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Where to Conduct
Your Spells

Location is important, but you must be practical and do what is best for you. There are pros and cons to everything, and where to cast a spell is no different. There are those who will say there is nothing like the outside to spin you magick. However, if you live in the middle of downtown Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, or New York, that is not a very wise choice. As we live in modern times of condominium life, the noise of speeding cars and construction vehicles outside may be too chaotic. In medieval times, for example, things like ambulances, airplanes, railroad trains, and automobile horns were not a concern. Therefore, think in the now and not about what our ancestors’ situations were.

Consider your specific location and determine what alternatives you have available.

Inside

It is easier to conduct spells inside, due to the fact that wind will not keep blowing out your candles, you have electricity for music, there is privacy and also safety.

As you are accessing the powers of the Moon, try to find a spot where you can see the Moon, if possible. But above all, be comfortable.

If there is a room in your home where you can see the Moon but you are not relaxed in that area, do not use it.

If you’re conducting your spell during the day or are someplace without windows or any view of the sky, use a representation of the Moon. A picture of the Moon works well (feel free to draw your own) or any item that represents the Moon.

You can purchase a terra cotta Moon decoration at most garden centers or make one out of cardboard or anything you have available. A Moon pendant or pin would do. Be creative; anything you feel that represents the Moon is perfect for you.

Keep in mind, your privacy is a must. There should be no one else in the room with you unless they are directly participating in this ritual. If you have a large family and have a difficult time finding a place to be alone, you can always opt for the bathroom. It may sound comical, but I performed one of my best spells in the bathroom at a Holiday Inn as I was sharing a room with a friend who was not like-minded.

Outside

To do a spell outside is excellent as you are surrounded by nature. However, the majority of people do not have acres of land where they can be assured privacy. Even in a park or on a beach, there is the probability of you attracting onlookers and people passing by.

A backyard is workable, but if you have noisy neighbors, barking dogs, or a delivery person that may show up unexpectedly, it is not a good idea. Remember that you should not be trying to gain attention. Be discreet, and the power is more effective.

If you are one of the lucky ones who has a privacy fence or lots of land around you, you may give it try. The use of candles may not work if it is a windy day. (See the candle section for more details on how to cope with this situation.)

Whatever you do, make sure you always feel safe. If you cast your spell in the evening and are afraid someone will sneak up on you, it will defeat the purpose. Why add stress to your spell?

Usually a group of people is better for outdoor spells. Weigh the positives and the negatives and make a choice. I have performed spells outside as well as inside, and the results have not been more successful one way or the other. I must admit, though, if you have the opportunity to perform magick amidst nature, do venture to do so. The experience is very enchanting.

Tree Magick

For those who are able to utilize the wonders of the outside world in an area that has many trees, you may want to conduct your spell under or near a special tree. It could be a tree you just get a “good feeling” from or a specific tree you seek that has a special quality. I conduct many spells under an orange tree in my own backyard.

Many cultures feel trees have curative properties and can dispel negative energy from a person without harming the tree. This is why sometimes just a walk through a national forest or the local park can calm you.

If you perform a spell near a special tree, take a moment and feel the energy from that particular tree. Thank the tree for the vibration that it is giving to you. Native Americans and other cultures believe that a tree embodies a living spirit.

Don’t be surprised, but hugging trees is not as uncommon as one would think. Sometimes a tree has a specific quality that we need—something that has been depleted within our own bodies. Hence, we have a need to put back that vital force. These are the trees we are usually drawn to, as they can rejuvenate us without taking away from themselves.

Example: If your interest in romance has been virtually zero due to conditions in your life like overworking, traveling, or just being without a partner, you may have the need to put yourself near or even hug an oak tree. The oak is said to increase sexuality!

“Nothing ventured nothing gained.”

Following is a small list of trees expressing qualities and essences that are said to be of their nature.

Ash: peace, protection, prosperity, strength

Birch: new beginnings, healing of wounds and burns

Cedar: courage, longevity, wealth, self-esteem, purification

Coconut Palm: purity, honor, relaxation

Cypress: past life issues, comfort, protection; eases the loss of anything

Elder: transformation and change, peaceful sleep, self-confidence

Elm: protection and meditation; stops slander

Eucalyptus: healing, protection, moon affinity

Lilac: activate chakras (energy centers), healing of back pain

Lime: divination, development, cleansing

Magnolia: fidelity, changes, relaxation and calmness

Maple: longevity, love, money

Myrtle: fertility, balance, youth, riches

Oak: increasing sexuality, luck, strength

Pear: clarity, energy, confidence, reduction of stress

Pecan: career issues and job seeking, money, discipline

Pine: prosperity, purification, health, exorcism

Plum: love and healing, self-confidence

Poplar: astral projection, wisdom, mental healing, starting over

Walnut: depression, healing, heals infertility

Willow: wishes coming true, seductiveness, protection, energy to the sick

The magick in trees does not have to be activated only when carrying out Moon spells, but can be accessed anytime as a natural wealth of refreshment to your body, mind, and spirit. Always thank the tree in silence with a nod of your head for allowing you to receive its special essential qualities and for absorbing your negativity. For the record, the tree is not harmed by this process—it shakes your energy away via the elements and is refreshed within seconds.

Which Direction to Face

Another gift of nature and an important factor to consider when initiating a Moon spell is the direction in which to face. Compass directions north, south, east, and west are very significant when casting a spell. By facing the proper direction, you are utilizing the vibration or energy that it offers. The powers of the four directions are a free gift of nature that is often overlooked.

You can also think of the four directions as the four winds. You can “bring up the winds” from the north, south, east, and west. This means you will still stand facing a compass point, but will invoke the energy to blow toward you in the form of a gust. By not bringing up the winds, the flow of the vital forces are far more gentle, which is often necessary. It depends on the type of spell whether you only face a specific direction or you face that direction and also bring up the winds. One might compare it to an electric fan with two speeds. The flow of air is coming from the same source, but you control how quickly or slowly it reaches you.

Also, bear in mind that you most likely will not actually feel the wind that you have summoned. However, the invisible activity through the air will make its way to your spell area and serve you far beyond your realm of thought. There is magick in the air!

For each individual spell in this book, I provide you with the direction in which to face. I also suggest whether to bring up the winds or not and provide you the invocations on how to do so. In addition, for spells you create on your own, as well as for your own general information, I have included the following details about the vibration that emanates from each compass direction.

NORTH corresponds to the element of earth. Face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whomever or whatever you call your higher power. This is the most powerful direction.

SOUTH corresponds to the element of fire. Face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.

EAST corresponds to the element of air. Face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavor requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.

WEST corresponds to the element of water. Face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self-esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.

Special Note: When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.

If the compass direction you’re using does not put you in view of the Moon, do not be concerned. The energy of the Moon enters from all around you even if your back is to her. Try to face the direction that I suggest in the spells as opposed to facing the Moon itself. The energy coming down from the Moon is all you need to acknowledge.

For the best of both worlds, conduct your spell outside when the Moon is directly overhead or almost overhead. In that way, you can see the Moon from any direction.

Another suggestion is what I often do: Sometimes when I am casting a spell inside, I peak my head out the door for a few seconds to get a glimpse of the Moon to feel the connection and then come back inside and perform my ritual. Relax . . . Moon vibrations can permeate through rooftops, mountains, clouds, rain, snow, and even the apartment of the people above you.