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

Timing Spells for Best Results
Spellworking Basics

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

—ECCLESIASTES 3.1, KING JAMES BIBLE

You’ve heard the saying “timing is everything,” right? In spellwork, sometimes when you cast a spell can be just as important as how. Think of it this way. Casting a spell is like planting seeds. In order for seeds to grow into healthy plants, you must sow them during optimal conditions. The same holds true for spells. Of course, if you feel a pressing need to do a spell or sense that the energies around you are compatible with your intention, by all means go ahead.

ASTROLOGY AND MAGICK

When doing magick spells, it’s a good idea to take celestial influences into account in order to choose the most auspicious times to perform spells and rituals. The sun and moon, and their ever-changing relationships to our planet, have fascinated human beings since the beginning of time. Our ancestors noticed that the sun’s apparent movement brought about the seasons and that the moon’s phases altered the tides and affected fertility in both humans and animals. Even today, we can easily see how solar and lunar forces operate in everyday life.

The ancients believed gods and goddesses inhabited the heavenly bodies. From their celestial abodes, they governed every facet of life on earth. Each deity—and each planet—possessed certain characteristics and powers. Modern astrologers don’t usually think of the planets as the homes of god/desses; however, they still connect each of the celestial spheres with specific properties, influences, and powers that affect human and earthly existence.

Planetary Powers

Aligning yourself with planetary powers that support the nature of your spells can improve the effectiveness of your magickal workings. The following table shows each planet’s areas of influence. (Note: For convenience, astrologers often lump the sun and moon under the broad heading of “planets” although, of course, we know they’re not.)

When you’re doing spells, you may want to refer to this table. Venus’s energy, for instance, can enhance love spells. Jupiter’s expansive power can be an asset when you’re doing spells for career success or financial growth. You can use the planets’ symbols on candles, in talismans and amulets, and lots of other ways.

View a text version of this table

You may also wish to consult an astrologer or check an ephemeris (tables of daily planetary movements) to determine when the celestial energies are favorable for your magickal workings.

Power Days

The heavenly bodies also rule the days of the week. By casting a spell on the day that corresponds to your intention—based on the deity who presides over the day—you can increase your potential for success. Most love spells, for instance, should be done on Friday because Venus, the planet of love and relationships, governs that day. Perform spells to bring success or money on Thursday, when Jupiter encourages growth.

Your Personal Best

When’s the best time for you to cast a spell? On your birthday. On that special day each year, the sun shines brightly on you (even if it’s raining outdoors) and spotlights your unique talents and abilities. Its energy illuminates and enhances whatever you undertake. As a result, whatever spells you do on your birthday have a better than usual chance of succeeding.

Planets and Signs

Each planet rules one or more signs of the zodiac. You probably know your birth sign—that’s the astrological sign in which the sun was positioned on the day you were born. What you may not know, though, is that the moon and all the planets in our solar system also spend periods of time in each of the twelve signs of the zodiac and they continually move through these signs/sectors of the heavens. These signs “color” the energy of the planets. Therefore, it’s good to check the positions of the planets when you’re doing spells—especially the placements of the sun and moon. In Part II, I frequently advise doing spells when the sun or moon is in a particular astrological sign, in order to tip the scales in your favor. The following table shows the connections between the planets and the signs they govern.

Now, refer back to the table presented earlier in this chapter that lists the planets and their areas of influence. When the sun or moon is positioned in a sign, it takes on some of the characteristics of that sign and the planet that rules the sign, which can be important in spellwork. For example, it’s usually best to do love spells when the sun or moon is in Taurus or Libra—signs ruled by the planet Venus. If you’re doing a travel spell, consider casting it when the sun or moon is in Gemini or Sagittarius.

The moon remains in a sign for about two and a half days and completes a circuit of all twelve zodiac signs each month. Check an ephemeris or an online astrology site to determine which days will support your objectives.

