I Put A Spell On You || Spell Casting Tips For The New Witch
by Kirsten Renee
What exactly is magick? Many people have different definitions as to what it is and how they use it. Fashion icon and witch Gaby Herstik describes Magick as “Action + Energy + Intention”. She goes on to explain her meaning by using "Happy Birthday” as a reference. Gaby’s definition is one of the infinite ways to describe your personal style of spell casting/magick. For me, I define magick as a “circuit board method" meaning I use spells/conjure/etc to be the conductor of my energetic intention. Magick is an artform and science, there’s many ways to get an outcome! The circuit board method is what I call simple magick, because it’s based off of science experiments I did in high school. When you think of conducting energy you need a few things to make it happen. Energy, Power, Watts and Joules are normally what you would see in a science equation. In terms of magick ( in my world!) to successfully conjure/cast a spell I need Energy, Purpose, Visualization and Skill.
Energy - in reference to personal and situational settings, where my head’s at?
Purpose - What is my objective for this spell?
Visualization - What process and outcome do I see for myself?
Skill - Do I need to tweak this spell to fit my skill set?
There’s literally a spell for anything and everything, want to get someone to stop talking to you a freezer spell works wonders! Some spells are simple and some can be a bit more intricate, no matter the steps the entire point is that your magick is focused + sure. Example, freezer spells can be used for many things, to banish people, freeze your assets, put a pause on a situationship, etc. Everyone has different techniques, but here’s how I like to do mine.
Have something to put your petition/written request on. Some people use jars, or other freezable bottles. If you don’t have that a plastic tupperware dish works just fine!
You’ll need something to represent what you’re putting a hold on. If it’s a person, a photo or just their name written down will do. If it’s money, you can write down an amount on the money and place it in the container.
Now for the liquid, depending on the spell you can use various liquids. Doing a love freezer spell, a little sugar water or rose water goes a long way. Want to get someone off your back, vinegar, salt water, or even your own pee (yes, you read that right) can do wonders.
Seal it! You can seal your freezer spell by using candle wax! Black for banishing or red/pink if you’re doing something involving love. Don’t have a candle, don’t worry you can also use aluminum foil (shiny side down) as a reflective/mirror tool.
Preparing yourself for spellwork can be simple or if you’re like me a whole ritual to do some magick! Having a ritual is important and sacred, because it’s how you connect yourself to whatever you work with. In my workings, it depends on what time of day, what day of the week and moon phase. I check all of these things before doing any spellwork, because that is when I am most comfortable doing it. Preparing yourself for any sort of magickal working should be when you are most comfortable! Don’t know where to start, here’s a few ideas of things you can do to create your own pre-spellwork ritual.
A ritual bath - Gather up bath salts, CBD bath oil, herbs, essential oils, etc. use ones that go with whatever intention you have set for yourself. A favorite of mine is Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, mint and epsom salt! Sometimes even just a nice soak with a bath bomb can do the trick as well. Washing away your worries and letting your body float into a meditative state is key!
Light candles! Candles are one of my favorite parts of any ritual. I usually get candles that correspond to what I’m doing. When I want to pick up my spirits and invoke more self love, pink and red candles are my favorite!
Pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink! If I’m doing a morning ritual, water or a nice protein packed smoothie! For evening, a nice glass of wine, water or my favorite pressed juice!
Some witches + magick folk like to wear specific clothing! Some wear all white, or all black. Others wear color coordinated clothing. I like to wear what makes me comfortable, usually a comfortable dress or favorite PJ’s!
Casting a circle! Circle casting is a way to hone in the magick in one space! Your circle is specifically your space to do your work. I like to pray, meditate, dance, sing, talk to Goddess, pull tarot, etc.
Set up your work space! Set an area where you can’t be disturbed, if you live with others I suggest placing a sign on your bedroom door. Prepare your alter, light your candles, prepare your herbs if you’re using them. Do what feels natural to you and don’t worry about messing up!
Speaking of messing up, there’s literally no right way to do your magick, just a way that works for you! Even if you’ve never created your own spell and use one that someone else has given you, that’s fine! You can always add and rewrite things to premade rituals and spells. The gift of magick is that it is special to the individual. Think of spellwork as a take home project, it’s your idea, your execution and effort! When you’re working a spell, you can do a lot with that. Some spells require you to do the work and then leave it to do its thing. Some spells you can add to over time! For instance, I recently did a money jar spell and I got the base idea from Lisa Marie Basile’s book “Light Magic for Dark Times”. I’ve added my own flare to it of course, but here’s what I did.
You’ll need;
A mason jar
cinnamon, a whole bay leaf, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper.
Loose change/ dollars (you can also use shredded money!)
a petition/written affirmation
Pyrite
Every time I have loose change or dollars in my pocket I add it to the jar. Feeding it’s energy and my own monetary needs! Money jars are great for those of you who want to bring a little cushion to your finances. Here’s the thing, money is an energy source and you shouldn’t fear it or be uncomfortable with it. To be fully into your magick workings you must first believe that you are deserving of whatever intention you have set. Rejoice in your magick and your connection to the universe.
