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Magickal Tools

Any tangible item used for ritual can be considered a magickal tool as long as it means something special to you. The creative part of our brain works in symbols, so it makes sense to use symbols as a way to conduct creative magick. You probably already have magickal tools and may not even recognize them. It may be your favorite picture that makes you “feel good” upon merely looking at it, that special coin that a relative gave you when you were a child, or a favorite pen you’ve had for years.

Candles

Candles bring light into our lives—both literally and symbolically. They chase away the darkness and allow new projects, thoughts, and relationships to emerge. Lighting candles before a spell can create very powerful energy.

Candles also represent the three levels in which we exist. The wax corresponds to our physical body, the wick to our mind, and the flame to our soul or spirit.

Candles come in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are scented, some unscented. For our purposes, shape and scent (or lack thereof) are unimportant. Do give some consideration to the size of your candle. If you deem your spell will take an hour, don’t light a candle that burns for only thirty minutes.

Color is a significant part of what candle burning is all about. Different colors represent different vibrations. As the candle burns, the vibration of that color is released. Refer to the color chart to clarify which color best suits your needs. You may use just one candle or a combination.

If you don’t have the ideal color available, use white. When burning a white candle, pay attention to the smoke. When it starts to smoke, negative energy is being cleansed from the area. When the smoke subsides, the energy in that area is cleansed and clear.

Take caution in purchasing a white candle that is too inexpensive. Inexpensive white candles smoke too readily and can confuse you. However, I would also not advise going to the extreme and looking for top-of-the-line candles. Use common sense and buy moderately. When working with candles, always use caution and do not leave them unattended.

Candle Color Interpretation

CANDLE COLOR	ASSOCIATED ENERGY
WHITE	Purity, power, newness, spells, healing, peace, and psychic skills. White will intensify the effect of any color candle it is used with.
BLACK	Removal of negative energy; not a color of evil or negativity.
	Release and banish.
BLUE	Peace, tranquility, protection, fidelity, astral projection.
BROWN	Protection for the household; telepathy, stability.
SILVER	Neutralizer of negative energy or forces.
GREEN	Prosperity, money, success; counteracts jealousy, ambition.
ORANGE	Provides additional energy needed for work or other endeavors; promotes order, control over the self.
PINK	Love, friendship, romance, affection, giving.
PURPLE	Intuition, psychic pursuits, power and independence, wisdom.
RED	Fertility, physical strength, sexual passion, courage.
YELLOW	Well-being, self-esteem, attraction, glamour, action.

As mentioned earlier, this chart can also be used as a guide for making clothing color choices.

Incense and Fragrances

In my experience, people either love incense or they have an aversion to it.

Incense also comes in different sizes, shapes, and forms. Some types of incense are already labeled with names reflecting the effects they hope to achieve: There is stress-relieving incense, energy incense, love incense, and so on.

Some people prefer to burn potpourri or oils. One of the purposes of incense in these particular rituals is to bring you into an altered state of consciousness in the most peaceful way possible. If the smell of sage or sandalwood calms you, use it. But if your sinuses say no, give them respect.

Don’t get caught up in what others have decided is the best aroma for you. For example, studies have shown citrus fragrances promote energy, and the smell of lilac can calm us. But don’t force yourself to inhale a scent you don’t care for simply because the label states “incense for romance.” Always buy what you enjoy.

Experimenting with new aromas is also fun. Most incense is inexpensive and sometimes sold by the stick. One thing to be careful of: If you are going to do a spell inside or in a small area, try your new purchase out prior to its actual use. Otherwise, you may be subject to a disagreeable smell for hours, if not days. Incense can take a while to dissipate and may linger in the air for a long period of time.

Here are some recommended scents and herbs you may want to try that correspond to certain magickal work. Remember: These are only suggestions and not a must.

Health

Bay

Carnation

Cedar

Eucalyptus

Juniper

Lavender

Lemon Balm

Myrrh

Pine

Sage

Sandalwood

Thyme

Love

Apple

Musk

Rose

Ambergris

Basil

Cinnamon

Chamomile

Dragon’s Blood

Jasmine

Lemongrass

Patchouli

Peppermint

Career/Job

Vanilla

Allspice

Clove

Nutmeg

Pine

Wisteria

Heliotrope

Spruce

Sage

Mint

Honeysuckle

Cedar

Bayberry

Women’s Issues

Musk

Orange

Hyacinth

Myrrh

Pine

Rose

Men’s Issues

Musk

Cedar

Jasmine

Spirituality

Frankincense

Heliotrope

Jasmine

Sweetgrass

Gardenia

Pine

Sage

Violet

Sandalwood

Rose

Crystals and Gemstones

Crystals bring life to our quartz watches. They receive and transmit radio waves. Without quartz crystals, the computer age would never have happened: They are what make up integrated circuits and electronic chips.

