FOR me, as for all serious practitioners of any magic(k) system study is of the utmost importance. Those who think and act as ‘know-it-all’ just prove themselves to be fake as hell. When you’re not willing to learn you’ll remain ignorant.
I’ve met a lotta people with that attitude. It’s one of the reasons I’m willing to take a pupil or share any of my rituals, sometimes I do. I was brought up to advance through hardship and tribulations. Only that path will bring you a powerful kinda magic that works. I also was brought up not to take any information as legit and intrinsically powerful from a witchcraft book of spells. It can work for the witch who wrote it; I will always say it will get money in their pocket, and that’s the only powerful thing about it so their intentions are fulfilled, but their followers are being misled by ‘the air of importance’. I must say that ‘a the case about ‘modern magick and witchcraft. Books by folk- or traditional witches I do take serious!
A spell or ritual is composed by the witch or inherited though lineage and proved to be powerful, otherwise study is necessary to find out what you’ve missed to become successful
It is properly prepared and all requirements are met (moonfase, preparation, the right sequence, incantations, spirits, divinities, requirements)
It needs magical power through what we call ‘the Becoming’ , a trance like state and gathering Sprouse (the gathering of magical power or Red Serpent’s power’ otherwise it will not work
It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution, so gathering information on the why and how (like in the case of protection witchcraft and this is not easy to explain in brief)
It’s most of the times not easily done just by following instructions from a book
One must realize it’s not a hobby but a way of life and a profession. There is no easy way. It is witch-craft.
In this short reflection I want to give you a framework of a magical ritual, this is not a step-by-step instruction, but contains tips that help you prepare, a kind of step-by-step plan. It is not my intention to work out a ritual in detail. I believe, as is true in traditional witchcraft, that each individual witch must discover their own specific path. This also applies to skills that you acquire by experimenting in a safe way, whether or not under the guidance of someone who can guide you in this. In the end, you have to be independent; an expert in your field. That’s why I offer you this framework. For people who are just starting out, this can be a valuable document, but don’t stare at it blindly. It’s not ‘holy’ in the sense that you couldn’t deviate from it. Do what you want with it, forget what doesn’t suit you.
WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE, THE ‘WHAT‘
I You’ll ought have a goal in mind. The ritual is not an end in itself unless you want to practice, then this can be a goal in itself. The goal must be clear, not: ‘I want to be happy’, that is too general. It can be anything: a job, a loved one, health, financial matters. If it is a ‘big goal’, you have to work in small steps. Works it out in In detail and use your mind here. You can’t get a job if that is above your abilities, unless a learning trajectory is set in motion. In this phase you will have to use your intellect. You don’t put a ritual together ‘just like that’ . An effective ritual requires planning. Is it a main goal, or are there sub-goals? Write it down. It can be random at first, later you can organize everything.
FOR WHOM DO I DO THE RITUAL, THE ‘WHO’
FOR YOURSELF?
If it’s for yourself, this is enough for the moment, then the question is answered.
FOR SOMEONE ELSE ?
If the ritual is for another, it is first and foremost necessary to know whether the other person has asked for it and agrees. With that you can also go in different directions. Does the other person want that? Is it meddling? Did that other person ask. Did you say ‘yes’ too quickly and find out that it is actually undesirable. Is that other also a witch, shaman o.i.d. and is it familiar? Know one thing: sometimes someone can ask for something and it is meant to undermine you, to gain access to your mind. Magic is not child’s play and not all witches have good intentions!
If it’s for someone else, do something for someone else, or help that other in the growth as well. Your help can strengthen another or make it dependent on you. The latter is disastrous for you and the other, an unnatural bond develops. If someone is weak at that moment, you can give that person strength to develop further yourself. That should always be the goal.
Can I help the other in her/his way to independent witchcraft, that is already a goal. It may of course be that the other person is so in the penarie that your help is indispensable. Then always do that. Agree in advance whether a consideration is required. Some of us, me too, have our own business. It can’t all be love work old paper, but you agree in advance. If you haven’t agreed, it’s free and the universe will compensate you.
WHY DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, THE ‘WHY’
Another word for ‘why’ is the intention. Intention is everything, because it determines whether your ritual is conducive to you and/or the other. Now there is no ‘black’ or ‘white’ in Traditional Witchcraft, I prefer to call it: Want to call constructive or Destructive magic and this works both ways. So let your intention be pure! A short explanation:
Constructive
The ritual has the intention of helping yourself or another achieve your goal, without this at the expense of either party, even if it means doing something that does not belong to the white magic. Examples are: throwing a counter-curse at a person who knowingly harms others to achieve his/her own self-centered goals. This may be for the purpose of money, power, sex (the favorite trinity that corrupts). It may be necessary to sell another a ‘magic optater’ in order to stop this injustice, but the goal must be pure.
