Welcome to Gaia! ::

I have come to this conclusion after a few years of practicing and would just like to share my thoughts on whether a spell is appropriate to cast or not.

When I first began to dabble in magic I was advised by some individuals on this guild that the spells I was going to cast were poor. For some reason they felt the intent was not strong enough for a spell to be necessary. I felt terrible, and defeated by these comments that I refused to do many spells at all. I would just meditate on the goddess and god and do nothing physical with my craft.

Since Wicca is so young I thought that I should reach out and see what older faiths, with more information, had to offer. So I looked toward other religions, being that I am eclectic I am entitled to do this, to find some answers to my problem. Now the religion I found the answer to my problem to is not one people in this guild are fond of, but I believe all paths lead to the same destination. This religion was Christianity. In this religion they pray for just about everything. If they want a job, a lover, an opportunity in what ever, consolation or counsel. So I figured I would treat my craft like that. I would cast spells for what ever I felt I needed in my life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

For this to make sense I must explain my believe of spells them self. I believe that a spell is a similar concept as prayer with imagery. Both have a great deal of personal power combining with divine power in order to bring something into fruition. I also believe no matter the spell, if the gods do not wish for the spell to succeed, it will fail. This means that even love spells directed towards a specific person are okay in theory because the higher forces know if you are meant to be together or not. It also makes sense to why people suggest love spells to be more general, just to attract love, because these spells will work more often than fail. This is why I feel spells can be cast for anything your heart desires.

Since I began to cast more spells I began to make things simpler. I have a tendency now to cast spells wherever I am, using my body as tools or making trinkets/charms our of local objects. This allows me to cast my spells before I forget them. Still when bigger and more important spells need to be cast I will be seen casting a circle and preforming at my normal alter because I do prefer to do this. If I were to try and cast all my spells from my circle, I would never leave it.

I also believe that you can move mountains. By this I feel that spells/prayer can do things unbelievable. I have cast spells to end wars and help Hattie. Before, if I had listen to those members comments I would feel so inferior and unable to make a difference in such dynamic events. Now I have faith that I can do anything.

Furthermore I do believe that spells should be in good order with your path. I believe in "an ye harm none, do what ye will." In this I try to do my best in not harming anyone in my spell casting, and throughout my life. But in spells this does become a problem. With every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When I ask for my plants not be be devoured by pests, the pests will then have no food. When I ask for a job, someone else is not getting that job. With spells I feel that if you are directly harming someone it should not be cast, such as I want so-and-so to die. But if it is indirectly and with such extensive thought, like I will it to rain, then it should be cast regardless. Anyone can overlook a situation, and you need not worry yourself on trivial matter. Remember, the gods bring events into fruition, therefore if they felt it was a spell not in line with their plans, then it will just not come to pass.

I also enjoy these spells because I feel the gods are more actively involved in my life. I feel more connected to them when I ask for something, and then I feel obligated to thank them later, only doubling my time personally communing with them. I feel with this being part of my craft, I am getting closer to my gods and more solid in my own craft. There is a great deal of confidence that follows not being afraid to ask for what you want.

I do hope I was clear enough for you to understand my opinions on spell casting. And for those of you that are afraid of casting spells, I hope this puts to rest some of your fears, and that you will soon ask for what you want, and let the gods fulfill your desires.

Thank you, that was my intentions and I am glad to hear at least one person benefited from this post. To be honest I was worried many people would speak against it because I had not had a very positive response to a similar idea in the past.

Thanks again...