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 Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:37 pm
A note from your friendly captain: Hey everyone. This topic is a thorough recommendation on how to avoid the pitfalls people commonly make in writing spells. If you're a witch, wizard, warlock, mage... you should read this.Hullo there! Seeing as there was a few questions along the backposts as to how to construct spells, I thought I'd post a workshop on it. When this is done, this thread will be full of essays and thoughts on the subject, strucures, guidelines, ect.
This is a HAYUGE C&P from another guild, so if there are links you can't get though or referances to what doesnt exist.... you know why. XD
Somethings before I get started:
*Please take note that these are just guidelines. I'm not telling you exactly wht to do. It is your responsibility to formulate the final product.
*Remember that I am just one person, and you are another. Because you have the ability and the right to think, you are the one who must decise what it right or what is wrong. Do not take everything I have said for granted. The responsibility to think is yours.
*If there is something you would like to add or something you take issue with, please PM me @ Aila-al-Jehan or Heliea (my mule) first before posting. We will take care of it from there.
* Once I have finished this, it is my hope to begin a thread for people who want to post their own spells and get advice or C+C. If that doesnt become a reality, then you are free to post it here
Ok?
Naviation:
>>Intro & Rules<<
Beginning thoughts
Morality & Karma.
Religion & Magick
Link to Spellcasting 101
Why ask Why?
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:39 pm
Beginning Thoughts
Q: What is a Spell? A: Spells are the physical workings in a metaphysical context to create a desired effect by use of magick.
That above is all spells are. Spells can be simple or complex, easy or hard, fast or long... But as long as they work, they are good spells. However, what works for one may not work for another.
For example, I have tried to perform Neo-Wiccan spells to bring money into my pocket. However, it was hard to do because the timing had to be correct (usually going by GMT and by astrological correspondances) and I had school, the there were a lot of things in my alter, and that was a distraction, and there were too many steps for my taste.(And too many run-on sentences neutral ) Therefore the spells never worked for me.
But a simple sigilization of my intent to gain more money, charged with energy and placed in my wallet worked very well. (All at once, all the people who owed me money paid it back. SCORE!!!)
As you can see, spells should be tailored to your level and ability. I, for one, am easily distracted and can't concentrate if there is something else that could be a focal point, such as heat from the candles, or a really long incantation. Nothing would ever happen. So, i researched a simpler for of performing magick, and voila!
Writing and designing your own spells is the best way to make sure the spell is at your level. And so, here is a How-to. Have fun. mrgreen
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:39 pm
Morality and Karma
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*Please keep in mind that these principals are a reflection of my personal views in the feild of morality. As you are a living human being, you have the right to decide what you think is right or wrong. As these are my views, you dont have to follow them.
None of these have been proven as fact. The freedom of thought and decision rests on your shoulders. Now read and enjoy! mrgreen
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Humans were blessed (or cursed) with a unique power: The ability to think. The power to choose what is right and what is wrong.
But with that power comes responsibility: Do we act upon our decision or not? Do we honor what is right to one person, even though its not right to me? Do we force upon others our decision of right and wrong? Right and wrong is at the heart of every religion, every philosophy; simply because humans can think about it.
But with the thoughts of right and wrong come another train of thought; one I personally consider to be more powerful: What one can do, and what one can't do. What is right and wrong often conflicts with what you can and cant do. Therefore, right and wrong are often fought over, changed around and never settled upon becaues simply no one can.
Fact of the matter is: There really is no absolute right and wrong. There is only what you believe to be right and wrong, and what you can or can't live with yourself doing. That is the right and wrong that you follow whan deciding what to do and whether or not to do it.
Now most people believe that If you do something "wrong", or you cast a "bad" spell, there will be serious repercussions. Some incarnations are the famous "Law of Three" or "Karma." Testimony says that this isn't necessarily true. However, there are those who suffer from SFPS: Self-Fulfilling Prophesy Syndrome. IOW, if they believe somethings going to happen, they trick them selves into making it happen.
The truth is, is that "bad" spells will not be shot back at you, but badly done spells. If you cannot send out energy skillfully, the energy wil have no direction, and will most likely just come back to you. If tht energy is negative... then thats bad.
The best way to prevent this is to cover your a**. First, put up sheilds around yourself that filter out negative energy. (this should be done regardless). Next, check your spell so that theres no other way the "instructions" could be followed (i.e. incantation is short and straightforward, etc). And make sure you can do it without getting distracted. Seriously, because thats a major issue. Unplug your phone, put up a "Do not disturb" sign, but make sure you cant get distracted.