Destructive
This is not always knowingly, purely self-centered magic, because destructive magic can be necessary, but if there’s no other way to stop an enemy, in order to hurt others, ‘just for fun’, commissioned to earn a lot of money, manipulate others, is in my practice a no-go. This is an irresponsible, immature, impure form of magic and will not remain without consequences for the perpetrator either.
PREPARATION: MEDITATION
In preparation you can meditate. This also ensures that you gain further insight into your intention and it removes the wrong elements. You calm down and allow your mind to receive impressions, points that matter. Always write it down to get things clear, it frees you from hasty decisions. Control is a key word in witchcraft!
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH MEDITATION?
Of course you can do a lot with meditation, but in this case we ensure that we are relaxed. Sit on a mat or comfortable pillow. Put on easy clothes that don’t pinch. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Breathe in calmly, in for about 4 seconds, and out for as long. Feel your feet and your seat bone on the ground. If there are thoughts on it, let them float by like clouds. Focus on your intention. Visualize the desired effect. Be sure to stay calm. Never do anything out of anger. Every magical ritual benefits from, and cannot do without, control. Without control, also in Chaos Magic (this is not chaotic), your energy is lost, energy you need to achieve your goal(s).
PREPARATION: DIVINATION
To know how to do things, divination is necessary. Examples: Tarot, Commuting, Runes, Crystal Ball, Reading Tea Leaves or Necromancy. Of course, don’t start anything you don’t have experience with. Never trade out of spide, especially when it comes to spirits, angels, earth- and air creatures. Then it is better to consult a friend or teacher, but one who knows about the hat and the edge. ‘Don’t dabble with demons’. I have seen people go into the fog with this; even to the point of admission to a psychiatric institution and permanent residence. Magic is not a game! If you do Tarot, or another divination method, for example commuting, ask your question as concretely as possible. Divination can help you adjust your ritual. There is no standard story in traditional witchcraft, every situation, intention, every goal is unique. Methods can be permanent, but be prepared to adjust any ritual. Be a flex witch, not a float (both words I made up myself, although words sometimes go viral)
GATHERING SPROUSE, COLLECTING ENERGY
Energy is indispensable for magic. It’s not in our system alone. Just as we have to eat and drink, so magic requires energy. Energy is in the elements: fire, water, air and earth. Traditional witches in Cornwall call this process ‘Gathering Sprouse’, sprouse cannot be translated, it is more than energy. You have to learn this too. Go very consciously, for example in the dark at full moon, walk and try to feel the energy from the earth. It is energy that is present in slate lines, in power places, in natural ‘wild’ places where raw energy can be found. First you have to experience it. Don’t be discouraged, it takes time, but it’s an essential process. You have to long for it and the universe, the spirits, the earth- and air creatures can help you. They know everything about it, you may well ask for help, which you will receive. I was busy for a long time, puzzling and suddenly: bam, I started to experience it. It has made my magic more powerful and controlled.
STORING ENERGY
Energy can be stored in minerals such as crystals and magical objects. In this way your magic actually does something. Everything is energy! So by sending this something happens. You have to be aware of that and not ‘believe’ that it works. Believing is: ‘assuponing that it will probably work’, knowing is ‘being aware that it works’.
PREPARATION: SUPPLIES
Shower yourself, remember drinking, drugs and even sex, but that depends on the concentration you need. If in doubt, consult a professional! If it is already you, consult yourself or your family spirit or through divination.
Any kind of ritual benefits from necessities. Examples: for a love ritual, use pink candles, rose quartz, sweet herbs and incense, beautiful romantic music. It is not about the objects in themselves, because they are only objects, but they create an atmosphere, an atmosphere that suits your ritual and strengthen your intention. Let your heart, your mind and your feeling flow through with it, become one with it. This way you increase and experience the tension to the point of discharge. In the Traditional Witchcraft of Southwest and the west coast of the UK, this state of ‘trance’ is called ‘The Becoming’, you become one with your goal and your intention, this is particularly powerful and also indispensable for effective, powerful magic.
In Traditional Witchcraft it is not always necessary to draw a circle, although we call it otherwise, namely ‘laying the compass’. The compass is ‘a place between place and time’, the domain of the hedge rider. The Wise Woman or Man knows that that place is a place to travel.
