RITUALS & SPELLS

Introduction to Rituals & Spells

Rituals and spells are part of the ancient world and practice of witchcraft which is more than a religion. It is a way of life. Witchcraft is the synthesis of female and male energies. It integrates thoughts, feelings, intuition and provides a meaningful connection between the material and non-material worlds. Rituals and spells are performed to assist make this connection, to change ourselves and develop the powers of the deep mind.

There has been an enormous resurgence of interest in witchcraft and other magical practices in the current 'new age' movement. All over the world people have been rediscovering indigenous and pre Christian systems of belief and spiritual practises, forming a multiplicity of spiritual paths which have been termed 'pagan'. People now refer to the 'pagan movement' in western society. People from all walks of life are increasingly seeking a sense of meaning and belonging which incorporates an authentic connection with the earth and other living things. The growing realization that we are deeply interdependent, both spiritually and ecologically, with the rest of creation is generating an urgency to nurture a more inclusive approach to spirituality in which all of life is respected and honoured.

The most popular of these 'pagan' practises to be rediscovered, has been witchcraft. What we call witchcraft today is am amalgam of pre -Christian wisdom from Europe, and Celtic Britain.

Some forms of witchcraft practised are based on carefully preserved knowledge from specific ancient traditions throughout Europe, including Germanic, Nordic, Slavic, and classical Greek and Roman. Celtic traditions of land based spirituality, in particular, seem to strike a very deep chord with many of the Europeans scattered around the world. A great many of whom are, after all, at least partly Celtic in origin.

Other forms of witchcraft practised today are experimental systems which utilise symbols and ideas from a range of ancient traditions. These include ancient Greek, Egyptian, Chaldean or native American. Unfortunately, the diversity of the modern pagan and witchcraft movement is too complex to cover in this text.

One of things all the traditions have in common is the recognition of the importance of ritual. Observations of natural cycles such as the turning of the seasons, and human cycles such as birth, marriage and death can better be understood and 'cooperated with' through the use of rituals and celebrations. Many of the rituals in modern western culture such as Christmas, and birthdays seem to have lost much of their resonance for many people. These rituals have become predictable, largely empty, often materialistic and commercial experiences. The power of ritual to awaken and maintain an authentic connection between ourselves and the cycles of life is a powerful element of many 'pagan' systems. Rituals provide a framework in which we can raise and channel power collectively whilst participating in the larger cycles of life.

Rituals can be small, such as dancing under the full moon alone or in a group, which doesn't have to be anything more than a fun outing, enjoying the energy of the shiny full moon goddess rolling through the sky at her roundest and brightest for the month. A bigger ritual might be an initiation ceremony for adolescents entering adulthood. This is an example of a ritual marking an important life transition which we have all but lost in modern life (unless you include the mandatory booze up at eighteen or twenty-one a 'ritual'). In many indigenous cultures there is some sort of ceremony or initiation to acknowledge and contain the enormous psychic and sexual energy which builds up as we pass through puberty. This might be a period of seclusion and instruction from older women for a young girl at the onset of menstruation, or maybe a test of physical strength and courage for a young man as he is about to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. These sorts of ceremonies might seem sexist, or even silly and embarrassing. How much better we could integrate and understand the changes we all experience if there was some sort of ritual to 'contain' the energy, and a process of guidance and instruction to create a feeling of familiarity and reassurance. This might help young people to avoid some of the excesses and confusion which usually accompanies growing up.

Spells are another way to use the concept of ritual. Spells work when we consciously and responsibly acknowledge our power to 'create our own destiny'. An incantation, using herbs, incense, tools and symbols appropriate to and resonant with our objective, is a powerful way of containing and focusing our psychic energy towards a particular outcome. The idea of 'mind over matter' is automatically acknowledged in many pagan and ‘witchy spells'. If you focus your mind strongly enough on a particular outcome, with assurance and faith (doubt is no good for spells), the psychic intent will manifest in material reality. How many self help books talk about affirmations and positive visualizations? Spells are the same, except that they often include lovely additions of fragrance, colour, music etc to really activate the mind and make it fun. Witches often have a vast inventory of athames, wands, chalices, pentacles, tarot cards, herbs, incense, candles, animal familiars (cats, toads, foxes..), jewellery etc to empower their spells. All of this is extremely helpful and enjoyable, but not absolutely necessary. All that is needed is a pure intent, strong will and the right words to state your intent to the universe and see it manifest.

Spells can be worked alone (solitary) or in a group (coven). The former provides the profound empowerment of recognising one's unique ability to create and heal your own life. The latter an equally important lesson in the power of the collective to unify our consciousness and focus on mutual outcomes for group benefit. Group magical work requires a trust and generosity of spirit which can be very healing in our divided society. Spells can also be very simple, just a word spoken at the right moment can be powerful, or they can be complex and elaborate.

It is also important to remember the ethics of magic. It is not acceptable to bind or manipulate anybody else's will, even with loving intent. If you want somebody to love you, you can cast a spell to be loved but you may not bind another person to it by name. For example, you can say "I am in a loving and committed relationship, or even "Let my lover be Robert if this be for the higher good of all...", or "If Robert wish it, let him be the one...", you may not say "Robert loves me and marries me."

Binding someone's will is psychic violence, and does not benefit anyone involved including you. A good yardstick to use is the witches' threefold law; Anything that you send out into the world magically will return to you three times over, so if you send love and healing to others you are also healing yourself. If you send hateful or manipulative spells you are binding and hurting yourself most of all. A manipulative love spell will bind the sender three times more strongly than the recipient, who retains their free will at all times. Another good yardstick is the witches' 'golden rule';

"Do As Thou Wilt And Harm Ye None."

In the same vein, it is important to be careful exactly what you are creating magically even just for yourself, as you don't want to inadvertently hurt yourself either. In your deeper self's best interests, is it really necessary to have that car, job, holiday, relationship, knowledge, etc, that you are asking for? If so, go for it! If you have any doubts, however, you might want to reconsider the intent on which you are focusing. Magic is powerful, so use it consciously and responsibly. It can be a great path to self knowledge and personal empowerment.
Here are some examples of simple spells to give you an idea of how they work. It is fun to discover spells in books and from other witches, but remember that you can make your own up too! As long as they are ethical and well thought out, your own spells are probably the most powerful of all.