#witchcraftguide

Trinity of Spellcasting

Intent, Headspace/Focus, Passion are the cornerstones of spellcasting. These elements create the network or threshold in which spells pass through to their target. These concepts are also the root of what constitutes a spell. Intent is the designation of the target for the spell. Headspace is the sight in which the spell is aimed. Passion is the fuel that fires the spell towards the target. Without pure intent, the spell will apply broadly, lowering its potency and lead to potential unwanted side effects.  Without a honed headspace, the spell will flicker out or lead to unpredictable results. A lack of Passion will cause a spell to be weak, ineffective, or latent. 

Spellcasting Process

Before casting a spell, there are some preparations to be made, especially when first starting out.

Decide on what spellcasting method you’d like to use.

Find and gather any representations, correspondences, and environmental boons for your spell. (Enviromental boons being things like candles, music, incense, or a physically clean space.) If you are using incantations, be sure to memorize them to the best of your ability.

Set aside time and energy for casting. Try to ensure that you will not be interrupted.

Cleanse all tools and components that are going to be used.

Enter into a state of gnosis or trance.

Prepare your subtle body and energetically prepare all tools and representations.

Take your actions for casting, being sure to consciously do energy work as you do.

Calm or center yourself and do a physical movement that helps take you out of the headspace. (Ex. snapping, clapping, jumping, ringing a bell, etc)

Cleanse yourself, tools, representations, and the space.

Beginner Friendly Spellcasting Methods

Here are some methods for casting. They can be used in any combination, if desired. I often use all three in my spells.

Sympathetic Casting: Method of casting through items, herbs, crystals, taglocks, etc that are representative of your target, headspace, passion, and correspondences. These items create a mental network of concepts in order to cast. 

Energetic Casting: Utilizing energy work to build constructs that contain all necessary components for a spell and then delivering it to the target.

Gestures: Using gestures to program the naturally existing energy into the components for a spell before delivering it to the target.

Intent, Desire, & Goals

Intent and desire are very different concepts. Intent is an inner truth, while desire is something that is wanted. Goals are an expectation of an outcome. For example, I am vehemently against capitalism and the notion of another’s loss for my benefit. Because of this inner truth, I struggle immensely with casting money magic, no matter how strong my desire is. No matter how clear my goal is.

Headspace, Aesthetics, & Visualization

Witchcraft and spellwork cannot be reliant on visualization and aesthetics. They are useful tools for constructing a strong headspace; but, using them alone will result in a spell not working, being ineffective, unpredictable, and/or weak. Using aesthetics to build yourself up will result in your spells working much better. Visualization isn’t energy work, but a tool to aid in planning and casting a spell, much like a wand. Aesthetics are an environmental boon. It helps build confidence, and assurance. 

Focus, Trance, & Gnosis

Focus is the purpose of the headspace. The combination of the two is called a state of gnosis. When spellcasting, trances and states of gnosis can be extremely useful practices. Trances may be induced with *substances, music, self-hypnosis, etc. Trance makes it easier to be of one mind about the spell you’re casting. Gnosis is a meditation-like state in which one embodies the very concepts that make up a spell. In a state of gnosis you become the working, allowing the mind to become of a singular essence. *-I am not suggesting using substances, nor condoning it. Merely stating that it is possible and is used by some practitioners.

Passion, Channeling, & Mental Health

When casting, it is in good practice and easy to get swept up in whatever emotions are involved in your spell. Emotions are channeled from the caster into the essence of the spell, empowering it. Depending on the working, this can be unhealthy or even dangerous if not done within reason and self-awareness. Channeling certain emotions can lead to triggering trauma responses or even cause trauma. Remain mindful of yourself and what emotions, memories, and/or actions may lead to worsening or feeding into mental-illness. 

The Importance of Keeping a Spell Log, Critical Thinking & Objectivity

Especially when taking your first steps, keeping a log of your workings will allow you to remain objective and aware of your past casting. If a spell backfires, or has unwanted results, having a detailed log of your workings can make the canceling process much easier. Keeping a log will also aid in studying your craft as objectively as possible. Recording an estimation of when the spell should take effect, the specific goal, and qualifications of success will allow you to judge whether a spell was successful or not. When a spell isn’t successful it becomes a learning opportunity. Figuring out which components worked, what processes could be improved, etc. will help advance your craft rapidly if you cast regularly. When doing these studies, you are conceptualizing aspects of magical theory, or a critical approach to magic. 

How to research Witchcraft Where do I start?

You can start here! The purpose of this post is to give people who are looking into witchcraft a good starting point. However, if you’re looking for posts beyond this post, I’d highly recommend you read through the rest of this post. 

What are the best sources?

When it comes to witchcraft there is no such thing as a primary source of information. The subject matter is so subjective and aggregate that there is not one definitive source of information. 

What information can I trust?

None of them and all of them. If you want to get the best information possible, my recommendation would be to study as many sources as possible and find out what they all have in common. There is a pattern to what cultures throughout time and space have in common. Here are two articles I have written about how to safely research witchcraft online: Responsible research & warnings

I want to research a culture, but it is closed?

If when researching you come across, or seek out, information that belongs to a closed culture or tradition (Meaning that the culture as a whole does not feel comfortable with outsiders using their practices as it could lead to a plethora of problems) then you should do two things: 1. Acknowledge the information as not yours to have, but remember it. 2. Do not ever use the information. Only use it as a guide or boundary for your own craft, but also to help that culture dissuade others who mean to utilize it without permission. 3. A vast majority of information you’ll find about closed practices online are either wrong or lack critical nuances and context. 4. It is ALWAYS best to talk to a practitioner of that practice and let them decide what information is appropriate for you to know. It would be very unwise to believe that information found anywhere else is accurate, respectful, and reliable.

This also applies to cultures that are semi-closed; meaning that only persons who meet certain criteria may practice; as well as certain religious practices (I.E. If you do/have not actively practice(d) that religion- DO NOT APPROPRIATE FROM IT.)

I have made a fairly thorough list of closed & semi-closed cultures/practices here.

Tools from across many forms of Witchcraft

Words that are in bold are defined in this list. Words that are Italicized are defined elsewhere in this post.

Alcohol- Used to lower inhibitions and increase the passion and presence of a practitioner. However, it also decreases a practitioner’s ability to maintain intent.

Altar- A sanctified table that is used to hold other sanctified items. Some Altars may be devoted to deities or spirits. They are places where a practitioner can place their intents and offerings for the workings of a spell, ceremony, and/or ritual. 

Altar cloth- A cloth that is used to cover an Altar’s surface.  It may be used as a sign of respect towards the Sanctity of the altar because many altars are made of wood and are often ornate and unique, the cloth may then be used to protect the altar surface. In other cases, the cloth serves to beautify a rather mundane construction underneath. 

Altar Stone- A flat stone/sheet of metal that is placed on top of an Altar. Some may act as Talisman or Idols in order to connect the practitioner to a specific idea or deity or entity. Some merely act as a fire-resistant surface for Cauldrons or *Salmadors.

Amulets- A necklace or trinket that is made of metal (typically). Used to hold intent, energy, and/or spirits. May contain facets for crystals or stones. Often worn for protection. Interchangeable with “Talisman” in some traditions.

Anchor- An object that is filled with energy. Normally filled with Elemental energy that the practitioner can draw from later.

*Asabikeshiinh- (*Ojibwe traditions)also known as dream-catchers by way too many people. They are traditionally made with willow on which a web is strung. Is used to prevent malevolent spirits and spells from entering a space. It’s also known as *asubakacin. 

Athame- A small dagger that is used to direct flows of energy and make energetic contracts. Used to bind energies to objects and people alike. Rarely used to draw blood. 

*Ayoyotes- (From *Mexica Traditions) Small nut shells that are bound with leather to leather ankle and wrist cuffs. worn by leaders of the dance to keep rhythm. They are also worn to keep the wearer grounded during Ceremony.

Beans- Commonly used in Cleromancy types of Divination.

Bell- Used to open and close sacred spaces when working with spirits. They are rung to catch the attention of desired spirits and pull them into the space. Then they are rung again at the end of the ceremony/ritual to release them from the space.

Besom- A broom made from natural materials. Used in energetic cleansing and curse weaving. They are not used to actually sweep a floor, but rather are hung on walls as a Talisman of protection when not being used.

Black Mirror- A simple mirror and an easy one to make that is used for Scrying types of Divination. To make one, just buy a small frame from a thrift store that has glass in it and some black paint. Paint the inside of the glass black and reinstall it in the frame.

Boline- a knife that is used for preparing herbs and inscribing wood and wax. Rarely used for bloodletting.

Bones- (*Hoodoo, *Voodoo, and various European traditions.) Commonly used in Cleromancy as a tool for divination. Are also used in various spellworkings and as a means for types of ancestor work.

Brick Dust- Typically used in *Voodoo/*Hoodoo but can also be found in Central American and Native American traditions like *Curanderismo. Typically used to block energies and prevent spirits or energies from entering a space. (Is interchangeable with salt in this regard. Brick Dust has several other uses but they are culturally protected.

