Tools and Spell Procedures

Alright, first and foremost, many people will tell you that you can only perform certain spells at certain times. The phases of the moon are a huge part of this, but let me just say, these are not the only times spells can be performed. Timing and lunar phases will give your spells and magickal workings more oomph, but they will work just fine if the need arises for a spell at a different time. Magick will work at any time, anywhere.

For herbal magick, there is not much you'll need, a mortar and pestle will certainly simplify things, but in a pinch, I've been known to grab two rocks. You'll need a large, nonmetal pot for brewing. And other simple supplies such as scissors, needle, cotton or wool thread, and cotton or wool cloth ( I like to keep a variety of colors on hand.)

Next, you'll want to visualize what it is you need. See it as you wish the outcome to be. I.E. let's say you're working a money spell, don't concentrate on your lack of money, or how you plan to make the money, simply picture yourself having already obtained your goal. You may have a hard time visualizing, but it does get easier with time and practice. Sometimes, I find that if I am having difficulties, I write my goal down on a piece of paper, and place it on my altar. It helps to solidify the need.

When I cast a spell, I like to cleanse myself first, by bathing, or showering if I must, and wearing something comfortable and light. You may be told that the only way to practice magic is sky clad, or nude. This is simply not true. If you are more comfortable doing it that way, please feel free, but is of no more importance that wearing ritual clothing or jewelry. It may help the magician concentrate, or feel more comfortable, but is not mandatory for your magick to work.

Now, there are a few 'rules' in practicing any kind of magick. First and foremost, cause no harm. That means casting those spells to make someone fall in love with you are a big no-no. That removes that persons free will, and that's bad. :) Now, there's nothing wrong with casting a spell to find a love, or to attract love, as long as you don't have a specific person in mind. Also, never cast a spell for someone else unless you have their permission. Same reason applies here. Even if you feel that person is in dire need of your help, unless they consent, don't do it.

Last, but not least, have fun with your magick. Spells are written as guidelines, and as things that have worked for other people. I can't stress enough that you must do what works for you. There is no right or wrong way to practice, as long as you follow these simple rules, you'll be fine.

Now, as for actually casting your spell. There are several procedures, that if followed will help increase the effectiveness of your magick, but once again are not mandatory. It helps when you are new to magick to follow these procedures, to help you become familiar with each herb and it's energies.

Enchanting herbs helps align the energies in the herbs to the task at hand. You can do this as a group, after you've gathered all the herbs you'll need, or you can do it one by one. If you are using a live herb, and taking cuttings, it's best to visualize your need as you perform this task, and to ask permission of the plant to take from it for that task.

I like to place all my herbs into a ceramic bowl, and place the bowl in my lap. As I touch each herb, I reiterate it's use. Visualize your goal as strongly as possible, letting the herbs rest on and around your skin. Next, try to imagine energy sparking from your fingertips, charging each herb with energy. If you have a hard time visualizing it, try saying what you want, like "Bay, I ask for your healing" Keep saying this until you can visualize the energy flowing from your body into the herbs. When you feel you have finished, stop. You may feel your fingers tingle, or even get a bit of a shock.

If you're planning on carrying a sachet, or placing one in your home, all you'll need are your herbs, a piece of cotton or wool cloth, and some yarn that matches. Place about a tablespoon of your herbal mixture in the center of the cloth, gather the corners and tie. Make sure that as you do all of this you are visualizing your goal.

To make a 'potion' you simply soak the herbs in hot water, while visualizing your goal. Once again, use a nonmetal pot, and use one teaspoon herb for every cup of water. Place your herbs in a bowl, or something nonmetal that you can keep covered. Pour your boiling water over your herbs, and cover them for about 15 minutes. If you plan to drink the mixture, you will probably want to strain the herbs. You can also use the 'potion' to anoint the body, or to add to your bath. I store mine in a dark glass jar for baths, and I like to keep the herbs in with it, but feel free to strain if you'd rather. You can also use sachets made of cheesecloth for your bath, or you can use essential oils. Be careful not to add to much, or you may irritate your skin. I.E. peppermint and cinnamon

If you are in need of an ointment, there are two ways I use to make them. First, the idea of using lard is not a pleasant one to me, so I use shortening. About 1 cup to 4 tbs. of herbal powder or 10-20 drops of oil will do the trick. You can use the room temperature shorting and mash the herbal powder or oil into it if you like. Another way I make this is to heat the shortening in a nonmetal container over very low heat. When it has become liquid, add your herbs or herbal powder and let it steep off heat for about 5-10 minutes. You may strain or leave as is. If you plan on using oil, you'll want to remove the shortening from the heat entirely before adding, so as not to burn off the smell.

When making incense, I prefer to use it lose and burn it on a charcoal block. You may use any combination of herbs, and even essential oils. Please be careful, as some herbs are poisonous when burned. I generally mix my herbs with a mortar and pestle, and keep the mixtures in a glass jar with a cork top. Again, when mixing, make to sure to visualize your goal. To use, take your censer ( incense burner) and fill it about half-full with salt or sand. Ignite your charcoal block and place inside. When it begins to glow red, you may begin to sprinkle your incense on it. You'll need to add more every few minutes until your work is done. Be careful, some plants will shock you by how they smell when burned.


