Having beginner spaces is important, however right now there is a lack of good advanced and intermediate spaces.
And I understand that with the rise of magic in social media that we’re going to have a disproportionate amount of beginners to advanced individuals.
It is just frustrating, I wish there were more active spaces for this sort of thing. When there isn’t that community for the rest of us, we aren’t being creatively challenged as a collective anymore. There’s a lack of those sort of heavy discussions and conversations that keep us growing as practitioners. Idk I’m just rambling out of frustration.
If anyone knows or any good ones please let me know.
This is a compilation of information I have gathered and/or written in one place on different magics. Please feel free to ask questions, leave comments, and/or reblog.
In the meantime, please feel free to check out my main blog, which has magic information there as well. @this-is-me19 .
Do not repost.
Thank you!
Elle
Table of Contents by tag (not in order)
#weather magic
#beginner witch or #witchcraft 101
#book recommendations
#correspondence table
#art magic
#technomagic or #pop culture magic or #emoji spells
This post is aimed at three target audiences. The first are witchcraft content creators, in the hopes that they will start publishing spells that can accurately be reproduced by their followers. The second are advanced witches, in aims to give them an idea as to what direction they can expand their crafts. The last, and most important are the fledgling witches. Let this post act as a warning and as food for thought about your craft. 100% of the spells you find on the internet do not contain enough information to be accurately reproduced.
Word definitions:
Encryption: the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access
Cipher: a secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
Subtle Body: The energetic system that is constructed of energetic fields, nodes, and conduits that connect them.
Energetic Awareness: The ability to be aware of energetic density, volume, properties, movement, and location.
Energy Point: An energetic node within the Subtle Body
Energetic Gates: An artificial Energy Point that connects a practitioner to a specific source of energy.
Conlang: AKA Constructed language, is a language that is created by one or a few individuals. Sometimes referred to as a fictional language.
Script: A set of symbols used to represent words, concepts, and/or sounds.
Orthography: The graphical representation of sounds, The Latin alphabet is a good example.
Transcription: The act of creating a new script that has a 1:1 representation of each letter in a language’s orthography.
Headspace: The ideal environment and mental state that allows for complete focus on a single task.
What is Spell Dictation?
Spell dictation is how a practitioner describes their spells on paper, digitally, or online. It can range from writing a spell out to having nothing but encrypted graphic representations. This process seems more difficult than it actually is when just starting. In essence, all it really takes is the time to sit and think about what you want to do and how you want to do it. Throughout most of classical magic’s history it was very common to encrypt magical writing. John Dee immediately comes to mind, as he was also the official cryptographer of the queen. As such, all of his occult workings and illustrations were heavily encrypted. Which worked successfully, as many practitioners use his works as they appear, rather than decrypt them. I have made an in depth post about the process of designing a spell here.
Why is Spell Dictation Important?
Being in the proper headspace is so important when casting. For a lot of people, the aesthetics of their spell is just as important for maintaining headspace as music and lighting. Without being in a good headspace the likelihood of your spells working as intended drops significantly. And having a spell that takes up several pages will cause you to break from it and ruin your headspace. If you mark all your pages with significant information, references, symbols, and incantations, then you can check all your sources before casting in order to have a seamless spell process. If you feel that you'll be able to remember every detail about the spells you put into your books, and you don't plant on sharing any online- then just use this post as a guideline for spells you find on the internet.
Necessary Elements of Spell Dictation for Accurate Spell Replication.
In order for your spells to be accurately reproduced by another practitioner it is important to include enough information. There are a lot of variables when it comes to casting a spell and sadly there's almost no modern spell dictations that contain enough information. The important variables to record are:
Subtle body programing/orientation
All possible nodes. (If a memory is a node, it will not translate perfectly for another practitioner.)
Physical objects used and the process of using them
The energetic process throughout the entire spell
The required state of awareness
The variables for building headspace
The center or source of passion
The intent and focus, depicted exactly as it was cast the first time.