Candle- Used to represent the element of fire. May also be used as the vessel of a spell or entity that is activated/released/captured gradually over time. They are also very helpful in maintaining Headspace. Also, the different types and colors of various candles have correspondences. 

Cauldron- A metal pot with a handle. Used as a censer for burning incense and other materials for spells or cleansing/smudging. Is almost never used in potion making unlike what pop-culture would have you believe. 

Censer- A container used for burning incense that is vaporized through the use of coals. They are typically metal, ceramic, or shell.  

Chimes- Used to draw in Fae. They are also used to maintain a space and headspace for specific types of spells (Typically blessings). May also be used for cleansing via sound.

Cingulum- Mostly used as a signifier of rank of initiation in Wicca. Also used in Knot Magic.

Crystals- Used to give and take specific energies defined by the type of crystal being used. Crystals have a very broad range of utility. Being one of the most in-depth fields of study within witchcraft, I’d recommend starting by researching crystals and their attributes. 

*Cuauhxicalli- (Used in *Mexica Traditions), see Offering Bowl.

Dice- Used in Cleromancy as a tool for Divination.

Dirt- Used for a plethora of reasons in spell casting. Most spells that call for dirt that you will find probably are directly from or stem from *Voodoo or *Hoodoo. However, dirt is literally everywhere so don’t feel like you can’t use it in spells that you create.

Dream journal- A book used to record dreams for uses in self-reflection and Shadow Work.

Drugs- (DISCLAIMER: I am not condoning the use of illicit drugs) Drugs have long been used to reach Altered States and/or to increase Headspace throughout many cultures. However, all drugs help in some areas and hinder the practitioner in others. I do not recommend using drugs for spell work unless you’re experienced in using said drug for ceremonial or ritualistic uses. Please be safe if you do decide to use drugs and remain ever mindful of their potential addictive qualities. 

Essential Oils- Used in place of certain herbs for cleansing, kitchen magic, candle making, salve creation and much more. Please be careful and do research before ingesting or topically applying Essential Oils, as a lot of them are toxic or can cause irritation. 

*Feathers-(Certain uses of Feathers belong to closed cultures such as Curanderismo, Cherokee tradition, and several more. Such as Prayer Fans) Feathers are commonly used to represent the Element of Air, and used to help move a smudge over surfaces. 

Flame- Fire is commonly used as an agent for releasing energy or cleansing something. Flames can also be used for the activation of Sigils and Spells.

Goblet or Chalice- Used to hold communion with deities or spirits. May also be used for sanctifying water or wine for consumption. Also is used as a representation of feminine energy.

Grimoire- A book used to record spells, ceremonies and rituals and the processes in which they are performed. Often encoded to protect them.

Headbands and Belts- Used to protect the practitioner from outside energies during ceremonies and rituals.

Herbs- Used for their chemical and energetic properties in holistic remedies and spell work.

Horcrux- An object that is imbibed with the soul of a practitioner. This object acts as an extremely personal type of Anchor. 

*Idols- (Some Idols may belong to closed cultures, be sure to do your research) Idols are representational of Deities, Spirits or Ideas that assist the practitioner in connecting with said entity. 

Incense- Used to represent the element of air. May also be used to hold a sanctified space as it is a mixture of all four elements. Some incense may also be used to smudge or cleanse. 

Ink- Used to record information. May also be sanctified and used to create sigils, spell circles, etc. Also used in sacred tattoos. 

Knife- Used to let blood. May also be used to cut cord.

Lens- Can be used for scrying and can be enchanted to create a Fae glass or seer’s lens. 

Mandalas- Drawn to center the mind and ground yourself. It is also an act of temporary beauty. Some Mandalas represent the seats of the gods in some Buddhist traditions.

*Medicine Bags- a bag that is used to store sacred objects and tools used in treatments in many different traditions, mostly from the northern and southern Americas.

Mirror- Used for scrying. Also commonly used as a conduit to create portals.

Misc. Objects- Certain found objects can hold significance in certain cultures or even to a secular practitioner. 

Mortar & Pestle- Used to grind herbs, resins, foods, and minerals. Can also be used to make pastes from/for the list above. 

Music and Rhythm- Used to help enter a good headspace in order to increase passion and focus. 

Offering bowl- used to give offerings, most commonly to spiritual entities. 

Oils- used to create infused and sanctified oils in order to enchant or sanctify object and the body. 

*Olin- (Mexica tradition) This symbol represents the eye of the creator and/or the spirit of the compound Tezcatlipoca. Similar to the Evil Eye, it is used often to dissuade malice; people who wish harm, and evil spirits.

Paint- used often to create various designs, spell circles, Sigils, and glyphs for spell work. It is not advised to burn anything that has been painted on.

Pen- Similar to paint, Pens are used to create designs. However most inks used by pens are relatively safe to burn. (Be sure to research the type of ink. 

Pendulum- A weight on a string or chain, used for divination by holding it still over a board or mat of some kind that has markings on it. Then, with eyes closed, waiting until it begins to move parallel with an answer of the board or mat. It is common practice to rotate the pendulum clockwise or counterclockwise before doing a reading. It is important, when using spirits for this practice, to swing the pendulum along all the answers before starting.

Pipes- Used by many traditions, some of which are closed practices, in order to give offerings, cleanse the spirit, and smudge.

Prayer Beads- Used by various religions and traditions, some of which are closed, in order to assist in entering a meditative space. They can also be used to enter a good headspace for spell work.

*Salmador-(*Mexica traditions) A censor made from ceramic, stone, or shell. It is used in order to smudge and maintain sacred spaces.

Salt- Used according to various correspondences; but, most commonly used to prevent spirits from entering a space. 

*Sastun- (various Central American and northern South American traditions) They are found objects, in which a practitioner to gaze at or hold over a person to help diagnose or divine what is ailing another person before treatment or cleansing. 

Scourge- A whip used to ritualistically inflict self-harm as an offering or show of devotion. (I do not promote, recommend, or support self-harm.)

Sigil- A symbol that is made in order to enact a magical effect. There are various ways to create Sigils, the most common is the Spare Method. Depending on the mode of magic, some are spell work and some are subconscious cues. You can read more about them here.

Singing Bowls- (Used in various south eastern traditions) a bowl that when rubbed with a lightly textured mallet or rod creates a loud tone. These are used in order to hold the space and create ambiance for chants. 

Smudge- (not a part of any closed traditions) The act of burning/vaporizing resins, herbs, and or incense in order to cleanse an object, space, or body. 

Solid Containers- Used to hold various objects, herbs, resins, and herbs. They can also be used to hold sanctified tools. Often placed on altars. 

Staff- A long straight stick that has an approximate girth of 5-8”. Used as a medium to cast or throw energies. 

Stones or rocks- Often used as a representation of elemental earth. Often found on altars. 

Taglock- A personal object, photograph, or the DNA of a person or place you wish to cast a spell of sympathetically. 

Talisman- An object that is usually intricate in design that is used to maintain a desired effect on a space or person. 

Tarot Cards- A deck of 78 cards that are used for divination by placing them in a spread and read accordingly. 

Tea- herbs steeped in hot water. Typically used in spell preparation and in divination. 

*Tulpa/Thoughtform/Servitor- (from Buddhist and some Taoist traditions) An artificial spirit that is created by the thoughts or emotions of a person. *Tulpas are typically considered to be emanations of negative emotions or of divine/enlightened entities. Thoughtforms can be made to be sentient, though this takes a lot of time, focus, and preparation. Servitors are not conscious and exist to perform simple actions. 

Wand- a short thin stick, typically carved or thrown on a lathe. They are used as a medium to channel energy. (I will be making a post about wands and the different ways to use them)

Water- Typically used to represent the element. It is also used to cleanse. Water has many correspondences. 

Terminology

Altered State: A trance or meditation induced in order to improve the passion and focus to do spellwork. 

Astral: And energetic form as well as a dimension of energetic space. The energetic space is typically uninhabited with the exceptions of a sparse amount of spirits and emanations of the subconscious. 

Blessing: a spell or wish of various intensity intended to aid or improve the life of the targeted person or object. 

Champion: An individual who has been chosen by a spirit as a representative. 

Changeling: An individual who was once a Fae that has been swapped for a human baby. Their existence is taboo and isn’t commonly acknowledged outside of the British isles. 

Channel: The act of moving energy or spirit through the body or an object. 

Charge: The energy that is stored in a magical object, person, or symbol. 

Cleanse: The act of washing out negative energies, spells, and/or spirits. 

Communion: Communications with an entity within a closed/sacred space. 

Core Energy Points: Referred to by various closed/semi-closed cultures as *Chakras, though Chakras have significant cultural context that is not encapsulated in the western appropriation. These energy points are the foremost connections between the subtle and physical bodies. 

Correspondence: The sympathetic associations between concepts and: Objects, herbs, colors, seasons, directions, planets, astrological phases, planetary phases, etc. 

