The Power of Words and Belief
How to Bring About Positive Change
Remember that childhood saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Well, don’t bet on it. In fact, words can hurt a great deal, as anyone who has repeatedly been labeled with a nasty name (like “fat,” or “stupid,” or “useless”) can tell you.
But words can also help you, if you use them wisely and with positive intent. Witches use words in this way when they cast spells, of course, but this is only one manner in which these powerful tools can be utilized to create positive change in our lives.
The Power of Words
and the External World
We’ve already talked a little bit about the importance of the concept of the law of returns: what you put out is what you get back. At its most basic level, the effect this can have on your life is obvious—if you walk around saying negative things about others, in all probability others will end up saying negative things about you.
But hopefully, most of us are not that kind of person. And while it would certainly benefit all of us to be more careful about how often we say something derogatory about someone else, that hardly seems like a life-changing use of words.
What can be life-changing, however, is to look at our overall use of words and what we are putting out into the universe.
If you stop and listen to yourself, you will probably be amazed by how often you say something negative. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad person; we all do it, mostly without any real intent or awareness. Think about the following phrases and whether or not you’ve used any of them lately:
- I hate (insert name of politician, family member, or coworker here).
- I could just kill him.
- This weather sucks.
- I hate my life (or hair, body, smile, etc.).
- I have the crappiest car (or apartment, job, or relationship).
- My kid (or husband, boss, mother, etc.) is driving me crazy.
- I never have enough money (or a good relationship, or any fun).
- I feel like shit.
- Life is so unfair.
- Goddamn it.
Obviously, I could go on all day, but you get the point. Most of us (yes, me included) say things like this every day without even thinking about it. But look at all that negativity that gets put out into the world, and think about the effect of saying something like “I never have enough money” over and over and over again. If you’re a Witch, and you believe that what you put out is what you get back, you’ve just told the universe that you will never have enough money—and guess what? You never will.
So how do we change this? Well, that is both very simple and very difficult. As we all know, it can be very hard to break ingrained habits, especially those that are primarily unconscious. The trick here is to become more conscious. Pay attention to what you say, and when you find yourself putting negative thoughts out into the world, intentionally substitute something positive instead.
For instance, you are talking to your best friend and you hear yourself saying “my life sucks.” Don’t beat yourself up (it’s painful, and you’ll get blood all over the furniture). Just notice what you’ve said and add, “but I’m sure that’s changing,” or “but I’m working on making it better.” Initially, you will find yourself doing this a lot, but over time, you will discover that this kind of positive mindset becomes automatic, and you don’t even need to think about it.
But what if your life really does suck? Well, first of all, does it really? Certainly there are people whose lives are truly horrible, but for most of us it is more likely to be a matter of not having everything we want or facing problems that seem overwhelming. And looking on the positive side not only makes those problems easier to bear, it also makes it more likely that we will find ways to create beneficial changes. Remember: what you put out is what you get back.
So try saying some of these:
- I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
- My life is getting better every day.
- I am truly blessed.
- I may not have everything I want, but I have everything I need.
If you are at all up on popular culture, you will probably recognize these as what are often referred to as “positive affirmations.” A lot of non-Pagans have begun to see the importance of using and believing in positive words. There is even a book out called The Secret that is based in large part on the concept of purposely putting out what you want to get back. Of course, that’s no secret to us Witches, is it?
If you are looking for scientific proof to back up your spiritual belief in the power of words, check out the book The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. Emoto is a Japanese scientist who did experiments that proved that molecules of water are affected by our thoughts, words, and feelings. The book is filled with photographs showing the crystalline formations within water and how they can be altered by speaking negative or positive words such as love or hate, as well as the changes produced by music and ideas.
The Power of Words
and the Internal Monologue
Even more important than their effect on the world around us is the effect that words can have on the world inside our own heads. Oh, yeah, you know what I’m talkin’ about. We all have that little voice in the back of our minds—the one that says, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m so ugly,” or “stupid, stupid, stupid.” (And we’re not even going to mention the voice that says, “It won’t hurt if I have just one more brownie.”)
When those words get repeated over and over, they become what’s called an “internal monologue.” And sadly, our own internal voices often have a more harmful effect on our lives than anything that is said to us by someone else. Not only are they harder to argue with, but often they become such a part of our internal landscape that we don’t notice them anymore.
So take a minute and think about what the voice in the back of your head says to you. (No, not the bit about the brownie—the other stuff.) Does it tell you not to try because you might fail? Does it tell you that no one will ever love you because you’re not worth loving?
