How To Cast A Spell
Covering the Basics of Magical Theory - Learn How To Cast a Spell
Welcome to Pendragon School of Magic! I'm really delighted that you are here and reading this - whether you are a returning student or a brand new visitor from somewhere out there in this magnificent world! And this is a Magnificent Day for YOU! because I truly believe that there are few coincidences in life, you are here, right now, connecting with me through time as I sit in my room writing this with my Frankincense incense burning and the wind howling outside. I will never return to this moment, but you are in it right now, you are shaping your life RIGHT NOW and you are one of the reasons tha I was inspired to write these very words. This is Your time, Your opportunity. You are at an important cross roads in your life. It is time to begin learning Magic.
One of the first and most fundamental questions I am asked by new students of magic is of course, how to cast a spell! This is an excellent question as the reason most of us are drawn to magic in the first place is not initially the wonder of understanding the secrets of the universe but a very real, usually materialistic need to achieve some goals. The lofty and beautiful secrets of magic come softly to us in time, they take our breath away eventually, but these are for the dedicated and patient. For the novice, we want to learn how to cast a money spell, how to cast a love spell, how to cast a spell that will help us with our career or protect us from adversaries along our path. Such spells as this are the bread and butter of a witch.
Before we begin…
Now. This is the perhaps the most important part. The number one, be all and end all, holy grail and meaning of life of casting a spell. You must have a purpose, a goal in mind!
This is incredibly important. So important that if a successful spell were expressed as a pie chart, I would put having a purpose or a goal to your spell as 60% of the spell. That's right - 60%! That's a lot.
It's a lot because your will power and imagination as a witch is your most powerful tool. It is the impotus which directs your magical energies.
Think about it - even without magic, half of the worlds population could probably vastly improve their lives if they could but make up their minds exactly what it is that they want and start taking some small steps towards achieving it! Magic is simply taking this creative action and further expanding upon this - to positive physical action we then add all of the unseen universal powers of the universe and your powerfully creative sub conscious mind - BOOM! We have lift off…
So if you have a minute or two…This is very important…Write down on a piece of paper what you would like to cast a spell to achieve.
You may have a hundred thoughts and desires fluttering around your head like butterflies in the wind, but narrow it down. For the purposes of any spell you need to be specific. Pick one. Do it now!
You won't be casting your spell until later on today, but I absolutely cannot overstate the importance of recognising and naming your magical goal. If you do nothing else, if you read no further, if you abandon magic altogether, then if I could beseech you to take one thing away from this writing of mine it is this: recognise, name, write down, and physically chase your goal. With the smallest of baby steps if you have to. Just do something. This life is short and precious.
Have you named and recognised your desire? If I asked you now, "What is it that you want in your life now?" Could you answer me? Clearly and succinctly? And with no spluttering, hesitation or general embarrassment? Own this goal!
There are no limits to magic. You will get there. Somehow you will get there. Have faith in your abilities to keep up and adapt to the abundance of the universe.
So assuming that you have an inspiring and highly ambitious spell in the forefront of your mind - you now have the happy task of deciding what kind of magical tools or equipment you need to be heading off down to Diagon Alley ahem your local magical shop to buy, or to make yourself. (Which can be a lot more fun!)
Don't forget to download your copy of Practical Magic One, our Foundation Textbook today!
Special Tools used in the Magical Craft to cast spells or do magical work
Here are some commonly used tools used by witches to cast spells. You do not by any manner of means need to use all, or indeed any, of these things in your spell casting for it to be effective; but it is useful to know of them and their own unique roles in magic. Take your pick!
A Magic Wand
A Magic Wand is perhaps the most well known and recognised magical tool. everyone, But Everyone, knows what one of these is! What you may now know is that the purpose of a magic wand, on the most basic level, is to act as a channel for your magical energies. They help to focus your subconscious mind, crystallising thought and intent into matter at the tip of the wand. They are also, rather good for pointing - as you cast your spell, flick your wand and see in your minds eye your powerful shining magical energies shooting out the end of it and off into the word, with immense power and speed!