Curse: a spell or wish of varying intensity that is intended to harm or inconvenience the target. 

Divination: The act of using a medium such as cards, pendulums, bones, and tea leaves to get a glimpse of: the future, the past, the psyche, communication with spirits/deities and, the remote present. 

Dreamwalking: The act of entering the dream plane while conscious, though the Dreamwalker is not bound to remain in the dream plane. You can read further on the subject here. 

Empathy: The psychic ability to feel another’s emotions as if they were your own. 

Energy: A minute aggregate substance that permeates all of space-time. Similar to what the ancient Greeks referred to as Eather. 

Energetic Block: A blockage in a conduit that connects two energy points. Typically caused by the subject’s own thoughts or emotions. 

Energetic Break: A severance of a conduit that connects energy points. Typically caused by the subject experiencing trauma. 

Energy Point: A point within the subtle body in which energy pools. Channeling energy through specific points programs the energy in specific ways. Evoke: The act of calling to/summoning a spirit by force and holding it in the space until the spellwork has been done. 

Fate: The great fabric of space-time in which entering a given temporal branch is made inevitable by preexisting variables. 

Field: An area of space in which energy moves and holds form. 

Gnosis: The ultimate trance in which the practitioner enters a deep waking meditation on a single thing or concept. 

Headspace: The clearing of one’s mind as to maintain focus on a spell. May also aid with holding passion. 

Hex: A spell. 

Incantation: A chain of words in various languages that may or may not rhyme. These words are of magical intent and are used to channel intent and passion into a working. 

Invoke: The act of calling for a spiritual entity, deity, or higher emanations of the self in order to hold communion or petition. 

Kin/Otherkin: The belief that one’s spirit is of an animal. 

*Limpia: (*Mexica traditions) A ritual cleansing. 

Meditation: An Altered State in which a given state of mind is achieved. Typically is done in a quiet sacred space. 

Offering: The giving of foods, water, or objects to a spiritual entity or deity. When working with human spirits, it is recommended to only give colder offerings as warm or hot offerings may excite them too much. 

Possession: The intensity of emotion that is backing a working. 

Prophecy: A story, dream, or divination that is of the future that is said to come to pass, and often does. 

Reiki: An Eastern energetic practice of cleansing the subtle body. Originating in Japan in the 1920’s, it has become very popular in the west via the New Age Movement. 

Root Sigil: A Sigil that is used as a focal point in a spell. 

Sacred Circle: A circular space that is opened and sanctified by a practitioner in order to hold ceremony. 

Sacred Space: A space that has been cleansed and sanctified for the purpose of spell or spirit work. 

Sanctify: The act of blessing, programming, and cleansing an object or space through the use of oils, water, blood, and/or smudging. 

Sight: (Also known as The Sight) The ability to see spirits and energy as of with the naked eye. 

Sigil Chain: A vertical string of Sigils created in order to create a very specific meaning or intent. 

Soul Retrieval: The act of mentally and astrally viewing traumatic experiences of a person’s past in order to find and comfort their inner child. 

Spirit: An energetic entity. 

Spell  Seal: The line-work in the center of a Spell Circle that describes how the root symbols or Sigils relate to each other and/or how they are to function. 

Spell Circle: A circle drawn that is used in spellcraft. They typically contain symbols or Sigils, a spell seal, and an incantation. 

Threads: Most commonly used to describe Fate Strings when discussing Fate Magic. 

Ward: A protective magic against any given force, energies or, awareness. 

Well-Source: The central energy point in which all energy in the subtle body originates. 

Fundamentals properties of Magic

Practices

Alchemy: The act of transmuting energies or elements of the psyche. 

Astral Projection: The act of projecting the raw energetic form of the subtle body. 

Astrology: A complex form of divination that involves studying planetary bodies and distant stars relative to each other and one’s position on the Earth. 

Divination: The act of using tools or psychic abilities to glimpse at something unknown. 

Dreamwalking: The ability to enter an Astral form while in the dream plane. Giving the walker the ability to enter other people’s dreams, glimpse into the past or future, or visit any other dimensions. 

Elemental magic: Magic that involves or requires either periodic elements or the classical elements. 

Enchanting: The act of placing a spell onto an object. 

Energy work: The act of manipulating energies within the sublet body and the environment. 

Glamours: A spell placed onto the body or an object that changes the perception of that body or object by others. 

Herbology: The study of herbs and their medicinal and chemical properties as well as their correspondences. 

Kitchen magic: The act of using cooking or baking as a medium for spell casting. May or May not be casted directly onto food and drinks. 

Psychic Abilities: An ability that originates in the connections between the brain and the subtle body. 

Shadow work: The magical and/or mundane act of introspection and self-care. 

Sigilwork: Any magical working that uses or relies on Sigils. 

Spellwork: The act of performing a spell.

Spirit work: Any act involving or relying on spiritual entities. 

Magical Books

Beastiary: A book or record of animals, insects, arthropods, etc within a magical context. 

Book of Connections: A book to record any and all magical connections, contracts, and agreements made by a practitioner. 

Book of Mirrors: A book for self reflection and shadow work. 

Book of Projections: A book to record information acquired or spells cast via astral projection. 

Book of Shadows: A book of correspondences, magical notes, divination, and occasionally spells. 

Book of Visions: A book of prophecies. 

Dream Journal: A book to record dreams. 

Grimoire: A book of spells and information required to perform spells.

Tome of Spirits: A book to record spirits that have been observed or interacted with. 

Correspondences

Why they’re important

Correspondences are often considered an integral aspect of spell crafting. They are what help connect all the aspects, concepts, emotions, memories, intent, and energies. Correspondences do not need to be of a physical object. They can also be of concepts. 

How to use them

To use correspondences requires either research or ingenuity. Though, a healthy amount of both is optimal. You use correspondences by finding or creating them for the objects, herbs, plants, time, seasons, colors, gestures, numbers, Sigils, words, music, actions, and astrology that you should use for your spell. 

You can read further on how to use correspondences here.

How to research them

If you are a beginner, I don’t recommend creating your own correspondences right out of the gate. They all follow a similar current. To research them, search for the object or concept followed by “correspondences”. Then, read and compare all of the results for your search. If none of the results are correspondences, take a note of the search and try the next one. Once you’ve compiled a good list of correspondences for an object or concept, and how often they appear, you can start to glimpse at the current that all correspondences follow. 

Fundamental Correspondences: Elements, Directions, and Colors

These are my personal correspondences. But they may give you a good basis to start looking into how to compare and develop your own.

Air: Change, Perspective, Support, Innocence, Permeation, Temperate

Earth: Stability, Mindfulness, Grounding, Unchanging, Staganation

Electricity: Fast, Raw Power, Danger, Ingenuity, Thought, Instant, Light 

Fire: Creativity, Passion, Destruction, Sacrifice, Love, Force of Change

Spirit: Being, Perception, Connection, Balance, Divinity, Truth, Source

Time: Experience, Change, Aggregate, Creation, Cycles, Destruction

Water: Expression, Life, Healing, Power, Emotion, Illusion, Combination

North: Wisdom, Ancestors, Guidance, Knowledge, Experience, Memory

South: Innocence, Inner child, Purity, Playful, Joy, Creativity, Excitement 

East: Creation, New, Idealism, Life, Goals, Dreams, Inspiration

West: Destruction, Change, Realism, Death, Endings, Completion

Red: Fire, Mars, Blood, Action, Courage, Passion, Health, Sexuality

Blue: Water, Moon, Throat, Astral, Calm, Dreams, Immortality, Patience, Wisdom

Yellow: Air, Mercury, Liver, Adventure, Flexibility, Innspiration, Positivity, Joy

Green: Earth, Venus, Heart, Acceptance, Growth, Life, Fertility, Compassion, Vulnerability

How to make your own:

There are a plethora of ways to develop your own correspondences. In the beginning it is important to reference the current that all existing correspondences follow. However, once you gain more insight from experience and experiments you can start to bend that current as needed. 

Most correspondences are based on physical attributes and/or how something has been used in spellcraft, ceremonies, and superstitions. These can also be referenced. However once you move into correspondences for concepts, they become exponentially more subjective and mailable. 

All correspondences are a form of abstraction. This abstraction is so that there can be a sympathetic connection between the actions, tools, concepts, and energies you are using to perform a spell in order to accurately form and place the spell where it is desired to go. “all of my correspondences derive from the law of signaturese.g. malachite’s toxicity in water and association with mallow? it’s a death stone in my mindlapis lazuli’s being a product of contact metamorphism (intruding magma into cooler stone)? that and the night-sky-ness is why it’s an astral journeying stone, moonstone diffracts light (plus the moon in tarot signifies illusion), so it’s also good for illusion/glamour, rosemary is intellectual because its extract extends the stability of omega-3 oils“what is above cannot escape what is below” (and vice-versa) is a saying from Cultist Simulator (aka occult game of the year), and it defines a lot of my practice”

A quote taken from @ysabetthemoth​

The importance of Sacred Circles and Spaces

Why are they important?

