Witchcraft Spells 101

Spells: Witchcraft has a long tradition of spell casting. One of the most action-oriented parts of witchcraft, spellcasting is a ritual act that taps into the supernatural power underlying our universe. The origins of spellcasting connect back to healing ritual acts that pair natural ingredients with spiritual guidance to assist those in need.

In this introductory guide, we’ll cover the following:

• How you can direct energy with spells.
• The components are necessary to create your spells.
• Some of the most basic and versatile spells to add to your arsenal.

Spellcraft Roots

While magic is as old as the world itself, the modern practice of witchcraft began in the early half of the 20th century. The core beliefs of modern witchcraft–sometimes religiously referred to as Wicca–are outlined by Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente. The spells that Gardner and Valiente laid out are some of the most commonly used ones since they have been well-documented.

But spellcraft dates back millennia to the religions of ancient cultures worldwide. Europe had paganism, the Celts had druidism, Ancient Egypt had a priest caste, and the Greeks had oracles.  This type of societal role–someone connected to the invisible, often divine powers of the universe–is found in nearly every recorded culture.

But how does all of that knowledge inform witchcraft today? And how can you learn from it to cast spells to suit your desired outcome?

I pulled the earliest versions of modern witchcraft from various sources, including literature, religious texts, and folk practices. One of the earliest ceremonial magicians (and no, we’re not talking about the kind of magicians that show up to kids’ birthday parties) was Samuel Liddle MacGregor Mathers. Friend of famous occultist Aleister Crowley, Mathers defined magic as “the science of controlling the secret forces of nature.”

If magic is a science, then spellcraft is the collection of formulas and theories that make it usable. The inherent power is already there–you need to tap into it.

Types of Spells

There are a variety of ways to classify spells. You can divide them by place of origin, the aspect of your life they affect, or even their difficulty level.  This article will categorize them according to the method they use to affect energy.

Correspondence

A correspondence spell is any spell used to contact another entity you can’t have physical contact with. In other words, correspondences connect the physical world to the intangible.

These spells are popular in seances, and the magic words to invoke them can sometimes be as simple as a prayer. We often use them to get in touch with the spirit of someone we can’t communicate with within the physical realm.

But correspondences are not limited to people. All elements of the universe can be involved in this type of spell. You must take into account the timing and location of a spell. Also, correspondence spells can be a step in perfecting the conditions for another, more advanced spell.

For instance, if you want to cast a love spell, you should do so on a Friday. Friday is the day of the week corresponding to Venus–the planet most closely associated with love.

Sympathy and Antipathy

Sympathy and antipathy are opposing but similarly powerful forces. Spells rooted in sympathy seek to draw two separate entities together. Conversely, an antipathetic spell seeks to push two entities away from one another.

Love spells are perhaps the most common kind of sympathetic spell. The obvious way we pull others into our lives is the force of attraction, whether romantic, sexual, or platonic. But that innate level of attraction can be enhanced by sympathetic spell work. This magic word also draws you to success, money, and fame.

On the other hand, antipathetic spells help put distance between two or more entities. Wards can be considered an antipathetic spell, and they typically push away evil intentions, bad luck, or negative energy. But this kind of spell can be used to separate people as well.

[[

](https://therelationshippsychics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PsychicsDraw-1200-×-300-px.hevc_.mp4)](https://shop.therelationshippsychics.com/optinskydp5t2)

Inversion

Others classify wards as a type of inversion spell. These witchcraft spells immunize and protect you from evil spirits, curses, hexes, and other black magic. Inversion spells can be used as a vaccine. An ingredient is designated as symbolic of the evil energy and then consumed or used in some fashion to defend your body better.

Harsh, unpleasant ingredients like pepper or bitter herbs serve as the symbol of evil. When ingested as part of a decoction or used to anoint a candle that is then burned down, these substances help protect you against that which would do you harm.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consider any potential allergies when choosing ingredients for spellcasting. Strong magic does not overpower biological circumstances, and no amount of inversion spellcasting can prevent allergic reactions.

Contagion

Contagion spells involve the transmission of an entity’s essence into an object that will then always be imbued with its energy. Charms are contagion spells. Contagion spells can imprint upon a pendant, a carved idol, or a trinket. It will always contain that person’s energy unless they are subjected to a deep cleansing spell.

Contagion spells often require a personal garment or item–a lock of hair or clothing will suffice. Contagion spells have a black magic reputation, but it’s all in the intention. Using a contagion spell to imbue a locket with your affection, then gifting it to your lover, is a good and kind way to use this magic.

Repetition

Nature is cyclical, and the things with the most staying power in our lives are the things that repeat themselves. Repeating magic spells is one way to enhance their effectiveness. It’s also a great way to create and maintain mindful habits.

Some elements of magic spells already have repetition built into them. Incantations that consist of repeating lines or magic words that use rhyming incorporate the principle of repetition. Repeatedly writing or carving a comment into a candle or a stone with intention is its kind of spell casting.