Choosing your wand is a wonderful act - I wrote a little piece about it here. I would suggest you head out into the countryside, somewhere peaceful and special to you, and pick your own! Will you be drawn to a courageous and vivacious Holly Wand, or a gentler, flexible Beech Wand, great for healing and making a way when there is no way? There are so many possibilities.
Please see: Choosing Your Magic Wand
or Find your perfect wand wood
An Athame
An Athame is a knife which is used in magical ritual. Some are purely ceremonial, and may consist of a small symbolic point and a lot of crystals or other decoration, others may be more functional, made of metal or with a bone, wooden or cord handle.
An Athame is wielded much like a wand to cast spells - using the point as a focus to channel powerful energies - however of course the knife holds different meaning and is the master of different energies. Some are more drawn to the Athame than the Wand. Others find that the wand is more suitable for certain types of magic, and the Athame suits them for more energetic, martial or protection type spells.
For those whom are wary of using a knife in magical ritual, it may help to think of the knife as a useful tool rather than merely a weapon. Knives in general usage of course are not used to wound but to open things, take things apart, cut paths, remove dead wood, dismantle previous structures, make things etc. A woodcarver or other craftsman would consider a knife to be a very creative object. Take these useful and creative ideas and see the symbolism behind them when you cast spells using an Athame. Could you even cut through the layers of your present reality, to escape into the highest, best version of your life? To choose a more wonderful future for yourself?
Using an Athame to cast spells
A Chalice
A chalice is sometimes used in magic to hold and represent the element of water. It may also hold wine, and could in this case be symbolic of all of the good things of the Earth - a symbolic Horn of Plenty, if you will.
A witches Chalice is sometimes very ornate and beautiful and holds special significance - oftentimes though it is simply a practical object - maybe holding a potion to drink or to represent the element water when a circle is being cast.
A cloak or robe
Robes or cloaks or any other atmosphere creating props are by no means essential to spell casting. However as the practise of magic is rooted in your sub conscious mind, springing directly forth from it, then such things can be a useful aid.
Having a specific robe or attire for the practise of magic can help serve as a mental trigger to get you in the mood for casting spells. Even if you are not the sort of person who feels comfortable wearing a black velvet cloak, it is still a good thing to choose a special jacket or top that you keep only for your magical work. The really adventurous witch may wish to experiment occasionally with being "sky clad" (nude!) as some say the removal of clothing encourages the transfer of magical energy.
Take a look at: The Role of Fantasy in Magic if you are interested in robes!
A Scrying Mirror or Glass Ball
A Scrying Mirror of a Glass Ball are used by the witch or wizard to carry out divination. Most of us are already familiar with the idea of a psychic gypsy woman telling fortunes at the fair with her crystal ball - staring into it's depths to read the future. The Scrying or Black Mirror is another tool which fulfils a very similar purpose, shiny black surface, sometimes made of Obsidian or Jet, is highly polished so that shapes and shadows may with practise be glanced on the surface.
Both Scrying Mirrors or Glass Balls are not objects of power in themselves, although a witch may become very attached and attuned to their own special one; rather they serve as physical links, keys if you will, to draw out the power of your own intuition and latent psychic abilities.
How to use a Scrying Mirror in Magic
A symbol of a Deity or Archetypal Energy sacred to you
Some witches or wizards like to set up little shrines almost in their private working space - perhaps with statues/images of pentacles, of buddhas, goddesses, green men, nature spirits, Celtic gods, Egyptian gods, Norse Gods, Roman Gods, even Christian Saints and Angels…The list of Deities or Archetypal energies you can draw on in magic are almost endless, there are whole pantheons of them appearing in human cultures since time immemorial…For every idea, thing, or feeling you wish to draw to you with magic, there is a Deity or Archetype you can summon up the energy of!