Sacred spaces are an energetic barrier between the practitioner and the outside world. This barrier prevents any unwanted energies, spirits, and/or spellwork from interfering with the casting. 

Methods of casting a Circle

A basic circle can be done by:

Smudging/cleansing and physically cleaning the space

Defining the spaces boundaries, which can and often are marked physically. 

Filling the space with an energy that is conducive for the working. 

Calling in any spirits you wish to be a part of the working. 

How to sanctify a space

A space can be sanctified in a plethora of ways. If you’re fresh to the game, it would be wisest to sanctify your space or tools by:

Smudging and cleaning the space

Blessing water either through a divine being or by infusing it with your own pure energies. 

Ritualistically applying the sanctified water to the space’s boundaries or the tool either by submerging it; by dipping your fingers in the water and wiping it on; or spraying/flicking the water. 

Ward the space or tool. 

(Optional) saying a prayer or performing an act of observance or devotion. 

Maintaining a Sacred Space or Circle

In order to maintain a sacred space that is intended to be permanent, it is advised to:

Enter and leave the space in the same cardinal direction every time, North is the most common. 

Perform regular smudging and working within the space. 

Smudging anyone before they enter the space. 

Petitioning a spiritual entity to protect your space. 

What is a spell?

Basic components

A spell is any action taken to effect change without direct interaction. 

There are three basic components to any spell:

Gnosis (Headspace + Focus)

Passion

Intent

Without any one of these components a spell cannot function at all. There are two further components that are a bit more complicated (Nodes & Thresholds) and you can read about them HERE. 

How tools help

Tools in witchcraft are used to channel energy. And while they are absolutely in no way necessary, they can aid in spellwork by:

Aiding in maintaining headspace/vibe

Programming energies as they leave the subtle body 

Acting as a node in your web of correspondences

Helping guide the practitioner's focus as they cast. 

A few types of spells

Hex bags

Spell Jars

Dance Magic

Enchantments

Candle Magic

Astral Spells

Snap Magic

Imprinting

Spirit Binding

Possession

Kitchen Spells Thoughtform Creation

Wards

How to build your own spells

See THIS POST. 

Key to successful spell casting

The key to successful spell casting is and always will be designing your spell to take the path of least resistance. Think of your spell as being a small domino at the start of a chain. Design a small but specific spell that starts off as a subtle change that will eventually evolve into the goal you wish to accomplish. 

Here is a guide to basic spellcasting

What is a Ceremony or Ritual?

What’s the difference?

A ceremony is a sacred ritual seated around the observations of tradition and practice, whereas a ritual is purely a set of repeatable actions backed by faith or belief. 

Basic components

A ceremony must include the faith, belief, and context of an existing tradition. 

A ritual must contain a concrete set of actions, components, and/or scheduling. 

Developing your own

To develop your own rituals, start by designing a spell and recording all of the elements and actions required to perform it. Then, by only doing what was written and nothing else, see if the results are repeatable. It is important to include as many variables as possible. 

Tips for building headspace

Headspace is one of the most crucial aspects of spellcraft in the beginning. Until you get accustomed to the processes involved with witchcraft and the mindsets required, it is highly recommended and almost necessary to hold a space in which you can easily hold your attention on what you’re doing. 

To build a headspace, you have to consider a few things and adjust them to your needs for any given spell:

Sound: how loud is your environment? Would a specific song aid you? Would any background sounds aid you? What auditory phenomena would help you hold your focus on your task?

Lighting: how is the lighting in your space? Would a change in lighting help you hold your focus or get into the zone? Would casting in sunlight be beneficial for your working? Would candle light?

Clothing: are the colors you're wearing important to your spell? Are they comfortable enough to where you can perform all necessary movements without them hindering your focus? 

Emotional state: is your mind in the right space to do your working? Do you have the appropriate emotions to fuel your working? 

Language: is the working something that can easily be memorized so that you don't have to break in order to refamiliarize yourself? 

Divination

Types of Divination

There are hundreds of types of divination. Wikipedia has a wonderful list of them you can view here. But I'll list a few of my favorites:

Cartomancy: The use of cards

Cleromancy: The use of thrown objects

Scrying: The use of reflective objects 

Astrology: The use of planetary bodies

Tasseomancy: The use of tea leaves or coffee grounds

Shufflemancy: The use of a music playlist on shuffle

Carromancy: The use of melted wax

Nephomancy: The use of clouds

Cledonomancy: The use of overheard words

Cryptomancy: The use of omens

Dowsing: The use of rods

Hyomancy: The use of 30-50 wild hogs

Basic Principles of Divination

Divination, when done in good faith, should incorporate a few ideals:

Bias: Try to only do divinations about subjects you know nothing about. Having prior knowledge about the details of the question will lead you to skew your interpretation and there is no avoiding that.

Honesty: If your immediate interpretation is something you would deem negative, share it anyway. It is not in good faith to withhold or modify information.

Transparency: It is important to acknowledge your own lack of understanding or knowledge that may pertain to a reading. It is of equal importance to state that divination is in no way absolute.

There are also a few modalities in which one can do divination. They pretty neatly mostly fall into the contemporary models of magic: Spiritual, Energetic, Psychological, & Game Theory.

Spiritual: Divination done to commune with or is aided by spirits.

Energetic: Relies on the energy of both the diviner and the client in order to ascertain the results.

Psychological: That the true divination is actually in the psyche that is doing the interpretation.

Game Theory: There is no such thing as coincidence, everything is connected. Thought the result was random, it has shown itself for a reason.

Tips

Be sure to smudge all of your divination tools

It is wise to do divination readings within a sacred space.

Remain aware of your own confirmation bias

Be wary of any entity you commune with

If doing a divination for yourself or receiving one, always get a second opinion/reading. It is also in good practice to recommend this to those you give readings to as well

Energy Work

What is Energy Work?

Energy work is the act of manipulating the subtle energies that are within and without the subtle body through the use of the subtle body and the mind. Energy work is necessary for 100% of all magic regardless of tradition or practice. It can also be accomplished by petitioning spirits. 

Energy work is significantly more than what you’ll find most commonly on google. Many energetic practices are terrible at defining their terms or having any sort of standardization. On top of that, most results will also have the barebones basics, Reiki included. If you really wish to learn about energy work, I highly recommend doing your own experiments and trials with it. MY blog will also contain extensive information on the subject.

Basics of Energy Work

I have broken down energy work into seven different categories, each necessary to master the next. They are:

Release: The act of releasing energy from the body

Absorption: The act of absorbing energy from your environment into the body.

Form: The application of the prior two in order to create a basic energetic construct outside of the body.

Density: The act of increasing or decreasing the energetic density of a construct.

Precision: The act of changing the size of a construct.

Multiples: The act of creating and maintaining multiple energetic constructs.

Frequency: The act of consciously manipulating the properties of energy to exactly what you desire.

You’ll know that you've mastered an aspect of energy work when:

Release: You can release energy from a specific place on the body, with any given surface area, at a controlled rate.

Absorption: You can absorb energy into a specific place on the body, with any given surface area, at a controlled rate.

Form: You can move the construct through space without altering it at all.

Density: You can change the energetic density of a construct without altering its size or form.

Precision: You can change the size of an object without altering its density or form.

Multiples: You can control at least 5 constructs individually and simultaneously, even if they have different trajectories, velocities, and rotations without altering them in any way that is unintentional. 

Frequency: You can modify the properties of multiple given constructs within their given trajectories, velocities, rotations, forms, densities, and sizes intentionally. Also by this point, the minimum number of constructs you should be able to control should be between 10 & 25.

The basics are 1-3, which are all that's covered by a majority of resources online.

Uses for Energy Work

Energy work is used in every single spell, regardless of the model the spell falls under, as the subtle body is ever present. However, it makes the most impact when used intentionally and in a controlled manner as a cornerstone of your working.

Energy work can be used for:

Warding

Enchantments

Glamours

Divination

Cleansing

Acts of devotion

Meditation

Shadow work

Gnosis

Astral projection

Headspace

General spellwork

Opening and maintaining a sacred space

Offerings

Reiki & Visualization

Is the most common result you’ll come across when researching energy work. Reiki was invented in Japan in the 1920’s and migrated to the west. The practice itself wasn’t initially appropriative, as it operated within the local cultural context of Buddhism and the traditional Chinese concept of qi. This practice has been hijacked by the New-Age movement and most of the information you’ll find is a melting pot of misinformation, fraud, and appropriation. I have never met a reiki practitioner who actually does energy work. I highly recommend you take all information about energy work that originates from Reiki with a hefty amount of salt.  You can read more about this in this article.

Advanced Energy Work

Advanced energy work (5-7) requires a very well developed energetic awareness. This means that you’ll need to expand your awareness to a point where you can feel energies around you with precision and accuracy from a decent distance. You should be able to accurately perceive the energetic constructs created by another practitioner, as well as their emotional state and the vitality of their subtle body. I will; be making an in-depth article about energy work soon. Frequency could have it's own novel because of how many variables it covers.