The power of crystals go far beyond the products we have derived from them. They are important tools in magick, having the ability to focus and direct energy to a specific intention. Some say they have healing powers, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Many other stones also have special energies that can assist in your spells. For a quick reference, I’ve listed a few below. But this is a huge area of exploration. If you want to know more, your local bookstore or library will certainly contain numerous books on the subject.

Gem Stone Qualities

A special note about quartz crystals: These stones are available in nature stores, gem shops, and most New Age gift stores in rough or polished form. You need not spend more than a few dollars on your crystals. Start with something small, and go to a larger size if you feel it’s necessary. If you are unsure of which is the best stone to intensify your spells, use a clear quartz crystal.

Clear quartz crystal—stimulates healing, balances the elements to fulfill us and make us whole. Aids psychic development.

Amethyst—a very powerful spell stone. Psychics and healers have used its curative properties for years. Helpful in dispelling anger and anxiety, aids in feeling less scattered.

Carnelian—often called the stone of good luck. Said to purify the blood, stimulate sexual emotions, and aid in sexual function.

Lapis lazuli—draws love to us. It is also reputed to be effective in healing headaches, high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, and other such ailments.

Malachite—increases energy, is connected to change and creativeness. The Egyptians wore crushed malachite as eye shadow to guard against the evil eye.

Moonstone—is said to be a stone of magic. It increases psychic abilities and is used widely for spell rituals. Astral projection is accelerated when using a moonstone.

Rose quartz—also known as the love stone. A stone that deals with the energy of all the emotions.

Turquoise—builds strength, provides protection. It is the sacred stone to the Native Americans. It is a protective stone for horses and their riders. In Arabia it is a stone of meditation. It has the quality of absorbing negative energy.

When purchasing, carefully touch the crystals at the store. A stone chooses you, you don’t choose it. It will just “feel good” to you, having something the others don’t possess. Use your gut feeling—which is your intuition talking to you.

Charging Your Crystal

Once you find your crystal, it needs to be “cleared, charged, and programmed.” Cleanse it of a past owner’s energy and/or the energy that has been placed on it by individuals examining it by washing it in cold water or letting it sit in a bowl of water.

Next, use the Moon to charge your crystal. Place it overnight in view of one of the phases listed below:

New Moon—a crystal charged in this phase specifically offers energy that supports new beginnings, confidence, hope, and specifically anything of increase.

Full Moon—a crystal charged in this phase brings power to support anything you want to achieve. This is actually the best all-around phase to utilize.

Once you have cleared and charged your crystal, the last step is to program it. Hold it in your hand, and focus on the vibrational energy you are looking for to accomplish your goal. Visualize your final goal, but not the way you think you’re going to get there.

For example: If you want to lose twenty pounds, see yourself on the scale twenty pounds thinner. Don’t try to analyze the way it will come about. This is best left to your higher power to solve.

If you choose, you can program any of your other gemstones as well.

Element Water

Throughout the spells you will see the use of what I refer to as element water. Element water is basically water that has been charged to help you do magick during a thunderstorm.

It represents fire, earth, air, and water, a forceful mix of elements at their highest potency. Lightning represents fire, which corresponds to power, energy, magick, and lust. Thunder represents air, which corresponds to spirituality, health, and knowledge. The strength of the storm represents earth, which corresponds to nature, being grounded, wisdom, and all things material. The rain in itself represents water, which corresponds to emotions, reflection, love, creativity, and purification.

How to Make Element Water

Basically you are collecting rainwater with intention. First you will need a container to collect the water. I have used glass, plastic, clay pottery, and almost any type of container one can use, and I have seen no difference. You may feel a natural material is better or something you feel is special has more impact. If these are your thoughts, then seek a special container. I personally use two or three chalices.

The important thing is that the container is new or extremely clean, having been sterilized in a dishwasher or by boiling if it is made of glass. If the container is new, still clean it to remove energies from other people who may have handled it. Because thunderstorms are not all that common, I recommend obtaining as much water as possible so you will always have some on hand.

If you know that a storm is approaching, take your container and place it in a spot where it will collect water. Some people always leave a container outside just in case, and others only place one out when they are almost certain a storm is near.

After the storm and your water has been collected, you should invoke a “hand blessing.” Place both hands above the container with your palms facing down and say, “Bless this water. May it empower my intentions.”

Now, transfer your element water into a practical container for later use if you are not using it immediately. A glass or plastic jug or bottle with a lid is a good choice.

This water is not limited to use only during rituals. It can also be used to bless something. Feel free to separate your water into smaller bottles for traveling or even to give a small bottle to a friend. It is a perfect gift for someone who is like-minded because it comes from nature and you have put your personal energy into it with good thoughts and well wishes.