Not comfortable with deities and Archetypes? Many people following a magical path will not have any kind of belief in deities or spirits or Goddesses etc. True Magic is a flexible and highly individual thing. However almost every practitioner of magic will have SOMETHING that is meaningful to them which they use when they cast their spells. This could be a token given to them by a loved one, a stone found in a special place which holds special memories, a photograph of a favourite pet, even a photograph/physical of whatever it is that they desire to become and aspire towards in life. A pentacle, or five pointed star, is the traditional "go to" modern symbol of witchcraft - so if you are unsure about your magical preferences at the moment then this is a nice neutral symbol to start with.
Anything which is special and holds meaning to you, however far fetched or unusual, is a worthy candidate to serve as a sacred symbol to assist you in your magical work. Anything that can inspire you and draw beneficial emotions of yours to the surface should be encouraged and used!
A Tarot Deck or Runes
Tarot Decks, Runes, and the like are all sets of small physical objects with drawings upon them which pertain to certain archetypes, symbols, or universal cross cultural ideas. Like other divination aids such as the Scrying Mirror or Glass Ball these work by acting as physical totems or links to your deep inner magical powers.
How to cast spells with Runes or Tarot Cards: It is possible to pick out and choose specific runes or Tarot cards pertaining to whichever energy or archetype you wish to channel in your spell. Before you cast, meditate upon the energies and meaning behind the symbol you have chosen. After the spell is complete some people like to carry around the rune or tarot card until the spell manifests itself in their life.
A Magical Quiet Place
Every witch should have a special, optimal place where they can go to cast their spells. We are all different in terms of our favourite places, but most of us appreciate privacy and peace to perform magic and link with our sub-conscious powers. Personally I appreciate the natural temple of the great outdoors, a cathedral of trees in a lonely forest, or a spot on the cliff tops watching the waves rage on a windswept day. Others I have known prefer a white, spartan, meticulously ordered room with no distractions whatsoever.
Whatever the nature of your magical place, it is important that when you enter it your deeper mind immediately knows what you are there for - you mean business from the moment you light the first candle to cast your circle. From the moment you step over the threshold in fact.
How to cast a circle in your sacred space
A Familiar or Owl(!)
Owls, Rats, Toads, and Cats! Every new Hogwarts Student had one of these of course! This stems from the idea that in the past witches in folklore were often thought to have companion animals which would help them with their magic - perhaps allowing the witch to travel with them far and abroad to gather information or to cast spells at a distance. Nowadays Familiars are not considered to be a requirement for casting spells…That being said, there is a lot to be gained from having an animal companion if you are able to give them a good home. It is said that without animals humanity would die from "a great loneliness of spirit." Aaaw…
I have a plump black cat (entirely coincidental I assure you!) and there is nothing like the peace which the soft purrs of a warm little beast can do for your general well being and contentment. Animals have the power to induce positive, loving emotions which when cultivated bring forth excellent magic!
Materials used in the Magical Craft to cast spells or do magical work
There are numerous materials used by witches to cast spells, too many to do justice to here really, especially as so many of them are completely unique to the individual witch or wizard.
No two advanced students of magic will carry out their craft in exactly the same way. This is part of the beauty of magic -as unlike many religions - there are no rules or set doctrine with must be adhered to! The fundamentals of magic always stay eternally the same, but the path for each practitioner will be very different and special.
This being said though, some magical tools and materials are so ubiquitous that they are worth a mention here. Feel free to be inspired by them or discard them as you see fit. It is fun to use lots of magical tools and materials, but do remember, an expert witch should be able to improvise - casting a quick simple spell at a moments notice when the need arises!
Candles
Candles are used in magic to summon the elements when casting a circle. They are used to focus and relax the mind in magical meditation techniques. They represent the element of fire, and the related cleansing, warm, energetic energies. Different coloured candles can be used to represent different magical needs - for instance, a black candle is used in banishing and binding spells.
Incense, essential oils, and dried herbs, resins, and flowers
Incense and other perfumed elements are very important in spell casting as they create the correct atmosphere for powerful magic. As each fragrance is different, so is each spell - a calming, mind altering Frankincense might be more appropriate for a divination spell, a Rose Attar for a love spell, or an uplifting orange or peppermint for a career or happiness spell. There is a lot of choice and it is well worth developing your own little magical library of fragrances.
