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The Art of Spellcasting

©samiramay / Adobe StockSpellcasting is an art and a science, with many factors that must be considered.

The phase of the moon, magickal correspondences, planetary influences, raising energy, and even the time of day can all play a part in your spell. Although it may seem so, there is nothing supernatural about spellcasting. As witches, we work with the natural forces of the earth and the universe. Once the spell is cast successfully, it is a matter of time until circumstances line up, and our goal begins to manifest. We must first ask, what is a spell?

Spellcasting is but one form of magick. It is a method of communicating our desires to the universe so that the universe can respond and manifest our desires into physical reality.

There is an old magickal saying, “As above, so below,” meaning that in order for something to manifest visibly, it must first be present in the invisible. Your spell is what places it there. Another magickal concept is, “Like attracts like,” meaning the use of energies and objects that have a connection to your goal will help it to manifest faster.

For effective spellcasting, there are six keys.

The first one is an altered consciousness. If you want your spell to work, you must first learn how to alter your consciousness. This can be achieved through controlled-breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, chanting, or drumming. Incense smoke, candles, and relaxing music can also help. Once we alter our brain waves to the Alpha state, we have reached the magickal mindset, the state of ritual consciousness. In Alpha, we become more sensitive to the unseen realms, and we are more open to receiving psychic information. Healing abilities are enhanced, and we are better able to communicate with our deities and spirit guides. Alpha has been called by some the “daydream” state when we are relaxed yet still aware of our surroundings.

The next key for effective spellcasting is to have a clear intention, knowing exactly what you want. If you are indecisive or unsure about what you want, it is unlikely to manifest.

Your focus should be on what you want, not on what you need.

For example, if you have a bill that needs to be paid, focus on the bill getting paid and not on the money you need to pay it. You don’t want to limit how the universe manifests your goal. You might get a check in the mail from an unexpected source, or you might be contacted by the bill collector informing you there was a mistake, and you don’t owe anything after all. Remember to focus on the outcome and not on how it manifests.

The third key for effective spellcasting is to have a strong will. It must be something you truly, earnestly desire, and you are determined to see it happen. A determined mindset is key. The more emotionally involved you are, and the more of that energy you put into the spell, the more likely it will manifest.

The fourth key is to raise energy. You may choose to repeat a chant multiple times, first softly, then increasing in volume, then returning to a soft tone. Some choose to write an incantation on a piece of parchment paper and then burn the paper while reciting the incantation. Others may dance around in a circle, beat a drum, or sing. You may raise energy in any way you choose. Be creative. Use your intuition to determine when enough energy has been raised and when it is time to release it.

The fifth key to effective spellcasting is the expectation of results. Know that it is going to happen. If you begin to have doubts or start thinking to yourself, “It didn’t work,” then you have short-circuited your spell, and it certainly will not happen. I have, however, known some folks who were skeptical of the magickal process, and their spell manifested anyway.

It is important to try your best and maintain a positive expectation of results. Visualize it as already happened and place yourself in the picture.

The sixth and final key to effective spellcasting is to let it go. Don’t obsess over it, and do not talk about it. Keep it to yourself until it manifests. This is rather important. It is one thing to have a positive expectation, but if you are continually thinking about it, then you are calling that energy back to you instead of letting it do its work. Cast your spell, maintain a positive attitude, and let it go.

Now we will examine the days of the week and the magick associated with each one.

These are some of the traditional magickal associations, but if you feel something different will work for you, then, by all means, use it. A wonderful thing about magick is that it can be individualized. Symbols, colors, and scents can mean different things to different people. However, these correspondences have power because they have been used for centuries. It would not be wise to disregard them completely.

MONDAY

Name: Day of the Moon

Celestial Influence: The Moon

Colors: White, silver, purple

Crystals and Stones: Moonstone, clear quartz, smoky quartz, selenite, amethyst, pearl

Herbs and Plants: Moonflower, lavender, sage, jasmine, mugwort

Magickal Workings: Goddess worship, divination, spirit communication, meditation, introspection

TUESDAY

Name: Day of Tyr (pronounced “teer”)

Tyr is a Norse god of law and war

Celestial Influence: Mars

Colors: Red, black

Crystals and Stones: Red jasper, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, carnelian

Herbs and Plants: Red clover, damiana, cinnamon, basil

Magickal Workings: Resolving conflict, assertiveness, courage, force, male sexuality

WEDNESDAY

Name: Day of Woden

Woden, or Odin, is a Norse god, the mythological inventor of the runes

Celestial Influence: Mercury

Colors: Yellow, orange

Crystals and Stones: Citrine, tiger’s eye, calcite, yellow jasper, amber

Herbs and Plants: Mint, daffodil, calendula, pumpkin, saffron, marigold

Magickal Workings: Memory retention, safe travel, learning, ritual writing, communication

THURSDAY

Name: Day of Thor

Thor is a Norse god of thunder

Celestial Influence: Jupiter

Colors: Green, brown

Crystals and Stones: Tree agate, aventurine, emerald, jade, malachite

Herbs and Plants: Oak moss, patchouli, eucalyptus, cinquefoil, bay leaves

Magickal Workings: Career, finances, advancement, growth

FRIDAY

Name: Day of Freya (pronounced “Fray-uh”)

