By Rin Daemoko http://www.occultforums.com/showthread.php?t=6299

Many people come to this forum and ask for spells to protect their loved ones, find a loved one, find a new job, find something they lost, or any other thing that one could conceive. Immediately, their request is turned down because we at OF have a strict no-spell-begging policy. So, then, instead of giving someone a fish so they can feed themselves for a day, let us teach someone how to fish so they can feed themselves for a lifetime (or more).

~Exploring Spellcraft~
First things first. What is the purpose of your spell? Think very heavily on this one because there is more to this questions than meets the eye. Do not just think about the spell's purpose, but also think about your motivation to work the spell. What drives you to do it? Is it unhealthy selfishness? Is it temporary anger? What?

The reason you need to understand the "what" and "why"
of spellcrafting is that you need to be very clear on what it is you want. You also need a good reason for wanting it.
Otherwise, your spell will have the consistency of an essay written in crayon by a three year-old.

Meditate on your answer. Ask the why of the why until you feel you have reached the discernable source of your need for this spell. When you are absolutely certain, begin to seek out what correspondences could work to bring about the change that you desire.

Colours, herbs, oils, sigils, gods, goddesses, angels, demons, spirits, elements ... use metaphysical encyclopedias, magickal almanacs, Google. Make a long list of every correspondence that has to do with your goal.

Now that you have this list, find a common denominator over and above you spell's goal. For example, say you are wanting to write a healing spell. Well, in your list you would have correspondences from the element of Water, the goddess Kuan Yin, the Sun, rock crystal, et cetera. Say you pick the Sun as your secondary focal point. You would then go over your list and pick out everything that corresponds to both healing and the Sun.

This is how you begin to narrow down your list to a few key ingredients. You don't want the list to be very long at all, because then you'll have difficulty working in every correspondence to your spell. Narrow it down using practicality. How available are the things on your list? What can you get from a place like Walmart rather than an expensive occult store?

Personally, I narrow it down to four things:
A deity, spirit, angel, demon.
A type of incense.
A type of crystal or stone.
A sigil, glyph, or image.
Once I have these four things, I can begin
to write out the spell itself, and then place it
in a ritual.

So how is a ritual conducted? Why are spells done in ritual? Can spells be done without ritual? Let's answer each of these questions in no particular order (except, perhaps, backwards).

Can spells be done without ritual?
Yes.

Why are spells done in ritual?
There are several answers to this question.
The one which appeals most to me is that the setting of ritual evokes an air of mystery and power which is instrumental in opening up those parts of your Mind which is connected to the greater All, the One, the Source, the Tao.

In the same way that shuffling cards in Tarot serves as a distraction for your conscious mind so that your unconscious mind can pick the right cards, in ritual one acts out the rites and parts simply because they are very necessary for preparing you to be open to the change that you want to make happen.

How is a ritual conducted?
In my experience, what one does first is they meditate, or they chant, or dance until they enter a trance-like state. This is a state in which your brain produces what are called alpha-waves. These waves have been known to speed up recovery from illness, reverse the effects of stress, as well as open the Mind to patterns.

For information on meditation, please see this thread here.

You want to prepare a special time and place for the ritual. This is because you are about to connect to the sacred, shifting your consciousness to a different radio station. It is much more effective if you feel that the time and the place are special.

Depending on your tradition, methodology, or personal preference, you may not perform the ritual as I'm explaining it here in the same way at all.

I do what I can to eliminate all possibility of distraction. I turn off the TV, radio, unplug the phone, shut down the computer, turn off my mobile, et cetera. I close and lock the doors, and the curtains, and before I turn out the lights, I light candles. Candles naturally create an atmosphere of mystery. We are not used to working by candlelight, so when you are surrounded by only candlelight, you can't help but feel that this time and place is special.

To add to the austerity, I usually light incense. It works best if this type of incense corresponds to your goal. If your incense is expensive, and you only want to use it for the spell itself, then go ahead and save it for now. Many Witches "smudge" sage. A smudge is a bundle of dried herbs which is lit and let to smoulder. The fumes from sage have purifying properties. It clears the area of unwanted energy. Others use Frankincense and/or Myrrh for this same purpose. I prefer Sandalwood.

Also to clear the space, and to re-enforce that this is a special time and place, some will ring an altar bell. Sometimes they ring it a certain number of times: 3, 6, 9, 12. Some walk around in a circle (clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere) as they ring the bell. They may also chant, or pray as they do so. You can pray anything from the Buddhist Four Immeasurables, to the Lord's Prayer, or perhaps the Charge of the Goddess/God. Whatever feels right to you.

Take a few moments to feel the space. Reach out with your six senses (taste, touch, sight, sound, smell, and Mind) to experience the space. You're not looking for anything, you're simply experiencing it. Feel how mysterious, fragile, and charged the room feels.

At this point many will cast a Circle. There are several methods to doing this, from physically using a cord or chalk to mark the boundaries to the circle, to simply visualizing its perimeter. If you do not have a prefered way of cast a circle, here is a method from Real Magick.

Between Opening and Closing a Circle is when your spell is performed. After the spell is done, the Circle is closed, everything is put away, your blow out the candles (unless the spell requires otherwise), open the curtains ... basically you return everything to way it was.

Then, it is important to do something completely ordinary and engaging. Going for a walk, shopping, eating, laundry, TV.
Something. This is the act of grounding - of coming back to reality. Of re-focusing and re-integrating your Mind with the rest of the world.
 

~Spell Construction Example~
Alright, so let us pretend that we are going to perform a healing ritual for Matt. Let us also pretend that we have gone for a Solar influence and have decided that we will be using the following correspondences:

God: Apollo (who will be represented by a gold, white, or yellow candle)
Incense: Sandalwood Stone: Sunstone (not goldstone - there is a difference!)
Image: A picture of Matt (or a drawing, or a card with his full name and birthday)

Also, in our search for correspondences, we decided that we would draw a symbol on the picture we have of Matt to help amplify the magick.

So in the spell, we will call to Apollo to help raise, send, and sustain the healing energy. We will be using the smell of sandalwood to promote health of the mind and emotions (incense is associated with the Air Element which governs the Mind), we will be using the stone to carry our intent and energy in a solid, real form, and the picture will be used to make our target real to us as we are in ritual (a place "between worlds").

