| A Warning About Spellcraft (If you are seriously thinking about attempting any kind of spellcraft, including the spells presented here, you should talk about it to someone and be sure you know what you are doing first. Further, many books on magick woefully fail to take into account that some practices involve the use of candles, herbs and oils, and ceremonial weapons which could cause injury, illness, or even death if improperly handled. For example: there is a grave risk of fire in leaving lit ceremonial candles untended; even dull knives and swords can cut; some herbs, like jimsomweed (the active ingredient in the so-called witches' flying potion), can kill you; and Oil of Abramelin will burn like heck if it gets in your eyes! So, you should be wary of what you do and use common sense to protect yourself, others, property, and the environment.) When people approach me with questions about witchcraft, most of the time what they really want to know is how to cast a spell to get something life has denied them. I try and politely tell my friends, especially those who are devoutly Christian, that it's not a good thing to come to the study of witchcraft (or any spiritual practice) because they want something. They, of course, respond with: Well, I prayed for it, and I didn't get it. My God didn't answer me, so, I figured I'd try yours." I cringe deeply and try to explain to them that that's just not the way it works. At least, not with the kind of witchcraft I practice. Moreover, whenever you put yourself and your desire first, you are opening wide the door to evil influence. You need to know that a spell is a specialized form of prayer, a thought-form made of energy and intent. Like prayers, spells do work. The rituals associated with spells are to help a witch raise and control spiritual energy. Meditation, prayer, yoga, dance, even sex can do the same thing. Once a witch has raised this spiritual energy, he or she invests that energy with an intention. This is often done with an incantation. But it can be done silently or through meditation on mental or actual images. Whatever helps you focus your intent. Once the energy is charged with your intent, it is then released into the world, let loose into that greater matrix of energy, chi, the force, God, whatever you want to call it. And then you wait. Sometimes you will immediately see results manifest in your life. Sometimes not. Frequently a person does get results, but because the result was something unexpected, the person doesn't realize the spell has worked. You see, in the immortal words of the Rolling Stones: "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, that you get what you need." If you really want to study spellcraft, read a couple of books about it first. There's a lot more to it than just reading some words out loud. Here's a good beginning book. Creating your own spells and practices should reflect your own individuality. While there are many lovely rituals and spells available here and everywhere on the internet, a Witch should be able to write his or her own spells. I heard it said once long ago that using another's spell/ritual was like wearing somone else's underwear. Your own spells and rituals, when written by you are tailored to your own needs and energy. Sure, pre-made spells and rituals will work. Spells and rituals created by your own hand will have better results. Writing your own spells and rituals can be very fulfilling, as it allows you to worship the God/dess any way you want. You are assured that you create spells and rituals for all of your needs at any and all times. Along with this freedom, comes responsibility. Once you have created a spell or ritual, eventually you will want to cast it. Have you thought about it? Many people cast spells every day. Some are Pagan and some follow other religions. Wiccans believe and follow the three-fold law and believe that what ever you send out comes back times three. This being said, if you send out something positive it returns to you, three times stronger in a positive way. The same goes if you send out something negative. It will aslo come back to you three times over. So you should keep this in mind before you cast any positive or negative spells. There are simply two rules when it comes to spell casting. To do no harm and to not remove someones free will. It is also thought to be a good idea to try to accomplish your goal using mundane means first. It is generally thought that you should attempt to reach your goal without magick first. If your goal is unatainable without magick, then, only after making sure that it harms no-one, write your spell/ritual and when the timing is just right, cast your spell. Remember though, magick can make a situation more complicated. So make sure that you have exhausted all avenues. I believe the key to successful spellcraft lies in humbling yourself to the powers that be and asking for guidance. Put your God/dess first, not yourself. Do a spell with reverence and thanksgiving. And (now, many witches and other magickal practitioner may disagree on this point), never ask for anything too specific. If you do a spell to win Suzy's or George's love, you may get it and discover that you've actually cursed yourself. Or, you may only prolong a period of emotional suffering as you pine away for someone you were not meant to have. If you are trying to cast a spell to get another person's love, what you probably need more than spellcraft is therapy. Because, you see, anytime you cast such a spell, you are trying to control or manipulate the will of another. Not only is that inherently a bad thing, it almost always backfires on you. Instead of casting a spell for a specific person's love, ask that your heart be guided to the right love. Or, ask that your spiritual or emotional wounds be healed so that you are ready to enter a healthy and happy relationship. And, if you need money, don't do a spell for that $450 you need to pay the Visa bill. You may get into a car accident and, amazingly, get a quick settlement that leaves you just that much richer. Pray instead for better job opportunities or for new creative outlets that allow you to prosper. Ask for growth, not immediate gratification. And, unless you want to lose a bit of your soul or suffer the inevitable backlash, never do a spell to hex or harm someone. Instead, do a spell to protect or to separate yourself from that person. Now, there are many forms of magical practice where it's OK, or even preferable, to be specific about what you want. Unfortunately, that kind of magick typically requires conjuring an elemental or demonic spirit. And, I am not going there. At least, not until I am properly trained and emotionally mature enough to handle the consequences. But there are ceremonial magicians (and even Christian exorcists) out there who have the mettle and the expertise for that sort of thing. Personally, I think you have to have a special calling for that kind of magick and I'd advise the needy and lovelorn to stay very far away from it. That said, if you'd like an interesting read on ceremonial magick, check out this link. Remember: you are responsible for your spiritual health and well-being. So, take care. from "the Charmed Ones" Book of Shadows 
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