Beginner guide to the

basics of Witchcraft

Ashe. G

***************
 Contents
Introduction --------pg 3

How to use this guide -------pg 4

***

I. What is Witchcraft -------pg 5

II. Finding your craft -------pg 7

III. Tools and ingredients ------- pg 11

IV. Safety in Witchcraft -------pg 14

V. Spell Basics

i. Introduction -------pg 16
ii. Preparation and cleansing -------pg 17
iii. Intentions and spell methods -------pg 20
iv. Writing Spells --------pg 23
v. When Spells Fail ---------pg 25

***

Conclusion -------pg 27

Glossary -------pg 28

Links -------pg 30

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 Introduction
I wrote this guide because I want to help those who don’t know where to start, what to do,
those who are lost in a sea of confusing knowledge and misconceptions. They need a place
to start, and a direction to go in. I wanted to provide that. I know that I could have done
with such a thing myself a few years ago.

I started my craft almost a decade ago, but my journey began a little before that, making
runes out of pebbles, reading books I came across out of curiosity, and even trying to do
little spells with naturally bad results! But it has shaped me into what I am today; A Green
Witch primarily; working with herbs, studying plants and harnessing the energy of the earth
to fuel my craft. I also enjoy divination; working with tarot cards is my main interest. I feel
more confident, more knowledgeable and I owe it to those who I have met and helped over
the years for the craft that I have created for myself.

I started a blog some years before the one you have found this guide on; it was definitely a
learning curve when I ran it; coming across so much I didn’t know, or had been completely
misguided about. I made the decision to take it down when I needed some space away from
the internet; I regret that choice, but making a new blog has been very refreshing
nonetheless. Some of you even found my old posts; this was a nice surprise!

This new blog would be a new chapter in my growth as a Witch; revising my knowledge
and helping those in need. I’ve tried to take the right breaks away from it this time, instead
of burning myself out on the daily; it’s made a huge difference.

I want to thank those who support my current blog as they have given me the confidence to
write this guide for new, even not so new Witches. Anyone who just wants a resource they
can read and enjoy for their own purposes of learning. I hope that what I have written is
helpful; I have done my absolute best to compile my own knowledge and perspectives into
an accessible guide for everyone, removing anything that can be seen as too rigid, unless it is
important to know.

Please enjoy the guide, the illustrations, and be sure to check the end for links to the shop
where you can purchase supporting artwork; all work has been produced by yours truly, so
I hope you can show some love for the time spent.

Thank you,

Ashe

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 How to Use This Guide
The Beginner Guide to the Basics of Witchcraft is intended as a reference that can be used to
compliment other Witchcraft books, as well as non- Witchcraft resources, for example, plant
identification books, recipe books, mythology and history books, and anything you
personally feel is relevant to your craft. This is definitely not a complete guide, as there are
infinite pieces of information that are best discovered by you; I highly recommend
purchasing and/or borrowing books covering more detailed topics within the craft, since
there is so much to discover; this is purely a starting point for those of you who are not sure
where to go.

It is recommended that you look at the information given as a reference as well as a

foundation for learning basic skills within the craft; these are explained as simply as possible
so that you can discover your own ways of practicing. Be sure to refer to other books and
resources, and of course apply your own notes. This guide is designed to inspire and
provoke imagination from the user, and so will not contain everything, but just enough to
get the basics. Knowing the basic concepts and principles will help you build up the
mechanics behind your own craft.

Please make sure you read through ‘Safety in the Craft’ thoroughly. This is an exceptionally
important section and must be taken into consideration in order to avoid accidents or injury.
It will require some effort on your part to research and take note of any ingredient or tool
you may use in your practice, but I have done my best to outline what you need to look for
specifically to save you time.

I have also included a glossary in case you need to refer back to words or phrases that come
up in this guide.

Please take time to read through everything thoroughly at least once, take notes, highlight
anything you want to research further, and most of all, enjoy yourself and your practice

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 I
What is Witchcraft?
In short;

♦ It is a practice
♦ It does not follow a set path
♦ It is explored and practiced by many cultures
♦ It is a gender-neutral term that can be used by everyone

It is a practice;

It is a practice of magic. It is the art of harmonising with the energies of the universe. It is an
understanding of the Earth and everything beyond, no matter how much or how little we
use. It’s a practice that has been relied upon for thousands of years; people focused their
knowledge and understanding of local fauna, folklore and beliefs to produce medicines and
spells that would benefit themselves and those who were willing to ask for them. To this
day, Witchcraft has seen many changes, adapting to the modern age and paving the way for
new and more accessible ways to practice. Although we may have different intentions and
desires, the heart and soul of Witchcraft remains the same within all of us.

It does not follow a set path;

There is not one single way to practice; you may want to continue the traditions of
Witchcraft within your culture, or you may go down a different route altogether; perhaps
there is a family grown practice you wish to honour, or you just feel drawn to something
that brings out something undiscovered within you; no matter what you choose, they are all
valid. Witches can create whatever they wish from what is available to them; they are
resourceful and considerate, and so the variety of Witches becomes infinite.

It is explored and practiced by many cultures;

Many cultures around the world have their own unique way of practicing Witchcraft;
steeped in history and folklore, it’s what shapes the various types of practice that have been
built and protected for thousands of years. An example of this diversity is the practice of
Hoodoo; originating in Africa, it has no strict form of practice.

