Everyone wants to perform spells and works of magic with consistent
and reliable results. There are essentially five so
called "ingredients" that comprise the art of creating successful
works of magic. You can adapt them or arrange them according to your
own needs as long as you employ them all. These components are
personal will, timing, imagery, direction, and balance. Let's look at
each one and gain an understanding of the concept.
Personal Will
Personal will can also be thought of as motivation, temptation, or
persuasion. In order to establish enough power to accomplish your
goal, you must be sufficiently moved to perform a work of magic. If
you do not focus fully on the results, or if you invest only a small
amount of energy in your desire, you are unlikely to realize any true
results. The stronger your need or desire is, the more likely it is
that you will raise the amount of energy required to manifest what
you seek. However, desire or need is not enough by itself. Bear in
mind that desire must be controlled, and the will must be focused
only upon a detatched view of the desired outcome of your spell or
magical rite. Enflame your mind in the intent while at the same time
separating yourself from the desired result. In other words, run the
race mindful of the finish line but totally focused on the pace.
Timing
In the performance of ritual magic, timing can mean success or
failure. The best time to cast a spell or create a work of magic is
when the target is most receptive. Receptivity is usually assured
when the target is passive. People sleep, corporations close
overnight and during holidays, etc. One must also take into account
the phase of the Moon and the season of the year. Wiccans always work
with nature and not against her. Generally speaking, 4:00 a.m. in the
target zone is the most effective time to cast a spell of influence
over a person or situation.
Imagery
The success of any work also depends on images created by the mind.
This is where the imagination enters into the formula. Anything that
serves to intensify the emotions will contribute to success of your
spell. Any drawing, statue, photo, scent, article of clothing, sound,
or situation that helps to merge you with your desire will greatly
add to your success. Imagery is a constant reminder of what you wish
to attract or accomplish. It acts as a homing device in its role as a
representation of the object, person, or situation for which the
spell is intended. Imagery can be shaped and directed all according
to the will of the Wiccan without detracting from focusing the mind
on the spell's intent. This becomes the pattern or formula that leads
to realization of desire. Surround yourself with images of your
desire and you will resonate the vibrations that will attract the
thing you desire.
Direction
Once enough energy has been raised, you must direct it toward your
desire. Do not be anxious concerning the results, because anxiety
will act to draw the energy back to you before it can take effect.
Perform your spell casting with the expectation that the magic will
work, accept that it has, and simply await its manifestation.
Reflecting back on the spell tends to ground the energy because it
draws the images and concepts back to you. Once the spell is cast,
mentally detatch yourself and try to give the matter no more thought
so as not to deplete its effectiveness. Mark a seven-day period off
on your calendar and evaluate the situation seven days later. It
usually takes about seven days (one lunar quarter) for magic to
manifest.
Balance
The last aspect of magic one has to take into account is personal
balance. This means that one must consider the need for the work of
magic and the consequences on both the spell caster and the target.
If anger motivates your magical work, then wait a few hours or sleep
on it overnight. While anger can be a useful propellant for a spell,
it can also cloud the thinking. If possible, make sure you have
exhausted the normal means of dealing with something before you move
to a magical solution. Make sure you are feeling well enough to work
magic and plan to rest afterward. Magic requires a portion of your
vital essence drawn from your aura. Replenish this with rest even if
you do not feel tired. Health problems begin in the aura long before
the body is aware of them.