You can read further about energy work in the articles I have written: Fundamentals & Intermediate.

Enchantments

The purpose of Enchantments

Enchantments are spells that are placed onto an object. Not to be confused with Glamours. The purpose of an enchantment is to aid a person in doing a specific task, holding sacred space, anchoring a spell or spirit, and/or projecting a specific effect onto the wielder/viewer/space.

Basic Elements of an Enchantment

Enchantments can vary wildly in design and purpose. However there are some elements that are good to start off with:

Sigilwork: applying a sigil to an object

Energetic connection: creating an energetic conduit through which the spell is applied.

Blessed or hexed liquids: placing a spell into a liquid and then applying it to the object.

A specific purpose: The goal of the enchantment needs to be rigid and unchanging.

Charging: Most enchantments will gradually wear off as the energies used in witchcraft do have a half-life. Enchantments should be charged periodically.

Area of effect: Most enchantments are made to be active only while being worn or carried on a person. However, some can have an area of effect that needs to be well defined at the moment of casting. It is best to do this with a projection of an energetic replica of the space in 1:1 proportion.

List of possible enchantments

Improve focus

Ward against malevolent spirits

Decrease anxiety in a defined space

Transmute energies that pass through the object into a specified energy.

Bind any spirit that the object comes in contact with

Improve memory

Aid in recovering lost objects

Improve psychic abilities

Sigils, Glyphs, & Other Magical Symbols

SEE THIS POST.

Metasigils & Hypersigils

Metasigils are works of art that are created and charged in the same way a sigil would be, meaning they have a magical presence and/or effect.

Hypersigils are like sigil-chains or a collection of sigils that are used to create a more specific meaning/intent.

Glyphs

All sigils are glyphs, but not all glyphs are sigils. A glyph is any intentionally made mark, and in a magical context that means that it is any mark that is made with the same intent as one would a sigil.

Other Magical Symbols

Other magical symbols mostly are derived from old or ancient orthographies. Runes are the perfect example of this, as well as ogham. 

Spirit Work

Types of Spirits

Due to the wide variety of spirits that exist and the cultural context that is required to accurately name a vast majority of them, a context that a majority of us do not and should not have, I have broken spiritual entities down into different categories that exist on a spectrum- as all things do.

This spectrum exists on two axis and includes other variable. The two axis are Sapient to Natural Law and Newly Born to Ever-present. 

Other variables include: 

Their place of origin (Earth-born, Death-borne, Light-born, Self-generating, Thought-born….. And even Blood-borne)

Their relative size, meaning their energetic density- not their height or weight, as they do not possess these qualities outside of the parameters of the human conceptualizations of them. 

Their demeanor. How they interact with other spirits and living organisms.

Why work with spirits?

Spirits carry a lot of weight, and that metaphorical weight has a great impact on our physical world as well as other dimensions such as the dream plane. By petitioning a spirit to carry out a task, you forgo the need to cast a spell yourself. However the dependability of that type of working will be highly variable depending on the spirit. A great number of practitioners, especially practitioners of color, use spirit work to connect to their ancestors. Which helps many connect to their diaspora and gives them the means to honor those who came before them. A lot of ancestor work has a wide variety of cultural context that most practitioners will never have and that's okay. 

Communicating with Spirits

 Communicating with spirits is very challenging for a lot of practitioners. The easiest means of communicating with spirits is divination. Pendulums sre good for simple communications and don't require a lot of time to process. For more complex communications tarot works well. I would recommend eventually developing your own divination system to communicate with spirits. I also recommend looking into claircognizance. 

Creating an Inner Circle

An inner circle of spirits can be formed over time by coming to agreements, creating contracts, and forming bonds to spiritual entities. This circle of spirits is optimal for support in spellwork as well as for protection.

Astral Travel

SEE THIS POST.

Psychic Abilities

Types of Psychic abilities

Telepathy

Clairaudience

Clairvoyance

Claircognizance

Chronokinesis 

Retrocognition

Precognition

How to develop psychic abilities

Psychic abilities can be difficult to develop and everyone learns differently. However, most of them are just specified expansions of your awareness into different spatial dimensions. This can be done by studying higher dimension topology or through rigorous meditation and usage of gnosis. 

Psychic abilities and witchcraft

Psychic abilities aid significantly in witchcraft. From assistance in divination to having more lines of communication with spiritual entities. 

However, cognitive bias can become a real danger here. It is important to verify information received through the use of psychism. This can be done by getting a reading done by a friend without giving them too much information. Merely ask them to verify something and give them nothing else. 

Chronokinesis can aid significantly in developing a temporal awareness and claircognizance can aid in developing an energetic awareness. 

Familiars 

What is a Familiar

A familiar is an animal or spirit that has a close bond with a practitioner. This animal friend may or may not be magically impactful. Most familiars are protectors for the practitioner and can add onto the already existing wards that a practitioner already has. Familiars may also be attuned to their own energetic awareness and act as alarms for approaching spiritual entities.

How to identify a living Familiar

An animal familiar will be able to almost have entire conversations with their practitioner through eye contact alone. They may be able to accurately announce when a spirit has entered your vicinity. They will be very attentive when their practitioner is casting and may even try to participate. If not, then they will sit as a silent observer.

How to identify a spirit Familiar

Spirit familiars are difficult to identify as there is a ton of potential confirmation bias. These familiars would not enter into a practitioner’s life without reason and would require consistent interaction in order to form that bond or contract. Spiritual familiars will almost never appear as an animal to a practitioner unless it was requested as a part of a contract. Spirit familiars are in no way related to *Spirit Animals or *Animal Guides. Spirit familiars will also never be thoughtforms or *Tulpas, as the mechanisms that drive them tend to be very simple and it is extremely rare for them to be sapient.

Deities

Pantheons

Pantheons are a collection of deities in polytheistic belief systems. The most common pantheons used in witchcraft are those from dead mythos like the Greek (Hellenistic) and Egyptian (Kemetic). Though, these are not all that exist and one can have relationships with individual deities from monotheologies and polytheistic pantheons. Doing so would form a pantheon in and of itself. This is how my personal pantheon was formed. 

The right pantheon for you

I am not going to recommend any theological beliefs to anyone, but rather give some advice for when you’re first starting. Approach all existing pantheons with a grain of salt and a mound of respect. The common mythos are filled with tales that put their deities in a rather bad light. Most followers will tell you that they are metaphorical and not to be taken literally. While this could be true, I would advise that we leave that up to the discretion of the person who is thinking about following. If you don't find a pantheon that resonates with you, you’re fine. They aren’t at all necessary for magic, nor are they for everyone. It’s okay to want to do something but not have any available path to it. 

If you're interested, here is wonderful post by @coinandcandle about deity dedication and worship.

Fictional Deities/ Personal Deities

These deities are most commonly created from pop-culture. While this concept is debated, ridiculed, and hated by many practitioners, I do not see a reason why they can't function for someone who wants it badly enough. At worst, they create a thoughtform and at best they create an egregore. I’ve met many practitioners who developed their own deities from scratch and many that have adopted a deity from pop-culture. Magically speaking, they are functionally the same- especially as time moves forward. 

Philosophies within Witchcraft

Philosophies in magic

There are a great deal of conflicting moral and ethical philosophies in and about witchcraft. All are valid so long as they don’t endanger the lives of people around you or entire groups of people. What is most important is not to proselytize your personal philosophies to other practitioners. There is a delicate dance between sharing your views and asserting that yours are the only correct ones. However, if you do come across someone proselytizing a harmful philosophy, it is super important that you don't interact with them at all. Do not give them a platform. Some of you may remember This Isn’t Magic. They are a perfect example of what I mean. But this also applies to ideas such as Fascism, Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Misogyny. A lot of which are very common in larger magical practices like Thelema, broader Ceremonial magic, Heathenism, and Wicca. 

Philosophies for balance

Within my own personal philosophies, I find it best when my ideals help balance my approach to magic. I have called my personal philosophy Equalibriumism, which I will be making a post about if you’re interested in getting a glimpse into my mindset when it comes to my approach to magic. I recommend that each practitioner does some serious introspection about their personal philosophies and how they affect their magic, relationships, and society at large. 

Philosophies in practice

Philosophy makes its way into every aspect of a practitioner’s craft. From the way they approach curses and spirit work to their emotional state when casting spells. Philosophies should be able to adapt to new information and new methods of spell casting that a practitioner is really interested in. Without this, practitioners run the risk of feeling stagnated or conflicted about their own interests. I have dealt with this delma myself somewhat recently. 

Your philosophies should help fuel your intent, passion and focus during spellwork, and if it isn't then I’d recommend introspection and adaptation. As an example, my curses are typically derived from wanting someone to develop a sense of empathy. As such, my curses are built with a backdoor that is opened when empathy is achieved. When that door is opened, the curse turns into a blessing that supports that change in them. This drive to help someone understand the perspectives of those around them is a powerful drive for me when casting.