Spell Components

While pure incantation spells exist, they’re typically simple and won’t have enough power to accomplish complex goals unless you’ve involved many witches. That said, once more well-practiced, you can tackle spells containing only magic words. With that in mind, we’ll approach spells as having three primary components: the right words, the tools, and the ingredients.

Magic Words

You don’t have to have a background in witchcraft to have heard the phrase “say the magic words.” (And no, we’re not talking about “please” and “thank you,” even if you should mind your manners.)

Pop culture phenomena like Harry Potter have made magic words part of our everyday vocabulary. While most fictionalized terms won’t get you very far, we can take at least one lesson from Hermione Granger–there are right and wrong ways to say your magic.

Older, traditional spells may appear in foreign languages. Latin, for example, was the language of select literate scholars once upon a time. Nowadays, much of the world knows how to read, and scholarly pursuits are primarily separated from magic. But knowledge has always been power, and sometimes that power was magical.

As a result, many spells were first written down in Latin and left untranslated. Oral traditions are just as meaningful but much more challenging to preserve and track through time.

The line between prayer and magic is thin, and all major religions involve prayer. This is one of the many reasons why respecting other cultures and what their words mean to them is the most important thing. It also allows you to develop magic words for any spell.

Tools

The first thing you’ll want to consider using is a wand. Any long, thin item will do the trick, but you’ll need to energize it before you use it. Wands can be imbued with magic in a variety of ways. Depending on their material, you can soak a wand in a mineral spirit, let it set out in the light of a full or new moon, or store it in a container of meaningful herbs or plants.

Some witches use a pendulum while casting particular spells to maintain a rhythm and steady the surrounding energy. They can also help you set the pace for a more prolonged or repetitive incantation. Attacks rely on tapping into the energy around you to succeed.

You’ll also need to gather any items you use to draw and maintain your circle. Chalk, salt, candles, stones, and crystals may all be necessary for spell casting.

Ingredients

For the sake of organization, we’ll use ingredients to refer to anything used once in casting a spell. Herbs, flowers, oils, spirits, seeds, and spices are essential ingredients used to be spell casters, but the possibilities are practically endless. Some ingredients are easy to access and are probably already somewhere in your kitchen cupboards. Others will be much more difficult to find.

Many ingredients already contain scientifically-proven health benefits. Ginger, for instance, is full of gingerol, a known antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Many healing spells call for certain ingredients specifically because they have proven health benefits.

If you want to cast a charm or create a talisman, you’ll also need whatever item you want to enchant. Small items that can be carried or worn as jewelry makes for excellent talismans.

And finally, if you plan to cast a contagion spell(which will be explained further down). You’ll need to acquire something that belongs or previously belonged to the target of your spell.

How to Cast

Spellcasting can attract or repel all kinds of energy, which makes it a potent magical activity. As a result, it’s essential to act with care and purpose before, during, and after casting. The end of this article includes specific directions to a few elemental spells, but the following steps are general instructions for all spellcasting endeavors.

Before

First, you must prepare your space and cleanse it of unwanted energy. Draw a circle with your gathered materials to channel and balance the forces you plan to call upon. Salt, mineral spirits, candles, and stones can all be used to form the circle and mark the cardinal directions so that you can adequately center yourself.

During

Once ready, welcome the spirits, deities, or forces you want to connect with aloud. Speak your magic with purpose and clarity while focusing on your goal.

Let your circle be the conduit through which you channel the energies of the spirit world. This maintains the boundary between the two worlds so you can safely contact and disconnect from those forces.

After

When your spell has been cast, acknowledge and thank the spirits or deities present for aiding you in your endeavor. Gratitude is a crucial principle of these magical rituals, so say your thanks aloud. You must open or close the circle depending on your chosen witchcraft tradition.

Above all else, remember the Wiccan Rule of Three developed by the father of modern witchcraft, Gerald Gardner: “Evermind the rule of three, what ye sends out comes back to thee.” Translation: whatever energy you put into your rituals will be returned to you threefold. Spellcasting is potent, so practice safely and remember that every action comes with a reaction.

Beginner Spells

While tried, and true magic words exist, you have the power to create a spell through intention alone. Still, any professional witch will tell you that spell crafting is hard work! This guide can be helpful in the early stages of witchcraft.

Whether you’re new to witchcraft or casting, this quick list will give you some fundamentals to practice with.

Basic Love Spell

You’ll use this spell early on in a relationship when you’re still trying to attract the object of your affection. A love spell will help strengthen your relationship when a relationship is new.

You’ll only need a few items for this spell. Two candles, a stable surface for the candles to sit on while they burn, a ribbon or string,  and a pencil.