Prominent energy points
Energetic current flow and density as it moves through the subtle body and the paths that it takes.
Time and locations, if necessary or desired.
What it targets
How it targets and/or reaches that target
Any spirits used in the spell and their properties and roles in the casting. Potentially even how to summon or commune with them.
Psychic abilities used and how they were implemented specifically, if necessary
Any incantations, their meaning, and any sigils that were used.
Any gestures or bodily movements that were significant.
Any symbols that were used other than sigils
Thorough descriptions of any energetic constructs and thoughtforms used.
Any astral information if necessary.
Any energetic gates used.
As a neat side-effect of densely representing information, your book of spells will be difficult to read without study. This is okay, as you’ll still be able to read it clearly.
The rest of this post is for inspiration and guidance on how to achieve the necessary amount of information.
Concepts for Spell Dictation
An important aspect of thorough spell dictation is being able to fit as much information as possible onto a single page of your medium of choice. This is done by the application of magical scripts, sympathetic notations (symbols that represent a much longer word or sentence), Sigils, Magical symbols, graphical representations, illustrations, encryption, conlangs, allusions to other texts/books, and general clever design.
Using a Magical Script & Conlang for Spell Dictation
Magical scripts are special orthographies used to either write in a conlang or transcribe your chosen language. These scripts can be built on the phonetic sounds of a language or a 1:1 representation of that language's orthography. Doing so does two things at the same time: makes it difficult for others to read your work, which can be perfect for discreet practitioners; and, adds to or improves the general aesthetics of your work. Which can be extremely beneficial; for generating a headspace once you have familiarized yourself with your own methods. Using a conlang can make your spell feel more magical, especially if you design the language yourself and choose what sounds make up your language.
Allusions to Other Texts or Books
You can create a code to reference outside material that takes up very little space on your page. A simple number sequence can be used to describe the page number and line. Or you can create a code specifically for referencing in another one of your books that is dedicated to relevant information like, charts, tables, correspondences, herbs, gestures, etc. This can be done b y assigning each section in that book a letter, and each entry under that section a number. I do this very often in my second and third grimoires. Doing this allows you to include much more relevant information for casting your spell without taking up tons of space on your page.
Magical Symbols, Sigils, & Sympathetic Notation
One of the most common elements found in spellwork are sigils. These symbols pack a lot of information in a relatively small space. And if they’re designed a certain way, they can easily be reproduced from the pages of your grimoire, graphic, or online reliquary. Magical symbols work in much the same way, however they can also be integrated into your conlang or script. Sympathetic notation is when you use pictographs, code words, photographs, or illustrations as representations for magical concepts. These won't be inherently magic, but rather would signify important concepts that are to be considered when casting.
Graphical Representation & Illustration
Graphical representation refers to charts, graphs, and/or tables for important information. As much of magic exists on a spectrum it can be very simple and useful to create graphical representations for many of these concepts, especially if the magical concepts are wordy. Illustrations can work in much the same way as it often takes more space to describe a shape or design rather than just dedicating a small space to draw it out. This is a relatively common practice in online witchcraft communities, though most of which are superficial.
Possible Augmentation of Media
Sometimes, it can be very helpful to notate spells with the music you like to use to cast. The song can be augmented and written in your grimoire to look like song lyrics, alongside a short code to grab bits of information out of the lyrics. This practice can be very useful to discreet witches. The same can also be done with literature, poetry, videos, and movies by notating a time or page along with a code. Sometimes a single quote from a movie can pack a significant punch for the concept you’re trying to capture. Maybe notate the movie or series title with the range of time in which the desired dialog or scene takes place.