Coming to your own understanding of the forces of nature

All philosophies are rooted in each person’s understanding of nature, and by nature I mean the entirety of everything that has ever existed or will exist. For some that is their current view of human nature, for others it could be their understanding of physics and mathematics. Regardless of your point of origin it is important that you study as much as you can about it. Do so in a serious manner as the more information you have the more your philosophies surrounding it will change. 

Coming into the Witchcraft internet community

Taking your first steps

The first thing you need to understand is that the internet is full of a lot of misinformation, misguidence, and proselytization. Take everything you read about with a healthy amount of salt. There is no “one true way”. Find communities in which there is the availability of free open discussions from any point in experience and/or learning. Be wary of cults, groups of people who all share exactly the same beliefs- typically with a central leader whose words have influence over everyone’s beliefs.

It is important to cross-reference all information you come across, while also giving some faith to your gut instincts. It is equally as important to come from a place of openness yourself when meeting people and discussing magic with them. Give them the space to express what they want to. The magic community has been wrought with people just talking to each other and not listening to each other.  

Tips for success

The internet is a big place. It can often feel like there’s too much information out there and you’ll never be able to make sense of it. I know that feeling well. It is important to start out by picking a subject of magic that is moderately appealing to you at first and study only that. Once you have a thorough understanding of it, then you can branch off of it. If you start with researching the thing that attracts you the most, it is highly possible that once you understand it you may burn out. Study one subject at a time. Allow your understanding to be fluid and your personal philosophies to change as you learn.

Things that are not okay

Giving harmful ideas a platform

Asserting that there is “one true way” 

Doing spells on other practitioners without their expressed consent

Doing divination readings in bad faith

Appropriating practices from closed or semi-closed traditions 

Claiming someone’s original ideas as your own- especially if that person is a POC

Lying, spamming, doxing, and harassing.

Safety

General safety

When you are just starting out, it is important to start small and work your way up to the grander spells. Spells that go wrong can have dire consequences, especially when performed at a larger scale. 

Talk to people. Tell people about things you’ve read or heard and ask them for their opinion or perspective on it. The more viewpoints you have, the less likely you’ll be sucked into cults and other harmful philosophies. 

Try to do small experiments with new ideas. Apply the scientific method. Try not to involve unaware bystanders. Informed consent is important, and you can inform people of an experiment without giving them cause for confirmation bias.

Please read this post for more information.

How to protect yourself from unwanted energies and spirits

Smudging, cleansing, and cleaning are all good practices to have, but they are best for removing energies and spirits and not so great for protection. The best tool you can have for protection is awareness. If you cannot feel what you are trying to protect yourself from, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to protect yourself from it. 

When dealing with spirits it is best to not give out your true name. By true name, I do not necessarily mean your given name as a great deal of people do not identify with it. Do not blindly trust spiritual entities. Always get at least one other outside opinion without giving them any information that could lead to confirmation bias. When dealing with energetic vampires (People who absorb as much energy as they can from the people around them and their environment), it is best to form a ward around yourself that acts as a repelling force for their sense of awareness. Many of them aren’t even consciously aware that they do this and it most commonly is a result of trauma.

There are various items for protection outside of wards. These are objects you can keep in your home or on your person such as:

Iron (nails are most common) these can be on your person or over thresholds into a space.

Red, white, and/or black cloth

Lining thresholds with salt, brickdust, and/or limestone dust.

Labradorite, or the witch’s stone, is great for giving cause for spirits to stay away.

Dried sprigs of romero can be hung over thresholds as well.

The evil eye, though while some versions are protected, others aren't.

Covering mirrors when they aren’t being used, unless they’re made from silver.

Talisman or charms

Horseshoes hung over thresholds.

But nothing is more effective than having wards. Wards can be created and anchored on jewelry, house foundations, altars, and your own subtle body. If you do not know how to ward, I would highly recommend that it be the next thing you study.

Other witch blogs I recommend following 

@coinandcandle

@wolfofantimonyoccultism

@the-mori-witch-blog

@themori-grimoire

@strangesigils

@tarotfey

@witches-ofcolor

@ualthum

@sylvaetria

To read up on further beginner witch tips click here.

Why is Binding Important?

Like banishing, it is a necessary skill that every witch should know how to do. Binding is used far more often than one might realize. If performing a spell that includes a bind without knowing it is a binding, you may incidentally cause your spell to be less effective or completely ineffective. Not knowing how to bind intentionally, or what method of binding is best suitable for the casting, causes the practitioner to have less control over their own working. In some cases a practitioner may find themselves on the receiving side of a binding. Without knowing how to bind, breaking that binding becomes increasingly more difficult. 

When is Binding Important?

While it may never need to be used, depending on the craft, knowing when to bind is so important. In some cases binding may be used when banishing would be more appropriate. Binding really should only be employed when it is desired for a connection to be made, while knowing what potential side-effects may arise from it. Binding an entity doesn’t trap it inside the object, it traps it into that object’s localized field. Wanting to use magic to get a job could be accomplished by a binding; however, if that job is acquired, then the binding will still be intact. In cases like this, it is  optimal to program a backdoor into a spell. Here is a list of some circumstances in which binding would be very useful:

Capturing a spirit

Preventing someone from using specific language

Preventing someone from certain behaviors

Keeping two people in the same mental or physical space

Keeping someone from thinking certain types of thoughts

Attaching a spell to a person, typically through a taglock

Causing two+ people, spirits, or objects to cross paths

Causing a specific event to occur

Causing someone to change their philosophy

Types of Binding

Spell Binding: Binding a spell to a person, place, or thing. 

Spirit Binding: Binding a spirit to a person, placee, or thing.

Fate Binding: Using Fate Strings to connect two things in time. 

Action Binding: Binding to cause or prevent specific actions.

Thought Binding: Binding to cause or prevent specific thoughts.

Conceptual Binding: Binding to modify conceptual understanding.

How to Perform a Binding

Decide on the target(s)

Gather anything that helps you build your headspace, passion, and intent such as: herbs, music, crystals, feathers, twine, rope, candles, etc.

Gather anything that is representational of the thing(s) you are binding. Ex. Taglocks, books, quotes, sigils, etc

Perform your casting

Connect the spell energetically to the representation(s) and/or objects(s).

Ensure that the energetic connection lies between all desired targets.

Close the spell.

How to break a binding

The most common situations in which a witch would need to break a binding are to dismantle a failed or undesired spell, or to remove a casting someone has placed onto them. Regardless of why, to break a binding is dependent on the type of binding it is. Fate binding is by far the most difficult to break if it is cast intentionally, nigh impossible. Other types of binding only require three things: a receptacle, a decent understanding of energy work, and similar representations as the original spell. If the spell originated from you, then use the same representations you used to cast. 

Locate where and how the binding is attached. This can be done using energetic senses or psychic abilities. 

Prepare headspace and gather representations and the receptacle.

Pull on the energetic connection to isolate it in space, while anchoring it to the receptacle instead of its original target.

While energetically sustaining the connection, sever the cord. In order to do this, I imagine my hand to be a pair of scissors in order to assist in headspace, while creating an energetically sharp construct around them. 

If it helps to project the connection into a tangible cord to physically help, then do so. So long as the energy work is present and it isn’t solely representational or visualization it’ll work.

Semi-Closed Cultures

These are cultures & practices that require a cultural context that can only be achieved through studiousness and direct interactions with the community. However, these cultures are open to anyone who wishes to join them. They may or may not require an initiation process and other requirements before someone is accepted. Some are based on regionality. The sects mentioned in this list are just one part of the pie. Whatever sects that aren't semi-closed are closed. It is nearly impossible to list all of the sects of these religious and spiritual practices.

Islam (Most sects)

Christianity

Judaism (Most sects)

Hinduism (Most sects)

Buddhism (Most sects)

Zoroastrianism

Sikhism 

Confucianism 

Yoga

"Shamanism" (A few sects)

Kabbalah (Rigorous initiation)

Native American Cultures (A couple tribes)

Ozark & Appalachian folk traditions

Slavic folk practices

Closed Cultures

These are cultures that heavily guard their spiritual and/or mystical practices. Some do perform initiation, however they will not accept just anyone. Some of these are deep rooted ethnic practices and require the same ethnic background in order to be initiated. Due to the closed nature of these magical practices, it is next to impossible to find any reliable information on the internet. Which means using these practices outside of their cultural context will be: ineffective, disrespectful, and misinformed.