Before any of this, too, you will want to write out what you will say. If it helps you to remember your lines, you can make them rhyme. Rhyming is much fun, and delivers an extra oomph to your work, in my opinion.

First, we would call up the guy who's going to help us out with this. You can't start moving furniture until the help arrives, right?
So, you'd light the candle, and you'd call to Apollo. In your own words. It's proper to show respect, but don't sound like an idiot by gumming up your speech with grandiose terminology and lame attempts at Middle/Old English.

When calling to him, make sure to outline what it is you hope to accomplish (the ultimate goal), what it is you will be doing (your responsibilities) and what it is you wish for him to do (his part). Don't make it too wordy. It doesn't have to be, "You will take X energy from Y plane and insert it using Z method into Matt's body at these specific places at these times." It can be a simple as, "I charge you with the care of Matt and his restoration to health from (this ailment)."

Next, I would focus on the picture of Matt and chant the intention of the spell. It helps to have a mantra prepared. "Heal Matt, Heal Matt, Heal Matt" will work. You can also get more specific. "Heal Matt's Flu, Heal Matt's Flu, Heal Matt's Flu." Chant this until it becomes automatic, rhythmic, and free-flowing. At this time, I would draw the symbol of the Sun over Matt's picture.

You can actually purchase gold gel pens, or even gold markers. You do not need them, but it certain would help to keep the Solar theme intact.

Placing the Sunstone in the center of the symbol of the Sun, I would then chant the mantra again, focusing on Matt and his wellbeing. You can also visualize energy coming from the candle (Apollo) and soaking into both the image (Matt) and the sunstone. Also, visualize white energy welling up from inside of you and streaming into both the image and the sunstone as well.

It is important that in your chanting you see Matt being healthy and well again. Make this image in your mind become a reality.
Your thoughts are things - they can (and hopefully, will in this case) manifest. When you feel you have sufficiently sent Matt this healing energy, thank Apollo and inform him that he may now depart, but be sure to ask him to watch over and help speed Matt along the road to recovery.

Pass the stone through the incense a few times, followed by the picture. These things are concrete attachments to your spell, to their healing energy, to Apollo and Matt. I would keep these things in a small bag, and then give the bag to Matt to keep under his pillow while he recovered.

This concludes the example of a spell construction. I should point out that after this is done, you would close your Circle and dismiss any elementals you called upon.

~Tools of the Trade~
Altar: The center of sacred rites. The place of sacrifice (not necessarily of living things). The place where one's magickal tools and other items needed for a Working cand be laid out. It can be permanent or portable. Altar placement is not a standard in religions like Wicca, however, some demand that the altar be a certain direction (usually East, North, or Center).

The Athame (ATH-e-may; a-THAM-ee; a-THAH-may; a-THAME. British pronunciation; ath-AY-mee) is one that you will hear mentioned over and over again. What is it? It is traditionally a black-handled knife (although in modern practice it can have any colour handle) that is an important symbol of the element of Air (or Fire, depending on your tradition). It is typically used to direct energy, draw a Circle, make pentagrams, cut or take down a Circle, et cetera.

It is a consecrated tool, not a cutting instrument. An athame is usually double-edged. Some Wiccans believe that if an athame draws blood, it is no longer fit to be used as a sacred tool. Some feel it should be a strictly personal tool, belong to and used by one witch. Others believe that an athame may be shared in class or coven situations.

The Bell (my favorite) is a tool used in casting, cleansing, and/or closing a Circle. Hand bells, struck bells, gongs, singing bells or bowls, and small chimes are all used as bells. A clear tone can be cleansing. Also used to engage the sense of hearing when making magick. Certain tones have magickal correspondences and influences.

The Besom (From Old English besema or besma - a bundle of twigs) or broom is a tool which is used to cleanse an area by sweeping away all the negative influences. Literally and figuratively. In handfasting ceremonies, the couple "jumps the broom" to signify that they are setting up housekeeping and leaping into a new future together.

The Boline (or bolline) is a white-handled knife or small sickle. This is the tool which is used for more mundane work such as cord-cutting, scribing words or sigils on items, slicing food, harvesting herbs, et cetera. While the athame is used only to "cut energy," the boline is used for the cutting/chopping tasks.

It can be as simple as a steak knife, a paring knife, a jack knife, or even a hunting knife. This knife is usually single-edged. Some actually combine their athame and their boline into one blade, keeping it sharp and using it to cut mundane things as well as energy.

The Cauldron (from Old French caudron or chaudron, derived from Latin caldaria, a kettle for hot water). In English before 1330 it was called a caudrun, after it was a caldron or caudrona. A black metal pot used for various magickal purposes, traditionally it is made of cast-iron, has three legs, and a handle. Today, however, even floating candle holders will do (unless you plan to light fires in them).

It can be used for making brews or cooking. It is used to symbolize the womb and is often used in rebirthing ceremonies. It is also associated with the Water element. Traditionally used to restore the dead or bring fertility to the crops.

Chalice: From Greek kylix. This is a consecreated ritual cup which is often a stemmed goblet (although any shape can be used).
This, too, is used to symbolize the Water element, and is often used to hold the sacred libation.

The Cord is used as a tool in magickal acts such as binding or knotting and/or unknotting a spell to focus intent. It can be braided and/or in certain colours to indicate attainment of degrees.

Pentacles are disks with a pentragram inscribed on it. It is often used to symbolize the Earth element, and is sometimes used to hold cakes or bread. Some groups paint one side black and the other white, and it ca be used as both a shield and a magick mirror.

Staves (plural of Staff) are usually wooden rods the length of a cane or a walking stick or longer. They can be used as just walking sticks, and as a repository of magickal energy to aid in spellwork. Some think of the staff as a large wand while others feel that it is a separate kind of tool altogether. The staff is one of only two common tools which is supposed to touch the ground in normal use (the altar is the other).

The Sword is an edged blade longer than a dagger, usually greater than fourteen inches. It is used as a ceremonial weapon to defend the Circle from unwanted influences. Many groups have a group sword.

