We all have these images in our minds of spells cast in these large, lavish rituals, with a mass of mystical tools and enchanted objects, all spoken in some ancient dead language out of some dusty grimoire. There is this notion that in order for spells to be effective, they must be massive and complex. In reality, the simplest spells are often the most effective, as the energy is put into the spell itself rather than all the pomp and circumstance some have come to assign to spellwork. These spells become even more effective when they are written by the Witch casting the spell. While a few public Witches and Hollywood have given us this “you will need a dozen candles and a goat born under a Waning Libra Moon” vibe as far as what spells are supposed to look like, it really comes down to a few basic things to write a simple, effective spell.
The thing to understand is all that is really necessary to affect change (which is what Witchcraft basically is) is to gather energy, program it with your intent and then send it in the appropriate direction, which can all be done at work, if your focus, visualization, and intent are absolutely perfect. Everything else added into the mix is for the rest of us mere mortals who need a little help with these things. In its simplest form, that is all a spell is: something to help us gather, focus, and release energy for a specific purpose. The more complicated we make a spell, the more tangled and unclear our energy and intent become, and the less likely we are to get our desired outcome. Keeping things very clear and concise, with a few simple elements, is the key to making it work. Most of the work begins well before you cast the spell.
Intent and a clear purpose
Writing an effective spell is essentially sitting down and creating one clear, concise, very exact statement of the purpose. This not only sets the tone for the entire spell, but it tells the universe exactly what you need. Your statement should leave zero room for doubt or misinterpretation. A statement saying you need some money will more than likely yield you all the spare change you could ever want, from pennies on the ground to a few quarters under a couch cushion, but not the specific amount you need within a specific time frame for a specific purpose. A statement saying “you need $375 by October 1st for a train ticket to Chicago” is much better in that it gives a specific amount, a specific time frame, and a purpose to visualize. The universe knows exactly what you are asking for and when you need it. Being specific in your intent not only gives you something concrete to visualize, it leaves no room for the Universe to get creative with its interpretation.
Also, keep things reasonable. Large sums of money do not just appear magically out of the ether instantly. There needs to be both a reasonable amount of time, and a reasonable way for things to happen in order for spells to be effective. It’s like casting a spell to win the lottery but not buying a ticket, or casting a fertility spell to get pregnant but not having sex. That isn’t how the universe works in real life. The most effective spells are those which ask for a reasonable thing, within a reasonable amount of time.
Eye of Newt, Tongue of Goat, and other accoutrements
Over the centuries, we have fallen in love with the mystique of those Shakespearean spells; they have all these exotic, gruesome bits and pieces to them. They make us feel all warm and Witchy, and make us giggle when the muggles cringe. But, where the hell do you get Devil’s Shoestring at 2am? Why do I have to steal an egg from a neighboring farm (do I even have a neighboring farm??)? Do I really even need all that?
No, you really don’t. Once you have established your spell intent, gathering a few things to help out is easy if you remember to keep it simple. A candle can set the mood and get you in the mindset you need to cast your spell.
You can pick one or two herbs and crystals containing the energies matching your intent (the fewer the better), if that is where your comfort zone is. These things can help you program the energy you gather. Just make sure the properties of the stones and crystals are not at cross purposes with what you are trying to do.
You can also go for the cheap and easy visual aides, like actual currency for money and prosperity spells, and so on. All you really need is something that represents what you are trying to achieve. One or two simple objects can help to keep you focused on the intent of your spell.
Oh Mighty Ones of All Those Things We Want and Need...
This is the time to decide if you are going to call upon Gods and/or Goddesses, or just the Universe in general. Working with Deities can be useful in that you are asking a specific energy to help you with what you are doing, like dealing with one small department rather than an entire corporation. You can choose a Deity you work with regularly, or one specific to the purpose of your spell, such as Boudicca for a child protection spell. It is not ideal, however, to make your first dealings with a specific Deity a call for help. Whenever possible, work with Deities you have already established a relationship with, as the rapport will make the process more comfortable, and the energy will feel more compatible with your purpose.
Universal energy also works just as well. Simple spells are great practice for dipping your cup into the vast pool of Universal energy. Some find the energy is easier to work with, as it isn’t programmed with the traits of a Deity, but rather raw material to be forged to your will.
Making the decision whether to include Deity or Universal energy is a personal choice. Work with what you feel comfortable working with, and tailor the body of your incantation to reflect your choice.
Facile Observabunt, Coinnigh Easca e, Neka Bude Lako
The incantation of a spell is the words we speak out loud. They set the tone and state our purpose. Words carry an energy of their own, not only in their meanings, but in the very vibration they create in a space when we say them out loud. In the text of a spell, we are using the energy of meaning along with auditory vibrations to gather and shape some of the energy for our purpose (along with Deity/universe, representational objects, our own will, etc). The words do not have to be fancy. They just need to be comfortable for you to say, and tie in with the purpose of your spell.
Ancient languages look cool on paper, and sound cool when someone who knows how to pronounce everything says them, but there is nothing more of an energy killer than butchering the pronunciation of words of power. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce a word, don’t use it in your spell. You will be distracted by saying it correctly, and probably fumble around with it enough to lose your focus on your intent. Stick with what you know.
It also does not have to be poetic in any way. Some of the most effective spells I have ever cast involved me simply having a clear conversation with my Deities on what was going on and what I needed. Poetry and chants are great for building huge amounts of energy, but conversations with the Universe will also do the trick.
What’s That Up in the Sky?
While I don’t get bogged down as far as the astrological timing of things when it comes to spell casting, I do pay a little attention to the phases of the Moon. While the New Moon phase is ideal for starting anything new, the Dark Moon phase is perfect for endings. Waxing phases are all about setting boundaries, building things up and growth. Waning Moon phases are about letting things go, releasing things, and clearing paths. Full Moons are pretty much good for everything. Look at the purpose of your spell, and decide where it will fit best. It never hurts to have a little Lunar energy on your side.
Document, Document, Document
Now that you have figured everything out, you need to write it down. Why? If it works, you might want to use it again. If it doesn’t, you will be able to see where you messed up. Write down what the Lunar phase is, and all the tangibles (color of candle, herbs, crystals, representational objects) you are using and what their properties are. If you are going to use Deities, note which ones and why. Make sure the incantation you write down is the one you used. If you go off script, try and write down everything you said so you will know for later use. Also, go back and note if the spell worked (after a reasonable amount of time), and how it manifested. All these things can help you to repeat an effective spell, diagnose a spell that may not have worked, and can be a useful reference for later spell work.
As Witches, we are always learning and honing our craft. Gathering knowledge and tailoring our practices into something that not only resonates with our belief systems, but is comfortable for us on an individual, personal level is the key to effective spell work. When we stop becoming bogged down by complex spells, or how we think spells should look or be according to external standards, and approach them from an individual view point and understanding, we will find it easier to gather the energy necessary to affect change, and will find it far easier to construct our own simple, effective spells. We will also have gained a skillset that will aid us in becoming more proficient Witches. And, we will be able to affect positive change in our lives, and the world around us.
Blessings
Laurie Sherman
The Urban Crone
