The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book: Your Complete Guide to Crafting and Casting Spells - Skye Alexander 2015

Nature’s Magick
Spellworking Basics

Today, few people use eye of newt and toe of frog in spells. They’re more likely to choose everyday ingredients they can find in any supermarket or New Age store—or better yet, in the natural environment. Using objects from nature is a wonderful way to enhance your connection with Mother Earth and to increase the power of your spells by adding the energies of plants, stones, etc. Since ancient times, witches, shamans, sorcerers, and other magick workers have looked to nature for spell materials. They used herbs and flowers to make healing potions, salves, poultices, and tonics. Gemstones and crystals provided protection, augmented personal powers, and attracted blessings. The natural world still provides a cornucopia of plants, minerals, and other treasures that you can use in your own magickal workings.

Many of the spells in Part II of this book include botanicals and/or gemstones. At the beginning of most chapters, you’ll find lists that recommend the best plants, herbs, essential oils, and stones to use for specific types of spells.

SYMPATHETIC MAGICK

The basic philosophy of sympathetic magick is quite simple: like attracts like. This means that in spellwork, an item can serve as a representative or stand-in for another item that’s similar to it in some way. It also means that the similarities are not coincidental and that they signify a connection—physical, spiritual, energetic, or otherwise—between the two items. Ginseng root, for example, resembles the human body, a similarity that some healers believe contributes to ginseng’s medicinal properties. When you do spells, you can use associations between objects in order to make your spells more effective. In some instances, you may be aware of these connections; in other cases, the understanding happens at a subconscious level.

Because similarities exist between items, you can often substitute one ingredient for another in a spell. For example, a sunflower represents the energy of the sun, so if you’re doing a spell that calls for solar power you can use sunflower seeds or petals to represent that power. If you’re doing a love spell, you could use a pink rose or a piece of rose quartz—both resonate with the vibration of love. The energy of the flower is quicker, the stone’s more enduring; however, either can play a role in a love spell.

Symbolism Exercise

Take a moment to consider how you form associations. Because your mind is the most important factor in magick, the mental images you hold are tremendously important when you perform spells. What do the words in the following list signify for you? What ideas and connections do they conjure up in your mind?

✵ Rose

✵ Snake

✵ Diamond

✵ Silk

✵ Horse

✵ Cactus

✵ Waterfall

✵ Apple

✵ Box

✵ Arrow

Most likely, your mind instantly produced a picture of the object. Beyond that, though, your imagination probably spun off in other directions and started making associations. For example, the word diamond may have triggered images of marriage or wealth. The word horse may have brought to mind thoughts of freedom, power, grace, speed, or beauty. Because your subconscious just naturally forms associations of this kind, you can make it work for you in spellcasting by choosing objects that symbolize your intentions.

Throughout this book, you’ll see many examples of sympathetic magick at work. Some of the spells in Part II recommend choosing objects that hold significance for you or relate to your goals, and incorporating them into your spell. As you grow in knowledge and experience as a spellworker, you’ll just naturally start making connections of this type.

Color Connections

Colors surround and influence us in countless ways, whether or not we realize it. That’s why colors play such an important role in spellwork. Green is often used for money spells in the United States, because U.S. paper money is green on one side. In nature, green also makes us think of new growth and healthy plants. These are powerful associations. Yellow reminds us of sunshine, warmth, and happiness, so magick workers use this color for spells to attract good luck and joy. We associate the color red with passion; hence, love spells often include red flowers and red gemstones. In sympathetic magick, what “seems like” often “is.” The underlying message is to trust your instincts—if something intuitively seems right to you, go with it.

Colors and Cultures

Different cultures hold different color connections and symbolism. For instance, in China white is considered a color of mourning. Chinese brides wear red instead, a color of good fortune in that culture. For witches, black denotes power, not grief. Individuals also respond in unique ways to certain colors. When casting spells, choose colors that have meanings for you.

MAGICKAL BOTANICALS

Many plants possess medicinal and healing properties, but for our purposes, we’ll focus here on the metaphysical attributes of herbs and flowers. The category “botanicals” includes flowers, herbs, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables, and all sorts of other plants. In spellcraft, each has its purpose and value. In fact, plants are probably the most frequently used ingredients in spells of all kinds.

Choosing and Preparing Botanicals

Five thousand years ago, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung compiled the earliest known herbal reference book. Although the original text no longer exists, many later herbals evolved from this compilation. Some 2,000 years before the birth of Christ, the Egyptians and Sumerians kept records regarding the properties and applications of plants. The Egyptians used herbs extensively for cosmetic, medicinal, and embalming purposes.

As the Mediterranean trade routes grew and flourished, the use of herbs spread to Greece. The noted Greek physician Hippocrates (circa 460—375 B.C.E.) included in his writings roughly 400 herbal remedies. His remedies reflected his belief that all illnesses and diseases were caused by imbalances in the four bodily humors, which reflect nature’s four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. When imbalances occurred, physicians recommended herbal remedies to restore harmony and facilitate healing. In ancient Britain, the Druidic priests, who were also healers, understood the planetary influences inherent in botanicals and used that knowledge when treating illness.

