"First comes the working, then comes the work." Alright @witchquests.
I think there are two ways to interpret this statement. The first is: the magic is done, it's out in the world; now, put your feet to the pavement and make it happen. This is true in my practice -- simply wishing for something or casting a spell about it won't make something happen for nothing.
Magic and casting spells alters the chances of something else happening. A banishment reduces the chances of whoever (or whatever) you've banished from showing up. A cleansing spell improves the chances of something (or someone) leaving your space. A shield spell improves the chances of you reflecting or avoiding negativity in your daily life. A success spell improves the chances of getting a new job.
But if you're not putting job applications in, you won't get the job. If you aren't asking the thing to leave your space during the cleansing, it won't work. If you don't block that asshole, they're going to keep messaging you.
Magical actions bolster mundane actions. You cannot create something from nothing, and you cannot force the future into shape. That isn't how it works. You can influence it, and you can make changes. Magic + Mundane = Improved Results.
The second interpretation is perhaps not what was originally intended. After your spell working is done, it's time to work on the spell. You can't just set it free into the wild and let that be that. Well, alright, you can. But you won't improve at all doing that.
I'm a firm believer in the power of taking notes and writing shit down. By far the best way to improve your magical practice, cast better and more powerful spells, and learn what you really believe is to write it down.
Eventually, I'll talk about my note-taking methods in more detail because it really was a game changer. But the essence of it is to write down all the details of the working. That includes when you originally decide to do it (and when you're writing the notes), when you plan to cast it, ingredients/materials, the type of working it is, who or what you plan to invoke, and WHY you are planning on doing the working. And that's all before you even do the spell!
During the spell, you keep notes. Write it all down. Something weird happens? Write it down. Candle flickering? Write it down. Felt a shiver down your spine? Write it down! Nothing strange happened at all, and it all went smoothly? Write. It. Down.
And then you take more notes afterwards! How do you know a spell is working? How are you tracking it? I have a formalized system for this sort of thing that adapts to different types of spells. Write down how you feel afterwards, physically, emotionally, spiritually, energetically, whatever. Write down any thoughts you have. And then come back to it later and see if it all worked.
Spellwork doesn't end just because the spell's done. Keeping notes like this is, in my opinion, essential. Especially for beginners, but experienced practitioners benefit, too. It's the best way to examine your practice as it evolves.
Plus, it's practical -- if you want to go back and do a spell again but have it more efficient/effective, you have all your notes right there. You know what you did because you wrote it down. And now, you can tweak the process. Do it differently. Try different ingredients. Do another method. Work with another paradigm.
Etc.