Directions

• Pick a peaceful spot that is personally comforting to you. Somewhere where you feel safe and happy.
• Close your eyes and take a few easy, calming breaths while you visualize the object of your affection and the life you’d like to have with them. Your thoughts should be as hopeful as possible.
• Take each of your unlit candles and use a pencil to carve your name into one of them and the name of your intended on the other. Feel free to carve out other symbols or images that symbolize love, affection, and the relationship you’d like to have with this person. Every extra bit of intention helps.
• Set your candles next to each other on a stable surface and light them. Always take precautions when lighting multiple candles and keep all flames in sight.
• Carefully tie your chosen ribbon or string around both candles to secure them together. Ideally, the color and fabric of your ribbon will say something about the relationship you’d like to have. A deep red velvet ribbon will manifest sensual, passionate energy. A pink silken ribbon will bring affectionate, possibly even playful, love.
• Watch as the candles burn. While you watch, visualize the relationship you want. Imagine your hands clasped together, soft kisses exchanged, and the comfort of one another’s arms. Repeat the incantation every few minutes: “As the wax warms and these flames entwine. Let love burn; let our hearts melt together.”

Basic Healing Spell

This one is deceptively easy, but you can adapt it in endless ways.

Directions

• Water is an element of purity and cleansing. Choose a vessel that brings you joy. A mug, a glass, a cup, or even a small bowl will do, and fill it with potable water.
• On the night of a full moon, when its light is brightest. Hold the water vessel between your palms and stand/sit near a window where the moonlight can be seen. If you don’t have visible access to the moon or your night sky is clouded or polluted, lighting a white candle and spritzing it with the oil of a lemon peel can serve as the setting.
• As you hold the water in your hands, settled before the moon or your white candle, speak the magic words. Name what ails you and affirm that it will be healed. “My headache eases. The cool water washes away the tension and settles vibrations. It fills me with energy.”
• Sip the water slowly and try to visualize the negative energy leaving your body, starting at your core, to your limbs, and exiting from your toes and fingertips. Consume all of the water.
• You can also prepare the water before bed and leave it on your bedside table so you can drink it first thing in the morning. Sleep is your mind’s time for automatic reflection, so this spell is most effective before slipping into bed. It can be helpful in the mornings if you have insomnia or lack energy.

Basic Success Spell

Success spells, as a category, cover a massive variety of needs. You’ll want to use success spells to draw things like money, fame, luck, career opportunities, and academic success to you. Depending on your needs, you’ll use different ingredients to symbolize goals. But for this spell, we’ll stick with the herbs and colors that generally stand for success.

Directions

• The first thing you’ll need is a piece of paper; even plain copier paper will do. If you have unique stationery or paper for crafting, this would be the time to use it. Suppose the paper is green; even better. With a gold or silver marker or pen, draw a pentagram–a five-pointed star–in the center of the paper. In the center of the pentagram, write your goal in clear letters: “Success,” “job,” and “scholarship” are great examples. Simple and clear.
• Gather mint and sage, either dried or fresh. Both of these herbs are green, vibrant, and represent prosperity. Tear or crush them and sprinkle them on the word you wrote.
• Place a white or silver candle in a holder for safety and set it atop the small pile of herbs. Light the candle.
• Choose a deity of prosperity to invoke. This could be the Greek god Plutus, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the Norse god Odin, or the Celtic Morrigan. Since witchcraft today pulls from Celtic belief, The Morrigan is commonly invoked for spells like this.
• Say the magic words while your candle burns: “Goddess Morrigan, hear my plea. Grant me success to meet my needs.”

This particular spell comes courtesy of Media Star’s Witchcraft Handbook.

Spell to Ward Off Evil

Did you know that in Ancient Rome, the phallus shape was considered a ward against evil? If you don’t believe me, google tintinnabulum. The lengths people go to to protect themselves from evil can never be underestimated.

Across cultures, items we now consider lucky charms or talismans have been the preferred method of keeping lousy energy and evil spirits away. But spells exist that will accomplish the same thing in a more focused and directed way.

You should use this essential banishing smell to reset and detoxify your life from lousy energy to form more positive energy. It is also a form of protective spiritual barrier against future negativity.

Directions

• The first thing you’ll need is a black candle. The color black in magic can evoke many positive and negative things, depending on your intention. It is a deep, saturated color and is, therefore, powerful. For banishing spells, black candles help to contain the negative energy you wish to cast out.
• Using salt, draw the circle that will become your workspace. To cast out evil, you should use a space large enough to sit comfortably. This salt circle will symbolize the boundary you wish to create between yourself and negative energy. It is a protective barrier and a neutralizing force.
• Anoint the base of your black candle with banishing oil. You can find recipes for banishing oils in books and online, but even a standard oil like castor or coconut oils can be charged with intention and do the trick.
• As you burn the candle, call upon a guardian force of your choosing and ask for its protection. This can be a patron deity, the Triple Goddess, or even the spirit of a loved one who has passed on. Any figure that makes you feel safe and is generally benevolent is an excellent entity to call upon.
• Invoking their name, repeat the magic words: “[Name of entity], I call upon you for protection. Banish from my life those that would do me harm. As the candle melts away, so does my enemies’ power.”

[[

](https://therelationshippsychics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PsychicsDraw-1200-×-300-px.hevc_.mp4)](https://shop.therelationshippsychics.com/optinskydp5t2)

Looking to chat with a psychic now? Connect with our psychics right away by installing our app Mystica Psychic Readings.