Hinduism (Some sects)

Islam (Some sects)

Judaism (Some sects)

Buddhism (Some sects)

"Shamanism" (Most practices)

Navajo

Zuni

Lakota

Ho-Chunk

Mapuche

Cherokee

Chilote

Anishinaabe

Pawnee

Most other Native American cultures

Taoist mysticism

Korean folk practices 

Chinese folk practices (Almost all sects)

African Traditions (Nearly all sects)

Root Work (Commonly referred to has Hoodoo)

Rootwork

Santeria

Espiritismo

Kele

Obeah

Winti

Myal

Abakua

Kumina

Yoruba traditions

Mexica traditions (Commonly referred to as Aztec)

Toltec traditions

Maya traditions

Indiginous Australian practices

Maori practices 

Tagalog practices

Tengriism

Druidism 

Romani practices

Shinto practices

Manchu practices

Mongolian practices

Satsana Phi

Ban Phi

Vietnamese practices

Sami practices

Mari practices

Open Cultures

These are typically considered dead cultures, which means that there are very few surviving cultural centers to gain cultural context. Most of the practices are obtained through archeology and should be considered incomplete. However, taking part in these practices is not considered disrespectful if it is practiced responsibly. 

Hermeticism

Hellenism

Kemeticism (And other ancient Egyptian practices)

Norse practices (General Heathenry)

Etruscan practices

Sumerian practices 

Practices to avoid

These practices are appropriative, rooted in racism/misogyny, cult-like, and/or directly lead into fascism. They should be avoided at all costs. Many of these practices are wide-spread. Several claim to have ancient origin, when they do not. Most of them have taken practices from other cultures and obscured them and claimed them as their own. Some of these practices are literal pyramid schemes.

Wicca

Claims ancient origin, appropriative, misogynistic, consumerism

Neo-Wiccan practices

Same as Wicca, but also tends to be transphobic and racist, consumerism

Ceremonial Magick

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny.

Thelema

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny, cult-like

New Age practices (Like Reiki)

Appropriative, Alt-right (fascist) pipeline, cult-like, pyramid scheme, consumerism

Neo-Shamanism (Nearly all sects)

Appropriative, claims ancient origin

Neo-Nordic practices

Fascist, Appropriative, claims ancient purity

Neo-Druidry

Appropriative, claims ancient origin

Eco-Pagan practices

Appropriative, claims ancient origin, transphobic, consumerism

Hermetic Qabalah

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny

Evangelical practices

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Properties of Energy

The energies I’ll be speaking on are almost ambiguous. A lot of practitioners use fluffy and sensory words to describe their energy work, and while this is fine for the basics it does not translate well over to the more advanced concepts. A lot of practitioners describe energy as colors, which can be very misleading as it has no color. Energy is not light, nor does it interact with light, as it is fundamental fluctuations in potential densities of space/time. This makes discussing energy a lot more complicated but also significantly more possible, as the language already exists for it. 

Basics of the Subtle Body

The subtle body is the energetic field surrounding all living things and the energetic nodes (as in density) of energies that are connected by conduits (paths of least resistance). The subtle body is connected to the physical body as well. Any time a practitioner dreams or projects astrally, they are doing so with their subtle body. Any time a practitioner casts a spell or does any other kind of working, they do so via their subtle body. The subtle body is composed of a connection between nodes of energetically dense nodes and several fields that are generated by the interactions between these nodes. Some of these nodes are aspects of the physical body that also generate their own fields. Like the mitochondria, the Wellsource is the powerhouse of the subtle body. The Wellsource is the only node within the subtle body that intrinsically releases more energy than it integrates. Because of this property, it is very important to draw energy from this point for energy so that you avoid draining your subtle body.

You can read about The Wellsource here.

Energetic awareness, The Subtle Body and Energy Work

As energy moves throughout the subtle body, each node alters the properties of the energy. In order to progress further than the basics, it is incredibly important that the habit of using visualization is completely removed from your practice, except potentially in your planning phase of spellcraft. The foundation that the intermediate and advanced energetic practices are built on, is developing a strong energetic awareness. For the purpose of the ease of communication, I have given names to the forms of energetic awareness. (These terms were taken from a conlang I’m currently working on.)

Yotasia: The closest analog would be a combination of hearing and touch. This sense is best described as having a sense that is of an entire volume of space, without any displacement due to the physical. Almost as if you had complete awareness of a volume of water, except that water permeates everything within that volume.

Tata’o: The closest analog is a combination of periphery sense and sight. This sense is best described as a type of sonar that only reflects off of energetic constructs, including the ambient energies in the space and the energetic makeup of the surroundings. It is almost like all things energetic are constructed of mirrors, and your body is constantly radiating light. 

Kemiya: The closest analog is smell. This sense is best described as observing energetic fluctuations as they move throughout a space. This sense is typically experienced in the energetic points that exist just inside the head near the ears. This makes it the most internal sense. It is almost like smelling a scent as it moves through the environment, except you can pick up on the subtle variations as it passes. 

Taoyita: This sense doesn't really have anything analogous to our typical human senses. It is best described as Yotasia but it is more fractally inward and outward than expansive into the environment. It is like your senses can dive down into levels of reality that aren't normally perceivable. It also works in the opposite direction. When this skill is honed, it becomes possible to sense energetic fluctuations on nearly atomic levels or planetary levels. This sense is the best one to use for controlling the precision of your energy work.

Pioso: This sense is most similar to the sense of periphery. This one is best described as sensing when a sentient energetic presence enters a space and the ability to distinguish it from other energetic phenomena in the space. It is like feeling when a person enters a space without you seeing, smelling, or hearing them do so. 

Saya: Again, similar to Yotasia, this sense is like being able to sense energetic constructs. However, unlike Yotasia, this sense only perceives the circumference or parameters of those constructs. This sense does not pick up on fluctuations of energetic properties or density, only alterations in form. 

It is important to understand that these senses are processed by energies interacting with energetic points or the fields produced by the subtle body. These points are:

Yotasia: In the energetic body, near the Myocardium 

Tata’o: In the energetic body, near the left & right Bronchus

Kemiya: Closest to the physical body within the energetic body, near the left & right Cochlea.

Taoyita: In the energetic body, nearest to the Penealiar Cortex

Pioso: In the energetic body, nearest to the Larynx

Saya: In the energetic body, nearest to the Adrenal Glands.

When energy moves through other energy points, they slightly alter the properties of that energy. This is one of the primary mechanisms behind gesture magic. Most energy points within the subtle body do not exist in the physical body, but the ones that are important to know when starting exist in the same space as the physical body. Some important points to know in terms of their effects on the energy passing through them are (The following points are listed by the nearest bodily locations relative to the subtle body): 

The left & right Thumb Distal Phalanx: increases the amplitude of energies

The left & right Index Distal Phalanx: encodes energies with information within the mind

The left & right Middle Distal Phalanx: increases the densities of energies

The left & right Ring Distal Phalanx: encodes emotional states into energies

The left & right Little Distal Phalanx: increases the angle and rate of release of energies

The left & right Medial Proximal Palmar:  Increases the ease of awareness of energies

The left & right Wing of Ilium: translates environmental energies into integrated energy

Pancreas: Center of intuition; Translates most perceptions of energy into physiological and mild psychical sensation

Exterior Positive Toroidal Axis: Located above the center of the skull; Alters the properties of all energies into a state in which the subtle body can easily process it.

Exterior Negative Toroidal Axis: Located underneath the center point between the feet; Alters the energies naturally released from the subtle body in such a way that it can more easily interact with ambient energies.

It is important to note that energy points and practices referred to as *Chakras are from a semi-closed culture. Meaning that they are culturally significant to certain religious and spiritual practices. Without the cultural context of these practices, you will not be able to understand their meanings and implementations to the extent that it is intended. The energetic points listed above can also be used to manipulate energies outside of the body. Which will be important when moving into more advanced energetic practices. By releasing and absorbing energy in a precise and controlled manner, you can manipulate energy around you, especially within the fields of the subtle body. But before you can run, you must learn to walk. Energetic awareness is the key to being able to do advanced energy work. 

In the image below all of the pink dots are the most important energy points within the physical body; or, are very close to existing in the physical body. Hopefully this image gives you some idea of what to feel for when working.

Controlling the density of energy

The density of energy is integral in packing as much intent and fuel into a spell as possible. Doing so requires a firm grasp on energetic awareness. It is impossible to control the density of energy with visualization. The principle of density in energy work is cramming as much energy as possible into a single volume. It’s equivalent to thinking in terms of pressure. However, the reason I call it “density” is due to the difference in the trajectory, inertia, and momentum energy has in motion. When moving dense energy around, it feels heavier, more sluggish, and more difficult to curve. This change is slight, but it is noticeable. To increase an energetic contruct’s density, start by creating the construct. Then, begin to siphon more energy into it from all angles of approach. It is important that the size of the construct remains the same throughout this process. When first starting, it is also a lot easier if the construct remains static in place and form. This process is felt through Yotasia and Taoyita. Using Taoyita you can keep track of the changes in the density throughout the entire construct.You’ll know when you’ve mastered this aspect of energy work when you can increase the density while the construct is in movement and you can alter the form without changing that density, simultaneously. 

