The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book: Your Complete Guide to Crafting and Casting Spells - Skye Alexander 2015
Spellworking with Spirits
Spellworking Basics
Do you believe in angels? Ghosts? Other spirit beings? If so, you’re not alone. Throughout history, people have believed in nonphysical entities of many kinds. The ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian pantheons, for example, included lots of gods, goddesses, and lesser deities who performed a variety of tasks in this world and beyond. The Celts, Norse, Chinese, Hindi, and Native Americans all looked to divine beings for guidance and aid. Christianity honors an assortment of saints, and many traditions speak of angels. Our ancestors even credited spirits with bringing about natural occurrences, such as lightning and floods, and wove intricate myths around these supernatural beings.
We’ve already talked a little about spellworking with spirits and how they can help you in your magickal practice. In fact, spirits may be giving you a hand even if you don’t realize it or haven’t specifically asked for their assistance. What do we mean by spirits? In a very general sense, for the purposes of this book, we’re referring to nonphysical beings who exist in another level of reality and with whom you can interact in some way. That’s a broad and overly simplistic definition, and it includes many more entities than we’ll discuss here. Gods and goddesses, angels, guides and guardians, ancestors, elementals, spirit animals, fairies, nature spirits, friends and loved ones who’ve left the material world, and many more may connect with you from time to time across “the Great Divide.” In some cases, you can call upon them to assist you in spellworking.
Magick Cats
The ancient Egyptians revered cats as deities, but the Celts also attributed supernatural powers to felines. In Irish folklore, cat sidhe (otherworldly beings) guard access to the Underworld and its treasure. Magick white cats accompany the Welsh goddess Ceridwin. Images of cats appear on special stones in Scotland, put there by an ancient race known as the Picts. Female fairies and witches have long been known to keep cats as familiars (magickal companions) and to shapeshift into cats.
GODS AND GODDESSES
Do you feel an affinity with a particular culture, race, religion, or nation? If so, you may wish to study those people and their gods and goddesses. If you feel drawn to ancient Egypt, for instance, you might want to learn more about Isis, Bast, Hathor, Osiris, or Thoth. If you’re Irish, you may sense a connection with Brigid, Ceridwin, or Lugh. But you needn’t look only to deities with whom you share some lineage or common ground.
The Right God/dess for the Job
My previous books, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft and The Everything® Wicca and Witchcraft Book, contain lists of gods and goddesses from various cultures, along with their attributes. If you plan to call upon deities for assistance in spellwork, look to those whose characteristics and special powers relate to your intention(s). For example:
✵ In love spells, seek aid from Venus, Aphrodite, Freya, or Aengus.
✵ For prosperity spells, call upon Lakshmi, Zeus, or the Green Man (a pagan woodland deity, associated with fertility and popular in Celtic mythology).
✵ Ask Brigid, Ceres, or Lugh for assistance with healing spells.
✵ If you seek protection, call on Artemis, Tara, or Horus.
✵ To gain wisdom or inspiration, ask Brigid, Ceridwin, Sophia, Mercury, Odin, or Thoth for help.
✵ Spells for courage or strength could benefit from the help of Mars, Sekhmet, or Ganesh.
Sometimes all you have to do to enlist a deity’s aid is ask. However, you can show your sincerity by placing an image of the god or goddess on your altar, or in another place of honor. If the deity has a holiday associated with him or her, celebrate it. You can also make an offering to a deity—incense, flowers, gemstones, etc. Do a little research to see if the god/dess you wish to contact has a favorite.
Calling a God or Goddess
After you’ve determined which deity you want to work with, cast a circle and invite that god/dess to join you in your sacred space. You can do this alone or with a group. You may wish to devote your altar to the deity for the term of the spell, or longer. Light a candle and incense, if you like, to help transport you mentally into another level of reality.
1. Clear your mind, center yourself, feel your connection to the earth and the heavens.
2. Allow your intuition and your personal energy to expand, becoming lighter and more sensitive.
3. Hold your arms out to your side, palms open, as if to embrace the deity whose presence you seek.
4. Call to the deity by name and request that he or she join you. This petition can be as simple or as eloquent as you choose. Some people invite the deity into their own bodies, but that’s not necessary in most instances and involves a bit more skill.
5. When you sense the presence of the god/dess, continue with whatever magick you’ve chosen to perform.
If you’re working outdoors, the deity may manifest through a sign or natural occurrence, such as a clap of thunder if the day is stormy, the parting of clouds, an increase in the wind, or other such phenomena. Sometimes the token spirit animal associated with the deity appears—e.g., a deer if you’ve called upon Diana. Sometimes the god/dess will speak directly in the form of an oracle. Often you simply feel a heightened sense of energy, awareness, or power, and you know the deity is there with you.