Mercury’s Retrograde Periods

Every four months, the planet Mercury goes retrograde for approximately three weeks and appears to be moving backward through the sky. Mercury rules communication and thinking in general, so your mind might not be as clear as usual during retrograde periods. Your ability to communicate with others may be hampered as well. Usually, these aren’t good times to do magick, as confusion and mistakes can occur.

MOON MAGICK

In early agrarian cultures, our ancestors planted crops and bred animals in accordance with the moon’s cycles. Today, we can still see the moon’s influence on fertility cycles, crop growth, the ocean’s tides, and mundane affairs. In terms of casting spells, the moon is the most important of the heavenly bodies to consider. Magick practitioners often time their spells to correspond to the movements of this so-called “lesser light,” perhaps because the moon rules intuition and the emotions, two parts of the psyche that strongly influence magick.

Farmers’ Almanac

For almost 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac has published information about lunar cycles. It’s not uncommon for farmers who employ advanced technical methods to also take the Almanac’s advice when planting and harvesting crops. Spellworkers, too, realize that you can reap greater benefits if you sow seeds (physically or symbolically) when the moon’s position supports growth.

The New Moon

The new moon supports beginnings: the inception of new ideas, plans, projects, relationships, and activities. Now is the time to plant symbolic seeds that represent whatever you wish to create in your life. Cast spells to launch a new business, begin a relationship, or start a family. As the moon moves toward its full phase, you can watch your endeavor develop. The new moon is a good time to do divination, too.

The Waxing Phase

The moon’s waxing phase—the two weeks between the new and full moons—represents a period of growth. This is the best time to do spells designed to expand a business, attract new people, and encourage prosperity. If, for instance, you wish to earn more money or get a promotion at work, do a spell during the waxing moon. As the moon’s light grows, so will your fortune.

The Full Moon

The full moon represents the time of culmination and harvest. Under the moon’s bright light, you can see (or at least start to see) the results of whatever you initiated two weeks ago, during the new moon, and begin reaping the benefits. You have more clarity now to understand how your goals are shaping up and what steps you need to take (if any) to bring them to fruition. Things that were hidden before may now come to light.

The Waning Phase

During the two weeks from the full moon to the next new moon, the moon “wanes” and appears to diminish in size from our vantage point here on Earth. This is a good time to do spells that involve decrease or letting go. This two-week period is perfect for spells to break old romantic ties, lose weight, eliminate bad habits, and reduce responsibilities at home or work. As the moon visibly shrinks, so will the conditions you’ve targeted with your magick.

Black and Blue Moons

When a month contains two full moons, the second is called a “blue moon.” When two new moons occur in one month, the second is known as a “black moon.” In these instances, the second one is considered more powerful than a regular new or full moon, so spells you do now may manifest more quickly.

Keeping a Lunar Journal

You may find it useful to keep track of the moon’s phases for a few months, to get a sense of how the energy shifts and how it affects you. In a notebook or computer file, write a paragraph or so about how you feel during each lunar phase—describe your emotions, experiences, thoughts, and anything unusual or especially meaningful that happens. You might also wish to record your dreams and examine them in connection with the moon’s position.

If you’re recording your magickal work in a grimoire or book of shadows, be sure to note the moon’s phase and its zodiac sign at the time you cast each spell. This practice will enable you to keep track of the moon’s impact on your spells, so you can work more successfully with lunar power in the future.

ESBATS

Witches often come together for esbats, or meetings of covens, usually on full and/or new moons, to enjoy community and fellowship. Each full moon has its own unique characteristics, often based on seasonal energies. Esbat rituals draw upon nature’s patterns, as well as mythology, cultural traditions, and astrology. Whether or not your magickal practice involves other people, you may wish to mark the full moons with rituals and/or spellwork. The following list briefly describes some of the attributes of each full moon. (Note that different cultures call the moons by different names.)

1. January—Known as the Cold, Frost, Ice, and Quiet Moon, it marks a time for renewal, discovery, resolve, and focusing on your purpose. Now is the time to set goals and to do spells for wealth and prosperity.

2. February—Called the Wild, Snow, Ice, and Starving Moon, it represents a period of healing and purification. Spells that prepare you for initiation, encourage healing or new growth, or foster physical or financial well-being are appropriate at this time.