The Wand is a consecrated short stick used to store and/or manipulate energies and possibily to store spells. It can symbolize either the Fire or the Air element (depending on your tradition). It can be made from any material such as wood, glass, crystal, plastic, metal, et cetera. It can be plain or fancy with pain, inscriptions, crystals, feathers, beads, or other decorations. Some traditions use a wand in situations were it would be inappropriate to use a blade.
 

~Basics of Magick: The Use of Color in Magick~
by Arwynn MacFeylnnd, MoonDancer, and Lady Badria
In magick, colors represent certain energies, goals, people and non-physical beings, such as deities or spiritual forces. For this reason, you should include candles, gemstones, cords and other objects of differing colors in your magick rituals. Colors also often have personal meanings for us. Anytime a person employs the symbolism inherent in colors, they are in effect using magick. Common examples of this can be found in such phrases as "green with envy", "black with rage", "feeling blue", "in the pink" and many more.

The particular symbolism of any given color may vary widely from source to source, and depending upon whether you are burning a candle, knotting a cord, draping an altar or creating a talisman. You will find that many books, such as Buckland?s Practical Candle Burning, offer different suggestions for colors when used in magick. In addition, there are also colors for astrological signs and planetary or elemental magick..

Some magickal systems use "flashing colors" - those that are complimentary, such as red and green - to create an optical illusion that appears to flash when placed together. Such "flashing colors" are said to have great power in attracting the corresponding magickal forces. "Flashing colors" can be used in almost any type of ritual or spell work where you will be using colors, particularly when the visual aspect of the color is important.

The following is only a guide. Experiment with magick and ritual and let your feelings about it determine your color choices.

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White: A balance of all colors; Spiritual enlightenment, cleansing, purity, consecration, healing, truth seeking. Used in Rituals involving lunar energy (represents the Maiden). May be substituted for any color candle.

Magickal Purpose: Purity, protection, the moon
Personality: Spiritual, devoted,psychic, protective, open spaces, neatness
Magickal Uses: Moon magick, divination, spirituality, protection, psychic powers, healing, truth, peace

Element: Air
Direction: East
Planet: Moon/Mutable
Day: Monday/Mutable
Number: 0

Magickal Tool: Crystal ball,wand,cauldron,mirror,glass(scrying)
Scent/Oil: Sandalwood, Wormwood, Myrrh, Lemon Frankincense, Honeysuckle, Anise, Cedar Heliotrope, Betony, Lavender, Parsley, Thyme.
Plant/Herb: Rosemary, Woodruff, Mugwort, Marigold, Moonflower, Mustard, Rue, Sage, Tansy, St. Johns, Betony, Burdock, Mint, Fern, Elder Flower, Heather, Lilac, Lily, Mint, Dahlia, Gladiola
Wood: Birch, Elder, Almond, Hawthorn, Ash, White Heather, Cedar, Coconut Elm, Hazel, and Juniper.
Animal: Dove, Snowy Owl, Chameleon, Cat, Lizard, Magpie, Whale, Swan, Bear, Hawk(perception), Lizard, Cat, Dog, Whale, Wolf, Praying Mantis
Stones: Opals, Clear Crystals, Mother-of-Pearl, Quartz, Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Agate Geode Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Abalone.
Tarot: The Fool {New Beginnings}

God: Fati, Gou, Iah, Llmagah, Mah, Mani
Goddess: Al-fat, Anumati, Artemis, Ashima, Belili, Castillisto, Diana, Jerah, Levana, Luna, Re, Selene

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Silver: Removes negativity and encourages stability; dispels evil or negative influences; helps develop psychic abilities; attracts the influence of the Mother Goddess.

Magickal Purpose: Purity, Protection, Ice, Heavenly, Stars, Potential, The Cosmos.
Personality: A person who wants attention, clean, trendy, sharp with soft edges, glitter
Magickal uses: Moon magick, clairvoyance, divination(scrying), Astral travel, repelling spells.

ELEMENT: Air
DIRECTION: East
PLANET: Moon/Mutable
DAY: Monday/Mutable
MAGICKAL TOOL: Crystal ball, Glass,Wand, Cauldron, Mirror (good scrying tools)
SCENT / OIL: Sandalwood, Wormwood, Myrrh, Lemon Frankincense, Honeysuckle, Anise, Cedar Heliotrope, Betony, Lavender, Parsley, Thyme.
PLANT / HERB: Rosemary, Woodruff, Mugwort, Marigold, Moon Flower, Mustard, Rue, Sage, Tansy, St.Johns, Betony, Burdock, Mint, Fern, Elder Flower, Heather, Lilac, Lily, Mint, Dahlia, Gladiola.
WOOD: Birch, Elder, Almond, Hawthorn, Ash, White Heather, Cedar, Coconut Elm, Hazel, and Juniper.
ANIMAL: Dove, Snowy Owl, Chameleon, Cat, Lizard, Magpie, Whale, Swan, Bear, Hawk(perception), Lizard, Cat, Dog, Whale, Wolf, Praying Mantis, Dolphin.
STONES: Silver, Opals, Clear Crystals, Mother-of-Pearl, Quartz, Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Agate, Geode, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, and Abalone
Tarot: The Moon {clarity}

GOD: Bannik, Evander,Odin, Shamash, Thoth
GODDESS: Adrste, Ashtoreth, Carmenta, Dione, Egeria, Filia Vocis, Gaia, Gwendydd, Inanna, Kwan Yin, Mari, Namagiri

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Grey: Neutral color useful when pondering complex issues during meditation; in magic, this color often sparks confusion; it also negates or neutralizes a negative influence.

Magickal Purpose: Neutral, calm, peace, darkness with light.
Personality: A balanced type that stays out of conflict, introverted, a loner, likes solitude, peace and quiet.
Magickal Uses: Water Magick, Moon Magick, balance, peace, patience, vision quests.