It is a gender-neutral term that can be used by everyone;

Although Witchcraft has been seen and stereotyped over the years as a female oriented
practice, it has never truly been that way. It is open to all genders and its term "Witch" is
used by all; it is an identity that gives us all power and strength, and it helps us find each
other, no matter where we sit on the gender spectrum.

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 Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism; What’s the difference?

Witchcraft is a practice; it is secular until the practitioner decides otherwise. As it is

adopted and shaped by many religions and cultures across the world, it cannot be seen as
anything other than a practice.
Wicca is a religion founded in 1954 by Gerald Garner, which originally had the intention
of integrating Witchcraft. Although this was one of the core reasons of its emergence, it
has since become a religion that has members who do not practice the craft. Wicca is built
on many different beliefs and types of practice; it is Gardner’s personal vision of how the
universe should be perceived based on his research from other practitioners during his
travels.
Paganism is a religion as well as the collective term for many religions and practices that
have formed since, one of those being Wicca. Again, it does not require Witchcraft in
order to have any place or validity for the individual. Paganism can take on many
different forms, and so it is worth exploring if this interests you.

You can choose to be any and all; it is not necessary to become one to validate the other.

The “K” in Magick;

The reason for the “K” is simply for aesthetic reason. It was added onto the end to
differentiate it from that of commercial magic. The “K” is completely optional.

Magic v. Mundane;

Magic is definitely not a cure-all, and even though there are herbal remedies available to
help aid the relief of certain ailments, it is always best to seek professional help for both
physical and mental illness. See magic as a way of complimenting mundane medicines; use
magic to help make things easier but do not substitute it completely. It is also important to
understand that herbal remedies should be handled carefully, and are best done by an
experienced herbalist. Always make sure you know exactly what you’re using and how
you’re using it.

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 II
Finding your Craft
One of the biggest questions you will ask yourself on your journey is; What kind of Witch
am I? Although following a specific path and labelling yourself as a type isn’t necessary, it
can be ideal for helping you find those with similar interests. It is up to you If you have an
identification for your craft or not.

There is no true guide to finding a path; it's not as straight forward as a step by step
instructional manual. Each Witch has their own personal journey.

So, how can you start?

Start by researching what draws you in. Examples of topics that you will commonly see and
may take an interest in are;

♦ Sea Magic
♦ Element Magic (water, fire, etc.)
♦ Sigils
♦ Divination
♦ Herbal Magic
♦ Weather Magic (storms, rain, etc.)
♦ Deities
♦ Crystals
♦ Astrology
♦ Fae or Faery magic
♦ Spirit work
♦ Death magic

Bear in mind this is only a tiny list; there are infinite ways to practice, and if you have any
specific interest you want to integrate into your craft, then it’s good to see if there are
connections within the craft that can help you move forward. There's definitely no right or
wrong way to do anything, you just have to learn what works best for you.

Researching and Discovering your craft

♦ Books are one of the best places to go for research. Searching for recommendations
can lead you to Youtube videos or articles. Or you could go to your local library, pick
out a mixture of titles that grab your attention and find the ones that you like most.
Asking fellow Witches will also help you find the ones with the best information;
sometimes looking for something with specific content can be a challenge; a well-
read Witch can most likely help

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Things to note when reading books;

 Take what you read with a pinch of salt; most books are written in the personal
perspective of the author, and some may have influence from religions such as
Wicca as their foundation.
 Some books may contain information that have terms from closed cultures, see
below for a list of common key phrases. Be sure to look them up and find/come up
with alternative words and phrasing instead.
 They may seem very rigid in the way they discuss Witchcraft; look at these as
more suggestion than rule; since the craft is open ended, there’s no set way to do
anything.
 If you feel uncomfortable with a book’s contents, move on to another. You do not
need to read every book available. Some are not going to sit well with you, it’s to
be expected.
 Older books will have phrasing or explanations that may seem confusing; take
time to note them and look them up; note the meanings, or find an alternative
phrasing.
 Be sure to understand the difference between Witchcraft, Paganism and Wicca;
some authors will integrate at least two of these things together in their writing.
It’s also worth looking into both Wicca and Paganism to help give you more
understanding of what you want from your craft.

♦ The internet now has many resources of information, not just blogs! You can now
find apps for topics such as learning tarot, keeping up with the moon phases, even
plant identification. There are online libraries that you can borrow books from, too.
Check out your local library website for books that are available; they even contain
reviews for most titles.

♦ It is also worth looking for communities. Finding Witches of similar interest or just
anyone who seems experienced in their craft will no doubt be of a great help to you.
There are now Discord servers dedicated to covens and groups of Witches who are
all working to help each other out, so be sure to ask around and look out for open
invitations.

♦ Take inspiration from spells, tips and methods; you can always adapt and change
them to how you see fit. If you feel like components have a different effect to you
then be sure to take note of it; build up a personal list in your grimoires or notes.
Witchcraft is not a one size fits all affair, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments.