PREPARATION: COMPOSE YOUR SPELL
Don’t use spell books! Don’t use spells from others! In a spell is your intention, your strength, what you want to achieve. Make it short, concise, and use words that evoke something in you. Don’t be humble, put your heart and soul into it, your sadness, your desire. Make it a ‘that’s how it will be’ spell and not a ‘may it happen, maybe, maybe’ spell. It’s your intention, it’s about you. Give yourself the best!
Think of a spell, or a Word, that is personal, intuitive, powerful and effective because it is yours. You are the one who sends it. Doesn’t it work all of a sudden? Keep going until it works! You can do it!
PREPARATION: THE PLACE
It may be necessary to go to a special place, to the forest or in nature. It has to be a place where you feel at home and can be alone. If you’ve been there before and it feels good for you, you have a connection to it, so to speak. Go there. Check in advance whether you should pay attention to things, such as possibly other people or tourists. You don’t want to be disturbed in the middle of your ritual. It must be a magical ‘home’, or a place where you are at least not disturbed, heard or seen.
Don’t forget your magic stuff and make sure you go alone. If you go with others and others are involved, you are always assured of a backup, see the following point for this.
PREPARATION: BACKUP
(WHO HELPS ME IN THE BACKGROUND, WHO KEEPS AN EYE ON ME?)
If you work alone, make sure there is a reliable person in the background, including someone who can call you or that person you. Discuss your plan with that person, and make sure you can call her/him if there is something urgent. Don’t call that person for advice, but only if there is really no other way, for example in emergencies. It’s not a hobby! Discuss when and how long you are away, and also agree on whether you can subsequently share experiences that are important and that you cannot yet get along well with. Magic is dangerous, so you need back cover.
PREPARATION: CHARGE YOUR SUPPLIES WITH ENERGY
Load your objects, the space and yourself with energy. Concentrate. You can’t use an object, no herb without charging it with energy, even if you’ve used them more often. Just as a car can’t drive without fuel, a magical object can’t drive without energy. You can do this if you are at the location, or in advance. I recommend doing it when you arrive.
You take your object, your herbs and candles. And visualizes the magical energy (which you obtained as in step ‘6 Gathering Sprouse’.) I use the word visualize, but it is not about a ‘word’ but about consciously sending energy to your supplies. You can do this in advance, and you prepare the supplies, or at the time of use itself. Do what works for you
THE RITUAL ITSELF
In the Traditional Witchcraft, rituals are done in a state of ‘conscious trance’, we call that ‘the becoming’. It is a trance that makes you experience a state of unity and helps you make your magic powerful, controlled, driven and effective. This is essential! Be aware of your responsibility. Don’t walk next to your shoes, be real, well-founded and sure. Joy, anger, any kind of energy can be used and strengthens your magic!
You do the ritual itself with the intention, concentration and with everything you have in you. That’s not crazy, nothing is too crazy. If you sing, dance, perform your ritual skyclad (naked), make sure you don’t get in the eye. You have prepared your ritual well. Follow the steps driven, with concentration, clear-minded and know that what you do works. So don’t use soft drugs such as hash or weed. It opens your third eye too far and you lose control! Use the items you’ve loaded and it’s okay if things go differently than you planned, as long as it’s good. There is no fixed working method at the Traditional Witches in, for example, Cornwall. Your intuition is essential!
CLOSURE. GRIMOIRE OF BOOK OF SHADOWS
When you’re done, close. Don’t forget, never, to give anything, to, for example, Mother Nature, or the earth- and air creatures or the Goddess and Gods you have involved in your ritual. Show your gratitude. Also be grateful to yourself. Relax, pamper yourself and wait. Don’t go straight to the order of the day. Go for a walk and enjoy.
After some time you take your Grimoire or your BoS and you write what you have learned. Don’t forget any details no matter how trivial, by that I also mean what you have felt, heard, experienced, the insights you have gained. A ritual never fails, if it ‘hasn’t succeeded yet’, then continue until it succeeds, but from relaxation.
Your Grimoire of Book of Shadows is for yourself. Don’t go look up a publisher. The magic will lose its effectiveness. Every ritual is like a first time. It depends on yourself, the astrological influences, the place, the time, the person and how you feel about yourself. A ritual is never the same in content in Traditional Witchcraft. That is why it is unique and incomparable with other forms of magic, although this is labeled as ‘higher magic’. Remember that ‘house, garden and kitchen witchcraft’, or ‘folk magic’, can be very powerful. But everyone feels at home in the shape that suits you best.