ELEMENT: Water
DIRECTION: West
CHAKRA: Not attributed
PLANET: Moon
DAY: Monday
NUMBER: 6 and 1
MAGICKAL TOOL: Seashells, Scales, Chalice
SCENT / OIL: Ginseng, Jasmine, Comfrey, Mullein, Sandalwood, Vervain, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood, Heliotrope, Betony, Thyme, Basil, Chamomile, Myrrh, Lotus
PLANT / HERB: Clove, Hyssop, Oak Moss, St.Johns Wort, Rosemary, Yew, Cumin, Birch, Blackthorn, Feverfew.
WOOD: Oak, Alder
ANIMAL: Armadillo, Ass, Cat, Dolphin, Opossum, Snow Leopard, Weasel, Wolf, Chameleon, Lizards, Spider, Lion
STONES: Moonstone, Black Pearl, Abalone, Opals, Quartz, Onyx, Malachite and Rock Crystal.
TAROT: Hanged Man, threes

GOD: Terminus
GODDESS: Artemis, Carna, Diana, Liberta, Liberty

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Pink: Promotes romance and true love, friendship; standard color for rituals to draw affections; a color of femininity, honor, service, brings friendly, lively conversation to the dinner table.

Magickal Purpose: The hearts emotions, creativity, marriage, friendship, beauty, compassion, relationships, kinder, gentler then red
Personality: This person is a romantic at heart. Likes candlelight dinners and movies, always tries to find the good in everything and everybody, very friendly.
Magickal Uses: Love, beauty, friendships, partnerships, romance, attraction.

ELEMENT: Fire
DIRECTION: South
CHAKRA: Heart Chakra
PLANET: Venus
DAY: Friday
NUMBER: 1, 0
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Cauldron
SCENT / OIL: Sandalwood, Rose, Apple Blossom, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Ginger Sweetpea, Tuberose, Strawberry, Apricot.
PLANT / HERB: Aztec Lily, Beans, Bishops Weed, Violets, Winter Cherry, Dropwort, Feverfew, Cotton Rose, Basil, Coriander, Crocus, Avocado, Ginseng, Kava-Kava, Ladies Mantle, Yarrow, Yerba
Santa, Maidenhair, Allspice, Pennyroyal.
WOOD: Orange, Olive, Peach, Sycamore, Pink Dogwood
ANIMAL: Cat, Dove, Sparrow, Deer, Conch, Clam and Oysters.
STONES: Pink Sapphire, Kunzite, Pink Tourmaline, Pink or Rose Quartz, Pink Diamonds, Pink Spinel, Pink Garnet, Ruby, Red Jasper, Emerald, Peridot, Aventurine.
TAROT: Sevens.

GOD: Amun Ra, Angus, Cupid, Kama
GODDESS: Anat, Aphrodite, Astarte, Belili, Belit-llanit, Benten, Cybele, Erzulie, Hathor, Ishtar, Isis, Venus

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Red: Spells for physical desire and passion, courage, victory, and physical strength. Stimulates energy and vitality.

Magickal Purpose: Fire, passion, life, birth, stimulating, intense, highly-charged, will, ego, potential, anger, aggression, lust, war, courage, strength, fear. Its use in magick must be cautiously guarded as it can be very wild and unpredictable, as a candle color, it should be used with caution.
The Personality: Bold, assertive, impulsive, extroverted, passionate, aggressive. There is no in-between for this person, they go from one extreme to the other. But it can be a fantasy ride for anyone who joins them!
Magick Uses: Energy, passion in love, courage, lust, power, transformation, loyalty, force, sexuality, blood. May be used with black candles.

ELEMENT: Fire
DIRECTION: South
CHAKRA: Root Chakra
PLANET: Mars
DAY: Tuesday
NUMBER: 5
MAGICKAL TOOL: Sword,Cauldron, Incense Burner, Candle
SCENT / OIL: Dragons Blood, Basil, Pine, Cinnamon, Mullein, Musk
PLANT / HERB: Sunflower, Nettles, Holy Thistle, Crowfoot, Hops, Wormwood, Cranesbill, Chili Pepper, Chives, Spikenard, Onion, Cornflower, Rose, Mustard, Garlic, Rosemary, Dill, Hibiscus, Woodruff, Tobacco, Pepperwort, Heather and Yew .
WOOD: redwood, cherry
ANIMAL: Bear, Horse, Wolf, Ram, marsupials and night creatures, Tigers, Lions, Badger, Alligator, Ants, Beetle, Cardinal, Porcupine, Chicken, and Peacock.
STONES: Ruby, Garnet, Bloodstone, Spinel, Red Tourmaline, Red Topaz, Agate, Rubelite Rhodochrosite, Quartz Crystals, Tigers Eye, Pyrite, Tektite, Diamond, Red Jasper.
TAROT: The Magician, Cups, Fives.

GOD: Achilles, Ares, Atlas, Hercules, Mars, Thor, Zeus
GODDESS: Athena, Athenam, Eris, Kali, Minerva

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Purple: Power, success, idealism, psychic manifestations; ideal for rituals to secure ambitions, independence, financial rewards, or to make contact with the spiritual other world; increases Neptune energy.

Magickal Purpose: Justice, royalty, the psychic, meditation, idealism, mysticism, guidance, divination.
Personality: Proud, independent, mystical arts, religious nature. This Person will not turn a blind eye, if they feel a cuase of action is worng, no matter the side they take.
Magickal Uses: Protection, justice power, spirit contact, breaking of bad luck, drive away evil, divination, spiritual and psychic powers, Astral Projection. This color is good to use when you don`t have a white candle.

ELEMENT: Air
DIRECTION: East
CHAKRA: Brow Chakra
PLANET: Jupiter
DAY: Thursday
NUMBER: 7
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Cauldron
SCENT/OIL: Cedar, Carnation, Nutmeg Lotus, Angelica, Bay, Cinnamon, Ginger, Sandalwood, Jasmine.
PLANT/HERB: Mimosa, Wisteria, Mugwort Hazel, Eyebright, Rowan, Elder, Rue, Shamrock, Clover, Oak, Dandelion, Betony, Meadowsweet, Begonia, Cactus, Dahlia, Iris, Violet.
WOOD: Willow, Lilac, and Mulberry.
ANIMAL: Elephant, Unicorn, Rabbit, Jaguar, Chickadee, Cuckoo, Eagle, Elk, Penguin, Vulture, Grasshopper, Chameleon, Lizard.
FEATHER: Spirituality, religion
STONES: Amethyst, Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli and Beryl, Clear Quartz, All Opals, .
TAROT: Justice, Fours.