Controlling energy with precision

Precision refers to the relativistic frame of reference in which one can manipulate energy. This has to do with the scalar of control. This aspect of energy work is crucial to being able to create intricate constructs. The basic principle of precision is being able to control energy on any scale. From atomic to astronomic. It is the micro and macro form of control. It is best to start learning how to do this by flexing your sense of Taoyita. Start paying attention to the fluctuations in environmental energies and how they move, contort, change density, and change in intricacy. Once you feel you have a solid grasp of Taoyita, you can start moving into manipulating energies on different scales of perception. It would probably be best to start off practicing building intricate energetic constructs with static density, and form. Starting with simplistic constructs, like a sphere, you can begin by maintaining the density and form while shrinking it or expanding it to the furthest levels of your senses. You’ll know you've mastered this aspect when you can alter any construct by increasing and changing the intricacy of a construct while changing its density and form when it is in motion. Being able to alter its intricacy while holding any other property of it static while doing so.

Building energetic constructs

Basic constructs are the best way to start off learning each new aspect of energy work, and then gradually upping the details of the form. For example, starting with a sphere is by far the simplest. Then start moving through the platonic solids. Eventually you can start making exact replicas of entire spaces and preserving their details and properties. To build a construct, you can start by visualizing a framework for it. See all of the details, all of the positive and negative spaces. The curves and corners. Once the mold of the construct is planned, you can then move into actually creating the construct. By this point you should be able to create a construct while remaining stationary. Not moving any part of your body. I personally do this by creating astral forms or however many astral limbs I need to accurately manipulate the level of energy required. Once the mold is created you can start by roughly filling out the mold with a light amount of energy. Then, you can start manipulating the precision and density of that energy to the desired form. Using precision, you can manipulate the external contour of the construct so that it matches up with your planned form. 

Constructs can be as simple as a stream of energy, or as complex and a recreation of an entire city block. This can be useful for projecting an energetic replica of someone and binding that replica to them via taglock, which can be as simple as a memory of their voice. They are also useful for enchanting large spaces, furniture, objects, and mental spaces. 

With this practice in mind, warding will become a lot easier!

Andvanced Energy Work Part I

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How do I find my Wellsource?

To find your Wellsource, sit alone in a quiet place that isn’t too bright and isn’t too dark. Close your eyes and take to a comfortable breathing pattern, one that doesn’t take too much concentration. Sit up straight and place your hands comfortably in your lap. Allow your mind to wander in whichever direction it likes, but don’t give any of the thoughts your attention. Eventually the river that is your intelligent mind will become distant. A void of nothingness will slowly wrap its hollow embrace around you.

Once floating in the void, listen for your heartbeat.This will slowly bring you out of the void and back into your body. Once back into your body, use your energetic awareness, find the form of your subtle body. The Subtle body is the mitochondria of the subtle body. Pay attention to where energy is flooding into the subtle body from within. This point naturally wants to exist in the subtle body near the center of the chest cavity; however, it will move when trauma is experienced. It will move into the part of the body that you wished to protect during that trauma. However, as healing starts to happen, it will gradually start to drift into the chest again. Once you’ve found it, take some breaths and do whatever you need to do to ground yourself.

Whenever you’re feeling drained, alone, scared, move to this place and drink of its nectar slowly.

How do I use the Wellsource?

Become aware of your subtle body and the position of the Wellsource via energetic awareness.

Drawing from it without disrupting its flow into the subtle body can take some practice, but it is possible. It works a lot like siphoning a liquid. Create negative energetic pressure near it. It will create a separate stream into that negative space. 

Pull that stream into the conduits that connect your energetic points. Its typically easiest to start by letting flow into the dominant hand and out of the palm. However, once familiar with the process you can release it from any point in the subtle body.

Once it is released from the confines of the network within the physical body, it can be used to create any energetic construct or spell you can imagine. 

Energetic signatures

Drawing from your Wellsource puts a subtle energetic signature. Each Wellsource has slight differences in frequency. This being said, it is very accepting of programming. This can be done through running that energy through your mind, or by controlling which energy points it is run through directly. Further, you can also use gestures to program the energy. Regardless of how it's programmed it will still have that minute signature. A vast majority of the time this is inconsequential. However, when using this energy in order to curse a witch who is familiar with relatively advanced energy work, it is possible to use the signature as a taglock if it can be anchored. 

Uses in Gesture Magic

After years of research and discussions with many practitioners from a large variety of different practices and cultures, I have compiled a list of properties and correspondences for energetic points and movements of the physical and subtle bodies. This includes how energy is moved throughout the subtle body as well as how the physical body moves in tandem. I will be posting a complete guide to my findings in an article on gesture magic. But to cover some of the basics:

Making contact between two different parts of the body &/or physical body will combine the energetic properties associated with those points..

Index fingers represent knowledge, information, and understanding

Thumbs represent power, strength, and control

Middle fingers represent confidence, balance, and lust

Ring fingers represent life force, passion, and love

Little fingers represent Intent, focus, and spells/hexes/enchantment 

The palms represent release, control, creation, and absorption

The navel represents intuition, fate, and faith

Some direction correspondences/properties include:

Up represents spirit, connect, and luminosity

Down represents grounding, release, centering

Left represents take, receive, and transmutation

Right represents giving, gift, and creation

Forward represents pushing and progression 

Backwards represents Pulling, and regression

Inwards represents the shadow, divinity, and density

Outwards represents casting, the physical, and projection

Years ago, @my-dragoneyes asked in the comments on my old post: “How do you prevent malice from entering the Wellsource and what are the risks?”

My response was:

“The Wellsource is like an arroyo, a dried up river bed that fills with water when it rains and flows as it once did. Since that energy isn’t programmed, when you put a programmed energy into it, it will steadily pour back out when it rains. Like litter in an arroyo. Eventually it will be pure again but it takes time. And that malice, though diluted, will gradually affect your emotional state.

The only way to let malice or hatred into your Well-Source is when it is open. Which can only be done consciously, or when experiencing extreme emotion. It is very difficult to control your emotional self during these moments. Take a traumatic experience, for example. If someone just experienced trauma, it's near impossible to not pollute the Well-Source. However, if you’re tapping into it consciously, you can.”

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Circumstance

The circumstance that a practitioner finds themselves in at the moment of a working will have a great effect on the success of that working. Does the working consider the emotional states of people involved? The normal movements of people, goods, and objects throughout the day? The more variables that are considered, the more likely the spell will cause a desired effect. Further, the way that the spell is designed to navigate these circumstances will have an even greater effect. An example would be: It'd be better to cast a spell for a resume to stand out among the others than to try and cast a spell onto the hiring manager. This is because the manager has so many nuances to their individuality. They interact with so many people, objects, and events throughout their day and going through resumes is just one of them. While enchanting a resume itself will only call their attention in the moments they set aside to go through them. There are significantly less variables to consider. It would be wise to have the enchantment also have an effect that happens upon viewing it that can help disconnect the manager from the stresses and other preoccupying nuances of their daily life, even if just for a moment.

Abduction, Induction, & Deduction

Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific. Sometimes this is informally called a “top-down” approach. This involves beginning with thinking up a broad idea about our topic of interest. It is then narrowed down into more specific nuances that we can test, observe, or sympathize with. Then, it is narrowed down even further when we collect observations to address the original idea. When using deductive reasoning in witchcraft, it can be as simple as learning more about the environment the spell is going to affect, or as complicated as learning about statistical maths or physics. 

Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. Informally, this is sometimes called a “bottom up” approach. With inductive reasoning, The first step starts with specific observations and measures, and detecting patterns and regularities, formulating some tentative idea that we can explore, and finally ending up developing some general approach. This skill can be handy when designing a spell before actually having a use for it. This approach will also help outline the optimal or beneficial circumstances for the spell's success. 

Abductive reasoning works by drawing from known information and making educated guesses to fill in the blanks. This can be extremely useful for spell design, provided you have a lot of information to start with. When enough is learned about a situation, it becomes a lot easier to extrapolate from that incomplete data for a broader perspective. This makes navigating the situation much easier than going in blind. However, unlike the other two a broader bank of knowledge is nearly required.

Statistical Analysis & Probability Calculation

While statistics aren’t at all necessary to cast effective spells, it can certainly be very helpful. Using statistics for applications has to do with studies in psychology and sociology; as well as odds of events, like estimating the amount of resumes that a manager has to go through and calculating the probability of the placement of your resume in the fold. There are two types of statistics: descriptive statistics, which describes the properties of sample and population data, and inferential statistics, which uses those properties to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. Descriptive statistics are the most useful in the application of magic. Inferential can be useful, like in the example that I gave with the resumes. While they may not be necessary, understanding how to calculate probabilities can be a great tool to figure the path of least resistance. 

Variations in Energetic Requirements

Both physically, and in an energy work sense trying to force a spell through a more complex path than necessary can be very draining. If the spell is too complex, which sometimes is the best option, could require more physical effort to follow up. Which can be helpful anyways, especially when it comes to subjects like mental illness; which, should always be second or third in terms of treatment. In an energy work sense, if the spell is too complex relative to the working done and/or the energy given, the spell won't be as effective, but could also just not work at all. There is a ratio that exists for energy put in and the complexity of the situation. This ratio can be difficult to figure out when first starting, but with the help of detailed spell logs it is possible.