The Real Witches’ Book of Spells and Rituals. Kate West

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СКАЧАТЬ and nature, even if that means just keeping a couple of pot plants. Others may find that they need to spend time using visualization or meditation techniques, such as pathworking. All tend to find that they need to do some mental and spiritual ‘housekeeping’ from time to time, to ensure that they clear away the ‘baggage’ caused by daily life and relationships. It used to be common in the Craft to hear the term ‘tests of the Elements’, and this referred to actual tasks, often set by the High Priestess of the Coven, which had to be completed before the Witch was considered to be accepted for the next level of learning. These ‘tests’ seem to have died away in modern times, but it is still a good idea to set yourself tasks which will expose you (safely) to experiences of the elements in their natural state. These might include going to a hilltop to experience strong winds, lying down in strong sunlight to meditate (not just to sunbathe!), immersing yourself fully in the sea, or visiting a deep dark cave and turning your torch off for a few minutes. Deliberately seeking to experience the Spirit is somewhat harder to envisage, but often the best way to set about this is to devise a meditation which can be performed in Circle or to perform a Self-Blessing.

      VISUALIZATION

      After understanding, harnessing and balancing the Elements, the next most important technique in being able to work Magic is that of visualization. Visualization is simply being able to imagine so strongly, that what you imagine seems as ‘real’ as the ‘real world’. It is not just a matter of seeing the ‘picture’ in your mind, but also of being able to experience the other senses of sound, taste, touch and smell, too. Whilst a lucky few find that this comes naturally, many people find it extremely difficult at first, but it really is just a matter of practice. The secret is not to expect too much too soon. Start by bringing to mind recent, mundane events, such as the last meal you ate, or the experience of watching TV last night. When you can conjure these up in your mind’s eye so clearly that you can remember sounds that you may not have been aware of at the time, then it is time to move on to less personal experiences. Many people soon realize that the technique of visualization is something that they practise in an unformed way when they daydream. For them it is more a question of learning to direct their ‘daydreaming mode’, rather than learning a new technique.

      Visualization is important in the practice of magic because the more strongly you can visualize your magic actually working the more effective it will be. In many cases it is best if you actually visualize the whole process which will bring about the desired change, rather than just focussing on the end result. For example, if someone has an infected finger, it can be more effective if you can visualize the white blood cells rushing to the site to destroy the infection, rather than simply focusing on a healed finger. Likewise if you can visualize two warring parties meeting and agreeing to talk things through, then visualize their discussion, with both sides being patient, your chances of bringing about a reconciliation are far greater than if you just hope that they will ‘make it up’.

      The ability to visualize means that, after much practice, you will be able to perform magic without tools and equipment. There comes a time when you can learn to utilize the elements, create your Sacred Space and work your magic with no Altar, words or actions, other than the visualization within your mind.

      

      PREPARING TO WORK MAGIC

      Having talked about how to make Magic work we need to look at the things we need to do before we can actually start doing it. We’ve already seen why you need to have your ‘internal elements’ in balance, but there are other things you need to consider before you start waving that ‘magic wand’! As I’ve said before, one of the sayings of the Craft, which seems to have made it into everyday speech, is ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’. This is because, first, there can be sometimes quite a large gap between what you ask for and what you really want. ‘I want gold’ could result in your being given a gold sheet of paper or a gold-coloured flower. Secondly, you need to think carefully through all the potential consequences. ‘I want gold’ could result in inheriting money through the loss of a loved one. So you need to formulate your magic very carefully. You’ll find other cautions later in this chapter, but don’t expect these to cover all eventualities. Personal responsibility is one of the key tenets of the Craft and you are personally responsible for all the effects of your magic, whether you foresaw them or not!

      In order to prepare your magic it is a good idea carefully to think through not only what you want to happen, but also what might happen, good or bad, as a result. A good many Witches place a spell of protection over their car. Done carefully this can help to avoid accidents (although careful driving is still a prerequisite!), damage and theft. But done without due thought it can also result in a car which seems, from the actions of other road users, to have become less visible, resulting in several ‘close calls’ on the road!

      You also need to consider your environment. You will be less likely to be able to focus if there are distractions, both physical and mental. This is why you should have a clear and tidy working space, should turn off the TV, radio and phone and ensure that you will be free from disturbances from others. If possible lock the door, ensure the children are abed and any pets are settled out of the way. You also need to ensure that you yourself are prepared, that you are neither hungry nor thirsty, nor likely to need the bathroom halfway through. Then you need to be able to clear your mind of all the worries and concerns of daily life. For this we often use the Rite of Banishment of Unwanted Influences (see here), which allows us to rid ourselves of outside thoughts. Many Witches find that the best way to personally prepare is to bathe, and then dress in special clothes, which they reserve for Ritual and Magical work. This has the effect of helping you to distance magical work from daily life. For some, the setting of the Altar helps to enhance this process as it is a Rite in itself which focuses the mind on the work to come.

      Speaking of setting the Altar, it is essential to ensure that you have everything to hand which you will need. It is very distracting, whether working on your own or in a group, to have to pause to leave the Circle to collect something. For this reason many Witches write a short summary of what they are about to do, together with a list of the tools they will need. For some, this writing of their intent becomes not just part of the preparation but also part of the Magic itself.

      When working in a group or Coven it is also important that everyone present is aware of the intention of the Ritual and that they agree with the Magic to be worked. If just one person in a group disagrees with the purpose of the Magic they can have an adverse effect on the outcome. At the least they weaken the Magic, at worst they can prevent it happening at all. Everyone needs to be aware of exactly what is going to happen, and their role in it, as the energy flows more freely when everyone can move smoothly and knowledgeably throughout the Ritual. Hence in Coven working it is usual to find that a copy of the Ritual, with roles assigned, is available to everyone on their arrival at the Covenstead. In addition, the High Priestess will then go through that Ritual with the whole group prior to the start of working, to ensure that everyone understands exactly what is supposed to happen and what is expected of them.

      

      WHAT PREVENTS MAGIC FROM WORKING?

      Having looked at what makes magic work we also need to look at the things that can prevent it from working.

       Asking for the Wrong Thing

      As mentioned above, you must be careful what you wish for, otherwise you may get what you asked for, not what you actually want. Generally speaking, the more time you spend considering what you really want to achieve, and considering all the potential outcomes, the better you will be able to formulate your wishes and direct your intent.

       Insufficient Belief

      It is not necessary for your subject to believe that magic works for it to happen, this is not a form of faith healing. Although СКАЧАТЬ