Dried herbs, resins, and flowers can also be used in potions, teas, and lotions. Do make sure whatever it is is edible before you actually ingest it though!
Using Essential oils to cast spells
The Elements - Their Symbolic Representation
The powers of the elements, Earth, Fire, Water, and Air and often invoked in magic. They are most commonly called up when a circle is cast at the beginning of a spell. To reinforce the energies of these elements physical symbols of them are often used, such as coloured candles; blue for water, green or brown for earth, and so on. Alternatively a crystal might be used, or a corresponding Tarot card or other object. (A Shell for water? a petal for Earth? a feather for Air? A coal for fire?).
Stones and crystals
Like the elements, stones and crystals are used to summon certain energies in spell casting. They are also linked to astrology, and every one of us has a special stone which is meant to be linked to us by virtue of our star sign.
As beautiful natural objects stones and crystals are considered by many to hold special magical resonance. It is a wonderful privilege to own a diamond or a ruby etc. but there are many, many more inexpensive semi precious stones which you can use in your magic. A Rose Quartz, for example, lends soft and loving energies to any romance spell. Here is a piece I wrote about using stones and crystals in magic.
Substances to induce altered states of consciousness
I'm not going to sit here and recommend that you all do drugs to attain altered states of consciousness! However, very judiciously, and in carefully controlled conditions, it can be fun to experiment with tiny (possibly!) safe amounts. Plants are a gift to us, they provide our medicine and our food. It is certainly true that certain species have also provided the means for various cultures and their Shaman/Priest equivalents to get high down the ages - magic is all about learning how to harness the powers of your mind - and altered states of consciousness can be a gift. A tea made of the roots of Valeriana Officialis, a common hedgerow plant in England, for example, provides a gentle relaxing effect- a natural sleeping draught.
There is a great difference of course between the imbibing of some tea from the leaves of the Coca plant and taking full blown Cocaine - be careful - it is when humans get involved and the end result is no longer natural that the real problems begin!
If, as I hope, you aren't all that tempted to get too experimental with more potent forms of herbs - a completely harmless alternative is to burn some good quality incense or resin such as Frankincense. Certain fragrances like this have the power to induce a relaxed and contemplative state.
Techniques used in the Magical Craft to cast spells and do magical work
We have only briefly described these techniques as a sort of glossary here, as each one is worthy of an in depth text in their own right! Where such an article exists we have linked to it, If there is no link yet then do check back again as Pendragon School is a constantly evolving work in progress - alternatively you can of course look it up on Google!
Casting a Circle
Casting a Circle is the way in which a witch prepares their magical space and sub conscious mind for magic. It is a process by which magical energies, often of the elements, are called up; and the mind quietened and switched on to the magic spell that is about to be cast.
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
The power of magic is called up from the depths of your inner sub conscious mind. The means that the most successful witches and wizards are able to cast highly effective spells because they have worked diligently on their powers of concentration, imagination, and visualisation.
Incantations, blessings, and the written/spoken word/Affirmations
Words in magic are considered to be very powerful things. It is one thing to think something, it is a step further to write it down or to say it out load.
Incantations, invocations, and blessings are used during spell casting to summon up magical energies or to make the will of the magician more concrete and rooted in the physical world. Words of any kind are reinforcement of a spell. They are pure power... The Magical Triune of Thought, and Word, and Deed, are the cornerstone and foundation of any successful spell.
Read: Quantum Energy Magic: Magical Spelling 101
Sigils
Sigils are a way in which the creative power of your thought can be given specific and concrete physical life in the form of a unique symbol. Usually the meaning of this symbol is known only to the spell caster. The use of Sigils is a very powerful and ancient magical technique and one which is invariably practised by the higher magician.
Once you have mastered the basics of how to cast spells it is well worth investigating the use of Sigils.