GOD: Anase, Apollo, Forseti, Ida-ten, Mishara, Mithras, Musku, Tyr, Varuna
GODDESS: Aleitheia, Astraea, Athene, Hecate, Justita, Kali, Maiat, Mens, Morrigan, Syn

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Brown: Rituals of material increase, justice and retribution; eliminates indecisiveness; improves powers of concentration, study, telepathy; increases financial success; locates objects that have been lost, Animal Healing

Magickal Purpose: properties and associations for magick, dreams, witch craft and divination Mental, business, legal problems, ambition
Personality: Agreeable, extroverted, excitable, sociable
Magickal Uses: Personal creativity, career, legal issues, business

ELEMENT: Air/Fire
DIRECTION: East/South
CHAKRA: Spleen Chakra
PLANET: Mercury/Mars
DAY: Tuesday-Physical Action Wednesday - Mental Action Sunday - Both Actions
NUMBER: 2
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand and Censer
SCENT/OIL: Dill, Lily of the Valley, Savory, Honeysuckle, Sweetpea, Jasmine
PLANT/HERB: Fern, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram Savory, Valerian, Vervain, Alstonia, Buckwheat, Calamint, Snapdragon, Flax, Senna, Wandering Jew, Mugwort, Rue, the same as the Red and Yellow for enhancements, Fenugreek, Gardenia.
WOOD: Hazel, Beech, Lemon Tree Maple, Lime and of course the Orange Tree.
ANIMAL: All of the RED animals, Swallow, Prairie Dog, Butterfly, Scallop, Bison, Butterfly, Catbird, Crane, Fox (clarity), Hawk, Martin, Prairie Dog and Squirrel.
STONES: Moss Agate, Carnelian, Alexandrite, Orange Sapphire, Quartz, Orange Calcite, Petrified Wood
TAROT: Eights.

GODS: Atlas, Janus, Terminus, Pan, Zeus
GODDESS: Athena, Bast, Carna, Diana, Lilith, Kali, Melusine, Minerva, Rhiannon, Syn

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Blue: Healing, Primary spiritual color; for rituals to obtain wisdom, harmony, inner light, or peace; confers truth and guidance.

Royal Blue: Healing, Promotes laughter and joviality; loyalty; use to attract Jupiter energy, or whenever an influence needs to be increased.

Light Blue: Healing, Spiritual color; helpful in devotional or inspirational meditations; brings peace and tranquility to the home; radiates Aquarius energy; employ where a situation must be synthesized.

Dark blue: Healing, Spells for creativity, peace and communication. Also for deep meditation and karma work.

Magickal Purpose: Emotion, healing, mental, calming, tranquility, sleep peace, loyalty, good will, purifying and protection, hope, sincerity, truth and patience, Poet or Bard, communication mental, written and oral skills Sleep, twilight
The Personality: Sensitivity, introspection, communication .This person has the sensitivity of a poet or an artist. Loves family and home. Is loyal, conscientious and observant . Also, may be a little more psychic than he/she believes themselves to be.
Magickal Uses: Water magick. Balance, healing, peace and patience, communications, health friendships, dreams, sleep, inspiration, harmony in the home, meditations

ELEMENT: Water
DIRECTION: West
CHAKRA: Fifth, Throat Chakra
PLANET: Neptune/Mercury
DAY: Monday/Moon, Light Blues - peace, patience; Wednesday/Merury, Blues - friendships, creativity, dreams Thursday/Jupiter, Royal Blue - honor, happiness; Saturday/Satun, Dark Blues -
communication
NUMBER: 3
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Cauldron, Chalice
SCENT / OIL: Lily of the Valley,Honeysuckle,Cedar, Basil, Jasmine, Sweetpea, Lotus
PLANT / HERB: Carnation, Honeysuckle, OrangeHeather, Cypress, Hazel, Oak Moss, Mallow, Aloe Vera Buttercup(communication), Daffodil and Baby's Breath
WOOD: Cedar
ANIMAL: Dolphin, Whale, Mermaid, BlueJay, Gull, Giraffe, Robin, Deer, Ass, Clam, Lizard and the Frog
BLUE/BLACK/WHITE: change and easy transition
STONES: Azurite, Turquoise, Coral, Blue, Opal, Tanzanite, Sapphire, Chrysacola, Hematite, Sodalite, Blue Laced Agate, Lapis Lazuli (children)Aguamarine, Sapphire.
TAROT: The Heirophant, Cups

GODS: Apollo, Asclepius, Bannick, Ceadda, Dabog, Dianceht, Esculapius, Forseti, Gucumatz, Hastehogan Lares, Kuan Ti, Penates,Tien Kuan
GODDESS: Alcyone, Aphrodite, Artemis, Bannick, Brigid, Cardea, Concordia, Dugnia, Eir, Gula, Harmonia, Hestia, Hygenia, Karusepas, Kedesh,Kikimora, Kwan Yin, Liban, Meditrina, Neith, Pax, Rhiannon, Salus, Vesta

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Green: Promotes prosperity, fertility, success; stimulates rituals for good luck, money, harmony, and rejuvenation.

Dark Green: Color of ambition, greed, and jealousy; counteracts these influences in a ritual.

