Branch One
- Bards
What is a Bard?In ancient times a Bard was a poet and storyteller who had trained in a Bardic college. In modern times, a Bard is one who sees their creativity as an innate spiritual ability, and who chooses to nurture that ability partly or wholly with Druidism.
The Art of Spell Crafting
All words have power, whether written or spoken; the words
are alive with the energy we give them. This is why on my
web site shadownews.net under thirteen goals of a witch
I believe there is a part there that says keep your thoughts
in good order, and keep your words in good order. Just saying
you wish something would happen can actually make it happen
and most times it doesn't turn out the way you wanted or
expected. So choosing your words carefully is very important,
even if your not doing a spell at the moment your words
are still alive with energy.
A spell or ritual that you write yourself is powerful, because
it allows you to focus on your goal and create an intensified
energy. The first step in writing a spell is the same as
with a spoken spell: You must have a goal. Once one is clear
in your mind you'll be ready to put it on paper. (A spell
that is handwritten is more powerful than one that is typed.)
When you write your spell by hand your powers of concentration
are stronger and energy will flow from your heart and into
your power hand. This energy then streams from your pen
and finally takes visual form on the paper. As your spell
begins to take physical form on paper, it also starts to
manifest itself in the spirit. And at that moment true magick
begins.
When you write a spell you can write like you are writing
a letter to the divine spirit. Keeping this in mind, the
materials you use should not ever be used for anything else.
I suggest using a spiral notebook or a loose-leaf notebook
filled with lots of paper. Use a pen you are comfortable
with and that will be used only for your spell writing.
The pen and paper you use should be treated as magickal
tools - and keep the pen and paper in a safe place where
other people won't bother them.
If you are artistic, a design
relating to your goal is a nice addition. I like to include
a simple drawing at the top of the page, depicting the moon
phase I am working with, along with my sigil at the bottom
in place of my signature.
Begin your spell writing when
you are sure you won't be disturbed. Your spell need not
be lengthy. A paragraph or a few well-chosen sentences will
do. Here is one example of a written spell (for a house
blessing).
I, (your name here), will
that my house be safe and secure in all ways. Allow only
those with perfect love and perfect trust to enter. I ask
that all negative energies be kept from my doorstep. I ask
the divine power (or your personal deity) to watch over
my house and keep it safe from disasters that can harm my
family or me. I thank the divine power (or your personal
deity) for his/her aid. I write this spell for the good
of all, and according to the free will of all. So mote it
be.
Once you are finished writing,
fold the paper at one corner in the notebook. Place it in
a special drawer or box. You may even want sprinkle herbs
in the drawer that would be appropriate for your desired
goal. A written spell can be kept forever. You can carry
it with you, or destroy it in a respectful manner at a designated
time, after the spell has done its work.
How to Combine the Written
Word with the Elements
If you choose you can take the
art of spell crafting one step further by combining your
written spell with the elements, air, fire, water, or earth.
For example: Let's say you wished to rid yourself of a bad
habit. You could write your spell during a waning moon,
then soak the paper in salt water and end the ritual by
burying the paper and pouring the salt water over the spot
where you buried the paper. In this way, you've combined
the written charm with the elements of water and earth,
where the negativity will be absorbed and purified. You
could also burn the spell and disperse the ashes to the
wind. By giving the ashes to the wind you would be combining
the written word with the fire and air to achieve your goal.
Other Factors To Consider
The practice of writing spells may be used by different
religious systems. For instance, Pagans may direct a written
spell to a specific god or goddess. Christians may petition
a saint to aid them.
Most groups believe that timing
is crucial when doing any kind of spell work or spell writing,
I don't believe that timing is that critical but I will
give you the information about the days of the week just
in case you do.
Sunday (the sun): Health and vitality, general well-being.
Monday (the Moon): Home, family matters, children,
women's issues, and magick in general.
Tuesday (Mars): Strength and protection.
Wednesday (Mercury): Communication and travel. A
good day to write a spell when you can't decide which other
day would be best.
Thursday (Jupiter): Money, wealth, expanding a career
or business.
Friday (Venus): Love and friendship; also, home decorating
or remodeling.
Saturday (Saturn): Dealing with fears or serious
thinkin
