In this article, we will be discussing spellwork. Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask a question about spells. Questions like the following:

• Can I do a spell?
• Am I too new to perform a spell?
• How do I do a spell?
• What is a spell?
• I don’t have a lot of tools and supplies. Can I still do a spell?

These are questions that will be answered in this introductory article.

What is a Spell? 

First, let’s discuss the basics. What is a spell? A spell is a magickal formula used to give someone influence over something else, such as a situational outcome. These formulas can be simple or complex. A spell can be something as simple as chanting a few words or something as complex as a long drawn out ritual with many ingredients and components. This will be discussed in broader detail later on.

Simply put, spells are a recipe used to perform magick. Think of  them as a base for using or performing magick. Just like with cooking, some spells are simple like a pizza dough, while others are more complex like a macaron. Just like with cooking, spells take practice and time to complete well.

Magick

Next, it would be wise to define magick. Magick is often defined as a force used to influence an event, course of event or outcome. Most often magick is used in conjunction with the will or intent of a person. This force is often referred to as an energy in which a person can use to help gain control or have influence.

Magick is a type of energy. Much like other forms of energy, it will take the path of least resistance. If you are a novice, you may wonder what this means. In simple terms, if one  performs a spell, the energy of the spell will take the “smoothest” course, i.e. the course of least resistance. For example, if one was performing a spell to gain money, then after the spell, one found five dollars in his pocket, the spell would have fulfilled its purpose because money was received. The spell caster may have had different plans as to how the spell may have been fulfilled, but finding the money in one’s pocket was the simplest way for it to be done. This is often why people may come to the idea that a spell may not have worked.

Quite simply, magick is often less complex than people realize. The given example is also an important lesson on just how much intention and wording matter when it comes to magick.

Intentions 

Intentions? What are they? And why are they important? Intentions are how you want things to play out or what you want the spell to do. When it comes to determining one’s intention, being specific is very important. If one is not specific, then things may not end in the manner in which they are desired.

As in the above example, the intention was to gain money. Forgotten money was found in a pocket; and therefore, money was gained – thus fulfilling the spell that was cast.

With this in mind, what do you think could have been done differently to produce a different or more desirable outcome?

When we take a step back and look at the intentions, we see that it is possible to come up with intentions that are more direct to the goal that one wants to achieve. For example: If the spell is being done for a specific cause (such as increasing money to be able to afford upcoming bills for the next three weeks), then this is what the intention should be. Very clear and precise.

That being said, one should also not get in the way of the spell coming to pass. Now, you may wonder what is meant by this. To put it simply, one has to be willing to also put forth some effort to achieve the goal or goals of the spell. And here is why: Spells are merely a way of opening doors to help out along the way. Therefore, if your spell is meant to gain enough money for upcoming bills for the next three weeks, then one might expect to gain an extra job or more hours at work to help meet this need. Another wonderful idea would be to ensure one is prepared to act on other opportunities that may arise, which could fulfill the desire set forth in the magickal working performed.

Who Can Cast a Spell?

Who can cast spells? The short answer is, of course, anyone.

In fact, many have cast them without even realizing it. Have you ever wanted something so much so it was all you thought about (such as a certain gift for your birthday)? Then, you received it? That intent you put toward getting what you wished for was a form of spell, albeit may not have been on a “grand scale.”

Now, let’s talk about the nitty gritty. Will my spell work? Well, that depends on many factors. Sometimes, when you perform a spell someone else is performing, one that is counter-intuitive to yours, this could result in your spelling not coming to light or not happening in a manner in which one executed.

Just like riding a bike, one has to learn when it comes to casting a spell. This is more important with more complex spells. This means that someone that has been practicing for a long time would most likely be able to cast a spell more efficiently than someone who has just started to cast. As with most things, the more one practices and the more time that is spent doing to prepare for the tasks, the better the outcome will be. Additionally, just as with other areas of life, some people are naturally more apt than others. Some people have to work or focus a bit harder when it comes to performing spells. 

Spell Components

So what does it take to make a spell? Can I just light a candle and make a wish?

Well, certainly you can just light a candle and wish. Most of us do it annually at the time of our birthday. There are many possible components to spells. Some components include: incantations or words, hand gestures, herbs, stones, and many other ingredients. Some spells take the moon positions, current sun sign, time of day, and many other aspects into consideration.

How much time and effort one puts into a spell matters. The more time and energy you put into your spell, the greater it will likely be. Research can help to improve your spells. Different herbs, stones, and ingredients have different magickal meanings or aspects that are better suited for particular intended outcomes.

The same is true for different times of the year such as moon cycles and seasons. When time is taken to research these meanings and their correlation to the desired outcome of a spell, it will be more potent and will more than likely yield more favorable results.

The single most important component to the spell is intent. When you think about it, intent seems like it would be simple to master, but when one thinks on it for a moment, one can see how it is not as simple as it appears.

While doing the spell, it is important to have complete focus on your intent. It is important to not let your mind wander to other thoughts. It is for this reason that intent is difficult. It must be maintained throughout the spell. This is why it is important to perform spells where you can focus and not be interrupted.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to help a new practitioner gain a simple understanding of magick and performing spellwork. That being said, this should not be your only source of information, as it is only meant to answer a few basic questions that a novice may have in mind.

Expand upon your magickal studies, research, read, and practice!

As always, may you be blessed while on your magickal journey.

~ Sara Lynn