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[from http://www.oakgrove.org/GreenPages/bos/0113.txt ]

Subject: BASIC SPELL CONSTRUCTION

     Because of the very nature of Magick, each working should be highly
     individualized and personal.  Even if following a traditional spell,
     it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective
     for you.  Understanding the basics of Spell Construction will enable
     you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose
     you desire.

     Preliminary planning is necessary.  The very first step is to decide
     precisely what your desired end result is to be.  Before you can
     start, you must decide where you are going.  You must be very
     explicit.

     It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully.  You
     should take into consideration all Astrological implications, energy
     currents and Moon phases.

     The Moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore,has
     a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time
     when the Moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for
     your working.  For example:  Aries/Action - Enthusiasm, Taurus/
     Renewal - Sensuality, Gemini/Communication - Curiosity, Cancer/
     Emotion - Nurturing, Leo/Vitality - Determined, Virgo/Organizing -
     Studious, Libra/Balance - Cooperation, Scorpio/Sexual -
     Philosophical, Capricorn/Authority - Ambitious, Aquarius/Innovation
     - Social, Pisces/Sensitivity - Idealistic.

     Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing
     things to you, should be initiated when the Moon is Waxing (from
     Dark to Full);  when the Moon is Waning (from Full to Dark), it is
     time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away.

     The highest energy occurs at the Full Moon and, therefore, this is
     the most powerful time for magickal workings.  The New Moon is the
     next most powerful time for Magick.

     Whenever possible, follow Nature's natural Energy Currents.  There
     is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for
     maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things ( a harvest
     time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.

     Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier.

     Remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy.
     It is important that you have no distractions.  Generally speaking,
     it is best to work as late at night as possible.  A time when there
     is less frantic energy is most appropriate.  You might consider
     Midnight or later.

     In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular
     attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable.  Your place
     should be private, quiet and secure.  If at all possible, set aside
     a special place for this purpose only.  An unused room, a special
     corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden. A
     place that is yours.  A place that you can come to whenever need
     arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible.

     Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the
     things that you will need.  All of the things used are tools.  They
     have no inherent magick.  They are to help you create a mood.  If
     correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from
     deep within you.  They should be chosen with care.
     Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools
     accordingly.  If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils,
     incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response.  If the
     desired result of your Magick is Tranquillity, then the tools should
     make you feel calm, peaceful and serene.  Any candles you might use
     should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be
     appropriate for your working.

     Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any
     means necessary to clean and purify.  Historically, people have
     fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices,
     practiced chastity and used many other methods.

     Most often a Ritual Bath is the preferred method.  A bath frequently
     utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils.
     A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate
     lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help
     in  the  very  important  step  of  relaxing  and  clearing  the 
     mind completely of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day.  
     Your ritual Bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations 
     conducive to your purpose into motion.  You must not only cleanse 
     and purify but must, also, begin to create the type of energy 
     necessary. Once your purification process has been accomplished, 
     you are now ready to begin.  Proceed to the special place you have 
     previously chosen in which to perform your magick.  If at all 
     possible, you should make use of the primitive responses set into 
     motion by a well chosen piece of music.  Your music should start 
     slowly and build to a rousing climax.

     As you use your oils, light your candle or incense (or utilize any
     other tool you have chosen), you should begin to further intensify
     the energy that you have set into motion around you.  A high degree
     of intensity is vitally important.

     The Altered State of Consciousness that you must reach is not a
     meditative state.  Anything that interferes with your ability to
     concentrate upon, reach and control the high energy state necessary
     to perform magick should be avoided.  Such as, screaming children, a
     sink full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.

     Do not scatter your energy by attempting to do more than one
     magickal working at a time.

     Remember that Magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a
     form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of
     energy.  Your visualization can be a method used to intensify
     further and direct your will.  Your visualization can be the method
     by which you control the magickal energy you have produced.
     You must know what you want.  You must see it.  You must feel the
     high energy flow.  You must direct it.

     One of the most important elements in the practice of any form of
     Magick is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect.  This means that
     whatever you do (or don't do) you cause something to happen.

     The most important consideration is the Universal Law of
     Retribution. This means that no matter what you do, it comes back
     to you in like kind.

     It is the nature of things that as you send something out it gains
     momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is three
     times stronger.  If you do something nice for someone, someone will
     do something nicer for you.

     "As you weave and
          spin your spell,
     Three fold return
          the tale will tell."

EOF