Magical Purpose: Nature, growth, prosperity, luck, fertility, changes, rejuvenation, jealousy, envy.
Personality: Extroverted, happy, optimistic, status, possessive, direct
Magickal Uses: Earth magick, Faerie magick, money, luck, fertility, faerie contact, guide contact

ELEMENT: Earth
DIRECTION: North
CHAKRA: Fourth, Heart Chakra
PLANET: Venus, Jupiter, Mars
DAY: Friday/Venus - love, friendship; Wednesday/Mercury - business transactions; Thursday/Jupiter- Luck, prosperity
NUMBER: 4
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Cauldron
SCENT/OIL: Elder, Mint, Musk, Sage, Vanilla, Pine, Sweetpea, Mugwort, Patchouli, Vervain, Cinnamon, Marjoram.
PLANT/HERB: Birch, Catnip, Blackberry, Coltsfoot, Foxglove, Thyme, Yarrow, Feverfew, Burdock, Pennyroyal, Plaintain, Briar, Verbena, Elder, Basil, Cedarwood, Sage, Dill, Clove and Mugwort.
WOOD: Birch, Elder, Almond, Hawthorn, Fig, Oak, Palm, Pine
ANIMAL: Gnomes, Dwarfs, Fishes, Bee,Bull, Rabbit, Rat, Alligator, Turtle, Grasshopper, Bison, Frog.
STONES : Emerald, Peridot, Jade, MalachiteCoral, Green Tourmaline, Aventurine,Green Quartz, Gold, Silver, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Azurite.
TAROT: Emperor, Sevens

GODS: Agathadaimon, Bonus, Daikoku, Eventus, Buddha, Diakoku, Gansea, Inari, Jambhala, Jupiter, Pluto, Tamon
GODDESS: Anna Koun, Anna Perenna, Benten, Brighid, Buddhi, Carna, Chala, Felicitas, Fortuna, janus, Kichijo-Ten, Lakshmi, Ops,The Muses, Vasudhara, Syn

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Yellow: Spells to enhance knowledge, communication skills and to give confidence and aid in visualization. Aids in repelling negative energy.

Magickal Purpose: Intellect, thought, mental, analysis sun, sunlight, memory and creativity
Personality: Intellectual, learn, introvert, creative, light-hearted and outgoing.
Magickal Uses: Concentration, creativity, learning, intellectual, knowledge, understanding, astral projection, telepathy, mental abilities, thoughts. Good for students.

ELEMENT: Air
DIRECTION: East
CHAKRA: Solar Plexus
PLANET: Sun
DAY: Sunday- Mental Action, Wednesday - Pysical Action
NUMBER: 3
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Sword
SCENT / OIL: Lemon, Frankincense, Bay, Patchouli, Marigold, Lavender, Laurel, Cinnamon Orange Blossoms, Musk, Vanilla, Cloves.
PLANT / HERB: Laurel, Vine, Ash, Rue Marigold, St. Johns Wort, Centaury, Chamomile, Mistletoe, Saffron, Begonia, Geranium, Morning Glory, Snapdragon, Daffodil, Rosemary, Sunflower and Daisy.
WOOD: Birch, Oak, Rubber
ANIMAL: Phoenix, Snake, Beetle, Dragonfly, Meadowlark, Chameleon, Antelope, Snake, Crow, Bobcat, Goat, Lion, Mouse, Gull, Sea Lion, Parrot and Oriole.
STONES: Topaz, Yellow Diamond, Pyrite Yellow Jacinth,Rutilated Quartz, Clear Quartz, Chrysolite, Goldstone, Citrine, some Tiger Eye, Carnelian, Amber.
TAROT: The Sun, Knights, Sixes.

Gods: Apollo, Janus,
Goddess: Anu, Brighid, Carna, Diana. Fortuna, Syn,

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Gold: Promotes understanding; Rituals to enhance energy and power, & vitality, and to bring success and luck or in rituals needing solar energy.

Magickal Purpose: Intellect, thought, mental, analysis sun, sunlight, memory and creativity
Personality: Intellectual, learned, introvert, creative, imaginitive
Magickal Uses: Concentration, creativity, learning, intellectual, knowledge, understanding, astral projection, telepathy, mental abilities, thoughts. Good for students.

ELEMENT: Air
DIRECTION: East
CHAKRA: Solar Plexus
PLANET: Sun
DAY: Sunday- Mental Action , Wednesday - Physical Action
NUMBER: 1
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand, Sword
SCENT / OIL: Lemon, Frankincense, Bay, Patchouli, Marigold, Lavender, Laurel, Cinnamon Orange Blossoms, Musk, Vanilla, Cloves.
PLANT / HERB: Laurel, Vine, Ash, Rue Marigold, St. Johns Wort, Centaury, Chamomile, Mistletoe, Saffron, Begonia, Geranium, Morning Glory, Snapdragon, Daffodil, Rosemary, Sunflower and Daisy.
WOOD: Ash, Willow
ANIMAL: Phoenix, Snake, Beetle, Dragonfly, Meadowlark, Chameleon, Antelope, Snake, Crow, Bobcat, Goat, Lion, Mouse, Gull, Sea Lion, Parrot and Oriole.
STONES: Topaz, Yellow Diamond, Pyrite Yellow Jacinth,Rutilated Quartz, Clear Quartz, Chrysolite, Goldstone, Citrine, some Tiger Eye, Carnelian, Amber.
TAROT: Knights, Sixes.

Gods: Amun Ra, Apollo, Baldur, Bochica, Bragi, Da-bog, Dyaus, Helios, Hyperion, Lugh, Mithras, Odin, Ogmios, Ptah,Surya, Tvashtri, Veveteotl, Wayland
Goddess: Anaterasu, Artemis Calliste, Athena, Aya, Asva, Bast, Brighid, Eos, Hsi-Ho, Igaehindvo, llmater, Maya, Minerva, Muses, Namagiri, Phoebe, Sul, Sunna, Sunniva, Surya,

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Black: Use in rituals to induce a deep meditative state, or to banish evil or negativity as in uncrossing rituals; attracts Saturn energy.

Magickal Purpose: Absorption, why it is used for funerals. The void of all colors, it has the ability to absorb Quiet power, self-control, restriction, depression sickness, but new changes, rebirth. Wisdom, Control, Resilience, Discipline.
Personality: Someone who often dwells in his own dark recesses.A loner, but through choice. A strong silent type but someone you don't want to deal with if crossed. A night person as the darkness seems to be their safe place, their solace and quiet space. The things that make the "black" person unique, has also the tendency to dwell on things and has more bouts of depression than most others. This person tends to keep a lot of secrets.
Magickal Uses: Banishing negative thoughts and situations, reversing, uncrossing, binding negative forces, releasing, removing confusion, contact with spirits, dark magick, defensive spells (can be used with RED to increase intent).