Now imagine yourself standing in front of that little voice (mine looks a bit like a crabby elf, but you can use whatever mental image works for you). Are you with me? Okay, now look that internal monologue munchkin in the eye and repeat after me: “Oh, shut up.” Then say it again, louder.
There are few words in the world that have more power than the ones we use to describe ourselves or the situations in which we find ourselves as we walk the paths of our everyday lives. I believe that many of us have reclaimed the term “Witch” in part because it has so much power behind it. When I call myself a Witch, it makes me feel strong and connected.
What words do you use to describe yourself and your life? Are they positive or negative? Do you say can—or can’t? Is your glass half full or half empty?
When you listen to that inner voice, pick out the words that hurt you or hold you back from following your dreams. If you want, you can write them down on a piece of paper. Then replace them with new words, words that will help instead of hurt, words that will lend you strength instead of weakening your resolve. And when you hear that voice in the back of your head (yes, you have to actually pay attention), gently correct it. If it says “I hate myself,” you say “I love myself.” If it says “stupid,” you say “smart.” And, if it makes you feel better, feel free to keep telling that crabby elf to shut up.
The trick is to do this often and with feeling. Believe it or not, you will eventually replace your old, negative internal monologue with the new, positive one. And that, my friend, is the power of words.
Words and the
Witches’ Rede of Chivalry
In 1984, Ed Fitch wrote a popular book called Magical Rites from the Crystal Well. (1) Primarily a book of rituals taken from the long-running Pagan magazine Crystal Well, it started with a statement he called “the Witches’ Rede of Chivalry”—kind of like a Ten Commandments for Witches. Although written in the flowery and archaic style used by many Neopagans at that time, it contained within its list of twenty-one rules much that is to be admired and that still makes sense to us today.
Chivalry is a term that isn’t used much these days, but essentially it means a code of honor. Just as the Knights of the Round Table were said to have followed the rules of chivalry, “the Witches’ Rede of Chivalry” suggests a list of rules for Witches to heed. Among them, there are four that deal specifically with how we as Witches use our words. (You knew there had to be a point to this, right?)
- “A Witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.”
- “Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.”
- “Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.”
- “Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.” (2)
If you look at these four statements closely, you can see that they are basically saying the following: be honest, let others know you expect honesty from them, don’t say negative things about others, and stand behind what you say.
All these “rules” go back to our belief in the power of words. Honesty may be optional for some, but if you are a Witch who believes that what you put out is what you get back, you really don’t want to go around lying, spreading gossip that might harm others, or breaking promises.
And I’m not just saying that you don’t want to do those things because they might come back to bite you in the butt, although that’s likely to be true. With the knowledge of the power that words give us comes the responsibility to use them wisely, just like any other tool at our disposal.
You wouldn’t use your athame to clean your nails, would you? Or prop open your door with your Book of Shadows? So why would you intentionally misuse your words by lying or making a promise you don’t intend to keep?
If you are a Witch who is serious about walking your talk, then your use of words in your everyday life has to be as carefully thought out as your use of words to practice magick. As above, so below—there is no difference between mundane life and magickal life in the big picture, and you are a Witch all day, every day, even when you are not consciously thinking about being one. So try your best to use your words accordingly.
Positive Magick:
Marion Weinstein’s “Words of Power”
One of my favorite Pagan books is Marion Weinstein’s classic Positive Magic: Occult Self-Help. (3) In it, Ms. Weinstein explores many of the deeper issues and ideas behind modern Witchcraft, including the importance of words. In her chapter entitled“Words of Power, The Work of Self-Transformation,” she says:
Words are symbols. They represent ideas, which are invisible; yet words themselves can be written on a page, or otherwise perceived tangibly by our immediate senses. Even unsighted people can use words via hearing, or by the use of Braille. Deaf people can use a sign language or think the words. Anyone accustomed to working with his/her immediate senses can build a bridge to the Invisible Realm by way of words; they help us span both Worlds. Words are tools; they work in invisible ways to create visible results. (4)
When she talks about the Invisible Realm, she is referring to the theory that there are two worlds: the world that we perceive as we walk through it and the invisible world that lies all around us. Both these worlds coexist, and what we do in the visible realm can affect what happens in the powerful invisible realm, although we can see only the effects in the more concrete physical one.
Which brings us back to the power of words to bring about change. One of the best examples of a practical application of this theory is Weinstein’s “Words of Power.” I have used this technique myself and found it very helpful. I recommend that if you haven’t yet read her book, you should run, not walk, to the nearest bookstore to buy a copy. For now, I will give you the basics.