AFTERWARDS: CONTEMPLATION, WHAT DID I LEARN
Wait some time to think about the effect of your ritual. If you have helped someone, ask for an answer. Even though that’s ‘it didn’t help’, it doesn’t have to be up to you! Magic always works. You always learn, you always grow. Always see it from the positive side, you learn from it. With all ‘professions’ it is not the case that you are immediately accomplished. You learn from the things you do, there is no right or wrong. Write down the things you have done, where you have the idea that there can be planing, feel free to consult a skilled friend or friend, but never be dependent on that other. That is not healthy in any relationship, and sometimes you grow apart. It’s mainly about what you’ve learned.
A WORD AFTERWARDS
I tried not to hang up a rigid story. A well-known witch told me personally: ‘When magic become rigid, it soon becomes frigid’. That means that you unpack for you what appeals to you, you forget the rest. You are skilled enough. All wisdom is in yourself, the more you learn and are attentive, you will notice that you are deepening the knowledge in yourself. Why? Our body comes from Mother Earth, so all knowledge of the earth is already present in you. Your mind and soul come from the Universe, the inseen world, and with that you take all the knowledge that the Universe carries with you. By learning to recognize things, she practices and you become capable.
I hope I helped you a bit with this framework, where your own interpretation is completely free. I’d love to hear from you if I can improve anything on this framework, we’re all on our way!
N life, everything is a ritual. Waking up, caring for yourself, bathing, doing your make-up, cooking, making love, taking a stroll in the woods, talking to a friend and so on. In (Traditional) witchcraft the one difference is that we do everything purposely, with intention, with focus, with intensity, being utterly in harmony with yourself, nature and her forces. We don’t just take what we need, we also give. That’s what I call the Law of Giving and Receiving. Yes, Witchcraft comes with a price, so we are careful what we wish for. Not everything we want, desire, aim for is wise. We are selfish nor altruistic, though at times we are. When we want power, why do we want it? Do we want to blow up our ego like a balloon, which is full of nothingness and eventually is just humbug.
Let me give an example: Love spells! There is so much we can do ourself, like taking a bath (hahaha), dressing for the occasion, staying true to your true self and knowing if the one you desire is suitable or not, having consensus! Enchanting someone can be manipulation. Without any magical means can be magical in itself. Sometimes people want something that will be disappointing in the end. A beautiful woman or man can be a trap in the end and then you are disappointed? Witchcraft is the Craft of the Wise, not the ineptitude of the fool! So, part of the journey is being able to learn, in stead of stumbling in your stubbornness. I too still have to learn and when I know that I don’t know I will seek advise of the spirits, the ancestors, the divinities or a wise sister, but in traditional witchcraft you’ll never get a ‘one size fits all’ answer or a standardspell that can fix your hell. Sometimes you’ll get the advice to pick up the peaces yourself if you find the cause of your own failure. I don’t speak to the newbies to the craft, but to those that have the audacity to say that they are a know-it-all, did-it-all. It is a life long journey and the mayor part is being able to learn.
Good cooking takes a lot of time and so does brewing a potion, if you get the notion! Stay strong.
N life, everything is a ritual. Waking up, caring for yourself, bathing, doing your make-up, cooking, making love, taking a stroll in the woods, talking to a friend and so on. In (Traditional) witchcraft the one difference is that we do everything purposely, with intention, with focus, with intensity, being utterly in harmony with yourself, nature and her forces. We don’t just take what we need, we also give. That’s what I call the Law of Giving and Receiving. Yes, Witchcraft comes with a price, so we are careful what we wish for. Not everything we want, desire, aim for is wise. We are selfish nor altruistic, though at times we are. When we want power, why do we want it? Do we want to blow up our ego like a balloon, which is full of nothingness and eventually is just humbug. 
Let me give an example: Love spells! There is so much we can do ourself, like taking a bath (hahaha), dressing for the occasion, staying true to your true self and knowing if the one you desire is suitable or not, having consensus! Enchanting someone can be manipulation. Without any magical means can be magical in itself. Sometimes people want something that will be disappointing in the end. A beautiful woman or man can be a trap in the end and then you are disappointed? Witchcraft is the Craft of the Wise, not the ineptitude of the fool! So, part of the journey is being able to learn, in stead of stumbling in your stubbornness. I too still have to learn and when I know that I don’t know I will seek advise of the spirits, the ancestors, the divinities or a wise sister, but in traditional witchcraft you’ll never get a ‘one size fits all’ answer or a standard spell that can fix your hell. Sometimes you’ll get the advice to pick up the peaces yourself if you find the cause of your own failure. I don’t speak to the newbies to the craft, but to those that have the audacity to say that they are a know-it-all, did-it-all. It is a life long journey and the mayor part is being able to learn.
Morghain’s Traditional Witchcraft 