Human perception of magic and those that practice it has been skewed by popular culture and literature. It is only recently that witches have received some positive highlights and horrible hags of yesteryears are finally receiving their due. Magic refers to control of external circumstances through mental means and anyone who practices magic is called a witch. 'Spell' is the witch's word for prayer because like a prayer a spell is an appeal to the higher powers for the fulfillment of a desire. Thus, a spell is a way of worship and need to be enacted with the dignity a sacred rite deserves. The way a spell is cast depends up on the complexity of desire and it can be as simple as chanting an incantation or as elaborate as fertility dance. However, there are some basic methodologies that apply to all spells. The first step to magic spell is to consult the phase of the moon to determine the appropriate time for performing the spell. On the chosen day the witch casts a circle and calls of the four quarters. This basically means that the witch consecrates the space with circular (or spherical) boundaries and evokes the spirits and Gods within that space to bless their magic. The manner in which this is done depends entirely on the witch. The next step refers to the offerings given to please the Gods and direct them towards the heart's desires. These include candles, herbs, crystals and essential oils among other things. For instance, in a spell to attract wealth, there are green or gold candles, herbs like patchouli and dill and the crystal that works best is malachite. It is not necessary to have all these things present since obtaining them can be an expensive affair. If the intent is sincere enough, even the most minimalistic ritual will work. The same ritual may need to be repeated over a number of days to achieve results. Before the spell is concluded, the quarters need to be thanked then sent away and the circle has to be closed. It is essential to remember that magic works on the principle of what goes round, comes round and so individuals need to be careful what they wish for. |