Freya is a Norse goddess of love and beauty

Celestial Influence: Venus

Colors: Red, pink, blue

Crystals and Stones: Rose quartz, lapis lazuli, blue lace agate, rhodochrosite

Herbs and Plants: Rose, lavender, lilac, yarrow, thyme

Magickal Workings: Romance, friendship, family, fertility, self-esteem, female sexuality

SATURDAY

Name: Day of Saturn

Celestial Influence: Saturn

Color: Black

Crystals and Stones: Black obsidian, black tourmaline, black onyx, jet

Herbs and Plants: Henbane, hellebore, belladonna, blackthorn, mandrake, hemlock, foxglove, datura, snapdragon, mistletoe, wormwood

*Most of the herbs and plants associated with Saturday are poisonous and must be handled with extreme care.

Magickal Workings: Protection, banishing, binding, removing obstacles

SUNDAY

Name: Day of the Sun

Celestial Influence: The Sun

Colors: Gold, yellow, orange

Crystals and Stones: Sunstone, citrine, yellow calcite

Herbs and Plants: Sunflower, heliotrope, fennel, goldenseal, dandelion, St. John’s wort

Magickal Workings: Success, achieving coals, god Worship, ambition, illumination, revelation

You now have learned some of the basics of spellcasting, but there is so much more. As you grow in your practice of witchcraft, you will discover what works best for you. Listen to your intuition and let your deities and guides assist you in casting your spells with power and stronger focus.

***

Rick Silfies Potter is an author, teacher, and founder of the Blackthorn Druid Order, a training program that blends Celtic Paganism, Druidry, and Witchcraft. He has been a witch for 30 years and has served as High Priest of several magickal groups. Rick has lectured at festivals, colleges, and schools on the mysteries of Witchcraft and Magick. For more information about Rick’s private classes, visit www.blackthorndruidorder.com.

The Art of Spellcasting was originally published in Wild Goddess Magick: A Witchcraft Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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Published on April 20, 2020 12:54

Your Guide to Seeing Auras

What they are and how to use them in your practice

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Published on March 25, 2020 13:08

What The Spring Equinox Means For Witches

There are only two days all year when daytime and nighttime are exactly the same lengths. These days are the equinoxes — spring and autumn.

The Date and Meaning of the Equinoxes

The word equinox comes from the Latin word aequinoctium. Aequi means equal, and noct refers to night. This means that an equinox is a time of equal night and day. This happens when the tilt of the Earth’s axis and Earth’s orbit around the sun combine in such a way that the sun shines exactly above the equator.

March’s spring equinox is also the first day of spring astronomically speaking. (For meteorologists it’s on March 1.) This often happens on either March 20 or 21, but this year, it’s on the 19th. This is the first time in 124 years that the first day of spring has occurred on March 19th.

Side Note: The First Point of Aries, also known as the Cusp of Aries, is the location of the vernal equinox. This happens when the Sun leaves the 12th zodiac sign of Pisces for the 1st zodiac sign of Aries. For many, it’s the beginning of Aries season. #helloariesseason

What the Equinox Represents Magickally

After the spring equinox, the days get longer as the strength of the sun slowly grows. You can look to use this time to honor all new life and any new ideas. Thanks to the spring equinox, we’ll see earlier sunrises, later sunsets, and growing life.

Enjoy planting seeds of your favorite herbs, and don’t forget to include your intentions. Later this year, you’ll reap the benefits of this planting.

During the spring equinox, it’s time to rejoice. Though there are dark times, the sun — that represents life and vitality — is not defeated.

For witches, the spring equinox is also Ostara, the second of three spring festivals in the northern hemisphere. Many modern Pagans mark Ostara as a time of renewal, balance, and rebirth. Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature. Stand in nature, lay in the grass, or hike through a forest to feel the awakening energy of the earth.

Don’t worry about not being able to celebrate exactly on the date. Spend the rest of March welcoming spring with open arms.

Things You Could Do

To celebrate the changing seasons magickally, set up your spring altar, perform growth or balance rituals, pull Tarot cards, get crafty with flowers and herbs, strengthen your connection to the divine or goddess Eostre, or honor the traditions that are special to you.

Take a look at nature near you. Do you see new growth? What about chirping birds? For me, it’s also a time of seeing new fawns. During the springtime, whitetail doe tend to have their young.

Life changes and cycles are present all around you.

Spring Equinox Spell IdeasAbundanceBalanceChangeFertilityGrowthLustNew beginningsProsperityPurification

Take time out of your busy day-to-day schedule to explore your light and learn to celebrate your shadow during this time of balance. Allow yourself to space to grow and blossom.

And remember to always ground yourself and your emotions during times of uncertainty or adversity.

What The Spring Equinox Means For Witches was originally published in Wild Goddess Magick: Witchology Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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Published on March 19, 2020 14:48