by Queen Lady Passion.
Magic is everyone’s birthright, and a crack remedy when justice fails. As with all skills, the practice works by repeatedly following directions until technique becomes instinctual prowess — contempt for process the doom of every unrealized genius. Drive ensures success: So why does the myth of the dread “spell fail” persist?
A spell is any magical act, appeal to deity, or wish intended to exert an effect. Spells address endemic human needs for love, progeny, health, prosperity, protection by the caster using common or obscure ingredients that manifest desires or avert disaster — yet lurid tales abound that perpetuate damnable lies about spell work, such as that using a Ouija board conjures demons (wrong; Spirits), or that working any magic unleashes uncontrollable malevolence that ruins lives.
Eons of ruthless monotheist pogroms attempting to eradicate polytheist Paganism are the origin of such propaganda, which generates and keeps these urban legends alive. Such discrimination proved unsuccessful because resorting to spells is instinctual and they work: Folk want to believe, and do believe in mysterious powers because we all experience at least one fortuitous boon in our lives inexplicable otherwise.
I’ve worked magic daily for nigh on forty-three years and counting: Witchcraft has given me awe, ecstasy, and expertise unobtainable by any other means. So I can say with credibility that in reality, spells rarely go awry: Negative or nil result typically occurs by omission rather than faulty intention. Magic only misfires when:
- Folk make excuses not to cast spells.
These approach magic with Hollywood horror — profess their inexperience (fear of catastrophic mistake), protest ineptitude (feign self-doubt), or express distrust in the beneficence of the mysterious forces that enable Witch wonders. Their “but, but” list is as infinite as imagination: No time, money, tools, support…
Solution: Remind them that fortune favors the bold and beginners’ luck operates. Life is hard: Spells pad its sharp edges. Miracles are wrought with a string and a prayer, and the Gods support people when everyone around them falters.
Educate the tremulous that the dread Law of Three-fold Return doesn’t mean Witches wax wise only to face injustice with impotence; rather, the rule warns that any who oppose our work for the greater good auto-activate “backlash” triple in intensity proportionate to their effort.
Cosmic influences common to all are what fuel magic. Planets emanate resonant vibrations; every thing is animate. Witches tap the power of the Elements trusting the Gods to negate any spell cast in haste or fit of pique.
- Folk beg a Witch to work spells for them rather than fix their own lot.
Paying a magical expert to perform magical dirty work is a lazy “tell” of demanding character traits that oft caused their problems to begin with. They know the nuances of their situation best; thus, are in the best position to affect it. Yet they find it consumerist convenient to transact instead of act. But since magic is innately mysterious, satisfaction can seem intangible, elusive. The Witch oft sees spell success in ways that elude their client.
Solution: Insist that folk take responsibility for problems of their own making. Refer them to olde, easy spells proven effective for millennia, and talk them through the process.
- Folk expect immediate results.
Some spells work quickly within three days or less; others may take years to come full circle with such dazzling, far-reaching effects that they exceed the caster’s wildest dreams by benefiting many more than just themselves.
In speedy cultures that profit by lauding instant gratification, the breathtaking beauty of the “long spell” is oft initially viewed as a failure, when in fact the spell-caster has simply failed to exercise one of the ancient four cardinal Pagan virtues — fortitude.
Solution: Explain that others experience their troubles too, which may necessitate long-term divine intervention to achieve full fruition. Encourage patience and trust.
- Folk dabble, take spell shortcuts.
My books offer ancient magic “how-to” and true cautionary tales that illustrate magical principles, including why using a plastic Barbie® doll as a poppet won’t conjure true love.
Solution: Ask aught who complain of spell failure to reveal the details of how they performed the spell to discern any avoidable, correctable mistake they could have made regarding: The validity of its source; how closely they followed its directions; the ambiance they set; their timing and intent; the deities they invoked; their technique; what tools or components they used; and omens or portents they heard or saw during and afterward. Often they can tighten precision to evoke the results they seek.
- Folk “worry” a spell to death.
The person may spend weeks obtaining proper spell ingredients and report feeling spectacular after concluding the working, only to give in to doubt that sets in shortly thereafter.
Solution: Remind that spell-casters can’t always see through closed doors, so aren’t always privy to the effect their spells are producing — such lack of literal “in-sight” inclining them to wrongly assume their magic fizzled.
Niggling a spell cast can negate its effects by ignoring the role the Gods play in sorting all out in due time. Encourage them to work spells with joy, no regret, and trust that all will resolve as should.
Truth is, common folk work spells, so they’ve been codified to be pretty easy and fool-proof when done properly: at the right hour, on the right day, during an astrologically auspicious sign, during the right moon phase, with the right intent, using the required components, and with the Gods’ blessing.
Tips for Sure-fire Spell Success
- Read Craft books authored by trained Witches who cite impeccable sources.
- Don’t reinvent the wheel: Work olde spells renowned for effective relevance.
- Give each spell detail, focus, emotion, and time to work.
- Follow every magical spell with taking a physical action to enable its intention.
- Immerse yourself in magic: home décor, apparel, food, music, Witchy friends…
- Master many types of authentic magic: Ever add to your magical repertoire.
Queen Lady Passion has been High Priestess of Coven Oldenwilde in Asheville, NC since 1994. She is author of The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells For Modern Problems; Rituals & Sabbats: Sacred Rites and Seasonal Celebrations; Candle Magic: Working with Wax, Wick, & Flame; It’s In The Cards: How to Read Tarot Like a Pro; Simply Savory: Magical & Medieval Recipes; and many more titles. Email, schedule a consult, or donate to the religious nonprofit via: oldenwilde.org.