♦ It is important to take time to look into topics such as keeping safe in the craft, the
history of Witchcraft, environmental issues and impacts as well as understanding
cultural appropriations in the craft; identifying what is closed off to Witches who are
not part of specific cultures or religious practices and ways in which you can remain
respectful without crossing these boundaries.

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Some immediate examples of words and phrasing;

 Smudging; a term used to describe sacred cleansing rituals that use smoke from
burning white sage. Use “Smoke cleansing” instead.
 Karma; A term used to describe the concept of how one action you take on another
can return to you. Alternatively, it has been known as the “rule of three” by
Wiccans.
 Chakra; The focal points of the human body, founded within Hinduism. Use
words like “node” or “focal point”, or the origin of its meaning “circle”
 Gypsy; This word is a racial slur. The word was originally used to describe
Romani travellers; the origin of the word is formed from “Egyptian”. It was used
to damage the reputation of the Romani, showing disrespect and ill intentions.
Avoid using this word.
 Voodou (Voodoo); A religion founded in Africa and since followed in Haiti. It was
a religion that was formed by African slaves, a way of staying in touch with their
roots and traditions. They have had to fight in order to keep Voodou, going as far
as integrating Catholicism in order to allow them to continue worshipping. It is a
closed off religion.

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♦ Keep a record of any research you do; you could do this by keeping a Grimoire,
which is like a text book for Witches in the sense that it contains knowledge you have
acquired through research and experience. It is something you will definitely rely
upon as you grow as a Witch. Alternatively, you could just keep plain note books or
word documents of anything you see; if it is a passage from a book you are
recording, remember to note the book, its page number and the author for later
reference.

♦ If you are more discreet or want to save on paper, then you may find using a flash
drive or a Google drive to store your Grimoire might be better. You can keep
everything organised and safely hidden; you could even put some sigils over it to
protect it from being discovered if you want to be sure it's safe.

♦ Have patience. Lots of patience. Witches take years and years to mature, and even
then, there are still opportunities to learn. See it as your own personal journey of
growth, and never compare yourself to how anyone else is getting on; we are all on
different journeys, and so no two are compatible.

10
 III
Tools and Ingredients
Witches can, if they wish, use tools and materials in order to fulfil their needs, especially in
spells. The tools in which they choose may depend on what they connect to.

Over time, you will find what you enjoy using the most; sometimes something as simple as a
lit candle and some carefully considered words is as much as some may need to complete a
spell. It is down to the individual, what the intention is, and how complex they intend to
make the spell or ritual. For more powerful effect, more components may likely be desired.

Anything you want to use at all, should have a little research and personal involvement in
the correspondences you feel best work; you might look at lists of correspondences and
decide that you want to work with them specifically; in other cases you may want to build
your own, especially if you have intentions that are hard to find correspondences for; look at
what you have, do a little research, look at the folklore and history, it’s connections to
elements, deities, etc. That should help you determine how it will work best for you.

It is good to note that a tool does not need to be passed down to you, nor does it have to
have been made specifically for Witchcraft; household objects have done more than enough
for Witches in the past. It’s up to you to be creative and make use of what you’ve got if you
cannot afford the tools.

Tools and ingredients that are often seen in Witchcraft;

Wands; Wands are traditionally made from wood. Wands can be made from any materials,
however, if you would prefer to use something else that you feel would work better for your
craft. Some Witches use their index finger to represent a wand, for example, or may sculpt
one with embedded crystals and sigils.
Athames/Blades; Although this is not a necessary tool, it is definitely practical. It can be any
knife you wish to use; just take care when using and storing.
Jars, Bottles, and boxes; Containers are excellent for storing ingredients, aiding in spells and
can serve as great decoration. They are extremely useful to keep in abundance, and make for
great representational vessels in spells; a potion could be made and kept in bottles for
example. Avoid using jars or bottles if you are creating a spell for burying; use a
biodegradable option instead.
Egg shell, fruit peels and other compostable food waste; Ground egg shells can be used to
create protection powders. Fruit peels can be used as an alternative to jars or bottles for
burying spells. Try to use biodegradable materials where possible in spells if you are
planning to dispose of them later.

