Beginner Witchcraft: Spellwork

Boy oh boy; this is exciting! It doesn't matter how many spells I've done, the thought of casting a spell feels invigorating. I started delving into spellwork though Pinterest- I searched for spells on all sorts of things. But who am I kidding? Most of the spells I was desperately trying to do were money spells. Anyway, I found myself feeling discouraged when seeing spell after spell involving herbs and crystals and things I just didn't have. At the time, I also felt silly reading these spells out loud, as most of them said to do. I wound up scrounging up whatever I could, and quickly and quietly performing them in the morning before work. I had this picture in my head of me doing them in the tall grass under moonlight with my own little cauldron. Needless to say, I felt disappointed in myself. I wasn't this powerful witch that I imagined myself to be, and my spells sure as hell weren't working.

But I'm here to tell you; don't do what I did. Don't dig through the internet for spells someone else has created just yet. Like I said previously (and like all witches will tell you time and time again), trust your intuition. Let's say you want to do a money spell, for instance. When you're looking about your space, digging through your cupboards, or out on a walk, what do you see that you feel like you could use? Maybe you see a beautiful lush tree guarding a beautiful home that reminds you of financial success. Pluck a few leaves to take home with you.

Oh! Before I forget. I always like to ask nature to guide me to what she would like me to take, and I always thank her for her generosity.

Or maybe when you're rummaging through your drawers you find a two dollar bill, or you find a few coins loose somewhere that you forgot about. Or if you're in your kitchen, maybe you see that expensive cold brew sitting in your fridge.

Now before I get ahead of myself, let's talk about casting circles for protection.

Casting Circles

So there are many different ways you can do this. Depending on the spell, I'll change how I do this. In short, you're going to be creating a protective barrier to house your work, and keep any negative energies out. Before starting, I try and ensure that all of my materials are within the circle. You could draw a circle around your working space with your finger or wand, walk in a circle, create a salt circle, or cast a full circle by calling in the four corners (I'll explain how to do this in a bit). Whichever way you choose, you should imagine you're building a circle of light. Imagine the light seeping into the earth like water into the soil, as well as climbing upwards toward the sun or moon above you until it reaches them. Whenever I'm doing a spell where it includes something that may be sitting out (like a money bowl), I create a circle of salt around it.

Calling in the Four Corners

I typically only do this if I feel I need more aid or protection. I usually place a designated totem for each direction (some people use crystal markers, stones that correspond with each element, or colored candles) at the corresponding corners. North is earth, which may represent stability. East is air, for inspiration. South for fire, for passion and will. And West for water, which stands for compassion and emotion. I follow Jamie Della's writing in The Book of Spells for this typically. Starting in the east, work your way though each quadrant, inviting them in and asking for their wisdom and protection. As Jamie suggests, I always ring a bell in the direction of each quadrant as I go (you can always clap your hands if you don't have a bell). When you're finished with your spell, be sure to thank the guardians and say goodbye.

Spell Crafting

Here's the fun part! That is, if you're not having fun already. It's a good idea to cleanse your space before and possibly after. You could either use sage, Florida water, noise (like clapping your hands), or I typically use a small besom (broom) to sweep about an inch above the area I'll be working in. Taking the items or things you've gathered, create your spell! I typically like to write a mantra on a slip of paper and include it in my spellwork in whatever way I feel applicable, but you may want to say yours aloud! If you feel drawn to having white noise or meditation music, or really any music that feels applicable- play it!

After performing the spell, I always end with "By My Will, So Mote It Be." If you're not familiar with any deities, I recommend waiting to try and work with them until you're more comfortable with your craft and the deity. I know that's so open-ended and may be a little overwhelming, so let's do an example.

Example

Let's say we picked those leaves, that two dollar bill and poured a small cup of that expensive cold brew, and chose a ring that I would endow. I'd cast my circle and start by taking a moment to meditate on what it is I'm trying to bring to fruition- I'm going to earn more tips this week. I imagine myself at work, doing a good job and being friendly to visitors, and ultimately receiving tips. After meditating I write my mantra on a piece of paper or one of the leaves I pulled from the tree. I may simply write I'm going to earn more tips this week, or I might make a little rhyme. May my hard work be noticed, May I be appreciated by guests and generously compensated. May this be my focus, I will earn kind tips from strangers pulling wallets from their hips.

After this, I take a sip of the cold brew, place it on top of the two dollar bill and soak the leaf or paper in it. I say (or think) May my tips multiply times two. I dip my fingers in the cold brew and sprinkle the liquid over the ring. I say This ring to sit on my finger, lead customers to linger, to notice my friendly smile and pay the extra mile. I'd send all of my energy regarding what I imagined previously (working hard and getting tips) into the ring- I may point at the ring while I'm doing this. At this point, I say By My Will, So Mote It Be and then thank the guardians of the four corners, and say goodbye.

Overall Takeaways

• Use what you have and feel naturally drawn to.

• Speak from the heart; be open and honest with yourself.

• Create a safe space for yourself, your energy and your work.

• Set the scene- turn the lights down, turn on music, take a moment to meditate or tell roommates or partners to let you be for a moment.

• Look for the symbolism in the items you've selected.

• Thank the guardians, spirits, or energies that you've involved or invited.

Have any questions, comments or tips? Or have any suggestions for a post? Let me know! Feel free to drop me a line in the comments, shoot me an email, or message me on Instagram! Though I may have werewolf teeth, I don't bite :) Blessed be and happy witching!