Now, to end this with an essay on the matters of Karma:
(Disclaimer: not my essay.) Karma The Law of Karma In Buddhist teaching, the law of karma, says only this: `for every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first, and this second event will be pleasant or unpleasant according as its cause was skillful or unskillful.' A skillful event is one that is not accompanied by craving, resistance or delusions; an unskillful event is one that is accompanied by any one of those things. (Events are not skillful in themselves, but are so called only in virtue of the mental events that occur with them.) Therefore, the law of Karma teaches that responsibility for unskillful actions is born by the person who commits them. Let's take an example of a sequence of events. An unpleasant sensation occurs. A thought arises that the source of the unpleasantness was a person. (This thought is a delusion; any decisions based upon it will therefore be unskillful.) A thought arises that some past sensations of unpleasantness issued from this same person. (This thought is a further delusion.) This is followed by a willful decision to speak words that will produce an unpleasant sensation in that which is perceived as a person. (This decision is an act of hostility. Of all the events described so far, only this is called a karma.) Words are carefully chosen in the hopes that when heard they will cause pain. The words are pronounced aloud. (This is the execution of the decision to be hostile. It may also be classed as a kind of karma, although technically it is an after-karma.) There is a visual sensation of a furrowed brow and downturned mouth. The thought arises that the other person's face is frowning. The thought arises that the other person's feelings were hurt. There is a fleeting joyful feeling of success in knowing that one has scored a damaging verbal blow. Eventually (perhaps much later) there is an unpleasant sensation of regret, perhaps taking the form of a sensation of fear that the perceived enemy may retaliate, or perhaps taking the form of remorse on having acted impetuously, like an immature child, and hping that no one will remember this childish action. (This regret or fear is the unpleasant ripening of the karma, the unskillful decision to inflict pain through words.) If there are no persons at all, then there is no self and no other. There is no distinction between pain of which there is direct sensual awareness (which is conventionally called one's own pain) and pain that is known through inference (conventionally called another person's pain). Whether pain is known directly or indirectly, there is either an urge to quell it or an urge to cultivate it. Whether joy is known directly or indirectly, there is either an urge to nourish it or to quell it. In the conventional language of speaking of events personally, the urge to quell all pain and to nourish all joy is known as being ethical or skillful or (if you like) good. The urge to nourish pain and quell joy is known as being unskillful, unethical or bad. Being fully ethical is said to be impossible for those who make a distinction between self and other and show preference for the perceived self over the perceived other, for such perceptions inhibit being fully responsive. Being fully ethical is possible only for those who realize that all persons are empty, that is, devoid of personhood.
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:43 pm
Religion and Magick
Religion is a powerful thing. It is the guiding light of many, and each one is like a club with its own set of rules, goals, etc. Religion means many things to many people. If you ask 10 people, get 11 answers. Its that different for each person.
Some answers ive gotten:Quote: "Religion is the recognition of a higher power in our lives." Quote: "Religion is a set of guidelines on how to live and die." Quote: "Religion is the path to becoming a better person." Quote: "Religion is the reason humans can think. We live to think and think to live" Quote: "Religion is the key to learning the truth."
What is magick? The movement of natural energies to create desired effects, right? What is religion, but trying to cope with that energy?
Taoism for example. Taoism teaches an energy (Tao) that envelops and embraces all things. It teaches you to harmonize with this energy and flow as nature flows. It also speaks of showing compassion as humans do, and not waiting for an award. And so, each time you would show your compassion in the name of the Taoist ways, that is an act of magick.
Another example: Christianity teaches that there is one God, all holy, beyond the understanding of humans, whose power and love created each of us long before conception. In exchange, he asks only that we keep his commandments and praise his name. And so, each time that you kneel down and pray to the one God for his blessing or his blessing upon others... this is an act of magick. Each time we gather up our energy and belt it out through our mouths in praise of the Lord... this is magick.
Each of these acts, know it or not, are spells. Each one is a physical act in a metaphysical (spiritual) context to create a desired effect by use of magick.
Now another point I'd like to make is a more relevent one. Some people believe that their magick or their power isnt enough to cast their spells, or to perform a task. What do they do? Turn to religion. Ask their God(s) or Goddess(es) to help them. This is perfectly alright and encourageable. But make sure if you do so, its in the right context. I wouldnt advise using a kemetic (egyptian) style spell/ritual for greek gods!
Do the research and find out the style of their magickal workings for each system... including yours! Dont assume everything works for every system. Seriously, DON'T.
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:45 pm
Spellcasting 101--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seeing as there is already a topic with the essay, I will both post the link and post it here. Linky-Link--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: This is NOT MY ESSAY. This was written by a Vesta witch we call "Penelope" (saying that because I dunno if thats her real name.)
Penelope Spells are a rather inexact science. If your crafting of a spell isn't working, then you need to look at why. Think of crafting a spell as being the same as setting up a chemistry experiment. Make an outline of what you want to accomplish and be sure and include what tools and materials you have on hand. List what you might need to acquire. Get a basic idea of what you're wanting to accomplish and how you intend to accomplish it.