	Tools and Spell Procedures Alright, first and foremost, many people will tell you that you can only perform certain spells at certain times. The phases of the moon are a huge part of this, but let me just say, these are not the only times spells can be performed. Timing and lunar phases will give your spells and magickal workings more oomph, but they will work just fine if the need arises for a spell at a different time. Magick will work at any time, anywhere. For herbal magick, there is not much you'll need, a mortar and pestle will certainly simplify things, but in a pinch, I've been known to grab two rocks. You'll need a large, nonmetal pot for brewing. And other simple supplies such as scissors, needle, cotton or wool thread, and cotton or wool cloth ( I like to keep a variety of colors on hand.) Of course, you'll need your herbs, candles, a censer ( something to burn incense in) charcoal blocks and something non-plastic to store your herbs in. You'll need a work space, a table or altar preferably, but any uncluttered area that is easily moved and accessible will do. Next, you'll want to visualize what it is you need. See it as you wish the outcome to be. I.E. let's say you're working a money spell, don't concentrate on your lack of money, or how you plan to make the money, simply picture yourself having already obtained your goal. You may have a hard time visualizing, but it does get easier with time and practice. Sometimes, I find that if I am having difficulties, I write my goal down on a piece of paper, and place it on my altar. It helps to solidify the need. When I cast a spell, I like to cleanse myself first, by bathing, or showering if I must, and wearing something comfortable and light. You may be told that the only way to practice magic is sky clad, or nude. This is simply not true. If you are more comfortable doing it that way, please feel free, but is of no more importance that wearing ritual clothing or jewelry. It may help the magician concentrate, or feel more comfortable, but is not mandatory for your magick to work. Now, there are a few 'rules' in practicing any kind of magick. First and foremost, cause no harm. That means casting those spells to make someone fall in love with you are a big no-no. That removes that persons free will, and that's bad. :) Now, there's nothing wrong with casting a spell to find a love, or to attract love, as long as you don't have a specific person in mind. Also, never cast a spell for someone else unless you have their permission. Same reason applies here. Even if you feel that person is in dire need of your help, unless they consent, don't do it. Last, but not least, have fun with your magick. Spells are written as guidelines, and as things that have worked for other people. I can't stress enough that you must do what works for you. There is no right or wrong way to practice, as long as you follow these simple rules, you'll be fine. Now, as for actually casting your spell. There are several procedures, that if followed will help increase the effectiveness of your magick, but once again are not mandatory. It helps when you are new to magick to follow these procedures, to help you become familiar with each herb and it's energies. Enchanting herbs helps align the energies in the herbs to the task at hand. You can do this as a group, after you've gathered all the herbs you'll need, or you can do it one by one. If you are using a live herb, and taking cuttings, it's best to visualize your need as you perform this task, and to ask permission of the plant to take from it for that task. I like to place all my herbs into a ceramic bowl, and place the bowl in my lap. As I touch each herb, I reiterate it's use. Visualize your goal as strongly as possible, letting the herbs rest on and around your skin. Next, try to imagine energy sparking from your fingertips, charging each herb with energy. If you have a hard time visualizing it, try saying what you want, like "Bay, I ask for your healing" Keep saying this until you can visualize the energy flowing from your body into the herbs. When you feel you have finished, stop. You may feel your fingers tingle, or even get a bit of a shock. If you're planning on carrying a sachet, or placing one in your home, all you'll need are your herbs, a piece of cotton or wool cloth, and some yarn that matches. Place about a tablespoon of your herbal mixture in the center of the cloth, gather the corners and tie. Make sure that as you do all of this you are visualizing your goal. To make a 'potion' you simply soak the herbs in hot water, while visualizing your goal. Once again, use a nonmetal pot, and use one teaspoon herb for every cup of water. Place your herbs in a bowl, or something nonmetal that you can keep covered. Pour your boiling water over your herbs, and cover them for about 15 minutes. If you plan to drink the mixture, you will probably want to strain the herbs. You can also use the 'potion' to anoint the body, or to add to your bath. I store mine in a dark glass jar for baths, and I like to keep the herbs in with it, but feel free to strain if you'd rather. You can also use sachets made of cheesecloth for your bath, or you can use essential oils. Be careful not to add to much, or you may irritate your skin. I.E. peppermint and cinnamon If you are in need of an ointment, there are two ways I use to make them. First, the idea of using lard is not a pleasant one to me, so I use shortening. About 1 cup to 4 tbs. of herbal powder or 10-20 drops of oil will do the trick. You can use the room temperature shorting and mash the herbal powder or oil into it if you like. Another way I make this is to heat the shortening in a nonmetal container over very low heat. When it has become liquid, add your herbs or herbal powder and let it steep off heat for about 5-10 minutes. You may strain or leave as is. If you plan on using oil, you'll want to remove the shortening from the heat entirely before adding, so as not to burn off the smell. When making incense, I prefer to use it lose and burn it on a charcoal block. You may use any combination of herbs, and even essential oils. Please be careful, as some herbs are poisonous when burned. I generally mix my herbs with a mortar and pestle, and keep the mixtures in a glass jar with a cork top. Again, when mixing, make to sure to visualize your goal. To use, take your censer ( incense burner) and fill it about half-full with salt or sand. Ignite your charcoal block and place inside. When it begins to glow red, you may begin to sprinkle your incense on it. You'll need to add more every few minutes until your work is done. Be careful, some plants will shock you by how they smell when burned. You'll find there are many different ideas as to how things are to be done. This is how I like to practice, but even this varies from time to time. Herbs and their powers Stones, Minerals, and Metals Home