Nature Magic:
Land, Sea, Sky, and
Sacred Fire Spells
I have chosen to include some spells specifically designed to call on the power of the three realms found in Irish witchcraft—land, sea, and sky—as well as sacred fire. Sacred fire is above and apart from the other three. In modern Wicca, these spells would be used to invoke the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. As magic is done through channeling and directing natural energies, a rapport with nature will enhance and empower your magical work. For this reason, it is important to make a conscious effort to attune yourself to the natural world and recognize the beauty and life forces contained therein before working with the elemental realms.
I will give the outlines of four spells that have stood the test of time that you can modify to fit your specific goals. There are certain goals and attributes that resonate with each element and realm individually. Land spells are good for grounding, wealth, protection, and the home. Sea spells are good for love, psychic ability, emotional issues, and healing. Sky spells are good for the mind, persuasion, communication, and cleansings. Fire spells are good for focusing the power of will, making them helpful for any goal but specifically invocation, force, war, creation, destruction, and power.
Items needed:
Procedure
Define your intent and make sure that it corresponds to the qualities of the land. Next, gather together the cords, piece of paper with your goal, herbs, and the small bag. You may add any other items you feel also represent what you wish to achieve as long as they are biodegradable. Place the paper and the herbs into the bag and set the bag in front of you. Sit in a comfortable position or in a rocking chair and tie the three cords together on one end. Go into a meditation. When you are relaxed, focus on your goal. While keeping the goal in mind, hold the knot in the cords between your teeth and slowly braid the cords together. As you do this, rock gently back and forth and create a kind of “tugging” sense to help draw the goal to you.
As you braid the cord, you must tie a knot representing your wish at least two more times (at least once in the middle and one more at the other end), though a total of nine knots is the ideal. After you have braided the cord, use it to tie up the bag. Then, cup the bag in your hands, summon energy, and breathe this energy into the bag while chanting a short rhyme that you have composed to achieve your goal. Finally, bury the bundle outside, preferably beneath an herb or tree that is in harmony with your goal, asking that they help your wish to manifest. It is done.
Items needed:
Procedure
With this spell, you will be making a potion that is then dispersed into the water as a gift to that realm and as a beacon of your intent. First, heat about two cups of spring water in your cauldron. When it begins to steam, toss in the herbs. While the herbs are brewing, write your goal on a piece of paper and focus all your thoughts, emotions, and energy into the paper. Next, burn the paper (safely) and sprinkle the ashes into the brew. While the brew is cooling, go into a meditation. When you are relaxed, cup your hands over the cauldron and “sweep away” any inappropriate or foreign energy from the brew, leaving only the energy best suited to achieve your goal. Once the brew is completely cooled, bottle it and charge it as tool of your magical intent. Finally, go to a natural body of water. While calling upon the creatures and spirits of the waters to help you, pour the brew into the water and ask that your goal be reached. It is done.
Items needed:
Procedure
This spell requires a windy day. First, burn the piece of paper with your goal until it is ash (be sure to do this out of the wind). Next, using a pestle and mortar, grind the herbs and blend them with the ashes from the paper. Empower this mixture with your magical need and take this powder to an outdoor location, preferably a hill or mountain. Cup the
powder in your hands and ask the spirits of the air and the gods of the sky to make your goal manifest. Then, scatter the herbs to the winds by sprinkling them in a clockwise circle around you. It is done.
Items needed:
Procedure
This formula is the basis of many spells. First, empower the wood and herbs with your intent and place the herbs in the unlit hearth or outdoor fire pit. Next, on the piece of wood, write or paint either your specific goal or a symbol that you feel properly represents your goal. Then, compose a rhyming chant that pertains to your goal and go to the fireplace. Light a fire with the herbs placed on the firewood. Stand before the fire, holding the small piece of wood you collected; call on your personal deity and ask them to help you in reaching your goal. As you do this, once again pour your energy and intent in to the wood piece. When you are ready, place the piece of wood into the fire while chanting your rhyme and visualizing your goal. When the fire burns out, it is done.
Each of the previous spells are relatively easy to perform and are useful for a wide variety of magical needs. (For ideas on which herbs are appropriate to use for each spell, see Appendix Two on page 231.) There are a number of good books out there on herbal magic and correspondence that may be consulted when designing and modifying spells.