drifted off for a second and told Riggo to go lay on the bed I use, then I told the girls to lay on the floor in the livingroom. Then I returned to here and now. My parents got home before me and later related that three good pups were found laying right where I'd told them to go. Pretty simple stuff. Most important rule, I think. DON'T DOUBT!

[MystAngel]

I'm somewhere in between all of the above. I've followed books and I've done my own rituals on the fly. I think that many things I wish to cast for are so personal, a book isn't going to have what I need. I have done circles, and I've also just sat on my bed and thought my thoughts... What I love is that it doesn't matter how you do it, as long as it's perfect for you.

[aerialla]

very True MystAngel. The magick and power of a spell comes from within you and from within the earth. I always try to get connected with the earth and everything that surrounds me before I perform a spell. True magick doesn't really require anything but you and getting your message across to your Goddess or God.:sailing:

[LoriSage]

There is sooooo much out there on this subject but I found an essay I liked on spellcrafting (http://www.seawitchsays.com/spellcrafting.html). She doesn't give any spells but I like the way she explains it. :bigblue:

-Lori

[Suzette]

Oooo, I like that one! Thanks for posting Lori _twohorns_ I like her (Sea Witch) viewpoints and the fact that her site isn't covered in creamy fluffiness, LOL...

Freyja, you always post cool links and stuff too. I've surfed some sites, but found alot of them spout off things that seem more self-serving than not.

I really like Trish Tolesco's stuff, especially her Victorian Grimoire (a classic in my cabinet!). Check her out at http://www.loresinger.com/

[Amythyst]

I agree with a lot of what I hear on this subject that intent and energy are of the ultimate importance. But from personal experience, I find the the more layered with correspondences my spell is the more potent and successful it will be and the result will come quicker.

For a while I got lazy when it came to crafting my spells and I learned the hard way that there are some things that you shouldn't take shortcuts with.

[Teresa]

Bump for a Seeker of Knowledge!

[charlinr17@sympatico]

Good advise, although wiccans do not follow a docterine still there should be structure even if its in the minds eye Lily

[Ivy Artemisia]

I agree with a lot of what I hear on this subject that intent and energy are of the ultimate importance. But from personal experience, I find the the more layered with correspondences my spell is the more potent and successful it will be and the result will come quicker.

For a while I got lazy when it came to crafting my spells and I learned the hard way that there are some things that you shouldn't take shortcuts with.

I kind of agree. I think that it is entirely possible to use the simple formula that the OP suggested in a spell. I also think that it behooves us to take time and put in effort in order to create spells. I believe it to be a different type of energy. I call it "energy-in" to distinguish it from "raising" energy. As the saying goes, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Whether its researching correspondences, or an intricate symbolism-filled altar set-up, I believe that the more thought and effort one puts into a spell, the more likely it is for a successful outcome.

Personally, I've had experiences where I spent a LOT of effort/time creating the spell, and my outcome manifested before I was able to actually do the spell. Some may disagree with me, but I believe it to be due to all the effort and personal energy I had already put into the creation of the spell.