|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 5:21 pm
How Do You Think Spells Work? I was reading through this horrendous book on witches, but there were a few good points. However, there were a few terrible ones. None the less, it got the old noodle thinking. There was a few spells in there that referenced the devil. Some spells were so ridiculous to state that they could shrink a man's p***s size and even make it disappear. Since Paganism is not Christianity, the devil does not exist. So I was wondering about wording. Is it possible that witches, if any wrote these, write spells in symbolic metaphors that hold true to them, but the pieces might not equate to the whole. In some books we know that the spells can be misinterpreted. Shakespeare's famous, "eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat, and eye of dog" refers to many different plants by their pet names. Just a little background on the idea. So I got to wondering. How do you think spells work? There are several different theories that I have read about. None of them seem wrong, since it is all up to faith, and different religions view it differently, within the pagan community. Sacred Tools One thought is that the tools and material is the most important aspect. With out using the material required for the spell, the spell will fail. These people believe the there can be no substitutions no matter what. It was said, so it is law. Sacred Practice Another thought is that the act is sacred in and of itself. Without casting the perfect circle, or making the appropriate movements or breaths the Spell will fail. These people believe that without the rhythm and traditional order, such as when you eat the cakes and wine and when you cast the spell, the spell will fail. Sacred Vision There is also the idea that the visualization is the key. If you can use the tools and actions to symbolically express what you want the spell to accomplish it will work fine. These people tend to be the ones who substitute very often, and will often times make their own spells with little to no prior research. Sacred Intent Finally some people believe that it is the intent itself that makes a spell successful. You can look past the tools, the practice, and the visualization as long as you have a need and want to fill it. They may partake in spell casting just like every other witch, but they go about it very differently. They may not have a set order of the phases, they may not cast a circle, they might use tools or not. As long as they have the need, it shall happen. Their focus is the rite and the intentions. There are a few different thoughts on how spells work and what is the driving factor, leaving the rest as a crutch to the underlying truth. So I ask you, which category do you fall under? Do you lean toward one, or away from one, and why. Is there a different way that you view spells that I did not cover? Basically I want to know what you think is the driving force behind spells. -Later I will ask about your opinions on the limits of magic, but that is a lot to talk about at once, so please hold you comments on that.-
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:24 pm
I'll get to the actual question eventually, but I wanted to mention a few things first. sweatdrop Quote: Since Paganism is not Christianity, the devil does not exist. I know it's been mentioned any number of times, but "Paganism" is an umbrella term - there are a ton of of different branches, traditions, paths, religions, etc... that all fall under that umbrella. Of those various paths, there are some for which the Devil is a part of their practice/system of beliefs. Also, just because the Devil is a Christian concept, doesn't necessarily mean that a Witch, Wiccan, or other Pagan doesn't acknowledge his existence. Just because a God/Goddess, or other entity isn't a part of one's path, doesn't automatically mean that they cease to be. They still exist, it's just not something that we necessarily concern ourselves with, if it's not related to our path. It would be like saying Zeus doesn't exist because I'm not a Hellenic Recon, or Aset doesn't exist because I'm not Kemetic. Realize too that many of those that were considered "witches" in the past were Christian, so it is not too strange that spells might mention the Devil. ________________ Quote: How do you think spells work? As you said, it's really going to come down to individual practices/beliefs, and in the end there is probably not a "right" or "wrong" answer. For most it will probably be a combination of those things you've listed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 4:29 am
The last line of your statement that was meant to clear up the Devil aspect is what I was trying to get at. I understand they the devil exists and I would never tell someone not to believe in him. That would be rude and blasphemous. The devil is not part of my faith, but I understand my faith is not the only faith, and I accept that. I also understand that paganism is an umbrella term. I use it, however, because there are so many of us here from different faiths, it is easier to use an umbrella term to reference them, instead of saying all eclectic, or all wiccan, etc.
As for the real question, how did you answer? I am a little confused.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:35 am
For me personally it's almost 100% intention, though I tend to lump visualization and intention together as I don't see how you can form a proper intention, without being able to visualize what it is (in this case I'd say visualize=clearly define, more so that visualize=see...though that can definitely be a large part of it as well). I mean you can intend for something to happen all you want, but if you can't clearly define desired outcome it's going to be difficult to focus your will on achieving that outcome (or the outcome you get won't quite be what you were expecting).
Without clearly defining your intentions, your "i need a job spell" ends up with you doing the dishes after dinner, instead of getting the $40K a year one you were looking for. gonk
The other stuff is nice if you have the time/opportunity to use them, but when all else fails, all one really needs oneself to make magic work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 1:19 pm
For me, I believe it's all about visualization, intent, and the act of preparing and casting the spell. (but mostly intent...)
The moment, I think, when you decide on casting a spell is when it starts. The thought is in motion and so, already, you are preparing for the spell. Whether it be deciding when to cast it, where, or how...or all of the above.
I don't think one needs to have a dozen different tools or cast a perfect circle with the right incantations. Those practices may feel "right" to some, but for me, I try to keep it simple.
Look at the power of thought, if you tell yourself everyday, "I'm beautiful." You will, eventually, begin to feel beautiful - inside and out, thus having a more positive outlook on yourself, thus drawing those to you, and gaining self confidence.
(It's not the best example...but I hope you see my point. )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 1:42 pm
Well, since I work with nature and the elements more than anything else... I believe that I draw upon its energy and my own, in order to preform spells. An incantation may not always be necissary for in my mind it is more for clearing your thoughts and focusing on what you want to happen. Intent and visualization is key in my opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:55 pm
For myself, I feel what the desired effect feels like, thinking of it but feeling it's sensation, and then I pull it towards me, or try expanding it. I think it works by forcing a flexible "real"ity into a desired place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:25 am
In my opinion all the things mentioned together are what makes a spell or ritual work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:03 pm
Although I am new to the official practice of Wicca, I believe it all depends on a person in the situation. In most cases, I would say the sacred intent is the most important, but there are those who depends on the materials themselves or the visions or any other part of a ritual or spell to make it work. To restate as before, just the person is the important thing in each situation. They perform the spell and thus give the spell or ritual energy to carry. Sorry if I confuse you ^^;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
