How to Cast a Spell

You can add extra power to your spellwork if you cast your spells at the most opportune time, rather than just whenever you feel like it. There are several different ways you can choose your timing.

• By the day of the week
• By the phase of the moon

You can also go by the seasons of the year, but that can get a bit awkward if you need a spell and the right season is 8 months away. Or if you want to get very precise, you can use the planetary hours of the day. But that's a lot more complicated than I'm going to explain right now.

Read through the entire spell once or twice and gather all your tools and supplies. You'll need to focus on what you are doing once you start, so you don't want to be running around in the middle of your ritual because you forgot the red string or quartz crystal.

Part of the gathering process would be to learn the spell as best you can before you start. It's fine to follow along in a book or paper, but doing it by heart is better. Use your own judgment whether or not you can memorize the words and actions. Better to read along well, than to try on your own and fumble it all up.

In order to really focus and concentrate, you should get rid of any distractions. Turn off the television, computer, phone, or whatever else might divert your attention from your spell.

Some people have certain clothing or jewelry that they wear, to help them set the right tone for their spellworking. A ritual bath is another option, though not everyone wants to go through that much trouble.

Lighting a few candles around is another nice touch, though any candles lit just for atmosphere should be white so you don't add any unwanted magickal energy into your spell.

Now you get down to work. This is the part that can take practice, so don't expect it to work perfectly (especially if this is your first spell).

It's not enough to just go through the motions and say the words, you have put your own energy into it. With each step, concentrate on your goal and stay focused on your task. Thinking about what to make for dinner or taking out the garbage is NOT going to help you.

Feel how each step effects you, and let your emotional connection with your intention take over. Does that make sense? Well, I just mean that you should let your emotions bring energy to the spell. Keep images foremost in your mind about what you are trying to achieve. If you are doing a spell for money, picture how your life will improve and how that will make you feel. Think about how the stress will leave you. Its your own emotions and energy that power a spell, not just the *things* you have in front of you.