After you’ve finished your spellwork, release the deity. Many people like to compose a poetic parting statement, but you can say something as simple as: “Thank you [NAME] for your assistance here today. May you return home safely, and may there be peace between us.” Remember to show respect and gratitude, just as you would if a human being had given you assistance in your pursuit. Then open the circle, trusting that with the deity’s aid your spell will succeed.
SPIRIT ANIMALS
In ancient times, people in many parts of the world believed spirit animals lived in an invisible realm that intersects with our own physical one. These spirit beings helped our ancestors in countless ways, from providing food and protection to offering healing wisdom to predicting the future. Early humans considered these animal guides and guardians as deities—somewhat like angels—and paid homage to them.
What Are Spirit Animals?
Some traditions say that animal guides once lived on earth as physical creatures and passed over into the spirit world after death. Other views suggest that spirit beings never actually existed in the flesh—although their earthly counterparts may embody the spirits’ energies. Still others tell us that spirit animals can assume the forms of physical creatures when they want to and can move between the worlds of ordinary and non-ordinary reality at will. People who study and work with spirit animals generally agree on one thing, however: These entities willingly offer us their help, and you can tap their special powers to enhance your well-being.
You’ve probably heard of “totems.” The term refers to an animal, bird, reptile, fish, or insect with which you feel a strong and perhaps inexplicable affinity. A totem is your primary spirit animal guardian, or the guardian of your family or group. That being is always with you, protecting and guiding you. However, your personal totem may invite other animals to assist on occasions when you need a little extra help or when you’re facing a challenge that requires the special characteristics of another creature.
Working with Spirit Animals
Ask your primary animal guide to make itself known to you. Try not to hold any expectations about what creature will appear. Perhaps you’ll see a vision of it in your mind’s eye or sense its presence near you. It might show up in a dream, or you may encounter its physical counterpart in nature. Trust that it will appear when the time is right and that the experience will be a positive one.
Showing respect and admiration for your totem animal is an essential part of working with it. This creature has a great deal to offer you, so you’ll want to express gratitude. You can do this in a variety of ways:
✵ Find pictures of your totem in magazines or online and display them in your home or workplace.
✵ Learn as much as you can about your animal.
✵ Draw, paint, or sculpt images of your totem.
✵ Write a poem or story about your spirit animal.
✵ Watch animal shows on TV.
✵ Wear jewelry or clothing with the animal’s picture on it.
✵ Go to a park, beach, farm, wildlife sanctuary, zoo, or other place to see your totem in the flesh.
✵ Join an animal welfare organization.
✵ Give money to a charity that protects animals and/or their habitat.
Once you’ve established a close relationship with your spirit animal guide or guides, you can ask them to assist you in all sorts of magickal work. Spirit animals can teach you their unique skills, provide protection, aid in healing, carry messages to and from other worlds, and do much more. My book The Secret Power of Spirit Animals contains lots of information about these amazing beings and how to work with them.
Familiars, Totems, and Pets
The term familiar refers to a special animal, bird, or other creature that works with a person to produce magickal results. Remember Harry Potter’s owl? A familiar’s physical and spiritual qualities can help you in spellworking. Sometimes a beloved pet might be a familiar, but that’s not always the case. Your totem might share its powers through a familiar, but your totem doesn’t necessarily serve as your familiar, nor is your familiar necessarily your totem.
ANGELS
In 2011, a poll conducted by the Associated Press found that 77 percent of Americans believe in angels. Many people report having received help from angels, especially during times of crisis or in periods of hopelessness and despair. According to some sources, everyone has a personal guardian angel who hears your prayers, watches over you, and helps you handle the challenges in your life.
Angelic Hierarchies
In some traditions, a hierarchy of angelic forces exists, with many ethereal beings at ascending levels of power. The Old Testament of the Bible lists them in the following order, from the lowest to the highest:
Level 1: Personal guardian angels
Level 2: Archangels
Level 3: Principalities (Princes)
Level 4: Powers
Level 5: Virtues
Level 6: Dominions
Level 7: Thrones (Orphanim)
Level 8: Cherubim
Level 9: Seraphim
Connecting with Your Guardian Angel
Do you sense the presence of your own guardian angel? If not, you may want to try one or more of the following:
✵ Before falling asleep, ask your angel to appear to you in a dream.
✵ Light incense and send your request to your angel in the rising smoke.
✵ On a slip of paper write a message to your angel, fold it three times, then burn it in your cauldron, fireplace, barbecue grill, or other safe spot.
✵ Place a figurine or picture of an angel on your altar.
✵ Meditate and listen for your angel’s “voice.”
✵ Observe nature. You might see your angel in the clouds, a body of water, a flower, or elsewhere.
Spellworking with Angels
Magick workers often invite angels to participate in rituals, both to provide protection and to augment the powers of the people involved in the ritual. Usually the angel Raphael is associated with the east, Michael with the south, Gabriel with the west, and Uriel with the north. You can use the following circle casting technique to invite these angelic beings to join you in your spellwork or ritual. Feel free to elaborate on this basic formula—make it as evocative as you like. Use your imagination.
