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March / April 2010 Issue

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The Llewellyn Encyclopedia

Term: spell

DEFINITIONS

Spells: Spells are magical rituals. Magical rituals may also be spells (though there are many different types of rituals). A spell, then, is an act of magic in which energies are raised, “programmed” with a magical need (such as love or money) and directed to do their work.

A few spells are secret; most are not. Secret spells aren’t more effective than their non-secret cousins. Any spell will work, provided that it’s been properly written, and provided that it’s properly performed.

Spells usually consist of gathering together the needed items, charging them with power, and using them in some fashion. Herb spells are among the easiest to master. [In this guide,] I’ll use the words “spell” and “ritual” interchangeably.
source: Truth about Herb Magic, Scott Cunningham

Spell: A simple and basic act of magick that incorporates the use of raised power or drawn power. In a spell the mind is conditioned by each step or phase of the spell as it unfolds. The process of performing a spell allows the mind to draw upon its inner powers. The spell is a focus for the mind, a catalyst to unlocking its abilities, and it enables the mind to create changes in the astral substance, which will then cause changes to occur in the physical world.
source: Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft, Raven Grimassi (Llewellyn Publications)


ARTICLES

Guidelines for Performing Herb Magic
- The magician should be alone during spellcasting. The presence of others will only hurt the magician’s efforts. Some wait until the others in the house are asleep before casting their spells. (Many people temporarily turn off the phones and ...
Relevance:  20 % 20%


Witchcraft and Voodoo
Voodoo and Witchcraft are the two most misunderstood religions in the world. Each has a public image and an inner reality. Most frequently that public image has little to do with the private, inner and real religion. Voodoo Voodoo is a mixture of ...
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Hoodoo
The traditional folk magic of African-American culture, also known as conjure magic and rootwork. (The origin of the word "hoodoo" itself is uncertain, although it may derive from a West African source.) Hoodoo is to occultism what the blues are to ...
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Review of the Shapeshifter Tarot
Summary: A stunning and transformative artistic deck that is good as an additional deck with a focus on major life changes and magickal work including meditation, shapeshifting, and spellwork. However there are some flaws and the differences between ...
Relevance:  10 % 10%


Celtic Magic
The Druids and filídh were known for their divination and mysticism. These took manyforms, such as the learning and verse forms for composing blessings and curses,and the memorization of old hymns, chants and incantations. The basic song wascalled a ...
Relevance:  7 % 7%


Witchcraft: Death and Resurrection
Soon the leaders of the new religion, determined to wield absolute control over all aspects of human life, sought to stamp out such crimes of heresy as foretelling the future, psychic healing, spiritualism, the creation of protective amulets and ...
Relevance:  7 % 7%


Psychic Self-defense Story #2: Fighting Off a Psychic Attack
The story a man named Antonio Vega tells could have come out of the Middle Ages, but it is supposed to have happened in California in 1973. Vega recounts his terrifying experience in the January 1977 issue of Fate magazine, published by Llewellyn ...
Relevance:  7 % 7%


Flower Fascinations from A–Z
The folklore of flowers is a fascinating subject and it is simple to work into natural spells and charms. Check out this alphabet of common garden blossoms and see what type of natural magick you can add to your next spell or charm, by employing the ...
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History of Enochian Magick
Enochian Magick was first presented to the public in modern times by Sir John Dee, the court astrologer to Queen Elizabeth of England. Dee was born in England in 1527, and was a magician as well as an astrologer. Working with Edward Kelly (sometimes ...
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Review of the Celtic Dragon Tarot
Summary: A deck that will appeal to lovers of dragons, especially in a Celtic context. As this deck follows the RWS "standard," it will be usable by beginners and pros looking for an additional deck to add to their collection. A must for lovers of ...
Relevance:  3 % 3%



Curiosity is a great cure-all because it generates energy and enthusiasm. Even if you don’t have much control over your present circumstances, you can nevertheless indulge your curiosity with simple tarot readings. The following is a “card search” technique that gives you something to look forward to. As you shuffle your deck,... read this article
The Astrological Elements: How Compatible Are Your Sun Signs?
The Everyday Clairvoyant: What’s Your Gift? (And Does It Help You Clean The House?)
Court Cards, Part I: The Kings of Tarot
Court Cards, Part II: The Queens of Tarot
Court Cards, Part III: The Knights of Tarot

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