No matter what type of witch you are or spells you cast, remember that your magick lives within you! As above, so below. As within, so without!
For The New Witch: Spring Equinox + How To Work Your Flower Magick.
via google images
Happy Ostara/ Spring Equinox you beautiful flower children!
If you're wondering just exactly what Ostara is, it's the day where Earth wakes up from the best sleep of her life. Sharing this moment with Spring Equinox (The beginning of Spring) , we enter a period of rebirth. It's the day of the divine feminine/ goddess. The renewal we experience is a very special time for kickstarting new goals, revisiting old ideas, etc. Scott Cunningham, author of "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner." Says that Ostara is when "The Goddess blankets the earth with fertility, bursting forth from her sleep, as the God stretches and grows to maturity. He walks the greening fields and delights in the abundance of nature. (pg 64.)" I've recently started working with plant magick and dedicating myself into practicing flower magick. For me Ostara is a time for blooming, Now is the time to stretch your petals and let yourself ease your way into a new transformation.
I like to think of this time as me stepping out into the world after brainstorming an idea. It's a time for me personally to let my creations that I have nurtured through the dark winter months, out for some sunlight. The greatest gift of witchcraft is that you're constantly learning, and expanding your limits. The magick you produce now will be the energy that lasts for awhile, so ask yourself if you're ready to get what you manifest? If you're celebrating your first Ostara like me, I want to say this. The power that you feel is all yours, and how you will it will be a key part into this life of yours. Now is the perfect time to cleanse your home, your work space, your storage on your phone, etc. Spring cleaning means getting rid of the cobwebs and opening yourself up to the divine.
Taking a breath of fresh air spiritually, Spring Equinox slides us right into Aries season (Sun in Aries (3/21-4/19) like a road made of gold. Aries, ruled by Mars and the very 1st zodiac sign brings in a fiery passion for rebranding oneself. While Aries can be aggressive, the sign is also one of the most independent, and assertive signs! If you've been feeling lost in your practice, tap into the energetic boost that Aries brings in. If there's something you want to learn how to do, take a class, connect with people in that particular field, head to your local library, buy books, etc. Your mind is ready to take in new information, it's time to learn and really excel in your path. Push yourself to new heights, and be patient in your journey. With Mercury stationing Retrograde in Aries, we get a really special moment universally. Mercury Retrograde is a reminder that we don't need to rush, and that taking our time to plan things out will actually help us in the long run.
Since Mercury represents the mind and communication, be careful about the words that you speak. I like to think of Mercury Rx as a time of simple living, and really focusing on my physical life. Like visiting coffee shops, redecorating my living space, hanging out with close friends, and even just writing more. Rediscover the things that you love to do, and something new while you're at it. Let you mind disconnect from the idea of time, and timelines because once you slow down and focus you'll see things differently.
Growth is a natural and exciting part of life, like the flowers that have begun to bloom. We too share a very special bond with the springtime, and like the planet we live on we began a new cycle as well.
"Springtime is like waking up from that good nap you took on a rainy Saturday afternoon. "
I'm a person who suffers from seasonal depression, it's something I've experienced my entire life, and I'm just now recognizing how to live with it. Since I began practicing magick I've noticed how I've connected deeply to the changing of the seasons. I've noticed that any form of magick that I do is directly linked with the seasons. For Spring Equinox I decided to spend time with my closests friends as my form of ritual. Spending time with the people that I love, is one way that I connect with my heart. Friendships of any kind should always be honored, because these people are who you choose to have in your life.
Having deep, and meaningful conversations can help you find answers that you've been seeking. Let yourself be cared for this spring, let those who love you do their job. . . Being there. Plants are self sufficient yes, but they can always use a helping hand every once in a while.
via Tumblr.com
Here's a simple Springtime ritual list that you can do! You don't have to do everything on this list, or anything at all! Remember you can make your ritual look like whatever you want it to!
- Meditation: Take the first 10 minutes of your day to sit with your thoughts, and allow your body to wake up!
- Early morning yoga/gym session : Waking up early can actually improve your mental health. Exercising is a perfect way to wake your mind up and get pumped for the day.
- Planning your day: You can always do this the night before, either way making a day to day schedule will help you stay F O C U S E D!
- Eating BALANCED meals: A plant can't grow if its environment is unhealthy. Spring cleaning counts for your body too!
- Making time for MEANINGFUL relationships: Stop being a homebody and do your part in keeping your relationships solid with the people you love.
- Take a break from social media: Disconnect from the internet for a little bit! Now's the perfect time to get outside and live a little.
- Get a tarot reading: So many messages are coming through fast this spring, use this energy to connect to the divine and dive deeper into the meaning of your journey. If you're interested in learning how to read tarot buy yourself a deck. For my dollar store witches, buy a deck of playing cards, and a good book on the meaning of Tarot. My favorite is The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean, you can purchase it at your local bookstore or Amazon!
I hope you find your answers in this post, and that you continue to grow in your journey in witchcraft. Happy Spring Equinox!