ELEMENT: Air, water, fire, earth
DIRECTION: East
PLANET: Saturn
DAY: Saturday
NUMBER: 6
MAGICKAL TOOL: Sword, Wand
SCENT / OIL: Holly, Juniper, Yew,Myrrh, Cypress, Pine, Apple, Yarrrow,Rowan, Vervain, Peppermint,
Basil.
PLANT/HERB: Oak, Yew, Beech, Elm,Comfrey, Holly, Ivy, Horsetail, Reeds,Solomons Seal, Mullein, Cedar, Clove,Cypress, Rue, Betony, Elder, Fern, Yarrow,Cayenne, Dragons Blood, Mandrake, Flax.
WOOD: Oak, Ash, Aspen, Birch, Hazel,Rowan
ANIMAL: Bobcat, Dragon, Panther, Raccoon, Rhinoceros, Groundhog, Blackbird, Lynx, Bat, Owl, Jaguar, Praying Mantis.
FEATHER: Hidden secrets, changes.
STONES: Onyx, Jet, Obsidian, BlackQuartz, Black Star Sapphire, Agate,Tektite, Pyrite, Diamond, Moonstone,Galena, Pumice.
TAROT: Death, Threes and the Queens

God: Achilles, Amathaon, Atlas, Cernunnos, Ea, Eterna, Janus, Terminus, Odin, Thoth, Untunktahe
Goddess: Aradia, Ayizan, Carna, Cerridwen, Circa, Dakinis, Demeter, Diana, Gulleig, Habondia, Hecate, Herodias, Hlle, Kwan Yin, Lilith, Mari, Rangda, Syn

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These are only Guides to use for reference, As we each are individuals, so are our choices, experiment with colors and find what and how it works best for you!

http://www.realmagick.com/articles/55/2255.html
 

You can attune the timing of your spells to phases of the Moon. Many will tell you that spells done in the incorrect moon phase could completely destroy your intent. The moon does indeed have a heavy influence on what happens on Gaea - and not just magickally. The moon calls the tides, it distorts all light we receive from the stars, it reflects the Sun's light as its own, it reflects the image of the Earth back at us.

These are not absolutely necessary, but they are definately helpful. If you are not sure what phase the moon is in at any given time, you can simply look it up in the newspaper (most newspapers will give the moon phase in the weather section), or you can simply visit this website.

The Four Moon Phases

The New Moon: It is when there is no Moon in the sky. Spells for the New Moon can be performed three days before and after the actual New Moon. These spells symbolize changes in your life.
 

The Waxing Moon: It is when the Moon is getting a bit larger in the sky. That period lasts until three days before the Full Moon. Spells to be performed during this time include positive change, luck, love and growth.
 

The Full Moon: This is when the Moon has reached its full capacity in the sky. This is the perfect time for spells that increase psychic abilities and fertility.

The Waning Moon: It is when the Moon is decreasing in size. Now is the time to perform spells that involve reversing spells, banishing and releases.

Detailed Moon Phases:
New Moon: Spans from the day of the New Moon until three days after Health, gardening and farming, job hunting, love, romance
Crescent Moon: Spans from three days after the New Moon until the seventh day Change, emotions, animals, business
Waxing Moon: Spans from the seventh day until the tenth day after the New Moon Motivation, luck, courage, friends
Gibbous Moon: Spans from the tenth day until the thirteenth day after the New Moon Patience
 

Full Moon: Fourteen days after the New Moon. Change, decisions, children, competition, dreams, love, protection, money, self-improvement, healing

Disseminating Moon: Spans from the third day after the Full Moon until the seventh Addictions, health, divorce, stress, protection

Waning Moon: Spans from the seventh day until the tenth day after the Full Moon Change, obstacles, enemies, justice, quarrels, removal, separation, stopping theft


Moon Astrological Correspondences:

The following list is here to tell you what spells should be performed during what astrological correspondence of the Moon.

Moon in Aries: authority, rebirth, leadership, courage, confidence; healing of the face and neck
Moon in Taurus: love, money, romance, acquisition; healing of the neck and throat
Moon in Gemini: communication, writing, freeing of mind blocks, travel; healing of the arms, hands and lungs
Moon in Cancer: the home, honouring Gods and Goddesses; healing of the stomach and chest
Moon in Leo: authority, courage, fertility, children; healing of the upper back, spine and heart
Moon in Virgo: employment, health, success; healing of the nervous system
Moon in Libra: justice, unions, balance, artistry; healing of kidneys and back
Moon in Scorpio: power, psychic growth, sex; healing of the reproductive organs
Moon in Sagittarius: travel, sports, truth, honesty; healing of the thighs and liver
Moon in Capricorn: organization, ambition, career, politics, direction; healing of the teeth, skin, bones and knees
Moon in Aquarius: science, freedom, friendship, addictions; healing of the calves, ankles and blood
Moon in Pisces: art, dreams, music, poetry; healing of the feet


The Twelve Full Moons of the Year:

A Full Moon occurs once every month, so we have twelve. If there is ever a month that contains a second Full Moon, that Moon is called a Blue Moon. So we have thirteen Moons. Listed below are the twelve months of the year and their specific Full Moons. This list will help you perform spells and rituals at the right time. No longer should words like 'Wolf Moon' be an unknown term to you in the performance of a spell or ritual!

January: Wolf Moon
February: Storm Moon
March: Chaste Moon
April: Seed Moon
May: Hare Moon
June: Dyad Moon
July: Mead Moon
August: Wort Moon
September: Barely Moon
October: Blood Moon
November: Snow Moon
December: Oak Moon
 

Originall posted by Draconoid:
You cannot write a spell if you rely on your analytical and logical thinking.It would be better if you try to receive any magical method from certain sources.

Some shamans ask the spirits about certain spells,rituals and other magical methods. Other use certain entities.I know several people,who use information channels in the cosmic energy field.

If you are interested in moon magic,then get connected with the moon energies and the moon goddess (during any esbat) and ask what to do to acheive any results.If you need fire,air,water or earth magic,then get connected with the elements.If you want to learn how to use your own powers and envelope your own skills,then perform Congressus Cum Daimone from Crowley's Liber Samekh and ask your Daimon.

