Ex Penna

Collection of Free Spells at Cantrap.net

Everyone has their favorite online resources for free spells.  Whether spellsofmagic or puzuzu.com, we have our reasons for finding one source more interesting, more reliable, more magical than another.  Cantrap is one of mine.

I suppose I have a soft spot for it because of how very long ago it was that I discovered it.  I was rather new to the internet then and knew nothing of bookmarking favorites so I repeatedly forgot how to get back there (it sounds stupid now, I know).  I also had only dial-up internet and no printer.  So I meticulously wrote out every spell you see there--by hand--on plain paper and then punched holes to fit them into a binder.  To this day, I have the binder on my shelf alongside more traditionally bound books containing more traditional spells, but I still look at it occasionally and smile.  Perhaps you will find something there to make you smile, as well.

Language, both written and spoken, is used in magic in many ways.  Charms, chants, affirmations, and magical phrases or words all have their place.  Often we gauge the merit of a spell by whether or not the spoken verse is well-written.  The words of a spell must ring true in order for us to feel their potential.  They must fascinate us so that we may use them to create fascinations on others.

To give your words their full dose of potential in magic, try to focus on these three points:


Your Power Voice

Marking a line between everyday statements and magical commands is a practical habit.  The adoption of a power voice makes this simple work; by speaking with an inflection of authority and importance, you take on that air of control so necessary in working your will.  No matter what the aim of your spell, you can gather a great deal of energy by speaking with a power voice.  Not only do you wish your goal to manifest, you command it.

Focus, Intent, and Energy

What a crime it is if we forget to focus as we speak!  Spoken language in magic is not just for reiterating our goal--it is for manifesting it.  Begin by focusing on the words, their weight, their importance.  See in your mind the pictures they paint, the emotions they bring up in you.  Speak slowly and let this all unfold without allowing distractions.  This is an excellent reason to memorize spells.

Now that you have really felt the words, let the rhythm take over.  Listen only to the inflection, the rise and fall of your voice, the stops, the breaks.  There is a lyric quality to language; let the music and the poetry of it come through.  This becomes easier with chanting because the many repetitions create a song and a trance state arises where the meaning of the words themselves seem to disappear.  Far from being a bad thing, this actually helps to raise the power.  Whatever your method, by now you should recognize the energy being raised.  Let it flow smoothly.


Speaking Aloud


Of course, we are not always in a situation where it would be acceptable to shout our magical incantations for all to hear.  Instead, focus on giving breath to your words.  You may whisper or mutter at any volume and still see your goals manifest.  As long as there is breath to carry your voice, you are incanting aloud.

Take time to cultivate your power voice.  Choose carefully charms, chants, and magic words that are the most emotionally affecting, the most imaginative.  Bring your words out of your silent mind where they are, as Agrippa said, "a conception of the mind and motion of the soul" and into the world where they can affect everyone and everything upon which they are laid.


Images from:
darkcrystalmagick.blogspot.com/2012/01/rubywolfe-whisper-me-nebula
pinterest.com
pinterest.com (Australian singer, Wendy Rule)

The Ancient Symbol of the Swastika

Reclaim the Swastika


This may be a bit controversial, but the swastika (often referred to as the flyfoot in its rare use in the modern magic community) has an incredibly long history connecting it with magic, good fortune, and spirituality.  It's a good thing no matter how it was twisted and manipulated in the past.

Naturally, no one is claiming that its dark side be washed away and forgotten.  The pain, hatred, and misery caused under its flag can never be undone.  But it is not fair to view a mark made in love and respect and revile it the same as the one made in horror.  The flyfoot can be found in temples, churches, mosaics, artwork, clothing, anything that needs protecting, and even my little lucky coin.

For magic users this could be quite beneficial: another luck symbol in the mix, another opportunity to connect with ancient traditions that span the globe, the homelands of our family lines.

The nice thing is that it doesn't really matter what other people think.  The items that go in your mojo, that are carved into talismans worn over your heart or tucked in your pocket, that are drawn in your secret grimoires and Book of Shadows are nobody's business but your own.  If you see what I see in this deep, ancient symbol of the sun, then put it where you alone can know its presence.

Magical Meetups

Most folks who are interested in joining together with other practitioners are quickly directed to Witchvox to find local covens in which to seek initiation and individuals who can chat online.  But what if you want something more casual, where the goal is more about really being there?  That's where to go to Meetup.com.