Essentially, Words of Power uses a series of ideas based on some of the basic principles of Witchcraft. You create a statement—your Words of Power—in which you specify your goal. Then you recite these words with the intent of moving this positive energy from the visible world into the invisible world and thus creating the desired change. Generally, you would recite your Words of Power regularly; for instance, every night for a month or until you achieved your goal.
This may sound complicated, but in truth it is quite simple. Look at the example that Weinstein uses for the goal of fulfillment:
1. There is One Power
2. And this Power is perfect fulfillment.
3. And I, (your name here), am a perfect manifestation of this Power.
4. Therefore, perfect fulfillment is mine, here and now.
5. For the good of all,
6. And according to free will,
7. And so it must be. (5)
This statement acknowledges that we are all part of deity (the gods are in us as well as around us) and therefore capable of effecting change. It also is spoken in the present tense to represent the belief that, on some level, the change is already taking place.
One of my favorite aspects of the Words of Power is the inclusion of statements five and six: for the good of all and according to free will. By adding these phrases, you can avoid unintentionally doing magickal work that has a negative result or interferes with someone else’s free will. In fact, it can’t hurt to add this at the end of any spell you do, just in case.
The Power of Words
and Spellcasting
Of course, no discussion of Witches and words would be complete without talking about magick and spellcasting. After all, what’s the fun in being a Witch if you can’t work a bit of magick now and then?
It’s important to remember that being a Witch doesn’t begin and end with magickal work. In fact, magick and spells are a fairly small part of being an Everyday Witch. Let’s face it, most of us spend more time doing the dishes than we spend casting spells. (If only we could come up with a spell to do the dishes for us—now that would be power!)
On the other hand, spells can be an important tool in bringing about positive change in our lives; knowing that is part of what makes us Witches. So what is the best way to use magick to improve our lives?
First, save it for the important stuff. You don’t use a power drill to tighten the loose screw in your wobbly chair, you use a screwdriver. In the same way, you don’t need to cast a spell to have a nice day or cook a good meal. On the other hand, if you are cooking dinner for your picky mother-in-law for the first time, it might be helpful to do a little spell to ask for help in making things go well.
Second, don’t forget to do your part. We can’t expect magick to do everything for us; remember, the goddess helps those who help themselves. So you can do the spell for help in the kitchen, but you’ll also want to pick up a few cookbooks, practice the meal ahead of time, and put out the good china. Magickal work is all about increasing our own potential, and the more effort we put into it, the more likely it is to work.
Third, focus on the positive and believe in yourself. Even when the obstacles seem overwhelming (the woman cried at your wedding, but they weren’t tears of joy), it is important to have faith that your magick will work. Do the prep work, cast your spell, then just move forward assuming it will all turn out fine.
Last but equally important, choose your words carefully. If you are using a spell that someone else wrote (and there is nothing wrong with that), check it over carefully to make sure that it says what you want it to say. Better yet, write the spell yourself and put all the energy of your wish for success into it as you put the words onto paper. But remember to avoid anything that will interfere with free will. For instance, in this case you could do a spell to make your food taste wonderful and the evening go smoothly, but you shouldn’t do a spell to make your mother-in-law love you, no matter what. (And no, you can’t do a spell to turn her into a toad, either. Sorry about that.)
Spellcasting is probably the best example of the power of words, and as with the other uses of words that we talked about, we must all remember to use that power responsibly, never in a frivolous or malicious manner.
When used with positive intent and backed by the force of your will, spells can be a potent tool for creating beneficial changes in your life. As a Witch, you can use your knowledge of the power of words to craft magick and improve your world and the world around you. May you do so wisely and with great success.
Something to Try:
1) Create some Words of Power for one of your goals. Light a candle on your altar and say them every night for a month. Make note of any improvement in your situation.
2) On the left side of a sheet of paper, write down all the negative words you say about yourself. (If necessary, ask a friend to help you come up with the words you might not be aware of, or take a few days to listen which ones you use.) On the right side of the paper, write down positive replacements. Concentrate for a few minutes on your intention to let go of the negative and embrace the positive. Then tear the sheet of paper in half. Burn the list of negative words, bury them in the ground, or tear them up and flush them. Get rid of them in whatever way seems the most powerful to you. Then put the list of positive words on your altar or somewhere else where you will see them often, and say them out loud every time you walk past them.
1. Fitch, Magical Rites from the Crystal Well.
2. Ibid., 52.
3. Weinstein, Positive Magic.
4. Ibid., 203.
5. Ibid., 214.