Work in that way and the results of your magical work will become really amazing).
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dracoid
You cannot write a spell if you rely on your analytical and logical thinking.It would be better if you try to receive any magical method from certain sources.

Rin Daemoko:
I would not say that "it would be better." If you read most of the spells out there, you will find that they call for a certain oil, stone, sigil, deity, whomever. It would be difficult to make effective use of any such spell if you did not know what you were using does.

I'm not trying to get people to write recipe-spells. I do agree that you can't simply light this, chant that, and poof! your wishes come true. It requires much more from the spellcaster than that.

~Once More With Feeling~
Dracoid brings up an excellent point. If you take a look at the New Age, Witchcraft, or Occult section of any regular (not specialty) bookstore, you'll probably find countless books filled with nothing but spells promising this, that, and the other thing. They are interested to read, if you're a spellcrafting geek like I am, or you're looking for inspiration. Though it may not be the intention of the book's author, it does indeed seem that people are trying to sell you recipe books.

As I said in the above post, magick is not "light this, chant that, and poof! your wishes come true!" It requires much more from the spellcaster than this. In magick, you will find many phrases which say in some form or another, "my will be done." It seems innocent and simply enough: this is what I want, go get it. Right? Sure, but not quite.

What is your will? How involved was your will in doing the spell? Were you baking a cake, or co-creating a new reality with the Divine? Some will say that getting your emotions mixed up in your magick is the surest way to disaster, others (like myself) would argue the completely opposite. I believe that the more involved you Mind (capital "M") is, the more effective your spell will be.

~What is Mind?~
Mind (capital "M") is not just your thoughts. Your Mind includes your thoughts, yes, but is also involves your emotions, your memories, your beliefs, your ideas, your hopes ... everything that you are. This even includes your body, because your Mind and your body cannot exist here without each other.

A Buddhist analogy of Mind is that it is an ocean. Your thoughts and your emotions are waves on the ocean. They rise up, and the slip back in. They may be large like tsunami, but even so, they will subside into the much larger (and more potent) expanse that is Mind.

Mind is vast. It is dynamic, and like the ocean, there is much more happening below the surface than what we see. Godzilla himself could be marching up the continental slope to lay waste to Tokyo, but you'd never see it because that is all below the surface. Magick, to the Mind, is how the Mind changes and in so doing, affects everything around it. When the ocean suddenly changes temperature, it alters the climate of the globe in dramatic ways. When the ocean surges up, it can devour entire islands.

~Incantations, Mantras, and Prayers~
The positive effect of both mantras and prayers is well documented. It seems that repeating a mantra to yourself definately increases your chances of the nature of your mantra of coming true.

Depending on the mantra or the prayer, they can even be used to alleviate pain. Studies done using MRIs show that when monks meditate on compassion for all beings (this can also be done through the chanting of mantras and prayes), the parts of the brain responsible for "good" feelings lights up like Christmas, while the part of the brain which generates "bad" feelings falls asleep.

Rhyming incantations (notorious to fictional depictions of magick) can work on the same level as these if used in the same manner. Most people recite incantations in ritual, and then once the ritual is over they stop reciting the incantation. There are some good reasons for this (most of which involve "forgetting" your work so that your conscious mind can't screw up what you've set into motion).

However, the recitation of rhyming incantations outside of ritual can be of great benefit as well.
Find or write an incantation and try reciting it off and on for a full day or two, and see how it affects your mood and your state of mind, as well as what actually happens to you. The results will speak for themselves.
 

visceral/spagyrical:

I don't mean to backtrack, but I want to say something more about this.

I write, so I find it's impossible to cause any sort of change unless I invoke whatever emotions correspond to the subject of my writing. For example, if I write to change something about myself that bothers me, I'll get extremely angry and depressed. At times, it's very difficult to endure, but it's a must if I'm determined.

For me, emotions are fuel. I like to think of this in terms of cannons: your will is the cannon, your intent is the cannon ball, your emotions are the gun powder, and your idea is the target. Basically, the more gun powder you use, the more damage the cannonball will do. However, the better the cannon, the greater the accuracy. (Also keep in mind that imperfect cannonballs never fly perfectly straight.)

Be that as it may, cannons aren't computers: you can't simply press a button, walk away, and expect results to fall into your lap. You have to load the cannon, you have to push it forward, you have to aim it at the target, and you have to light the fuse. Then, and only then, do you walk away. And even then, you shouldn't expect results to fall into your lap.

I realize this may seem a little cryptic to some, but unless you understand that you are something more than a combination of your ideas, emotions, intent, and will, you will never obtain results.

In other words, you have to become the cannon.

v/s

Dracoid:

The basic thing about the magic and spells is, that we are mediums, we channel power, that comes from the Universe.

As I said, You need to establish connection with specific information channels-NOT IN THE BOOKS.There are many such channels in the nature and cosmos.There are teachers from the higher planes and other entities,who can teach you about spells and magic.

And no,I cannot agree,that magic is not chants, candles, oils, incenses etc(I will agree, however, that there are other ways to perform magic).This is,as some friends have said-interface.This is specific energy sheme.If it is ordered correctly, you will get what you want.

One example.You need healing.Your intuition says,that you need fire spell.Light a candle and establish connection with the Fire Element.Ask for healing spell.You will get a vision.For first,you will see the right energy structure,energy project.After that you will see the ritual,that will construct it.You may see an altar with herbs,stones etc,ORDERED in specific way.You will be taught what chants, dances,acts to perform.You may see sigils,pictures etc.

Write everything.Then prepare for the ritual/spell and do it.

I started to work in that way and I get amazing results from my magical work.I understood,that every moment,every case is unique and demands specific energy project.So,one spell or one ritual is specific for the moment and will work maybe only once.Next time,when it seems,that you have the same problem,you may think,that you can use the same ritual to solve it.But you will be wrong,maybe.That's why you need to ask again for another spell solution-if it demands magical solution,of course.

So,learn to work in that way and you will have success with the magic.Ask the Elements,ask the Angels,Demons,ask the Earth,ask the Moon and the Gods...ask the Universe for magical knowledges.In the Cosmic Library there are tons of magical knowledge.Ask,and you will get answer.