I used this service for getting the word out about my local classes, but there are any number of purposes for gathering with others in your area.  Type in your zip code and see what's happening in your community.  If no other magical practitioners are holding regular meetups, that doesn't mean they're not there; create your own, arrange it for a purpose and goal  which you feel strongly (even if it's just a meet-and-greet over coffee), and advertise in all spaces you hold publicly (such as in-person groups, your circle of friends, any positions of authority you hold, online forums, social media, etc).

Magic users are studious, driven people.  We are workers in the practical and spiritual realms, healers of injustice, openers of the doors of opportunity, visionaries of a more fortunate reality.  We respect knowledge above all else and seek it in every corner of our lives, in every new acquaintance, and between the covers of every book.  Teachers are our estimation of the highest mortal beings for they can strengthen our already formidable energy-shaping powers into something almost God-like.  To be a practitioner is to hold a unique position as a creator of destiny.

But sometimes, well, it just sucks.

Of course, for me, things were a bit different than just "life getting in the way."  Most of my issue is that , these days, I do indeed deal with magic every day, just not for myself.  There's a lot more witchcraft work than play at the moment and it can really slow a person down.  The last personal spell I did wasn't even for me and that was about two weeks ago.  Things have changed a lot since I began and, at times, magic just isn't magical.  As the darkly metaphysical singer Wendy Rule said in Slow Down:


As I said, though--there is no reason to accept this as an eventuality to which we all must come. Rather, we must stop ourselves, assess the problem, uncover its source, clear out all the bad stuff, and start fresh.  So far, I've talked about stopping to notice that something is amiss.  So, just what is it?

Time Breeds Familiarity

Experienced practitioners are prone to this kind of burnout; the gloss of excitement is wearing off and what's left is coarse and dull.  It may seem impossible that anything which deals in mystery could ever grow old--and about 5 years ago I would have wholeheartedly agreed--but now I see that witchcraft can become a career like any other, and therefore become tiring.  The longer you have been practicing, the more likely that the routine of it will get to you.

More Talent, Less Trouble

This is an odd thing to call a problem, but from a spellcaster's view it can be devastating.  When you start out, you're full of issues.  You have a ton of things that need fixed and changed, brought up and put down, and it would be great if it could all happen right now!

So you fix the broken things one at a time. Situations change and new issues crop up; your ability increases with experience and you jump those hurtles as well.  But now it's been many years and the hurtles have gotten smaller. Or perhaps you just jump that much higher. Either way, there seems to be less to get passionate about.  Maybe it's a phase; wait it out, keep your magic in reserve for something big. You're not foolish enough to invite hardships, but if you don't find something to focus on soon, all that talent will start to fade away.

This, I believe, is why so many accomplished practitioners go into teaching or writing later in their careers; you must keep your tools sharpened even when there's nothing to fix.  When I began, I was full of curiosity.  Later, I was full of problems.  During both periods, I cast spells like mad, deeply immersed in my beliefs and my craft.  What a wonderful time that was, always busy, always seeing the good I did in my own life!  My work now is centered around others (my shop, reading tarot and making spell kits professionally, this blog, my manuscripts) and I truly adore it.  It's my main interaction with the magical community now and it keeps me in touch with what people want and need, and with a constant assessment of what I can provide to them.  It's the most rewarding job I've ever undertaken.

But that doesn't mean I don't miss casting spells for myself.  It's almost a silly thought but sometimes being satisfied just isn't satisfying.

Spreading Yourself Too Thin


How to Get Back on the Road

Now that you know what the problem is and have thoroughly rooted out its causes, it's time to make some plans.  Begin by thinking about your past.  What inspires you?  What has always held that special charge that lights you up inside?  Write that down!  Keep it close; find new ways to chase that dream, to explore that avenue.

Now think about what you've been putting off.  Sometimes it seems easier to ignore an entire facet of our lives rather than do the hard work that awaits us there.  If your BoS is a disaster, you're not likely to want to do any magic that would only lengthen the list of work you need to put into it.  Perhaps you have a long to-do list for spells that need cast or a situation that is failing faster than you can help.  Maybe you're lacking essential ingredients as well as the means to buy them.  Whatever your situation, recognize it and set down some ideas for ways to remedy it.  Break down big issues into smaller tasks.  Put in some effort every day toward fixing it; make small changes often and you will see results.

