Mindset is as important as your tools when casting magick spells
Spell
Casting Checklist: Setting the Mood for Success
by Terri Lewis
Before you
Begin
Spell casting
always seems to be stereotypically shown as some spooky ritual that
involves a full moon, black candles, sacrificial ceremonies, and
plenty of magical potions, powders and props. This is not an
entirely accurate picture. Magical dealings need not be so strict in
nature. There are certain items that are needed to cast a spell, but
what you use and how you use it are ultimately up to you. In fact,
some say that if magic is not personalized, it is rendered useless.
Spell casting is made out to be such an inflexible art, but this is
a prevalent misconception. First and foremost, when casting a spell,
the caster must be in the proper mindset. If you are stressed about
your job, bill payments, family issues, etc. this could throw off
your focus and the spell will either not work or the effectiveness
of it will be diminished. Seasoned casters suggest meditation,
grounding rituals, and cleansing baths before attempting a spell, so
you can be rejuvenated and fresh for the task at hand. Many spell
casters will perform their spells "skyclad" or naked, or in special
robes they keep solely for this purpose, but you may dress in
whatever you feel most comfortable in.
Tools of the
Trade
Those
experienced in spell casting will most likely already have an altar
on which to perform the spell, but for beginners who do not have
altars yet, they are very simple to construct. Altars are small
tables usually made of wood, metal or ceramic. They may be as simple
or elaborate as you like. They are usually covered in an altar
cloth. The altar cloth is most usually white or black, but should be
varied to match the kind of spell you are casting, for example: if
you are casting a love spell, it should be pink or red, or for a
money or prosperity spell, it should be green. Altar cloths can also
be very simple or ornate. You may even wish to make your own, that
way you can infuse your own personal energy into it.
Spell Casting
Aids
When
conducting spells, there are many items that can aid you. Firstly,
you may choose to play music during your spell. It is very common,
when casting a love spell, to play favorite romantic songs. However,
when playing music, the volume should be kept to a minimum so as to
not disrupt your focus or to make you break the circle to wrestle
with the volume. Candles are also widely used in spell casting. Not
only do they provide adequate mood lighting, but each candle color
is attributed with certain emotions or powers, for example, a pink
or red candle would be used for a love spell as those colors are
attributed to feelings of romantic love. Therefore, the caster,
depending on the type of spell, should be sure to pick the
appropriate color of candle to enhance the potential potency of
their spell. Herbs, crystals and incense are widely used in spell
casting to enhance the energy or power of the spell. The scents of
lavender, vanilla, honeysuckle and gardenia are used mostly for love
spells. Another integral tool used in casting is the athame, which
is a ritual dagger with a double-sided edge and a black handle. The
athame is never used to cut anything physical and is most often used
to cast the magical circle.
Other Things
to Consider
There are many
other tools that can be used, but are not necessary to the craft.
Many altars usually include a chalice, which represents the element
of water, which will usually hold water or wine for drinking after
the spell casting is complete. There is also usually a wand
representing Air that can be made of wood, metal, or bone. Most
altars will include a pentacle or small pendant that will typically
be used to cleanse other items on the altar. Cauldrons are also
usually found on altars as well. They are normally placed there for
a more "witchy" effect and are used infrequently. Timing should also
be considered when preparing for spell casting. Each lunar phase and
day of the week is associated with different deities and planets.
Therefore on certain days, particular energies might be more potent.
An ideal time to cast a love spell would be on a Friday as that
particular day is associated with Venus.
Casting The
Circle
In order to
start your spell, first the circle must be cast. A circle is simply
a space that is used as your realm of power in which to perform your
spell. It should be in a place that is free from distraction, such
as televisions, telephones and all other everyday appliances. The
space should be cleansed with the sprinkling of salt water to ensure
that any negative energy is banished. When your space is ready, the
circle must be drawn. You may use your finger, wand, or athame, to
draw a symbolic circle approximately 9 feet in diameter. Those
skilled in spell casting can simply call up their circle through
visualization, but the circle may physically be defined as well with
stones, gems, earth, or candles. After casting the circle, it is
time to invoke the elements to help you with your magical deed. The
four elements to be called forth are Air (East), Fire (South), Water
(West), and Earth (North). Simply stand in the direction associated
with the element and politely ask for each Guardian to join you and
watch over you during your spell. After the Guardians have joined
you, then you may invite any other spirits and deities that you
wish. At this point, you are ready to perform your spell.
When casting a
spell, setting the proper mood is integral to success. If the energy
is not correctly balanced, the spell will simply not be effective.
Spell casting is a very personal and powerful way to commune with
your inner self and the universe and there are numerous ways to go
about it. Regardless of whether you have the appropriate tools,
words, and timing, if your mood is not suited to your spell, it is
sure to fail.
About the
author: Terri Lewis is a relationship advisor specializing in
alternate therapy and is an authority on wicca and pagan culture and
tradition. Terri provides content for the website
Free Love Spells and Information
- www.love-spells-pheromones.com
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