Plants grown naturally, without the assistance or interference of an outside source (such as a gardener or farmer), are referred to as “wildcrafted.” Though cultivated herbs are grown in a controlled environment, they can be just as effective and potent as wild ones. You can purchase herbs fresh, dried, or in bulk from most greengrocers and farmers’ markets. Note that a special relationship develops between the plants and the person who tends to them, so if you do not live in an area where you can find wild herbs, consider growing your own in a pot garden or window box.

When selecting botanicals, make sure they are full of vitality. Choose organic plants if possible. If you are purchasing your herbs and do not know under what conditions they were grown, make sure you wash them thoroughly to remove any residual chemicals that may have been used. You don’t want the poisonous vibes of pesticides present in your spellwork! If you’re harvesting a plant that you’ve grown or found in the wild, ask the plant’s permission before harvesting it. Thank it for its help, whether you intend to eat it or use it in a spell. You might also choose to leave an offering in return for what you’ve received, such as a poured libation or a small crystal to honor the earth. You can also say “thanks” to the earth by cleaning up litter or other debris.

If you don’t intend to use a plant immediately after harvesting it, dry it properly so that it will retain as much of its life force as possible. The best way to dry herbs is to hang them upside down in bunches in a cool, dry, relatively dark place. You can also dry them flat by spreading them out on a plate or cutting board wrapped in cloth. If you choose the flat drying method, you will need to turn the leaves, stems, or flowers frequently so that they dry evenly and do not rot.

You can either leave plants hanging in bunches or remove the leaves and flowers and store them in airtight jars or bottles made of dark glass (amber and cobalt). This slows the damaging effects of light and will preserve the herbs for a longer period of time.

Dandelion Blossom Oil

You can use this basic flower oil recipe for anointing candles and talismans. Dandelions grow wild and you may not prize them highly because they’re “weeds,” but their commonplace nature doesn’t diminish their magickal power.

INGREDIENTS/TOOLS:

Dandelion blossoms

Jar with a tight lid

Cold-pressed olive oil or grape seed oil (amount determined by size of jar)

1 chopstick

Gather the dandelions at high noon on a sunny day—this imbues them with the radiant energy of the sun, and for practical purposes ensures that the blossoms will be dry. Fill your jar completely with the dandelion blossoms and pour in enough oil to completely fill the jar. Press out the air bubbles with the chopstick. Cap the jar and keep it in a cool, dry area. For the first two weeks, you’ll need to open the jar every few days to press out the air bubbles and refill the jar with oil up to the top, making sure that the lid is tightly closed afterward. After that, you can use this lovely flower oil to anoint any objects you may use in your spellwork.

Using Botanicals in Magick

You can use botanicals, whether fresh or dried, in numerous ways. Put dried plant material in pouches to make amulets and talismans, or choose especially fragrant herbs and flowers for sachets and potpourri. Many of the spells in Part II use botanicals in this way.

Some plants may be burned in ritual fires, as offerings, or for purification. Sage is one of the most popular plants to use for this purpose. Many botanicals also come in the form of incense (sticks, cones, coils), which you can burn in spells and rituals—lots of the spells in Part II involve burning incense.

You can make an herbal infusion by boiling water, removing the water from the heat, and then adding herbs or flowers to the water. Let the plant material steep in the water for several minutes, and then strain and pour the water into a glass container. If you wish, set flowers in water and leave them in the sun to “steep.” The essence of the flowers will be imparted to the water. Add a tiny amount of liquor such as brandy or vodka to the water to preserve it. Mist a room with flower water to purify it or sprinkle a little on an amulet or talisman to charge it.

You can prepare essential oils from plants if you like (although many people find it easier to purchase the oils). Oils are often used for anointing, consecrating, and blessing. You can add them to baths, too, and some may be ingested (but check first, as some are toxic). Each type of oil, like the plant from which it is derived, has its unique associations that enhance the power of your spell.

Burning a Ritual Fire

The Druids revered trees and understood the magickal nature of different types of trees. Oaks, for instance, symbolize strength and longevity; ashes and rowans provide protection; cedars attract prosperity; pines purify. You can burn a single type of wood or combine several in a ritual fire to produce a desired effect. If you decide to cut a twig or branch from a tree, remember to ask the tree’s permission first and thank it afterward. Leaving an offering for the tree, such as some organic fertilizer, is also a nice idea.

THE POWER OF STONES

Long before people prized gems for monetary reasons, they valued stones for their magick properties. Spellworkers still do. You’ve probably already used gems for spells, although you may not have realized it at the time. Have you ever worn a piece of jewelry that contained your birthstone? Birthstones resonate with the energy of your zodiac sign and they’ve been worn since ancient times to enhance, modify, and balance a person’s astrological makeup.

The dense nature of stones and their great endurance allows them to hold energy for a very long time. A gem that belonged to your great-grandmother probably still retains some of her energy resonance. This means that you can cast a spell using a stone and it will last for years. It also means that you need to cleanse stones before you work with them to remove any lingering vibes from people who handled them before you.

