Deep within each of us there exists the fantastical world of spells, witches and wizards; where images of bubbling cauldrons, waving wands and pointy hats aren’t too unfamiliar. But how far from reality is all of this? Misconceptions of witchcraft and the practice of (occult) magic have often painted spells as either an action of a wicked evil character or a device to make the impossible possible. Magic can indeed be used to harm others, and it can make amazing things happen for us, but the reality is spell practice is much more accessible than many think.

Spellcasting is a deeply personal, practical and spiritual way to help make things happen in our lives, and spells as a term itself is a massively broad term for a praxis incorporating many different methodologies. It can encompass the movement of energy, connecting with spirits, feeding into your inner power and ultimately, transforming your goals into reality through real work. There are boundless types of spells, ways to perform them, ways that they work, results that they provide, and it can take some time for one to wrap their head around it all.

Though spells are a defining feature of witchcraft as a magical practice, it is not solely witches that perform them. Folk magic practitioners, ceremonial magicians and many other types of magical workers can all utilise spellwork in their practices for a variety of reasons, as we all have our own reasons and ways to do magic. A spell can be as detailed as an elaborate ritual with Latin incantations and spirit conjurations, or as simple as a single lit tealight candle and quiet concentration. Many magic workers look to ancient tomes and grimoires as a source of knowledge for their spellwork, whereas many others can be more intuitive in their approach; styling a spell around more modern themes that surround their everyday life. You could be reconstructing a phylactery from the Greek Magical Papyri or stirring some positive energy into your morning cup of tea, both are spells in their own right and can be deeply powerful. Charm bags, poppets, anointed candles, herb-filled jars, strings tied with numerous knots – whatever your spell looks like, whether you prefer the simplicity or the intricate detail, if it helps you get the magic done then that’s what matters most.

There are countless factors that can vary the individual’s experience of their spellwork process, including your theological approach. Take, for example, those more inclined towards an animistic view of the world; despite being a broad term with many definitions, animists generally see the world and all its inhabitants as having a spirit or some form of spirit essence and may connect with plants as spirit allies to assist them in their magical working. On the other hand, those who are more strictly polytheist may prefer to call upon specific deities they venerate to help the magic flow towards the desired goal. Some people work exclusively with the concept of energy to power and push forward the magic, whilst others have a strong bond with a familiar spirit to help them as well. Each approach is valid and can work just as well for an individual, the trick is finding what approach works best for you.

What lies true for all spells is that its function is largely attempting to achieve a desired goal and enact that change through a series of actions. Many aspects of the process can influence the success of your spell, such as the strength of your will, how focused your mind is and the symbology of the accompanying tools towards your initial goal. What tools you need for your spells is up to you and can vary with what you are trying to achieve. Spellcraft and spellwork is ultimately, quite a subjective experience, it’s your decision what you decide to include in your spells. There are magic workers that only utilise their mind in their spells and others that use whatever the natural world provides them. That is the beauty of magic and spells, it’s truly an intrinsically personal experience that we curate ourselves.

Usually, the first exposure many magic workers have to spells are the ones detailed in big spell encyclopaedia books, which has a danger of fostering a more impersonal approach when looking to begin working spells. Whilst performing other practitioner’s spells is not an issue and can work just as well, the best way to enter your magical practice is understanding how to come to terms with the tools you need to create your own spell. Our magical practices are our own paths, not anybody else’s, and they should be personalised to our own preferences. We all have our own unique creative flavour to bring to this world, and that should be highlighted in our spells.

This book aims to take the reader through both the inner and outer processes of spellcrafting and spellworking, to help practitioners build on their spellcasting skills and perform magic that can transform their life. Through understanding baseline magical and spell theory, the spellcaster will be able to take confident steps in their practice and shape their magic so that it is more authentic and individual to the practitioner. This book will detail such theory and help the magic worker apply it in praxis. Questions will be answered that many might be too afraid to ask, such as, how does one come up with a good spell intention? Or how do you know what to put in a spell? When would you need to cast spells and what do you do with it when it’s done? It is hoped that the reader is left with the knowledge and skills to help them go into their magical workings with ease and confidence.

Ariana Carrasca is a creator, writer and ecologist, who treads an English folk witchcraft path after being raised into the craft from a young age. Ariana provides witchcraft and paganism content on YouTube under the channel “The Oak Witch”, aiming to help, not just beginners, but anyone at any stage in their journey. She works as an ecologist in East Anglia, which is reflected in her educational content where she discusses environmental aspects of the craft and English folk magic.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/ariana-carrasca