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Divination Tools; Divination consists of many different forms, including Tarot cards,
Pendulums, runes, even bones or scrying methods. If a good relationship is established
between the tool and the Witch, it can be of a great help towards spells and general advice.
There is a common misconception that these tools are for looking into the future, but this is
definitely not the case. Their main purpose is to provide advice to the one who asks, so
specific questions are best to yield optimal results.
Material from animals; Bones, feathers, teeth, fur, whiskers. These should never be taken by
force or from any locations that are prohibited to enter or take from. Treat any findings with
respect; some Witches leave offerings when they find animal bones for example.
Book of shadows; A personal diary for Witchcraft; This is where a Witch makes a personal
record of themselves. It is a record of experiences from spells, rituals, dreams, readings. etc.
It is far more sacred to the Witch than a Grimoire, and is more likely to be bestowed with
protection spells.
Grimoire; A book dedicated to spells and rituals. It is less personal than that of a B.O.S as it
is used to store information on spells, rituals and correspondences. It is like a text book that
is put together by the Witch to suit their practice.
Candles and incense; One of the more commonly used tools, these are often favoured for
their choices of colours and scents, making spells stronger through their correspondences.
They can be used to help cleanse a space; white candles are usually favoured for this
purpose. Some Witches will use nothing but candles in their practice; a simple and
straightforward method of spell work.
Poppets; A representation, often in doll form, of a person who is the intended subject of a
spell. They are usually made from fabric, though other methods involve paper cut-outs,
sculptures and even photographs tied to sticks or candles. The user can then manipulate the
poppet to mirror the desired intention; for example, binding someone can involve simply
wrapping the poppet in black string or cord.
Herbs, seeds, plants; A very quick and simple ingredient to integrate into your craft; try to
use what you are familiar with rather than look for something you haven't seen before or are
not sure of; lots of research is required into identifying the differences between safe and
toxic species, so it is best to stick to what you know. In this case, kitchen herbs are a good
place to start; they are easy to access, can be used in pre dried form, or you can grow your
own.
Crystals; These a very commonly seen amongst Witches in the modern age; many collect
them for display purposes, many use them in spells. There is a common trend of fake
crystals ending up being sold as the genuine thing, so it is important to know what to look
for if you are looking to collect them. While they are not an essential, they have properties
that can help to elevate spells, as well as being good for carrying around in pockets or bags.
Water
Salt
Black Salt; this is made from the ashes of incense sticks; it’s usually just used as it, though
you can add other ingredients if you wish. It is a good ingredient for banishing spells and
powders; these can be sprinkled around the home to keep evil forces at bay.
Household items; string, cardboard, paper, ribbon, ink, etc. Toilet roll tubes are another
alternative to jars if you are disposing of a spell through burying. Use acid free paper and
12
cardboard and always be sure to recycle and reduce the amount you are using; retain
anything left for later spells. Bowls, cups, spoons, even regular pots and pans will surely do
a good service to your craft; your home is the heart of the magic, so make use of it where
you can.
Natural objects; shells, pebbles, sticks, leaves, acorns, dirt etc.
Props and representation; You can use anything to help represent your intention if you
wish; for example, a shower could be used to represent washing away negativity. Burying a
spell could represent burying a disagreement and moving on.

Grimoires and Books of Shadows

Many Witches may not know that there is a difference between a Grimoire and a Book of
Shadows. The difference is;
 One is a record of information, this being the Grimoire
 The other is a diary of personal experience in response to the information, this
being the B.O.S or Book of Shadows.
It’s entirely up to you where you store them, or if you have one, both or neither. You
could even combine the two by having a reference of info and a diary to respond with.

Think about the sort of information you think will benefit your craft; be sure to include
basic information, as this will help you develop your methods and personal experiences.
You don’t even need a book for it to be valid; you could build it up on your computer,
phone, even online. Work with what’s comfortable and easiest for you.

Your Grimoire is ideal for;

 Correspondences
 Spells
 Moon phases
 Tarot or oracle meanings
 Sigil work
 Safety precautions
 Herbs and other plants
 Crystal info

Your B.O.S is ideal for;

 Dreams you’ve interpreted
 Spells you’ve cast and the experience
 Tarot readings
 Spiritual experiences
 Interactions with Deities

If you don’t want to call them their respective names, you can call them anything you
want. A B.O.S could be referred to as a ‘Witch journal’, for example.

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 IV
Safety in Witchcraft
While Witchcraft may not be a dangerous practice, it can open up a lot of risks and hazards
which must be taken into account into order to practice effectively. Simple mistakes can lead
to terrible consequences, with some that can in fact be fatal and so it is important to know
what to do when handling certain tools or equipment.

Knives, sharp tools;

♦ If your Athame or blade is being used as a prop, then it is best to use a replica; this
could be a carved or sculpted representation
♦ If you are using the blade for practical purpose, be sure to store it in a sheath if it has
one, or keep it stored somewhere safe such as the kitchen or in designated storage
where you know it is safe and out of reach
♦ Avoid leaving any sharp tools on altars or exposed where they could be a danger to
you or others

Candles and flames;

♦ Do not leave any candle or lit objects unattended

♦ Keep flames separated from each other with as much distance between as possible
♦ Do not keep flames close to the edge of tables or near anything flammable including
altar cloths, clothing or curtains
♦ Keep candles and anything you are burning in a heat proof dish where appropriate
♦ Put out everything properly when finished with

Potions and similar;

♦ Potions should be labelled with ingredients as well as whether they are ingestible or
not; for example, crystal water may become toxic to ingest, so be sure to research and
label
♦ Alcohol and other substances should be handled with care and minors should avoid
using any substances that are alcoholic.
♦ Do not ingest unless you are 100% sure of the contents.

Crystal Balls and similar;

♦ It is best to avoid keeping crystal balls near sources of sunlight and other strong
light. The reason for this is as light passes through, it causes the ball to concentrate a
small ray which can cause house fires.

14
 ♦ Keeping crystal balls covered with cloth is the best way to avoid this if your altar or
working space is close to sunlight.
♦ Alternatively keep your crystal ball in a drawer or box where possible.