Just as each plant embodies certain characteristics and qualities that you can tap in spellwork, so does each stone. Often a stone’s magickal properties relate to its color(s), perhaps even more than its mineral composition. Again, this is an example of sympathetic magick and the associations we place on colors. The following list shows the relationships between a stone’s color and its magickal meaning:

✵ Red stones: Passion, courage, vitality

✵ Orange stones: Enthusiasm, good luck, self-confidence

✵ Yellow stones: Happiness, creativity (citrine or yellow quartz is used for cleansing)

✵ Green stones: Prosperity, growth, physical healing

✵ Blue stones: Peace, communication, psychic ability

✵ Purple stones: Wisdom, vision, connection with higher powers

✵ Pink stones: Love, friendship, social interactions, emotional balance

✵ White stones: Purity, cleansing, clarity, protection

✵ Black stones: Stability/permanence, banishing negativity, establishing boundaries

Gems are sacred in and of themselves, whether we choose to acknowledge them as such or not. They’re not inert lumps; they possess life energy. That energy will manifest in your spells, so consider the gems you select and your connection with them carefully.

Preparing Stones for Spellwork

Amulets, talismans, and other types of spells frequently include stones. You may choose to use only one stone in a spell or combine several to fine-tune your objectives. Let’s say, for example, that you’re doing a love spell and you want to generate both passion and affection. In this case, you could incorporate both carnelian and rose quartz. If you seek stability too, add a piece of onyx.

If you only use one stone in your spellwork, let it be a clear quartz crystal. These readily available stones can do it all. They hold ideas and intentions; they attract and send information; they augment, focus, and direct energy; they store material for future use; they let you gaze into the future and the past. Crystals come in a variety of colors, due to minerals in their composition. Those colors provide clues to the crystals’ use in spells.

Warning!

Don’t drill holes in the stones you choose for your magick work. Gemstones and crystals are life forms, and if you bore into them or break them you may kill them. Instead, wrap them with wire or have a jeweler set them if you plan to wear them. Loose stones are great for amulets and talismans. Large stones aren’t necessarily better than smaller ones—use your intuition and let yourself be drawn to the right stone for the job.

Before you begin working with gems and crystals, clear the stones of any residual energy left over from someone who may have previously handled the gems. Try one of the following methods:

✵ Wash the stone with mild soap and water, then leave it in the sunshine to dry. If you can hold it in the running water of a lovely, unpolluted stream, even better.

✵ Let the stone sit in the moonlight overnight to clear it.

✵ Smudge the gem by holding it in the smoke of burning sage or nestle it in a bed of dried sage leaves.

✵ Rub your stone gently with a piece of citrine (yellow quartz).

✵ Bury the gemstone in the earth for several days, or if possible, for the whole lunar month, beginning on the full moon.

Using Gemstones and Crystals in Spells

At the beginning of most chapters in Part II, you’ll find a list of specific stones that witches and other magicians typically use for spells of certain types. Generally speaking, opaque stones work well in spells that involve material things; cloudy or translucent stones are best for emotional situations; clear stones relate to mental or spiritual conditions.

Crystals and gemstones are among a spellcaster’s most basic and versatile tools. You can apply them in virtually any spell, in a variety of ways according to your preferences and the nature of the spell:

✵ Slip one or more stones and/or crystals into a mojo pouch or medicine bag to create a talisman or amulet.

✵ Carry a meaningful stone in your pocket to augment your personal energy.

✵ Wear gemstones/birthstones to heighten, calm, strengthen, balance, or otherwise influence your own energy patterns.

✵ Infuse water with a stone that relates to your intention, then remove the stone and drink the water.

✵ Add stones to bathwater to boost its healthful qualities.

✵ Place stones or crystals in your home to provide protection, harmonize energy patterns, or attract conditions you desire.

✵ Offer stones to deities and spirits in return for their assistance.

✵ Put a protection stone or quartz crystal in your car to keep you safe while traveling.

✵ Position stones on your body’s chakras (energy centers) to promote health and well being (see Chapter 15).

✵ Gaze into a crystal to see beyond your normal range of vision; this is known as scrying.

✵ Use a gemstone or crystal as a pendulum to dowse (see Chapter 6).

✵ Meditate with stones and/or crystals to deepen your concentration and relaxation.

✵ Take a crystal with you when you travel and let it record the memory of the trip.

✵ Imprint a crystal with a message or intention, then direct it toward someone you wish to contact. You can do this by first holding the crystal to your forehead and sending your thoughts into the crystal, or by holding it to your lips and telling it what you want it to do. Then aim the crystal away from you and envision your message flowing out through the pointed end toward the other person.

This list barely scratches the surface of the magickal possibilities available to you. In Part II of this book, you’ll find lots of spells that incorporate the power of gemstones and crystals. The more you work with stones, the more you’ll discover. Treat your stones with love and respect. Cleanse them frequently to remove unwanted vibes (unless they’ll remain in place permanently as part of a spell). When you’re not using them, store your stones in a safe place—wrapping them in silk will help to prevent ambient vibrations from affecting them. If you prefer, display them with pride on your altar or in another place of honor. Treat your crystals and gemstones as valued partners, and they will gladly work with you for a lifetime.