3. March—The Storm, Wind, or Death Moon ushers in a time of change and awakening after a bleak, dormant period. Goals set under January’s Cold Moon now begin to manifest. Do spells for personal growth and change now.

4. April—The Seed, Water, Growing, or Awakening Moon is a time of opening to new opportunities and experiences. Do spells for love, cleansing, growth, and strength at this time.

5. May—Known as the Hare, Bright, Grass, and Corn-planting Moon, it encourages joy, pleasure, sexuality, and fertility. This is a good time to do love spells, as well as spells for healing from emotional trauma and loss.

6. June—During the Honey, Mead, Planting, or Horse Moon, focus on strengthening relationships of all kinds: love, family, friendship, etc. This is also a good time to do spells to enhance communication and domestic harmony.

7. July—The Wort, Raspberry, or Rose Moon represents a time of maturation and fulfillment. Spells for protection and prosperity can benefit from the energy of this full moon.

8. August—This harvest moon, known as the Barley, Gathering, or Lightning Moon, is a time for gathering together all that holds meaning for you. Celebrate your blessings now and show gratitude, which will bring more blessings your way. Work with others of like mind during this time to share ideas, goals, and information.

9. September—The Harvest, Singing, or Spiderweb Moon is another period of reaping rewards for your efforts, and for seeing your dreams come to fruition. Give thanks for goals realized, projects completed, and wisdom gained. Focus on completion and bringing your life into balance.

10. October—During the Blood, Harvest, or Leaf-falling Moon, release old patterns and clear away emotional/psychic debris. Do spells to help you let go of whatever or whoever is standing in your way of fulfillment. This is also a time to remember and honor loved ones who have moved on to another realm of existence.

11. November—The Snow, Dark, or Tree Moon is a time to look beyond the mundane world, into the magickal one. Scry to gaze into the future; do divination to gain guidance and wisdom that will aid you in the coming months. Open your mind to receive prophecies of things to come.

12. December—Under the Dark, Cold, or Long Night Moon, release your fears and banish those things in your life that are harmful or no longer useful. This is a time for silence, meditation, and introspection. Do spells to break old bonds, overcome obstacles, and end self-limiting habits/behaviors.

Whether you belong to a group of magick workers or are a solitary practitioner, you will experience during full moon nights the sense of community and fellowship of like-minded people. You can be certain that on any full moon, people around the world are casting circles and performing spells, celebrating and chanting, scrying and meditating. You are an integral part of this global community. By realizing your part in the whole, you will bring yourself into closer connection with your fellow beings and the Divine.

SABBATS

Our ancestors divided the sun’s annual cycle, known as the Wheel of the Year, into eight periods of approximately six weeks each. Each “spoke” in the Wheel corresponds to a particular degree in the zodiac. Witches and other pagans refer to these dates as sabbats, and celebrate them as holidays (or holy days). These high-energy days offer special opportunities for performing magick spells and rituals.

Samhain

Better known as Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve, this holy day is usually observed on the night of October 31. For witches, Samhain is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed over to the other side (hence the connection with death). You may also wish to contact spirits in other realms of existence on this eve, or request guidance from ancestors or guardians. Because the “veil” that separates the seen and unseen worlds is thinnest at Samhain, many people like to do tarot or rune readings now to gain insight into the future. Perform spells to break old bonds and shed old habits on Samhain. For example, on a piece of paper write down something you want to release from your life, then burn the paper in your cauldron or a ritual fire.

Yule, the Winter Solstice

Yule is celebrated on the day of the winter solstice, which usually occurs between December 20 and December 22. This is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the time when the earth is farthest away from the sun in her orbit through space. Because Yule marks the turning point at which the days begin to lengthen again, witches hail it as the “return of the light.” To celebrate, light candles to represent the sun and burn a Yule log (usually oak, which symbolizes strength and longevity). Save a piece of the log to start your Yule fire next year. Do spells for rebirth and new beginnings on this sabbat.