Plants, flowers, fungus;

♦ It is highly recommended that you only use what you are familiar with; plants you
have grown or bought yourself.
♦ If you plan to forage for any of your ingredients, again only go for what you are
familiar with, and be sure to do thorough research into how to forage properly and
respectfully.
♦ It is worth having someone with experience in foraging to accompany you; so, you
could go on an organised trip with a group.
♦ Researching plants should be done using official and trusted identification guides,
local to your area.
♦ If you come across a local plant or fungus that has a poisonous lookalike, for
example, field mushrooms have a species very closely resembling them known as the
Death Cap, it is best to avoid taking any, unless you have confirmation from an
expert to do so.
♦ Do not practice any herbal medicines unless you have done relevant training first.
Always have the supervision of an experienced herbalist when doing any type of
herbal medicine

Essential Oils;

♦ They can pose a serious risk to pets, children, and can affect pregnancies, it is best to
avoid if possible
♦ Make sure you are aware of exactly what you are using
♦ Oils are best to be avoided if you are someone who has any respiratory issue
♦ When using oils, be sure to dilute them accordingly with carrier oils and be sure to
do thorough research beforehand
♦ Do not ingest oils

Crystals;

♦ Be sure to know exactly what you have, and find out whether it is water soluble,
toxic in certain scenarios, etc.
♦ In the case of water solubility, Witches use crystals to enchant water and make
potions, in some cases they may ingest. It is best to avoid doing this, and rather have
the crystal in a separate chamber from the water if you plan to do the same
♦ If you own crystals that are potentially toxic when ingested or touched by hands that
are then touching food or going near the mouth, it is recommended you wash your
hands thoroughly after making contact.

Mental and physical Health;

15
♦ Be sure to consider how you feel when you choose to cast any spell; if you are
lacking energy to carry it out either mentally or physically then it is best to hold off,
or at the very least consider adjusting your approach
♦ When you are not 100% ready to carry out a spell, you may be likely to misjudge
your process; You want to be able to protect yourself and balance your energies well
so you do not end up drained, nauseous or suffering from headaches, etc. handling
tools and ingredients will carry a higher risk of causing injury
♦ Rest as much as possible
♦ If you are someone who struggles daily, consider adapting your practice to be more
comfortable for you.

V
Spell Basics;
i. Introduction
16
Spells can be done in a whole manner of ways; from a simple word to a full ritual under the
moon. But spells do not have to be complicated or take hours to complete. A good spell has
to be done with care, and so finding your preferred methods and ingredients can take some
effort and time. It is recommended that you have a large space to work with; moving
furniture or finding a quiet space outdoors are recommended.

The best time to try a spell is when you need it. A glamour is great for getting ready for an
interview, A jar might serve better for long term such as reducing anxiety. It is dependent on
whether you need it sooner or if it is something that will take effect later on. Consider that
when you want to try a spell out.

It's also good to note that if you are using a pre written spell that you read it thoroughly and
note how long it may take; in many cases you would need to prepare in advance. Think
about what you plan to use and if you need any substitutions; for example, if it asks for a
chalice, look for a regular cup.

On that note, looking at spells that were published in older books may contain some
wording or phrasing you might not be familiar with; look at the spell’s intention and do a
little research on the materials and method; look at substituting where possible; it’s
important to stay safe, so if you don’t feel comfortable with something, adjust it accordingly.
If in doubt, simplify.

You want to make sure before you start doing any spells that you are in a comfortable
position and that you are feeling focused, relaxed and have everything you need set out in
front of you. Your Grimoire or spell book can be open and ready if you need to refer to it.

Spell Basics;
ii. Preparation and cleansing
Spells need to be prepared properly in order for them to work, so to keep negative and
interfering energies away and allowing a comfortable and safe approach to casting. This
section will cover some of the basic methods; as long as you understand the principle behind
how each one works; it should be very easy to adapt them into your practice. It may be
beneficial for you to learn relaxing techniques such as meditation.

Warding; It’s vital to protect yourself during spells and so warding allows you to put up a
barrier from everything else; this doesn’t just have to be for spells though; it can be used to
protect the home, yourself on a daily basis, even to protect your tools.

♦ If you have a wand you can use this, or just used your outstretched finger to mark
out the amount of space you need for your spell; this is where your barrier will go.
♦ If you are someone who struggles with visualising, you can mark out points or lay
something down like a blanket onto the floor to represent your barrier.

17
 ♦ You could turn on the spot, or move along the edge of the perimeter you want
protecting; use written incantations if that helps.
♦ You want to imagine that barrier forming; it can take any form you want; it’s more
effective if it feels comforting to you. As it forms, you need to believe it’s going to
protect you.
♦ When you are happy with the barrier, you can relax your body.

So; decide on your space, mark it out either physically or through visualisation; keep your
focus on it protecting you from negative energies and interference.

Grounding; An important step in making sure that you are not carrying huge amounts of
excess energy before or after a spell; a way of balancing energy. If you ever feel dizzy, have a
headache or feel drained after a spell, this is because your energy wasn’t properly balanced.

♦ A common method of grounding is to focus your energy into the ground, a tree or an
object. You need to be fully relaxed and focused.
♦ Lay your palms firm and flat against your chosen surface and allow the energy to
flow from your fingertips and into that surface.
♦ If you can visualise it happening, this will help. You want to imagine some kind of
force flowing through you.

Make sure you are focused, place yourself firmly against the surface and allow the energy
to flow until you are feeling balanced and ready to proceed.

