Before you can understand spells you must first understand the concept of Magick as it pertains to Wiccans. According to Alestair Crowley, Magick is "... the Science and Art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will". Basically, Magick, the underlying force in all spellwork, is the ability to use energy, from within ourselves, and from the universe around us, to cause changes in the physical plane. For more thoughts on magick from influential Pagans and Wiccans click here

To Know- You must know what you are doing and understand the results and the effects on the universe. You must take the time to look at all options and possible solutions.

To Will- You must be able to focus, concentrate, and will your magick into manifestation. You must have a passionate drive toward the goal of your spell. This goes way beyond simple desire. You must be able to manifest your thoughts and energy into physical reality.

To Dare-You must have the courage to make your will manifest, without fear. You must truly believe in the power of what you can accomplish

To Keep Silent- You must be able to silence your mind and focus entirely on the process of what you are doing and on the result. You must also be silent about your workings. Talking and bragging about them dissipates the energy

Our thoughts are energy. The more force we put behind them the more likely they are to cause physical changes in our environment. This can be achieved through meditation, creative visualization, and through spells. For more information on meditation and creative visualization click here

Simply, a spell is a combination of words, thoughts, and actions used to focus one's will and desire to produce an outcome. Often added to this are objects, used as symbolic representations of our desired result, and/or as focusing tools. Performing magick and spells takes time, dedication, study and practice. Understanding how spells work and making them happen are two entirely different things. You must be able to meditate, focus, and direct your energy properly. You must have trained your mind to be able to visualize the end results of your work.

Two forms of magick, as it pertains to spellwork, are Sympathetic Magick and Contagious Magick.

Sympathetic Magick uses a symbolic representation of our desired result and creates a link with the person on whom we are performing the spell. An example would be a poppet, a small doll that represents a person. When a link is made to the person, whatever you do to the poppet will happen to the person it represents.

Contagious Magick works under the concept that anything that has comes in contact with a person retains their vibrational energy even if separated from the person by a long distance. An example would be using an article of clothing, a piece of handwriting or a lock of hair. These articles are referred to as "taglocks" or "relics"

The concept of the Three Fold Law is very pertinent to spell work. What you send out comes back to you three fold. We do not perform spells that violate the free will of another or inhibit their personal actions or choices. An exception to this would be a binding, which inhibits another person from causing harm to themselves or others. For more information on bindings click here

We commonly perform spells for ourselves, such as healings, spells to acquire a new job, to rid ourselves of a bad habit etc. One should never use a spell on another person without asking their permission first. This includes healings. If we cannot ask the person because of age we will ask a parent or guardian. If the person is in an advanced state of illness and cannot give us their permission, we may perform the spell and ask that they accept the healing only if it is their will.

Love spells are a big taboo because they violate the free will of another. As an alternative, a spell to make one more attractive, outgoing, etc can be performed.

Spells are serious business and not to be taken likely or trifled with. Much thought must be given to the effects a spell will have on all involved before it is performed. In most covens a beginner is not taught spell work until their first initiation, after a year and a day of serious study.

One of the first spells we often learn and use is shielding. For more information on shields click here.

© Raven Gilmartin 2000