1. Face east and hold your wand outstretched before you. Say aloud: “Angel Raphael, guardian of the east, be here now.”
2. Turn clockwise and face south. Hold your wand outstretched before you. Say aloud: “Angel Michael, guardian of the south, be here now.”
3. Turn clockwise and face west. Hold your wand outstretched before you. Say aloud: “Angel Gabriel, guardian of the west, be here now.”
4. Turn clockwise and face north. Hold your wand outstretched before you. Say aloud: “Angel Uriel, guardian of the north, be here now.”
5. Turn clockwise again until you reach the point at which you started to complete the circle, then proceed with your spell.
At the end of the spell or ritual, release the angels you’ve called in and thank them for assisting you. Again, you can use a simple, straightforward statement or a more colorful one that you create yourself. Open the circle in reverse order from how you cast it.
ELEMENTALS
Elementals are so named because they represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Most of the time you can’t see them, though occasionally they cross over into our range of vision. They often figure prominently in folklore, fairy tales, and legends. If you befriend them, elementals can serve as devoted helpers who will eagerly assist you in performing magick spells.
However, these capricious beings aren’t above playing tricks on you—especially if they feel you’ve dissed them or they just don’t like you. Treat elementals with consideration, respect, and a bit of caution. Always remember to thank the elementals who assist you in your spellworking, too, and perhaps offer them a small gift to show your appreciation.
Gnomes
Gnomes are earth spirits. Sometimes called trolls, elves, or leprechauns, these elementals are practical, no-nonsense creatures that may appear a bit gruff. However, they possess a wonderful appreciation for material things and can be valuable aides when you’re doing prosperity spells. They can also assist you with practical and mundane matters. Gnomes enjoy a bit of bling, so give them a piece of jewelry, a pretty crystal, or a few shiny coins to thank them for their help.
Sylphs
What people often think of as fairies are most likely air spirits, known as sylphs. They often look like tiny lights or flickering sparks. Because their specialty is communication, they can help you with negotiating contracts, writing term papers, pitching ideas, or other matters that involve communication. Sylphs naturally gravitate to intelligent, literary, and analytical people. They’re especially fond of flowers, so place fresh blossoms on your altar or lay them in a sacred spot outdoors as an offering.
Salamanders
No, I don’t mean lizards. These are the fire spirits, lively entities who are naturally drawn to people who exhibit creativity and initiative. When you do spells that involve action, inspiration, daring, or passion, salamanders can serve as liaisons, marshaling the forces of the fire realm to assist you. Call on them when you need an infusion of courage or vitality; they can also help you initiate a project or embark on a risky venture. They’re also adept at handling contests that involve will and strength, whether on the gridiron or in the boardroom. Burn candles or incense to honor these elementals.
Ondines (Undines)
Ondines are water spirits. Mermaids and water nymphs fall into this category. These beautiful but sometimes temperamental beings relate best to sensitive, artistic, and psychic people. Invite them to assist you when you’re doing love spells. They can also help you with emotional issues and situations that require keen intuition. Ondines are fond of perfume—pour a few drops in a stream, lake, or other body of water as a thank-you gift.
As representatives of the natural world, elementals frown on people who disrespect or harm the earth or its creatures. To win the elementals’ favor, treat animals, plants, and all of our planet’s inhabitants kindly.
“[I]n the solid earth element live spiritual beings of an elemental kind who are very much more clever than human beings. Even a person of extreme astuteness intellectually is no match for these beings . . . One could say that just as man consists of flesh and blood so do these beings consist of cleverness, of super-cleverness . . . We may take pleasure in a red rose or feel enchanted when trees unfold their foliage. But these beings go with the fluid which as sap rises in the rose bush and participate in the redness of the blossoms.”
—RUDOLF STEINER, “THE ELEMENTAL WORLD AND THE FUTURE OF MANKIND,” THE GENERAL ANTHROPOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, 1922
Spirits of all sorts populate our earth and the universe beyond. The ancient Greeks believed that spirits known as dryads lived in trees, and that if you cut down a tree the dryad would die. Early Romans believed that beings called nymphs occupied all the waters of the world. You could say that everything in our world embodies spirit—and just to be on the safe side, assume that spirits abide everywhere, even though you may not see them.
Ancestors, ghosts, fairies, mythic creatures, and other supernatural entities have intrigued us since the dawn of time. We’ve sought to appease them, woo them, avoid their displeasure, and solicit their aid. Spellworkers today still do so. If you choose to do spellwork with spirits, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the beings you wish to contact. Some are nice guys, some aren’t—and many can be just a bit slippery. The realms in which they function aren’t the same as ours, nor do they abide by the same rules we do.
Usually you’re better off calling on angels and eschewing demons in any sort of spellwork. Both exist, and both are willing to work with you. But before you invite any spirit to assist you, remember an old saying among magicians: Don’t raise any power you can’t put down.