Charging; This is fuelling energy from yourself or another object of energy into the objects
you wish to work with.

♦ To charge something, it can be done in advance; this is usually the popular choice
since it allows time for energy to flow. You can leave objects with associated crystals,
under the moon or sun or even in water (be careful not to leave anything that can be
damaged or cause damaged in sunlight, water, etc.)
♦ There are many methods of charging; as long as you have an energy source that
works for you.
♦ The idea is that the energy from your chosen source will flow into the object you
need
♦ You can use yourself, by holding onto the object and focusing your energy into it,
with the full focus of your intention.
♦ Again, visualisation or incantation can help with this. Once you feel it’s ready, you
can use it.

Decide on a source of energy, such as water, the moon, crystals, etc. And allow it to absorb
until it feels ready to use.

Intention; This is the one ingredient you will need no matter what spells or rituals you
partake in.

♦ It is important for you to always focus on your spell's intentions no matter what.

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 ♦ Always be specific in what you want though, otherwise your spell will either not
work or will have affects you did not ask for.
♦ Use visual aids such as physical objects or chants to help you if you struggle with
concentrating and visualisation.

Know what you want, keep it simple, and use any aids to help you achieve that intent.

Cleansing; You need to be able to clear up your space and tools before and after spells

♦ You can cleanse using smoke, candles, even just do a full physical cleanse of the
space by dusting, sweeping, etc.
♦ Make sure to use intention once again to be sure that you are cleansing the area or
tool thoroughly, since you want to get rid of all the unneeded energy.
♦ Visualising the energy being swept away is also extremely helpful, or you can mimic
the motion; like using a broom to sweep it away.

Always keep the space cleansed before and after a spell, using physical or visual
methods to help.

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 Spell Basics;
iii. Intentions and spell methods
Before you do any spells; you have to know what the purpose is first. If you have a clear
idea of what you want out of the spell, it should be straight forward to translate it into a
spell or ritual that you can cast.

Basic intentions that you may likely come to use;

♦ Protection
♦ Clarity
♦ Money/wealth
♦ Confidence
♦ Memory
♦ Creativity
♦ Calming
♦ Sleep
♦ Dreams
♦ Psychic awakening
♦ Banishments
♦ Binding
♦ Cleansing/purifying

More specific intentions you may come across or need

♦ Keeping certain individuals away

♦ Protecting a person, yourself or your home
♦ Aiding in the healing of a pet or person
♦ Seeking understanding in a situation
♦ Helping someone see their wrongdoings
♦ Removing reoccurring nightmares
♦ Strengthening a relationship

Once you have decided your intentions, you may then want to look at spells that have these
intentions as their basis. This can help you to write your own spells.

One very important thing to remember is that these spells worked because they had the full
focus on the intention. Intention is the one thing that will ensure the best results.

Examples of spell methods you could use;

Amulets; A piece of jewellery, or a pouch that can be worn that is intended traditionally as a
way of protecting from negative forces, or can be used as a lucky charm. You can use
something you already have, or you could make your own. Traditionally pendants would be
chosen for this purpose, but feel free to be a little creative.

Visualisations (imagination); A very helpful method, it can help to make an intention seem
more real by imagining energy flow or even envisioning your intentions happening. It’s
being able to use your mind to make your intention feel more real.
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Candle spells; A simple form of spell work, and often the most commonly used. It uses only
candles to do a spell; since candles come in many shapes, sizes and colours, it allows for
creative arrangements.

Manifestations; A spell that is great for long term goals; if you have an intention to, for
example, do well at college, then this can help with that intention. Its power grows as time
goes on, making it a popular choice for a lot of Witches.

Sigils; Symbols or signs that are usually designed by the user, though sigils are often shared
and designed for others on request. They can be applied anywhere, and do require charging
and activating; if you are designing your own then you can determine the intention and
design for yourself.

Jar spells; Jars are usually a popular vessel for storing herbs and crystals, liquids, even
unusual stuff like glitter! They can be stored close by, left on display or carried around with
you; just don’t bury them!

Sachets; This is similar to jars, but they are made with materials such as leaves, paper or
fabric. Sachets are good for sleep spells, as they can be slipped under a pillow.

Glamours; This is essentially like applying a mask; if you want to appear more confident, or
approachable to those around you. It can also act as a cloak to keep you hidden from
unwanted persons.

Chants and incantation; If you are someone who likes to speak up in spells, or likes the idea
that they can help keep the focus on an intention, then this is a great thing to integrate. Use
one word, or whole verses. Just keep it specific where possible.

Potions; Liquid based spells that can relate to jar spells. These don’t have to be ingested if
you prefer not to, but just be sure to take care what you use in a potion first.

Curses/hexes; Although there is debate amongst Witches about the use of curses or hexes,
they are still used. It is down to the individual whether a curse or hex is appropriate for the
situation, and it is their responsibility there on after. It is a decision best left in cases where
there is no other choice or way of resolving the conflict. It is something that shouldn’t be
used haphazardly; be absolutely sure you are doing the right thing before making the
decision.

You can, if you wish, use combinations of these methods how you see fit. There is no right or
wrong way to do it, just try again or try something new. However, it is important to
consider that spells work best when you actually need them to; don't use a spell unless it is
something you are going to benefit from when you cast it. Energy is precious, and to waste it
on spells you didn't need at the time will drain you very quickly.

