The general steps in a witchcraft spell ritual

Wikipedia describes ritual as “a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors’ goals and interests.”

Mankind thrives on ritual and structure, we only have to look at history to see evidence of this, ancient neolithic structures have been found that provide evidence that society was revolved around its religious practices. Ancient sites such as Gobekli Tepe have been recently uncovered providing further evidence that ritual was a large part of those people’s daily lives.

Ancient Rome had many of their own rituals, one of the most well-known was the Vestial Virgins, women who kept the sacred fire burning and it was tended to each day, if the fire ever went out, it spelled great doom for Rome.

Rituals are a major component of living the life of a Witch. They are your way of connecting with Deity, celebrating the Sabbats and Esbats, working magick through spells and some people even have special rituals for divination and meditation. Rituals make the act more sacred, and the more your do something as part of a ritual, the closer to the Source you become and the more connected to the Universal Energy you are.

Using Ritual in the practice of Witchcraft and Wicca helps both to strongly set our intention and to place us in a magickal mind frame. This allows us to be open to the energies of the universe and to communicate with the divine. The small acts of casting a circle, lighting incense and candles help to begin the process of raising energy and preparing the mind, body and heart for the magickal work to be done.

Rituals do not need to be complicated, and you do not need to do elaborate set-ups in order for your ritual to be meaningful. Of course, you can make your rituals as aesthetically pleasing and complicated as you like – just know that it is the intent and the focus on your energy that is the most important thing. That is not to say that you shouldn’t use candles, and herbs, incense, crystals and so on. Be sure that if you do use these things their colours or properties correspond with your magickal intent. All things have an energy – and you don’t want to have conflicting energies confusing your ritual or spell.

·         Defining the purpose of your ritual, writing the ritual

o   Be sure as to why you are doing this ritual. Is it for a Sabbat? A spell? A greater connection to your patron Deity?

·         Gathering tools, ingredients etc

o   Make sure you have everything you need with you before you start – including spare lighters or matches!

·         Creating a sacred space

·         Calling the Watchtowers and the Elements

·         Calling the Goddess and God

·         Honouring, Invoking, Evoking Deity

·         Statement of purpose – why you are doing the ritual

You can meditate for a while, thinking about your purpose of the ritual, the deity you invoked, or what you would like to manifest. Be sure to maintain the positive energy required and ensure that the vibrations you are putting out into the universe match your intentions.

You could do a short guided meditation here, but one that you have planned yourself (or a spontaneous one) will be better.

Fare-welling the Elements and Watchtowers, opening the circle again. (Black magic we don’t use the traditional watchtowers)

After having worked with energy, you can be left feeling drained or light headed – it is best to ground yourself before doing something else. You can do this by eating.