Imbolc, Brigid’s Day, or Candlemas

This sabbat honors Brigid, the beloved Celtic goddess of healing, smithcraft, and poetry. Her holiday begins on the evening of January 31 and concludes on February 2. At this time, daylight is increasing and the promise of spring is in the air. Thus, Imbolc is considered a time of hope and renewal. Brigid is one of the fertility goddesses, often depicted stirring a cauldron, and imbolc means “in the belly.” Witches connect her with all forms of creativity, so this sabbat is a good time to engage your own creative urges. Do spells to launch new ventures, kindle inspiration for a project, or spark your imagination.

Ostara, the Spring Equinox

Usually celebrated around March 21, Ostara marks the first day of spring, ushering in warmer weather and longer days in the Northern Hemisphere. The earth awakens from her long winter’s sleep and new life begins to emerge once more. This sabbat celebrates the triumph of life over death, as well as fertility and creativity. A time for planting seeds—literally or figuratively—Ostara’s energy supports spells for beginnings. Consider planting herbs and flowers now to use in future spells. You may also want to craft talismans to attract good fortune.

Beltane

Witches usually celebrate Beltane on May 1, when flowers bloom profusely and crops begin sprouting in the fields. The sabbat marks a period of fruitfulness, and honors sexuality and fertility. An old tradition says that on Beltane women who wished to become pregnant should build a small fire in a cauldron, and then jump over it. Do love spells on this sabbat—fashion good luck charms to attract a new partner or improve an existing relationship. This is also a good time to tap the earth’s fertility for prosperity magick—plant herbs such as mint and parsley to use in money spells.

Midsummer, the Summer Solstice

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, usually around June 21. This is a time of abundance, when the earth puts forth her bounty in all its radiance. Tap this period of fullness to boost the power of spells for wealth, success, or recognition. Legend says you can communicate with the elementals and fairies now, and solicit their help in spellwork (see Chapter 7). Midsummer is also a good time to collect herbs, flowers, and other plants to use in magick spells throughout the year.

Lughnasadh or Lammas

Named for the Irish Celtic god Lugh (Lew in Wales), Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nah-sah) is usually celebrated on August 1. It is the first of the harvest festivals; our ancestors saw it as a time to reap the fruits of their labors and to begin preparing for the winter months ahead. As you enjoy the earth’s bounty, remember to show gratitude for your blessings. This is a good time to do spells for health and protection, and to concoct herbal potions from fresh, healthy plants.

Mabon, the Autumn Equinox

Usually occurring around September 22, the autumn equinox is a time of balance and harmony, when day and night are of equal length. During this second harvest festival, witches take stock of the year’s successes and failures, and give thanks for the good things in their lives. Honor your accomplishments now and reassess situations that didn’t turn out as you’d hoped. As the year wanes, do spells for letting go, reduction, and endings. Legal spells can also benefit from Maban’s energy. This is also a good time to resolve conflict and establish boundaries, in both personal and professional areas.

My book The Modern Guide to Witchcraft discusses the Wheel of the Year in greater depth, and includes some of the traditions surrounding these sabbats. It also offers suggestions for celebrating these special days.

When Not to Cast a Spell

Unless you have a clear goal in mind, don’t bother doing a spell. Not only is it a waste of time and energy, it can actually create more problems because the energy generated by your spell lacks focus and bounces around through your life randomly like a pinball. If you’re distracted or worried, your state of mind will interfere with your focus and the effects of your spell. Usually it’s not a good idea to do a spell when you’re ill, either, because your personal energies are unbalanced and that could weaken your spell. You might even send unhealthy vibes into the universe or drain your own vitality. Of course, you may want to do a spell to regain your health; try something gentle, such as a healing bath (see Chapter 13).

As we now move into Part II of this book, you’ll notice that I recommend the best time to perform each spell, taking into account the moon’s phase and other astrological influences. Usually I suggest more than one option. If a situation warrants immediate action and you can’t do a spell on the optimal date, don’t despair. Go ahead, and remember that your intention is the most important part of any spell.