Witch Spells - How They Work & How to Write Your Own by Francesca Ashcroft

What is a witch spell?

A witch spell is an energy that is created and channelled by you, either on your own or in a group, in order to effect a change and make something happen. That 'something' could be very personal (to bring love into your life) or more broad (to help with the season's harvest - not so common nowadays!). It can be expressed in words and rituals or in quiet contemplation.

You build a witch spell's power from mentally projecting your faith, feelings and visualizations but you can also intensify this power with the use of materials such as candles, incense, crystals and herbs.

Are Wiccan Spells Different to Witch's Spells?

Not necessarily as both centre around very similar methods. This is because historically, Wicca and witch share the same roots, and Wicca took on its name in order to disassociate itself from the stigma and persecution that had become linked the term 'witch'. But while Wiccan spells can be personal you will also have the benefit of your coven's experience and collective spells to work with. Witch spells are more often of the personal kind only.

It is a core part of the Wiccan religion to work as if at one with all the universe, the collective force of its elements being more powerful than any one of them alone, and this is why the pentagram is their religious symbol. Many solitary witches benefit from this principle too as it promotes respect for the world around us so even if you do not study any other part of Wicca, look this up!

Bad Spells and Good Spells

It is an accepted universal law that when you perform a spell you will receive back the energy that you channel into it. Some even believe that this will come back three-fold. So, a word of warning about casting negative spells or hexes on others. This will revert to you as the originator of the energy so you may want to bear in mind the old saying, 'be careful what you wish for'!

Focus your energies on positive events and try to aim for spells that will contribute, not only to your life, but to others' lives and the world as a whole.

How To Perform A Witch Spell

Make sure that you have prepared! It's not a good idea to just try to 'wing it'. You'll find it's harder than you imagine. Gather your written spell, materials and take yourself to a quiet space where you will not be disturbed.

If you want to perform spells on a regular basis, then you may want to set up a wiccan altar for this purpose. Again, what you keep on your altar is an entirely personal matter but always keep your book of shadows (your journal for keeping notes), your ingredients for your current spell and any tools you'll need to hand so as not to disturb the flow.

Your Own Spell Versus Someone Else's

You may think that it is easier to perform spells that someone more experienced has written, or ones that were created many years ago. They can be very effective certainly, and also helpful in the early days when you lack confidence. However, your own spells will be all the more powerful because your energies will be first hand so try your hand at writing your own as soon as possible.

Traditionally, witch spells have come in rhyme but you do not need to worry about this if it means that you'll struggle. However, rhymes can help to build rhythm and a sense of fun so if it comes to you in this form, go with the flow.

Writing Your Own Witch Spells

Writing witch spells is a skill that you will build upon over time so start simple. The effects of missing out something critical can be worse than not having attempted the spell at all so be careful not to overstretch yourself. Here are some basic tips on what to include in your own witch spells:

1) Do not be too specific about what you want. If you need a new car, try not focus too much on a specific model as the Gods and Goddesses may have knowledge of something better suited to your needs and so you will only be limiting what you will receive.

2) Do not be too vague! It sounds like a contradiction to the above point but, sticking to the example of the car, when you ask for divine help include your reasons for wanting it, eg. In order to get to work, to visit family. This helps to justify your reasons and also can prevent you being given the car and then finding that it will only get you to the top of the road!

3) Try to make sure what you ask for is for the greater good and not just for entirely selfish reasons. Again, remember that you are channelling energy.

4) Use visual prompts if you find it helps you. Get a photo of what you want and place it in front of you as you perform your spell.

5) Ask for help from the Gods and Goddesses to fill in anything you may have left out. If you've put enough thought and effort into your spell, divine assistance should be forthcoming.

Love spells

It was once strongly believed that witches could make love potions powerful enough to change a person's free will - one of the most famous cases being Henry VIII who was allegedly captured by Anne Boleyn this way! However, it is not as simple as that and if someone is not inclined to be in love with you then a potion or spell isn't going to change that fact.

However, there are things you can do to give the natural course of love a little help! There are certain ingredients that are helpful for love spells so get hold of, and experiment with:

Rose quartz

Amethyst

Pink candles

Pink or red chord

The first flowers of spring such as daffodils

Violets are another good 'love' flower

The herb basil

Blue poppy seeds

Catmint (catnip)

Spell Candles

A really good way to start with a simple and yet very effective witch spell is to use a candle. Certain colors bring with them certain energies and by combining this energy with one of the core elements, namely fire, you increase its potency. In order to make the spell effective you will need to put aside the time to sit in front of the candle and concentrate on what you want to happen. It is better to try it in one go but it is also fine to burn the candle over 3 evenings.

You will need to visualize the future and imagine yourself as in love, coming into money or whatever it is you desire.

If using anointing oils, go from bottom to top for increasing spells and the other way round for banishing or reducing. Remember, the rules of the universe are often very simple and incorporate good old common sense. Do not blow out your candle if it is not possible to burn it all the way down, use a snuffer as you do not want to blow away all of the charged energy you've managed to build up.