Spiral Nature often receives letters from our readers looking for more information on certain subjects, or sometimes even for a place to begin. This query came in via our newsletter:1
At this point, my main struggle is how to know when you are ready for spellcraft. I focus on the outcome, meditate on the process needed for the result, proceed accordingly, and then don’t see any results in a timely manner. I don’t expect instantaneous results, but I do expect to see results within a month. I do not accept that no result is an answer in itself so what must I do to ensure the outcome?
–Ready or Not
Well, Ready or Not, it depends, but ultimately, I would say that if you’re asking this question, you’re probably ready.
You haven’t indicated what tradition you’re working in, but I’m going to assume you have some background in magical theory, and have at least made some basic attempts. It sounds like you’re results-oriented with an interest in practical magick, which should make it easier to determine when you’ve had success.
Set SMART goals
It can help to set strategic or smart goals — goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Know what you want to achieve (the desired outcome of the spell or ritual), that results are measurable (did it definitely work, or only kind of work, or is it impossible to tell?), achievable (is what you’re looking to accomplish even possible?), realistic (can it be accomplished with the means at your disposal?), and time-bound (a definitive deadline lets you know whether or not it was a success).
You probably have at least a vague idea of something you’d like to accomplish; perhaps you’d like to buy a house, learn Enochian, or simply provide a continuous fund for that book addiction. Now that you have a framework, it’s easier to determine whether or not your efforts have netted results.
(For more on this, see Psyche’s essay “Strategic Magick” in Manifesting Prosperity.)
Enchant for success
Once you’ve identified what you want to do, you need think about how. Whether with candle magick, sigils, evoking a spirit for aid, creating a servitor to carry out some task, there are tons of methods to test. Find a one that appeals to you, and make it work.
- Jarred Triskelion recently wrote a great piece on how to write a good luck spell.
- Sigilization is a tried and true method. Here’s a quick and easy intro.
- Magick squares are another option.
- You can charge a sigil playing video games.
- Servitor creation is a little trickier, but can be rewarding.
(My chaote bias may be showing here, if anyone has further suggestions, I’d love to see them in the comments!)
Follow through
So you’ve set a goal and done some spellwork, now what? Chop wood, carry water.
Once you enchant, there’s nothing strategic about crossing your arms behind your head, kicking back and waiting. You have to take action and follow through. Take practical steps to ensure that you place yourself in a position to receive the benefit you’re seeking.
Good luck, Ready or Not! Let us know how it goes!
Send in your questions
We’d love to hear from you!
Spiral Nature has been around for just about 14 years, so chances are we might have something buried in our archives that might answer your questions, and if not, you’ve helped us identify a gap we’d be happy to fix.
Image credit: Mailbox background by RaSeLaSeD – Il Penguino, with additional work by Psyche
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