Spells & Charms: 

A spell can be worked in many ways from a simple pointing of the finger to a complicated ritual involving lots of tools, herbs and crystals and of course any variation in between.  As a Kitchen Witch, I do prefer to keep things simple but I also like delving into different types of spells, how you put them together, how to work with them and what you need.

There are a lot of things in the universe that we don’t understand.  When something is meant to happen, it will whether you cast a spell or not.  But you can help it on its way by guiding and encouraging it and maybe even tweaking events a little too.  What will happen for sure is the boost of confidence and happy buzz you will receive as you cast the spell. You also get the positive vibe that you are putting something into action.

What exactly is a spell?

From the dictionary (which is always interesting to see) the definition of the word ‘spell’:

A spell is a series of words that has magical powers. If you’re under a spell, then what you do is out of your control — your thoughts and actions are dictated by the spell.

Spell can refer to the magic words you say, or it can describe being under the influence of those words.

Quite possibly the most common question I get asked when people discover I am a witch is “do you cast spells?” That’s after the questions “are you evil” and “can you turn me into a toad?”  And to be honest although it is a part of my way of life to do so it is not something I do every single day.  If I have an issue or a problem then I tend to look for the mundane resolution first.

However, it is a wonderful way to bring about things that you desire or need and to create a better life, not just for you but for your family and friends. Maybe even help the planet a little bit too.  If you have the magic at your fingertips why not use it?  But remember, that with great power comes great responsibility.

In simple form

In its most simple form a spell is the wish or desire to bring about change whether it is in your life or that of others.  Add to that wish your own will, intent, belief and energy and you can make change happen.   Although it sounds straightforward a successful spell working takes thought, focus and energy.    If you don’t believe in what you are doing then the chances are that the result will be non-existent.  Badly constructed spells or those cast in anger have a habit of going wrong, sometimes with disastrous results.  Spells in general do have a habit of ‘doing their own thing’ and often have unexpected results.  Fundamentally, I wholeheartedly believe that the universe knows best and what you want isn’t always what you need. There is a very big difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’.  The universe has a habit of stepping into magic and diverting it…

Believe…

Anyone can cast a spell but the result will differ depending on the strength of will, intent, focus, energy and commitment to backing up the spell with actions.   For example, there is no point casting a spell to find a job and then not actually applying for any.  The universe isn’t going to drop your dream job straight into your lap.

You must believe the spell will work, any negative thoughts about the outcome of your spell, before or after you have cast it, will have an impact on the results.  If you think your spell won’t work, it won’t, the energy you put into the spell will follow your thoughts and affect the outcome. If your thoughts are negative, the outcome will not be as you intended.   So, after you cast a spell only allow your thoughts and actions to be positive ones which will reinforce your spell.

And just to be really confusing there is also the train of thought that once you cast a spell you should forget about it completely.  Follow your intuition on this one, I think it also varies depending on the spell because some workings need keeping an eye on and others may also need a regular boost of energy.

Visualisation

Visualisation is also key, you need to be able to clearly picture your desired result when you are working magic.   Using finding a job as an example again; you receive a chance to interview for a position; you decide to cast a simple spell to secure a successful outcome from that interview.  During the spell you may wish to visualise yourself at the interview, answering all the questions with ease and confidence and with a smile on your face.  See yourself wearing the clothes you plan to wear and shaking hands with the interviewer.  Then maybe you visualise accepting the position and seeing you name on office stationery or something of a similar nature.  By visualising yourself in the position you have put your consciousness there, now all your physical body must do is follow that path.

Taken from Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms

Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms by Rachel Patterson

Publication 27th July 2018

978-1-78535-768-8

​“A spell can be worked in many ways from a simple pointing of the finger to a complicated ritual involving lots of herbs and crystals and of course any variation in between. As a Kitchen Witch I do prefer to keep things simple so I will be sharing my Kitchen folk magic spells with you but also delving into all different types of spells, how you put them together, how to work with them and what you need.

There are a lot of things in the universe that we don’t understand. When something is meant to happen, it will whether you cast a spell or not. But you can help it on its way by guiding and encouraging it and maybe even tweaking events a little too. What will happen for sure is the boost of confidence and happy buzz you will receive as you cast the spell. You also get the positive vibe that you are putting something into action.”