Ciphers, Encryption, & Code Words
Sometimes even transcriptions and references aren't enough to protect your information from being read by those that don't have your permission to read it. To solve this issue, you can create an encryption. This can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like. From using conde words to creating a multi-variable cipher wheel. This way, even your transcription wont make sense. Doing so with a magical script would actually add another layer of protection to your encryption. However, doing so can be difficult to use on the fly. The only way it can used once encrypted is to take the time to decrypt your own spell onto a piece of paper or tablet/phone/computer before the spell can be done. I personally only use encryption for my curses and spells that could be dangerous if used by the wrong people or practitioners who dont have enough experience or context to safely cast.
Clever Design
As far as aesthetics and encryption go, you can get very clever with how your information is depicted. There are infinite options for you to choose from when creating your work. One of the biggest elements I would recommend taking into consideration would be continuity of design. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to the aesthetics or designs for your grimoire, I'd recommend starting by watching and reading media about Concepts in Design.
Examples from my own grimoires
The Grey Grimoire
In my first Grimoire I hadn’t really dove into the importance of in-depth spell dictation. The spells in this Grimoire are difficult to reproduce for this reason. I have to remember a lot of the variables involved when I was creating the spells.
Key:
1a: A list of all the necessary items and tools required for casting.
1b: A spell circle intended to be reproduced for use in the spell and then later burned.
1c: A Sigil-chain and accommodating incantation, intended to be reproduced and burned as part of the spell.
Also, in this Grimoire, I created a complex cipher wheel that is used to decode the Golden Grimoire.
The Golden Grimoire
In my second Grimoire, I started moving away from magic that required physical tools and objects. A majority of the spells in this book are purely gestural and energetic, with a few exceptions. It was here that I began realizing the importance of detailed spell depiction. Unfortunately, I didn’t take into consideration the amount of space all of my reference tables would take up in the book. This Grimoire only has about 12 spells in it as a result.
Key:
2a: A pictographic script used to describe both the gesture and energetic process of casting.
2b: A symbol that denotes the level of difficulty for the energy work involved.
2c: References to tables and infographics within the Grimoire.
2d: A 2D topographical graphical representation of how to program the subtle body and the subsequent energetic fields.
2e: The Sigils involved. In this case they are to be reproduced energetically as constructs.
2f: Symbols that are sympathetic notations of important concepts involved in casting such as: Integral energy points, key energetic properties, and what correspondences are the most important to physical use.
2g: The incantation.
2h: What may look like a spell circle, but in actuality it is a graphical depiction of the gestures and stances over time.
2i: A phrase meant to give insight into the mindset required for casting.
The Red Grimoire
In my third Grimoire, which is still very much a work in progress, I applied a lot of what I learned from the prior two about space management and densely recorded information. In this Grimoire, the spells are 100% gesture and energy based and require no physical objects at all whatsoever. Furthermore, the spells in this Grimoire are designed to be modular so that they can be combined to create spells with more specific effects, as each element within each spell is depicted in it’s entirety in terms of energetic programming, mindset, gestures, etc.
Key:
3a: The title of this specific combination of gesture magic and energy work.
3b: A more detailed 2D topographical graphic representation of the subtle body’s programming.
3c: A more refined variation of the pictographic script used to describe the gestures and energy work.
3d: Important information related to the process of preforming this spell-component.
Key:
4a: The beginning of this gesture is notated to begin with the spell-component page above this one.
4b: A graphical representation of the shape of the energetic constructs involved in casting.
4c: References to other books, like the prior two grimoires.
4d: graphical representation of the level and point of focus of Gnosis
4e: Important information required to maintain the proper headspace.
4f: The bodily stance that should be used through the entire series of gestures.
4g: Important Energetic points that should remain in use throughout the entire spell process.
4h: A graphical representation of how the intent and headspace should shift throughout the spell process.
Word definitions:
Encryption: the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access
Cipher: a secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
Subtle Body: The energetic system that is constructed of energetic fields, nodes, and conduits that connect them.
Energetic Awareness: The ability to be aware of energetic density, volume, properties, movement, and location.
Energy Point: An energetic node within the Subtle Body
Energetic Gates: An artificial Energy Point that connects a practitioner to a specific source of energy.
