Basic Wiccan Workbook, Eclectic Tradition
by Cynthia Gregory
Priestess and Witch, Circle of Winged Toads and Compost Coven
6. WORKING MAGIC
" A spell is a symbolic act done in an altered state of consciousness, in order to cause a desired change."
--Starhawk: The Spiral Dance
Magic is the ability to change; to change yourself and the world around you. This is not such an unusual ability; Christians say prayers, lay on hands in an effort to accomplish the same kind of change. With the power to work magic comes responsibility. This is not a religion for power-over-others seekers. The prime rule of Wicca is " Do what you will and harm ye none." This simple statement is not so simple in action. Knowing what your will is requires living consciously and facing the truth14. Harming none means giving up knowing what is best for other people as well as doing no active harm.
The question often comes up of how to deal with evil, with someone who is doing you or someone you love harm. Spells of protection, not seeking revenge are the answer. You always have the right to protect yourself. Build a strong psychic shield around yourself. Then visualize something happening for your enemy which will take them out of your environment or cause them to change their behavior towards you.
Ask the gods to take care of it in their own way. It's often best not to get to specific is this case about how the problem should be solved, instead be very clear about what you what e.g. "I want this harassment to stop."
On the other hand if you know that someone is doing active deliberate harm e.g. a rapist it is certainly good to do everything in your power to put a stop to his behavior. As Z. Budapest says, "Wicca is not a turn the other cheek religion, it's not cupcakism."
Witches use spells to work magic. Spells use physical representations, words, sound, color, scents, foods and visualization in various combinations. What's important in creating a spell is to use symbols that are powerful for you. It is similar to dream work in that you are reaching into the depths of yourself to draw on your ability to tap into the forces of change and use them in a creative way.
Timing can add to the power of a spell. The waxing moon is good for spells of increase, positive workings. The full moon for spells of completion, fulfillment. The waning moon for decrease, or negative work. The dark of the moon for endings or secret wisdom. Symbology of the days of the week and time of day can also be considered.
Work spells deosil, sunwise (also called clockwise) for increase and widdershins counter-clockwise for decrease. You can work creatively with timing and direction. For example, if you're asked to do a spell for a sick friend and the only time you can get together is during the waning moon then do a spell to get rid of illness rather than to increase health.
Common spells include:
• Mojo bags: which are cloth bags containing a specific number of herbs or objects. These can be worn, carried or hung in the home, vehicle or office.
• Candles rubbed with oils and inscribed with words or symbols. These can be burned on one's altar either all at once or over a period of time.
• Talismans: pieces of paper or wood with runes, symbols and/or drawings on them. These can also be carried or burned.
• Incantations: words with the force of poetry, describing your vision for the future.
As you create your spells, see the change as being accomplished. See the end state you are working towards. Act as if it is happening and keep working to make it reality.
Tools
Your most important tool is your imagination, your ability to visualize what you want to happen, seeing the end result. Mind and body are the primary instruments of working your will. Physical tools are aids, reminders of intent or technique. For example, you carve out sacred space with an athame ( knife) symbolizing separating yourself from the ordinary mundane reality of the everyday world, as you would use a knife to peel away the exterior of an orange revealing the fruit within.
Tools are very personal items. It's best if you can make your own, or find an object that speaks to you. When you purchase a tool never haggle over the price, after all think of what you'll be getting out of it. Also it's considered bad manners to touch another witch's tools without permission.
After you've acquired a tool you will want to consecrate it. Bless it with your breath for Air, pass it though a candle flame for Fire, sprinkle or wash it with Water and dip it in salt or touch to a pentacle for Earth. Speak " I consecrate you, tool of art to work my will" or words to a similar effect. Use the tool in ritual often so that it is associated in your mind with your sacred will. Soon you will find that seeing or touching your tools will aid in altering your state of mind.
Common ritual tools are:
• Athame or sword: Traditionally a double bladed black handled knife used for ritual purposes only. The handle is magnetized. Many eclectic kitchen witches use kitchen knives. Swords are useful in large public rituals where one has lots of room to work. This tool is associated with the element of Air and the male god energy. Some people have a second white handled knife called a Bolline, which is used as a working tool for cutting herbs, inscribing candles etc.
• Bowl: Used for holding water. Mixed with salt, the salt-water is used to purify objects, the ritual space and the participants. This tool is associated with the element of Water.
• Cup or chalice: Used to hold the ritual drink, the chalice represents the Goddess. Chalice and athame are often used in a symbolic reenactment of the great rite, the sacred joining of lovers. Holding the chalice below and the knife above, bring the two together until the blade enters the liquid This tool is associated with the element of Water.
• Wand: The wand is a fire tool used to direct one's will. Traditionally made of wood sacred to the White Goddess such as elderberry, willow, hazel, rowen or oak. It measured the length of the makers arm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow. It was usually hollowed and filled with cotton or wool dripped with 3 drops of the maker's blood. Often the witches ritual name in runes is carved on it.
• Censer: Air and/or fire tool used to hold incense.
• Robes: It's nice to have special clothes for high, holy day rituals or when you feel the need to physically put on another state of mind to give an extra boost to your work. Basic black or white tunic style robes can be accessorized with colors of the season and are easy to make or pick up in the nightwear section of a department store. Some folks work "skyclad", that's Wiccan for nude, either some or all the time. They feel that clothing inhibits their interaction with the energy flow.
• Jewelry: Many people have special jewelry that they wear for ritual or as talismans. Necklaces with pentacles and or crystals and other symbols of the god/dess or elements are popular. Earrings, rings and bracelets are used as well to help align and draw on the energy needed for magic.
• Pentacle: Often a plate or flat circle with the pentacle inscribed on or into it. Usually placed on the north altar to hold the bread. This tool is associated with Earth.
• Cauldron: An large iron or metal pot symbolizing transformation and associated with the center. Can be used to hold fire or water.
• Broom: Used to clean away or banish negative or evil influences from the ritual space. Also used in handfastings ( Wiccan for wedding). Associated with water. Bell: Used to call the elements or deities. Associated with Air.
• Book of Shadows: A record book for rituals, spells invocations, meditations. Can be the work of an individual or a coven. Modern witches sometimes have a Disk of Shadowsinstead.
The Cone of Power
Building a cone of power around your desires is powerful prayer to the God/dess using the capability of your imagination. First you must be clear about what you want to accomplish. Spend some time thinking and talking about your goal. If working in a group get agreement on the intent of the magic. This is of primary importance, so take the time to talk together and build a common vision. If everyone is working towards the same object then you can build on each other's power, if not sometimes counter intents will muddy the process and it just won't work for anyone.
Stand in a circle. You can place something physical in the center to represent your intention to help focus your energy. Begin a wordless chant, concentrating your energy on your goal. If words come to you speak or sing them. Let your energy flow with those around you. Don't rush it. Let the energy build naturally in intensity and force until you reach a climax together with your heads thrown back and arms extended to the sky letting the built up energy loose into the worlds to work your will.
This can be rather noisy and is an excellent catharsis. So warn the children not to worry and if the dog begins to howl along bring its energy into the cone.