On the note of love spells;

Love spells be defined by;

 Attracting a partner
 Self-Love
 Strengthening an existing relationship
 Making a specific person fall in love

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 The last point is the only one that should be considered with more thought. Relationships
are built on many things; the emotional connection is the most important as this is the
glue that holds it together. It takes both parties to have genuine feelings and intentions to
be together in order for it to last. This is where the issue of this particular love spell comes
in. Love spells intended to make a specific person have feelings for you will not have the
desired effect you want; at least later down the line, and that is, if the spell works at all. If
your feelings are based on an attraction that a) is not clearly reciprocated by the person, or
b) has not been explored prior in order to ascertain whether there is foundation to grow
on, then you are looking at a difficult experience in the long-term. You know that those
feelings are not genuine, and so no matter how happy you may feel that they now
suddenly take an interest in you romantically or more, over time that is going to change. If
it was never meant to be, it is better to move on than force a change that will only cause
pain and disappointment in the future.

Spell Basics;
iv. Writing Spells
There’s no one way to write spells. In this section I will be covering my own method, but it’s
worth going away and looking at other ways. They can be recorded anywhere, as long as
you have access to it; such as your Grimoire. Spells can be written in any way that feels easy
to understand.

♦ The first thing you will want to establish is the Intention. If you have something you
need to write a spell for, then this should be the first thing that is recorded;
remember to keep it as specific as possible. Consider what you want from it, why
you want it.
♦ The second thing you want is the Location; Are you working outside or in a room? Is
the room going to need to be spacious, or will you only need a small area of it? Take
note of where you feel comfortable. If you are planning to move around a lot, you
may need to consider a larger space, where if you are seated, a smaller area would
work.
♦ The third, is whether or not there is a specific Time that you want to cast your spell.
Do you want it to be during one of the moon phases, a day of the week? If this isn’t
relevant to your spell, then this can be left out.

Once you have decided these three factors; we can then move on to the spell itself.

♦ Decide on your materials; are you using any tools? If so, list them. Consider making
sure that they can harmonize with each other. Consider the correspondences, the
connections. Do they reflect your intention?
♦ Now, you need to decide how these are going to be used to create the spell; is it as
simple as setting them out and focusing the intention? Will you be carrying out any

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 actions in your spell, such as placing materials in a vessel, writing on something,
burying, etc. Do the materials you have work for these motions?
♦ Is there a set up you need to do first? Be sure to explain it through writing or
drawing a diagram.

An easier way to set this out is to do this;

♦ Your spell’s intention

♦ Location
♦ Suited time to cast the spell
♦ Materials for the spell;
 One
 Two
 Three
♦ How to set up
1. Step one
2. Step two
♦ How to cast
1. Step one
2. Step two
3. Step Three
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A completed spell using this format could, for example, look like this;

“Confidence Spell”
 A spell to make me feel more confident in public
 Cast in any room
 To be cast at midnight
It will require;
 One mirror
 Four orange candles/tealights
 A lighter
 A table to sit at/kneel at
Set up;
 Place mirror a good distance from the edge of the table, make sure it faces you
head on
 Place the candles spaced apart in a square, two either side in front of the mirror.
Keep them away from the edge of the table.
 Sit directly in front of the mirror.
How to cast the spell;
 Look directly into the mirror, not breaking contact
 Either aloud or whispered; say the words;
I am confident in myself
I am confident for myself
I am confident
 Light the candles; after lighting each one, face yourself in the mirror and repeat the
words. Remember the order they were lit
 After the fourth candle is lit, look back into the mirror and do not break contact;
utter the last line.
 Slowly blow out each candle in reverse order to activate the spell

If you are making a spell jar or sachet, you may want to just set it out as a list of ingredients
with their correspondences;

♦ Intention of the spell

♦ Ingredients;
 One (correspondence)
 Two (correspondence)
 Three (correspondence)

If there’s a ritual involved or an order to add them, you can list this the same way as the
method.
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 Writing incantations

Incantations are a great way to help boost the effectiveness of your intent. They can help
build emotion and improve focus. Words have an incredibly powerful effect on us in our
daily lives, and so incorporating them into our craft is taking that power and using it to
help us harness as much energy as possible.

One-word incantations, simple sentences, even full verses, rhyming or not can help us
build up the power we need for a successful spell. Singing is a powerful addition to spells;
using our voices to create rhythm and energy.

It’s helpful to try and keep to your intent when writing anything into a spell. Think about
words that associate to the intention, words that resonate with you and give you power
when you speak them out loud or under your breath. Let words turn into a powerful
force.

Spell basics;
v. When spells fail
Spells are prone to failing at some point, more often than you think; this is perfectly fine. It’s
good to have a spell fail every now and again to allow us to learn and grow from the
mistakes. Whenever you cast a spell, whether it works or not, record everything you did,
including how you felt, what you feel was strong and what wasn’t and use this to refer to
when you need to learn.

