Beginning Witchcraft: Stepping into Spellcraft

[Heather]

If you're looking at this, you've probably read every other Beginning Witchcraft article here (and if you haven't, you should), and you're wondering... "Well, all those things are nice.. but what about actual spells?". Taking the leap from study to practice is a hard thing to do, and equally as hard to write about- it's a very personal experience for all of us.

There is no easy way to do it, either. There is no foolproof beginner's spell, there is no step-by-step guide on how to do it, and there is no technique that works for everyone. This does not mean, however, that no help can be offered to you. Too often, when someone is not guided through this process, and even sometimes when they are guided, they don't succeed and they become disillusioned with magick. They believe it doesn't work, and it's worthless. It's for this reason that we cannot provide any specific 'beginner' spell to you- What worked for us may not work as well for yourself, and no spell is as powerful as one you, yourself, have written.

That said, we can point you in the right direction and help you get a spell created. Generally, when starting off, you should try a 'safe' spell, such as a spell for prosperity, protection, or good health. These are all well-wishing spells, and so if you fail, at least you're no worse off than when you began.

Making spells is also a tricky thing. Most spells you will see online will include candles, herbs, incenses- this is not what you need to worry about right now. Anything besides simple words and chants should be considered advanced spell making, and though we will cover this in another article, it is not welcoming to the novice witch. So, lets walk through creating a basic spell, shall we?

When you make a spell, first you must decide the purpose. For example, lets say I want to attract prosperity to myself.
Next, put that wish into words- some people like them to rhyme, and some people don't mind either way. I like rhyming since it makes it easier to chant, and thus easier to raise energy with. So for me, I would say "Bless me, winds of prosperity; Take my burdens, make me free; Bless me, so mote it be"
Ending with "So mote it be" is also a personal preference- Some people add it only at the end of the spell, said with authority, as a way to command the energy they have raised to carry the spell to completion.

And well, it's that simple. Making spells is as easy as writing poetry, perhaps easier- what's hard is casting them. We've taught you to raise energy, program energy, and manipulate energy... But now you must put those into practice.
Chant your spell, or use another method, to raise your energy, then focus on the chant and the objective of the spell to program it- Finally, command the energy, or simply send it off in a way you prefer, to complete the spell. It helps to, before the spell, meditate and see your objective coming to fruition. Concentrate only on your spell, your objective, and sending the energy you raise to complete it.
That's really all there is to it- it sounds much more complex than it is, and I encourage you to try it and, if you must, just wing your way through the process before condemning it. You may find that with your practice meditating and controlling energy has given you a leg up- and I hope that is what you find.

Now you may wonder, "Don't I have to cast a circle, or light candles, or do any of that stuff?" well, the answer is yes and no. Some people say yes, and some say no. Casting a circle is done for protection, however some witches do not do it at all, and casting a circle is, in itself, a personal form of witchcraft. Everyone does it a little differently and us telling you "This is how you do it, and you must do it every time" would be wrong of us. It is personal preference and little more. If you feel that you need it, then please ask and we will assist you- but if you are okay without it, then just practice and see how you do.

Candles are used in candle magick and occasionally meditation, however these are not needed. Candles, crystals, herbs, incense, all these things are extra elements that can enhance a spell, but as a beginner, you needn't worry about having the right color of candle, or the right incense or herb. It is too much to thrust onto a beginner, and I encourage you to experiment and get comfortable with whatever your first, original spell is before you step into spells with many extra components.

With all this said- I wish you luck, and I apologize that more guidance cannot, in good faith, be offered. It is best to think of this as a learning experience- Everyone practices witchcraft a different way, everyone has a different style, and it is up to you to let your style emerge and let your creativity flourish. Whether your spell is three lines long or fifty, whether it rhymes or it doesn't- as long as you feel in your heart it is right, it is right. Nobody can, or should, tell you differently.