g SPELLCRAFT g Contents
When we intentionally direct energy to achieve a desired outcome, we cast a spell. You can draw this energy from the mind and will, ingredients or particular objects, or through practices and rituals.
Different cultures have their preferred terms, practices, and concepts of what magick is. Some write it as “magic” instead of “magick,” some call it “miracles,” others call it “witchcraft,” but magick is not one strictly defined concept—it’s subject to individual interpretation. You could say our very existence, the perfect system of people, nature, and life itself is magick.
The type of spell you cast will depend on your path, and there are many routes that can be investigated—ceremonial magick, folk practices and traditional witchcraft, chaos magick. Whichever path or beliefs you follow, they are all valid. Spells can be simple or complex; they can consist of only one ingredient, or be part of a vast ritual, involving very specific tools and processes. Finding your preferred method comes with time and practice. Just as with cooking or baking, you may need to experiment to discover what works best for you.
As this is a lifelong journey, you have time and do not need to rush this process—in fact, you won’t be able to. Depending on the outcome you desire, different types of spells will yield varied results—for example, spell jars usually contain or circulate their energies around the jar and work more slowly. Candles release energy quickly and efficiently. Knot magick draws in or releases energies, depending on whether you tie or untie the knots.
Being resourceful is very important, but you cannot substitute all ingredients within a spell and hope for the same results. To return to the baking analogy, you can’t make a carrot cake without carrots. However, spells can certainly be at their most powerful when they are adapted to suit your specific desires. You can use the spells in this book just as they are, or take them as your guide and personalize them if you’d prefer. It is your craft—make of it what you will!