Components of Magick

Many pieces of the magick
within the realm of Witchcraft,
limited only by the imagination.

Ought to choose that which aligns
with the factors of the Work:
the purpose or intent,
for whom it is to be done,
the time it is to be wrought.

- - -

Magick can be cast in many ways based on a wide range of factors. The intent, the subject, even the timing of the working can direct the medium by which the magick is enacted.

Candles
The release or transfer of energy through the burning of a candle

Considered a powerful form of sympathetic magick, a candle often represents the subject of a spell and is burned to release or transfer its energy.

The most important aspect of the candle is its color, which should align with the purpose of the spell. To enhance its energy, the candle may be etched with names, words, or symbols, and may also be dressed with oils or potions. Herbs or stones may be infused into the candle when it is made or rolled into the surface after dressing.

In most cases, once a candle is lit, it should be allowed to completely burn down. Some spells, however, must be performed over a longer period with the same candle, requiring it to be extinguished. In this case, it should be snuffed or pinched rather than blown out.

Complex spells can require the use of multiple candles, arranged or moved relative to one another, indicating the forces acting on the released energy.

Cords
A type of talisman that uses knots tied in cord to hold energy

Cords are lengths of string, yarn, twine, or other rope made of natural materials that have been knotted to hold magickal energy. They may then be carried, benefitting from the energy within, or untied to release the energy at the most effective time.

Choosing a cord color that corresponds to the intent of the spell can help align the energy held by it, and magickally complex cords can be made by braiding multiple colors together. The knots may be tied around medallions or beads to further amplify the energy.

Divination
The revelation of information through symbols and patterns

In the consideration of a question or need, divination is the act of discovering hidden knowledge and understanding through the interpretation of symbols and patterns. There are two predominant forms of divination: inherent and guided.

Inherent divination involves interpreting how a natural substance or material presents itself. Common forms include scrying (peering into a mirror or water), automatic writing, and reading tea leaves or a cracked egg.

Guided divination involves the use of a tool, such as tarot cards, oracle cards, or rune stones. The drawn cards or runes are interpreted to form an answer for the question posed. A common variation of guided divination involves a pendulum and interpreting its movements.

Jars
Combining ingredients in a jar or bottle to amplify magickal intent

The best way to merge the inherent magick of various ingredients, especially when combining liquids and solids, is through the use of jars. This provides for the creation of complex magick as the energy of each ingredient, when combined together, serves to amplify the overall effect.

Jars are efficient for longer lasting spells and are useful for storing away magick. They are often placed in the backs of cupboards, dark corners of the home, or buried in the yard to allow the magick to manifest over time.

Once made and sealed, jars are rarely opened except to end the magickal effect and dispose of its ingredients.

Movement
Using movement of the body to generate and project magickal energy

Performing magick through positioning and motion of the body, such as poses or dance, can be one of the most powerful, and most subtle, ways to raise energy because it originates from within oneself. This makes it very personal and focused.

The science of magick teaches that everything vibrates, so although it may seem ironic, stillness is also considered a form of movement. Making the conscious choice to be still is a decision of movement. Its power is often used during meditation.

Poppets
The making and use of a doll to direct magickal energy to a specific person for a specific purpose

A poppet is a figure or doll used to direct and control magickal energy to a specific recipient. Once dedicated to a person, what is done to the poppet and the way it is treated will affect the associated person. The manipulation is continuous and should therefore be done carefully and with deep consideration.

As with many other physical items, the incorporation of color can influence the purpose and usefulness of the poppet. Once constructed, it begins to take on the energy of the intent for which it was made and once dedicated to a recipient that energy will begin to take effect. The only way to sever the connection is by deconstructing or destroying the poppet.

Caution must be taken in the use of poppets as it can be very easy to cross a line into manipulating a person beyond their free will. This would be a violation of the Athiccan Rede. Influencing a person through the use of a poppet should be to benefit them. If a person seeks to do harm, then the poppet should be connected to their intended target as a means of protection.

Potions
Infusing and empowering a liquid with the inherent magick of its ingredients

Infusing water or oil with the essences of herbs, minerals, or other materials creates a potion instilled with the ingredients' magick. The potion can then be used with many other components of magick, such as anointing a candle or filling a jar.

Potions are meant to inherent the magickal energy of an ingredient and not its medicinal qualities. They are meant for spellwork and not for medical use. Therefore, for safety reasons, potions should never be ingested as various ingredients may be toxic or cause allergic reactions.

Recital
Speaking a spell, whether out loud, whispered, or in thought, using chants, verses, or songs

The simplest way to work magick or perform a spell is to speak the intent out loud. Just saying it, thus being carried on the waves of sound, puts the intent out into the world to be manifested. Since it is coming from within, it is by the speaker's personal power.

Sometimes a spell can be a single word, or other times the working is better suited by a longer, rhythmic, rhyming verse. Volume and emphasis can further enhance the spell, depending on the subject matter and intent.

Sigils
The creation of symbols that encapsulate a specific intent, created from words or by combining characters, marks, or images into a single form

From a single letter or character up to large, ornate tokens that fill an entire page, sigils not only represent a magickal intent, but can help empower a working when placed on another object, such as a candle or talisman.

Sigils can be designed in many different ways. Some are created using symbols to represent various keywords, blended together to merge the magick into a single focus. Others may use an alphabet wheel, where a word or phrase is translated to a series of lines to form a representative symbol. Even sacred geometry can be incorporated into the sigil construction to enhance its effect.

There is virtually no limit to how a sigil is formed. It takes only a small amount of imagination and creativity to design a unique and powerful sigil.

Talismans
Empowering an object to manifest a particular power or energy

A talisman is a mundane, physical object that has been charged with a specific intent. Suppressing any inherent magickal qualities, the object becomes a vessel for the spell's energy.

Whereas amulets, such as stone or crystals, have general associations attributed to them, talismans are usually single or limited pieces meant to serve a specific purpose. The object used can be anything but is generally kept small and often unassuming so as to obfuscate its purpose.

There is no set way to create a talisman, and once created, care should be taken in its handling. It is important to stay mindful of the talisman to ensure that it is used as intended and unwelcome consequences can arise should it be misplaced or lost. When depleted or no longer needed, the talisman must be discharged and cleansed appropriately.