Your intention wasn’t specific enough;

♦ Intentions need to be as specific as possible

♦ If you feel your intention could have been misunderstood, adjust it

It wasn’t the right time;

♦ Sometimes spells will not work as the time was not right
♦ This isn’t something you can truly determine, so just try again when you feel ready

You didn’t cleanse thoroughly enough;

♦ Cleansing before and after a spell is really important, as it keeps the work space clear
for the right energies to flow and work
♦ Just do a little more to help cleanse your area

You lacked confidence;

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 ♦ Spells need full belief and confidence from the caster to work
♦ Build up confidence by practicing more; it takes a little time to get right, but if you
truly believe in yourself and what you want, you’ll get it.

You warding wasn’t strong enough;

♦ You may not have done a strong enough barrier to protect yourself from
interferences that would affect the spell
♦ Look into your approach; was it something you really believed would protect you?

Your intention wasn’t strong enough;

♦ One of the main reasons a spell may not work, is because your focus on what you
wanted from it wasn’t strong enough
♦ If this is the case, try practicing focusing

The best thing to do is keep practising, keep adjusting your approach, and eventually you’ll
get the hang of good solid spell work. As long as you believe you can do it, you’ll get it.

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 Conclusion
I hope that this guide has been helpful to you; whether it is as a form of reference so you
don’t lose your way, or a helpful step into the beginning of your craft. Below there are links
to my blog and my Discord server, where you can find out even more about the many layers
there are to Witchcraft.

There is an infinite wealth of information out there for you to go and find. I sincerely hope
that this has at least opened up enough inspiration in order for you to off and find your own
journey.

My blog and server are open for any questions, so be sure to go and discover more
information that wasn’t covered in this guide.

I wish you well on your journeys!

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 Glossary
Altar; A space dedicated to Witchcraft. It can be used as a space for spell work and even
worshipping Deities. Usually made up of a table or shelf, and decorated with items and
tools that the Witch chooses.

Amulet; A item worn to protect the wearer from negativity. Can also be used for other
intentions if this is desired.

Book of Shadows; A diary of records for Witches (See tools and ingredients)

Charging; The transference of energy from the user or energy source into the sigil or object
desired. Methods include passing energy from person to object, using divine bodies such as
the moon, or even using elements such as water or fire.

Cleansing; Ridding a space of negative energies; this can be done by lighting white candles,
incense, cleaning, dancing, etc.

Correspondence; Intentions that are associated to that of plants, crystals, colours, etc. For
example, the colour green is traditionally associated with wealth, money, luck, etc.

Coven; A group of Witches who either communicate online or meet in person to perform
rituals, spells and discuss their practice.

Deity; A gender-neutral term referring to God/Goddesses/Sacred entities. .

Divination; A practice done by both Witches and non-Witches alike; it is the art of seeking
guidance through tools such as Tarot Cards, Pendulums, Runes, etc. They have been
associated with that of telling the future, but this is a huge misconception.

Eclectic; One who practices multiple types of Witchcraft

Glamour; A type of spell designed to disguise the user; it can be used to appear differently
to others, for example appearing more confident or hiding themselves from certain people.

Grimoire; A book dedicated to spells and rituals and vital information for the Witch (see
Tools and Ingredients)

Grounding; The process of releasing excess energy after spells and rituals, usually by
focusing that energy into something else (the ground, objects, water, etc.)

Incantation; The lines or words you would use in a spell or ritual to help form a stronger
intention. They can be both vocal and non-vocal.

Intention; The foundation of any spell work, it is the sole purpose of the spell. For example,
promoting wealth, protection or even a healthy pregnancy. it has to be specific in order to
achieve the desired effect.

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Manifestation; A type of spell that works over a long period; it is usually used to help with
long term goals and achievement.

Pendulum; A crystal or weighted object that is hung from chain and suspended over a chart.
The direction it swings determines yes/no, numerical and alphabetical responses depending
on how the chart is laid out.

Poppet; A doll designed to represent an individual (see Tools and Ingredients)

Potion; A liquid-based spell that contains ingredients related to the intention. It is usually
ingested, so the ingredients are edible. Potions can also be non-ingestible.

Sabbat; Celebrations that take place over the course of the year, and are often celebrated by
both Witches and Wiccans. These are; Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha,
Lammas (Lughnasadh) and Mabon.

Sachet; A pocket made of fabric or other materials that is often filled with herbs or crystals
before being sealed. The choice of filling is based on intention.

Scrying; A form of Divination that requires something that can be seen through such as a
mirror, water, or a crystal ball. It is used for guidance, just like other Divination tools.

Secular; A Witch who does not associate with anything religious

Sigil; A hand drawn and designed symbol that is used to store and manifest energy; it is
fuelled by the intention of the user and can be repeated and placed where the user feels
necessary.

Solitary; A Witch who practices independently

Tarot; A form of divination; it uses a specialised deck of cards which are split into the Major
and Minor Arcana. There are traditionally 78 cards in a deck.

Visualisation; using your imagination to help with things like warding, grounding and
spells. Creating an image in your mind that matches your needs.

Warding; Putting up a barrier around yourself, your home or personal effects; this is
especially helpful when casting spells as it keeps any negative forces from interfering.

Wicca; A religious movement that was formed from a mixture of traditions and practices
across the world.

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Please show your support for this guide;

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Join the Discord server; Foxglove Forest

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These are all direct links

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