Arts Of Witchcraft: The Components Of Ritual and Magic

 

 

There are essentially five so-called ingredients, which comprise the art of creating successful works of magic or effective ritual. You can adapt them, or arrange them according to your own needs, so long as you employ them all. They are:

 

1.    Desire

2.      Timing

3.      Imagery

4.      Direction

5.      Balance

 

Let’s look at each one and gain an understanding of the concept.

 

1.      DESIRE:

 

This can also be thought of as motivation, temptation or persuasion. You must be sufficiently moved enough to perform a ritual or work of magic, in order to establish enough power to accomplish your goal. If you care little about the results, or put only a small amount of energy into your desire, then you are unlikely to see any real results. The stronger the need or desire, then the more likely it is that you will raise the amount of energy required to bring about the change you seek. But desire or need is not enough.

 

2.      TIMING:

 

In the performance of magic, timing can mean success of failure. The best time to cast a spell or create a work of magic is when the target is most receptive.

 

Receptivity is assured when the target is passive. People sleep; corporations close over-night and holidays, etc. One must also take into account the phase of the moon and the season of the year. Work with nature and not against it.

 

3.      IMAGERY:

 

The success of any work also depends upon images. Anything, which serves to intensify the emotions, will contribute to success. Any drawing, statue, photo, scent, article of clothing, sound or situation, which helps to merge you with your desire, will greatly add to your success. Imagery is a constant reminder and acts as a homing device in its role as a substitute. Imagery can be manipulated and modified "all according to the will of the witch, and the very blueprint that is created by imagery becomes the formula which leads to realisation of desire". Surround yourself with images of your desire and you will attract the proper vibrations which will attract the object of your desire.

 

4.      DIRECTION:

 

Once enough energy has been raised you must direct it towards your desire. Do not be anxious for the results because anxiety will act to draw the energy back to you before it can take effect. Try to give the matter no more thought so as not to drain its effectiveness. Mark a 7-day period off on your calendar and evaluate the situation 7 days later. It usually takes about 7 days for magic to manifest (one lunar quarter).

 

5.      BALANCE:

 

The balance factor is simply the "reality check", or practical mentality, which keeps you focused in actuality. You must discern the need for any work of magic you engage upon, and take into consideration the practical concerns of the phase of the moon and other factors. Remember that every work of magic has an ongoing connection with yourself, and you must consider the intent of your actions. This deals with what many call "the 3-fold law". According to this teaching, every magical act with return back to you with more increased intensity (sort of like tossing a rock up in the air, and having it speed back down upon you). This is also an aspect of “Karma”, or the accumulation of debts, which must be paid (in a mystical sense).

 

The balance factor is also applied to any perception of supernatural manifestations, psychic attack and so on. Always consider the mundane causes first before you leap into paranoia of supernatural attack. When things go "bump in the night" it more likely your cat than it is a spirit. There is an old saying in the medical field concerning diagnosis: "When you hear hoof beats, think horses before zebras". I think this applies to magical or psychic phenomena as well.