Spells vs. Rituals
Something that I see very often is the blurred line between a spell and a ritual. In the beginning it was difficult for me to differentiate the two and when it was appropriate to perform one versus the other. So I’ve sorta developed my own breakdown system of each to help me decide. This is purely only my opinion, based on how I’ve worked and through my experience. This is in no way definitive.
First let’s discuss the differences between a spell and a ritual. A spell is usually performed when there is a call for change. You raise the energy, program it through visualization, and release it. You influence. A ritual is a ceremony acknowledging a special moment or event using gestures and words. It is not so much about a call for a change, but rather the action filled with purpose. I tend to reserve this for the more ‘heavy’ stuff.
Now let’s talk about what a spell and ritual actually consist of.
Anatomy of a Spell
The Intent – the specific desire or goal of the spell. What do you want to obtain?Ex. Wealth, Stop Gossip, Cleanse *keep in mind that these are just general examples. When performing a spell, be as specific as possible
The Type – the kind of spell you will be performing to obtain the intent. This should reflect the intent. What is the role of the energy being used? Ex. Attract (wealth), bind (stop gossip), banish (cleanse) Other Examples: Anoint, Attract, Banish, Bind, Curse, Dream, Food, Glamour, Hex, Jinx, Protection, Ward, Wish
The Mode – how you want to raise and direct the energy. The primary action of the spell. This should reflect the combination of the intent and type. How are you going to symbolically represent the intent and type? Ex. Jar, knot, incense Other Examples: Bath, Candle, Charm, Construction (making or building something), Cooking, Destruction (destroying something), Crystal Grid, Jar/Container, Jewelry, Meditation, Release, Restrict, Sachet, Smolder, Speak/Chant/Sing, Tea/Potion, Topical (balms, salves, oils), Writing
Anatomy of a Ritual
The Purpose – the specific reason for the ritual. What are you acknowledging?Ex. Purification, Divination, Release Other Examples: Celebration, Channeling, Dedication/Honoring, Dream Work, Esbat, Meditation, Rite of Passage/Initiation, Sabbat, Self-Work, Summoning, Worship
The Primary Ritual Act – building energy and the action performed. What action will you take to achieve the purpose? Think verbs… Ex. Bathing, tarot, crying Other Examples: Chanting, Dancing, Drinking, Eating, Screaming, Scrying
Hopefully this helps someone when deciding whether to perform a spell or a ritual. You can use this guide to help you when writing your own spells and rituals as well. I would suggest coming up with lists that revolve around what you do in your craft.
-Sasori