Conlang: AKA Constructed language, is a language that is created by one or a few individuals. Sometimes referred to as a fictional language.
Script: A set of symbols used to represent words, concepts, and/or sounds.
Orthography: The graphical representation of sounds, The Latin alphabet is a good example.
Transcription: The act of creating a new script that has a 1:1 representation of each letter in a language’s orthography.
Headspace: The ideal environment and mental state that allows for complete focus on a single task.
If you have any questions or content suggestions, click here. If you’re brand new to witchcraft, I recommend checking out this post.
After moving around so much I misplaced my mortar and pestle and my medium sized cauldron so I visited my favorite witchcraft shop and picked up these new ones. :)
Having a good sized cauldron and mortar and pestle is important to my craft because I use a lot of herbs and resins in my magic.
The Weasley Twins are excellent Gryffindors, but if they weren’t in that house they would definitely be Slytherins. Or even Ravenclaws! I mean honestly- they are so smart. They created multiple advanced magical objects when they were only 15 years old and were doing advanced magic at incredibly young ages. They’re very witty and ambitious too! And they are obviously mischievous and determined. So I was going somewhere with this but I don’t know anymore because the twins are great and I just-
The other day I asked people to define advanced magic. I got a lot of interesting responses about what advanced magic was, which I appreciate, because it illustrated something that I suspected, which is that advanced magic is highly subjective.
What prompted me to ask this question is another question, which is, "Can advanced magic be taught in a class or learned from a book." As an author of magic books, that second question is relevant to me, but its also prompted by my continual shift toward more experiential expressions of magic.
My own conclusion about what advanced magic is, is that to some extent advanced magic is a subjective experience. What one persons consider advanced magic, may not be what someone else considers it. This doesn't mean either perspective is invalid, but it does suggest that the subjective aspects have to be accounted for.
My own experience of advanced magic suggests that what makes magic advanced has more to do with the experiences of the person and their ability to master the fundamental basics of magic and make it their own, personalizing it. If you can personalize magic and make it your own then you've gotten a taste of what advanced magic looks like.
So can advanced magic be taught in a class or a book?
Yes and no.
I can teach you the theory and concepts and introduce the practices to you, but unless you actually do the work and then build off those experiences with your own, and continue on with the work, making it your own...well that I can't teach you. That's something which can only be learned by having the experiences and doing the work.
I can write a book about advanced magic, but what makes that book advanced magic, per se, has more to do with you the reader and what actions you take than the actual book. The material will take you so far, but your work with it will take you further.
I learned magic from reading books and then doing the exercises in them. I learned advanced magic when I built off that work with further experiences and personalized what I was doing, making it my own. The key to learning advanced magic is really you and your engagement...What are you doing to take what you learned and turn it into something that speaks with and through you?
To enchant an object for Protection and Self-Control
Side note: A lynchpin enchantment is a major spell working. It is not suggested for beginner or baby Witchlings,due to its complexity and energy requirements. This spell will essentially take two spells and tie them together with a third spell to enchant a single object. I have made this one as simple as I can, but it will be broken into three parts.
Part One: Aegis (Protection)
You will need:
⚔️a small mirror
⚔️a piece of thick paper (like construction paper) preferably in the color black
⚔️a white marker/pen (chalk will work in a pinch, but we want to be sure the writing will stay and not smudge)
⚔️a compass (writing utensil, not the kind for determining direction) or something to make a large circle
⚔️scrap paper and a pencil (optional)
-On your construction paper, trace a large circle using the compass. You will want to make it as large as possible and full up as much as the paper as you can! Once you’ve gotten the placement you like, trace around the circle with your white marker/pen.
-Place your small mirror in the center of the larger circle you just drew, and trace around it carefully with the white marker/pen. You should now have what looks like a donut on the paper before you.
-Pick the top-most point of the large circle and, following the curve of the circle, start writing what you are protected from.