Charms and charged objects
A useful technique in magic is to focus a burst of a specific type of energy onto a physical object. This object can then be carried around in the form of an amulet or lucky charm to bring good fortune, to protect, or to attract what ever the spell caster desires.
Alternatively, a physical object such as a poppet could be charged with negative energy - used as a medium to absorb any negativity or bad feelings or addiction or illness which someone might harbour. This object could then be buried or set fire to or thrown in the sea to represent the symbolic purging and setting free of these bad emotions or physical state.
Energy Magic
Energy magic is a vast subject and is the process by which a witch casts a spell by drawing on the energies of other bodies or archetypes. The most common form of energy magic uses the power of the earth, channelling it into physical masses of energy- which is then perhaps sent off in the form of a Psi Ball full of healing energy, for example. Telekinesis is another form of energy magic.
How to cast a spell using a psi ball
Lucid Dreaming and dream techniques
Lucid Dreaming is an effective and fascinating divination and self knowledge technique. It can be used to have visions of the future or to learn more about yourself and your true talents and desires. Additionally it is good for general visualisation and manifestation techniques, attraction magic and so on.
And did I mention, when you have a Lucid Dream for the first time, it will blow your mind!?
I wrote this: How to Have a Lucid Dream, which is a great start.
Remote Viewing
Remote Viewing is the art of using the powers of your mind to view people, situations, and places at a distance. It is a technique which can be learn with practise by anyone, and was investigated by the CIA in the 1970's - it is a very real phenomenon.
Remote Viewing is used in divination magic and also to cast healing spells. If you would like to learn more about Remote Viewing please look at: Remote Viewing - A Layman'sGuide
Dowsing
Dowsing is the art of divination or finding water or minerals through the use of either dowsing rods or a pendulum. Some people are able with practise to dispatch with the dowsing rods or pendulum altogether and just use their hands and intuition.
In a similar manner to many other divination techniques such as using the Runes or Tarot, Dowsing is a tool which enables a psychic bridge to be created between the individuals sub conscious mind and the material world. Learn how to dowse using a Pendulum here.
Scrying
Scrying is another divination technique in which a witch learns how to read present situations or the future using a scrying mirror or crystal ball. You can learn how to scry here.
The use of colour to focus energy
Different colours are traditionally associated with different energies and states of being. This idea can be used in many ways by the witch when casting a spell - the altar might be dressed in an appropriate colour, or a specific coloured robe chosen, or varying colours of candles, stones, and objects used.
Emotional Energy Magic - Frenzy, Euphoria, Passion
Emotional energy magic is incredibly powerful. It does what it says on the tin - uses your emotional energy forces to cast magical spells. The emotional energies used are varied - some witches find it comes naturally to them to cast spells when they are excited or euphorically happy, others are able to make positive use of their anger!
Sex magic is related to emotional energy magic - in heightened states of passion vast stores of energies are released which have been harnessed traditionally for centuries. Some magical partners like to work together to cast spells like this!
In short, any emotion which elicits energy from the emoter can be a medium for casting a spell.
Attraction Magic
Attraction Magic is based upon the fundamental magical law that "like attracts like" and that we attract what we think about most. To carry out successful Attraction Magic and cast spells following this law it is important to try to keep your mental energy and thoughts as healthy and positive as you can. You will try to focus on what you wish to attain, as if you already had it, when you cast your spells.
You will then act as if whatsoever it was that you wished, had already come to pass. I would recommend everyone knows about the Magical Law of Attraction as it plays an important background part in the theory of most spells. Read this to find out more: The Magical Law of Attraction
In magic it is, as you will learn, more effective if you can be extremely specific about exactly what it is that you want, and tailor yours spells accordingly, personalising them to make them more suitable for their individual purposes. To this end it can be helpful to consider the nature of your desires, and how to best cast a spell that will serve them. Some of the most common spell themes you will encounter as a novice witch include: Wealth, Love, Career, Healing, and Protection/Banishing or Binding spells. Click on the links to read more about how to effectively cast these types of spells.