One of the most important, in my opinion, Things a caster needs to be skilled at is learning to breath properly. Before you do the outline and flow chart, it would probably benefit you to learn how to breathe. Yes, you breath everyday without thought. What you don't do is breath in a manner that is most effective for magical workings (or for your body's most effective functioning either really) so it's time you learned. Study the material on this link: http://www.shout.net/~jmh/clinic/science_of_breath/
After you set up your outline; try putting the spell in the form of a flow chart. This allows you to see on paper what should or could happen with each action you take. For more information on flow charts read these links. Flowchart Software: http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/flowchart.asp?id=12539
or
http://www.nald.ca/molson/flowchart.html
Use your flow chart as way to "test drive" you spell before actually casting it. In this way you can learn how to eliminate most of the annoying variables that cause your spell to go wrong. Spell work isn't instant gratification by chanting a few mumbo jumbo words and lighting a candle. It's WORK! It takes time, effort and experimentation. I suggest that you keep a detailed journal of your working attempts so that over time you can go back and look at what you did, see what the results or lack of results were and then tweak your recipe to make it more effective each time. Repeating the spell is ineffective if you do not make the needed changes it might need. Start with mall working for simple outcomes. A spell to ensure that you always get a green gumball out of the gum machine every time you put in your quarter is a good start. Once you've perfected that, expand your scope to something more substantial. This is the method I use to teach my kids and my grandson. He perfect the gumball spell by the time he was 5. If a 5 year old can do this, you can too. Be focused and single minded when your working. Eliminate distractions when you need to be thinking about what you want to do and how to do it.
Get yourself together and quit approaching magic from the point of view of the cinema and start viewing as what it is.
Once you've accomplished this mental shift, you'll find things go much more smoothly
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:47 pm
Why Ask Why?
Why ask why? Why ask why? Because you can. Most times, people find spells from whereever, and try them out... but they never bother to try to figure out what each part of the spell is for. Some spels could have steps that have no relation to the intent or even contradict it, therefore hindering its success. (Seen it.)
You always have to look at a spell (or when you're constructing a spell, look at what you're thinking about adding) and ask why its there. If you're working with herbal magick for, say, a money spell, why pick those herbs? Do they correspond with the objective?
I once found a money spell that had hibiscus petals, lavender buds, and myrrh. Last time I checked, none of those even corresspond to anything monetary. But they were there. So I changed the spell to include mint, moonwort, and grains of paradice because their corresspondances incude monetary gain.
Also, if there are a zillion steps to the spell, ask yourself if it really needs all those steps (unless the type of magick you use dictates it needs these steps). But If a spell has a bunch of steps that just seem random to you, try tweaking it so that it makes sense.
For an example, a "spell dissection" from here. Someone else Me ..soooo... what on earth is this supposed to be. i posted it and i dont even know what it is! sweatdrop
There's obviously an incantation. And there are a few steps. But really, I think its not a spell, as I like to think of them. Quote:
Follow these steps
To guard your wits
When the round moon rises
The grey Moon gazes,
The cold Moon Crazes
The mad Moon Amazes;
Quote:
Shroud all mirrors
Curtain all windows
Shut every door
Cover your hair
Wind red yarn
around your arm
and knot it thrice
Quote:
while saying this:
LUNA LUSCA
LUPA LURIDA
LANA LIVIDA
LAC LAPIDIA
NON LATRO
SED LATEO
Any other big problems with this? Any suggestions for making it workable? Another person The translation doesn't make much sense. The person also chose to use a noun in place of a verb... (Latro -> bandit/thief) one eyed moon ghastly she-wolf slate colored hair (possibly fur) milky jewel (referring to the moon I believe) don't steal but hide Yet another person This smacks of lycanthropy folklore. CRUNCHI!!! xd Even if it doesn't deal with any kind of moon-influenced shapeshifting, it's long been held that, like the tides, the moon affects the emotional and mental state of humans. Where do you think terms such as "lunacy" and "lunatic" came from? smile This spell is obviously meant to ward against that influence. I don't think for a MOMENT that this is in any way "old", as in carried down from the ancients. It seems to be quite new, though perhaps combining a few old folk magick remedies into something meant to seem powerful and mysterious. The mention of a she-wolf (thanks, Ciora, for the translation) is definitely what makes me think the authoress is trying to play into the popularity of werewolf mythology. Valerie Worth When the round moon rises The grey Moon gazes, The cold Moon Crazes The mad Moon Amazes; This obviously is just poetic prose. Worthless. Valerie Worth Shroud all mirrors Curtain all windows Shut every door Cover your hair Wind red yarn around your arm and knot it thrice Shrouding the mirrors ... mirrors have long been used in occult practices. They are used for scrying, and are thought to be able to show the true nature of a person (particularly during the full moon). Covering them would supposedly keep a person from seeing the Beast Within (as many once called the lycanthropic spirit within an affected person). If they can't see it, then perhaps they can control it. Curtaining the windows ... if you can't see the full moon, or if its rays can't touch you, it can't affect you ... supposedly. Covering your hair ... this one I'm unsure of. Perhaps it is thought to keep the hair it's normal length, so that it won't sprout into fur? Or, it could also be that if the head is covered, the mind it protected from the moon's influence? Winding the red yarn ... I'm with Aims on this one. Definitely seems to be a binding of a sort. "Knot it thrice" ... three is known to be a very powerful number. The third person one eyed moon ghastly she-wolf slate colored hair (possibly fur) milky jewel (referring to the moon I believe) don't steal but hide You're right, it doesn't make much sense. Only the last two lines do. "don't (let the moon) steal (your sanity), but hide (your mind instead)" Of course, that's REALLY grasping. smile
So, always ask "Why?" Its the best thing u can do.
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