Write as large or as small as you’d like, but be specific and cover as much space inside the circle as you can! (Example: I am protected from spiritual attacks. I am protected from unwanted attention. I am protected from being harassed… etc etc.) this does not have to follow any sort of order.
As you write, feel your energy and power flow into the pen and onto the paper. Imagine whatever represents protection to you- crossed swords, a shield, shining energy, a bomb shelter, whatever works for you- and think of each sentence as a building and strengthening it.
You will have to turn the paper as you write to stay circular, and when you’re finished, the words should look like a spiral that fill up the whole outer circle.
Alternatively, you can use your scrap paper to sketch out several sigils that correspond with what protections you want, and then you can fill the outer circle with those. While sigils look cooler, I personally prefer the worded approach.
-Place your mirror in the smaller circle, reflective side up. Imagine all negatively and malice that could be placed upon you being reflected upon the people who sent it by the mirror.
-Read your protections aloud, envisioning all of them strengthening the mirror. When finished, remove your mirror and store it face-down.
-Allow your paper to charge in the moonlight overnight, then store it somewhere dark.
Part Two: Reign (Self-Control)
You will need:
🛡a small square of fabric, preferably green, approx 4-5" (you can get these at the craft store, or even sometimes as fabric samples)
🛡a small handful of dirt (garden dirt is great for this)
🛡a small rose quartz, selenite, and amethyst
🛡a small nail or screw
🛡a plain string
-Take your handful of dirt, and spread it out somewhere sunny to dry. You want to make sure your dirt is 100% dry! Break up any large clumps, and remove any large stones that came up with the dirt. Small stones (smaller than your pinkie nail) are okay to leave in it.
-When your dirt is completely dry, gather it up and carefully place it in the center of your fabric square.
-Place your crystals in the dirt and say:
“Rose Quartz for love; of myself and others.
May I act and feel with love and compassion.
Selenite for mindfulness; of myself and others.
May I be mindful of my emotions and thoughts.
Amethyst for clarity; of myself and others.
May I view each situation clear of undue influences.”
-Place the small nail into the center of the pile and say:
“A nail for reminding;
When my emotions make me lose my head.”
-Carefully gather the edges of the fabric, and tie it closed with the string. Leave it to charge in the sun, then store it somewhere it will not be disturbed.
Part Three: The Lynchpin
You will need:
⚔️Your Aegis Shield from Part One
🛡Your Reign bundle from Part Two
🔮The lynchpin item you wish to enchant
⛓Three small tea light candles
-Light all three candles
-Place the first in the center of your Aegis Shield, the second next to your Reign bundle, and the third next to the lynchpin item. (A ring or necklace works well as a lynchpin item, since they can be worn every day and are inconspicuous.)
-As the candles burn, imagine the energy from each of the items swirling up and combining into a glowing ball in the air.
-As the energy grows, reach out and funnel it into the lynchpin item. (You may find it easier to “braid” the energy together and attach it to the lynchpin; finding a good visualization for this type of energy work can be difficult but keep trying! Some people use a “spindle” visualization, some use energy beams, whatever works for you!)
-Feel the energy filling your lynchpin. When it is full, be sure to stop the flow of energy from your Aegis and Reign items- you don’t want to overfill or overcharge your lynchpin item! Disperse any extra energy back to their respective places.
-Carefully blow out the three candles, and being mindful of proper safety practices, pour a bit of wax from each candle into the center circle of your Aegis Shield. Pour the remaining wax from the three candles into a safe container, such a small jar.
-When the wax on the Aegis Shield has hardened, place your lynchpin in the center circle. Leave it to charge overnight.
-After it has charged, store your Aegis Shield and Reign bundle somewhere they will not be disturbed. Wear your lynchpin item, which is now linked with the energy of the other items. If you feel the energy fade after some use, charge it on/near the reserved wax from the three candles.
You will now benefit from the major protections of the Aegis Shield, and the self control charms of your Reign bundle. Good luck! ⚔️🛡🔮
An original spell from the grimoire of Amanda Wren
