I was suddenly overcome with the urge to post about the great ally that Spider is in magic (perhaps I'm being nudged by Spider) and share a framework for spells that I came up with about 2 years ago. I have only done a couple spells with this method because it takes time but they have proven to be some of the most effective spells I've ever done. It combines sympathetic magic, the concept of energy cords, and spirit work.
If you like fiber art and crafting like me, you might find this process fun! This (literal) spell framework is useful for when you need specificity and don't want to or can't do direct energy work. For example, perhaps you have a job where one person or one project is causing issues, or you want a particular aspect of your life to grow a certain way, or you're 3rd on a wait list for a course you need, etc. You could use energy threads or other energy work directly, but maybe your energy system isn't doing so great or it takes too much out of you. This might be a helpful spell template for you.
You will need:
- spinnable fiber or yarn; ideally you will have at least 2 colors (but this number may change depending on how many factors/ppl/etc you need to specify in the spell)
- a spindle or spinning wheel or crochet hook
- 2 circular shapes of different sizes - I use 2 very different sized embroidery hoops, but a flexible switch or twig tied in a circular shape (x2) will do nicely or some thick wire. It just needs to be able to keep its shape with handling. The smaller circle should be able to fit inside the larger one with quite a bit of room between them - enough that you can use yarn to connect them so that it looks like rays are connecting them (like the base structure an orb weaver spider starts with before starting their spiral). A keyring can work well for the smaller circle too.
To illustrate this framework, let's say you're on a team and one of your coworkers is neglecting their responsibilities. You or others have talked to them about it, but they just blow you off and this has been a recurring theme.
1) Call upon Spider to help you in your endeavor, and talk about all the great things Spider is known for that makes an alliance so desirable. Tell Spider exactly the outcome you want including closing loopholes and basic backfire prevention, and that you will give an offering proportional to what you are asking. I recommend giving a couple options to choose from and be open to suggestions to find an agreement.
2) Spin some yarn or crochet the number of necessary chains in chosen colors. As you spin/crochet, focus on what each will represent. In the above example you could use one length of yarn/chain in a color you associate with discord to represent the problem teammate, and a color you associate with harmony and teamwork for the rest of the members on your team.
3) Determine what the small and large rings will represent. Typically I assign the smaller one to be the specific situation, and the larger ring to be more of a microcosm or a zoomed in snapshot of the great web of reality. In this example, the larger ring could represent your department/etc and the smaller could represent the project you're working on.
4) Attach each chain or cut length of yarn to the large and small rings so that the smaller is suspended roughly in the center of the larger. As you attach them, repeat what each yarn/chain represents. I recommend attaching the first at the top, second at the bottom, third at the left, fourth at the right, and so on. It is easier to balance how it's suspended this way.
5) Do something to the chain(s)/yarn(s) you wish to affect. You can cut cord(s), anoint the strand(s) with an oil infused with an herb (I don't recommend straight essential oils) corresponding to your desired outcome, connect the strand(s) to others, pass the specific strand(s) through incense, etc. In this example, you could anoint the problem teammate's strand with chili oil to light a fire under their ass, or sprinkle ground allspice on it to promote inspiration pertaining to the project, etc. As you do this, focus in trance on the yarn and rings and what they represent until you Know that the yarn and the rings are inextricably linked to and overlap with what they represent. You are holding the literal connections right in your hands. You have to feel and know this. Then reiterate the desired outcome to Spider.
6) Place the "web" on your altar or other respected space where you place spells to do their work over time.
This can work for lots of things that have multiple factors/individuals (ideally at least 3) - manipulating planetary energies in your life, influencing interpersonal relationships, shifting the odds in opportunities, etc.
A couple notes: If you kill spiders, Spider is not likely to work with you well. Consider this carefully before calling upon the spirit. If you are spinning yarn (I have found this to be more powerful when working with Spider, but it is not necessary), try to make it relatively thin. 2 ply yarn is plenty, and even singles could work for these purposes, I didn't even set the twist in mine. You likely won't need all that much fiber. I used a bit of sample wool for one of my targets. If you don't spin and don't want to learn, crocheting some chains will work nicely. The chain "stitch" is the simplest in crochet. The main point of this manual part is connecting to Spider through the process and focusing on what the chain/yarn specifically represents. You can also do this over multiple days and call Spider each time you work on it, or just at the final assembly stage.
While this spell can take more manual effort than some others, I find that I'm less drained afterwards compared to, say, energy work or longer trips crossing the hedge and I still get good results even with relatively big objectives.