Around the holidays, I take element water and put it in tiny plastic containers with little labels that read, “Element Water.” I then tie ribbons around the necks of the containers and give them to special friends in case they want to bless something. I used element water to bless my car, computer, office, home, and the cat next door!

See “Element Water Blessings” under the section on miscellaneous spells in this book for a short but powerful blessing ceremony.

Special Notes

• Element water will only be powerful when rain, lightning, and thunder are all present. An average rain will not do.

• Do not use water that flows from a gutter! It may seem to be a very easy solution, especially if you want a large amount quickly. However, the fact is the rainwater being channeled through the gutter is not as pure as water coming directly from the sky because it has picked up debris.

• Do not be concerned about pollution in the air when gathering water. Your blessing over the water purifies it.

• Do not drink the water, as it is not meant for your inner body.

• If you are not in an area where you are able to collect water, ask a friend to do it for you. However, you must conduct the “hand blessing” once it is in your possession.

• Be cautious in thunderstorms and do not go out when lighting is about. For safety reasons, wait till the storm is over to bring your collected water inside.

Additional Magickal Tools

Other magickal tools that I mention in Part III on spells will include the following. Feel free to substitute what is available or what works for you.

Wand or knife: Sword, athame, letter opener, or any type of wand or long crystal. Any pointed object that extends as a pointer will work. One can purchase decorative wands displaying gemstones and crystals in New Age gift stores, fantasy stores, or through Internet Web sites. A double-edged knife is also available through the same sources.

Fire-burning container: Iron pot, mini-chiminera (small Mexican fireplace), ashtray, metal trash can, cauldron. Anything that can contain a piece of paper being burned within a safe vessel.

Special drinking glass: Any container that can hold wine or grape juice: wine glass, cup, bowl, chalice, or favorite goblet.

Optional tools:

• Flowers and fruit

• Religious statues or holy cards

• Tarot cards or Runes (or other methods for telling future events; psychic forms of divination)

• Pendulum (Information on making decisions using a pendulum can be found in Chapter 18.)

• Pentacle or pentagram symbol (The pentacle is a five-pointed star with lines connecting with a circle encompassing it. A pentagram is the same five-pointed star but has no circle. This symbol represents the elements earth, air, fire, water, and what is sometimes known as the fifth element, spirit. A pentacle or pentagram can also represent the human body with legs and arms outstretched. This symbol is often used in rituals as a form of protection while the ritual is underway. The star should always be in an upright position. The reverse is considered to be negative.)

• Cross—any kind (The universal symbol of a cross represents the bringing together of multiple dualities into a single whole. It can represent human form with extended arms, as well as a crossroads in your life. Crosses have numerous religious and spiritual meanings.)

• Bells (A bell can be rung to invoke universal powers and note the beginning of a ritual. Some people use bells as a form of protection to keep evil away.)

Who knows what contains magick and love for each individual? But I do know if you have such items, you should hold them dear and use them to assist you.

Personal Altars

To have a personal altar is by no means a requirement for doing spell work, but it is an excellent place in which to keep your magick tools and to worship whomever you choose. Use it not only as storage for these special items but also as a place to pray, meditate, and to receive answers from your higher self.

An altar can be any area that is flat. It can be a separate small table or any section on your dresser. The top of a large sound speaker could be used; a bookshelf or two cement blocks with a piece of wood laid across them would do. Once again, you get to be creative.

You may not want to have a permanent altar but prefer to set up a temporary one just for your spell use. Your altar typically would display items such as candles, incense, wands, knives, gemstones, statues, chalices, element or holy water, and anything else that you would use as a special component that had spiritual and enchanting properties. I do not feel there is any special way to set up an altar. Move things around until it looks and feels right to you.

An outside altar is also a lovely thing to create if possible. It can be built near a favorite tree using stones and bricks. You may construct a special table outside made of wood. To make it even easier, use a tree stump or a rock that is fairly level.

When fashioning an altar, try to stay away from the use of too much metal. Natural materials are always the best. However, if your only choice is an altar containing a lot of metal, try to cover it. Use a natural fabric or put a piece of wood over it. Try to keep things natural.

As for the direction to face your altar, there are many schools of thought. Some suggest facing north because it is the most grounded direction. Others will recommend facing the altar east because it is the direction the Sun and Moon rise. Each direction has its special meaning and place. Therefore, I feel you should put it anywhere in which it is practical.

I have seen rolling altars, where people have made altars on the top of units that have wheels so they can roll through a room to face the direction they feel it needs to face for a particular spell or meditation. A rolling altar can also be kept out of the way in a closet if you are pressed for space.

Altars are extremely personal, as well as very interesting, and there is no right or wrong way in which to set up this area of sacred items.