Next you must make plans for your immediate future.  Get an almanac and use it as your magical day-planner: mark in it weekly magical plans and upcoming timed spells.  Keep it near and refer to it often.  Once you get on track, you can opt to create a theme for each month such as focusing on a certain topic (like lucid dreaming) or increasing your knowledge of one style of spellcasting (like knot spells).  When you're not casting during that month, use some of your free time to learn in a pleasurable way, such as watching video tutorials, attending workshops, talking with friends, reading articles, and searching for books on the topic.

Keep your goal within reach by making your daily goals achievable.  Don't get discouraged if this repatterning takes some time.  It's all part of becoming the person you choose to be, and that's a big part of magic already!

Create Long-Term Goals You Love



You are a creator of destiny.  Get out there and create!




 Images from:
 http://matrix124.deviantart.com/art/The-Bored-Witch
 http://www.people-results.com
http://anaturalwitch.tumblr.com
http://prn.fm/expanding-mind-american-witchcraft

Grow Your Own Crystal Necklace


If you're snowed in (like I am) and looking for something useful to do with your hands, this might be it.  This week's link is for a great litle tutorial--complete with photos and plenty of dos and don'ts--for making beautiful pendants of alum crystals.

A neat science experiment for the kids.  A nice way for non DIY-ers to feel accomplished at jewelry-making.  Yes, there's that.  But then there's the fact that alum is a magical mineral with the impressive qualities of protection and purification but most especially stopping gossip against you.  What better way to halt those wagging tongues than to carry your defenses out in the open where they can be admired by kinder people?  Turn your enemies' disdain into your decoration!

Okay, strap in.  This will probably be the most aggressive post I've done so far.  Some of you may be offended.

So now that that's out of the way...I really hate ugly magic.  That's what I would call it, but its proponents think of it as "genius!" and "creative!" and "so practical!"  Well, it's not.  It's just awful and ugly and classless.

When you give less to something that is supposed to mean a lot to you, the endeavor seems suddenly less worthy, less brilliant.  It's as though you don't really care, aren't trying, and don't much mind if you see results or not.  Is that the way you want your work to go?

What You Give You Get

Magic requires an investment.  When you invest time and curiosity, you learn new things.  When you invest energy and desire, you create new things.  So you have to put in something you possess that is of value in order to receive outside value.  That means you either put in straight cash, goods, or one helluva lot of directed energy.  

Money has an obvious value.  We can respect things that cost money and understand that the higher the price, the greater the importance of the thing being offered.  We also show great respect for our own money and only spend it where we'll receive the most for it.  This is why I'm such an advocate for casting spells for pay--clients trust that when a witch gets paid, she knows her stuff.   Giving money to the Gods for favors (in the form of donations to organizations in their honor) and paying for spells is often seen as coarse to modern casters but it holds a lot of power for attaining your desires.  Give money and you give a gift that everyone understands and accepts.

Goods and objects receive a more subjective value--that of the individual.  How much you charge for the things you sell and how much you are willing to pay for the things you buy are largely based on your personal tastes.  Use components that are worthy according to your personality.  Here's where you can work magic with a private set of associations and strong feelings from memory.  For example, you might opt to cast a prosperity spell using a coin from a country you were fortunate enough to visit or an object given to you by a wealthy acquaintance.  It's not necessarily traditional in its associations, but it contains plenty of emotion for you.

Beware the idea that you can just put in tons of visualization and directed power to make a spell work from scratch.  Sometimes you'll be on the top of your game and it will work well.  Other times it will flop.  Too many flops and you'll become discouraged.  Too many spells calling on only your energy and you'll become drained, depressed, and possibly ill.  Use the power found in herbs, stones, colors, words, your natural environment, and other elements to fuel your spell.  That's why components are found in spell instructions at all--you don't have to go it alone.

Objections I've Heard and Will Hear Again

"Not all of us are rich!  I don't have money to waste on fancy things so I use what I find around the house.  If that's tacky then that's fine.  I guess I like tacky magic!"

First, I doubt you do.  You simply have decided to work with things that don't require anything extra from you.  However, just grabbing something and saying "This is good enough" will not get you much in return.  You're choosing to put in a teaspoon of energy when you could have a gallon.  If your spell works, it won't be much.


"Early witches didn't have expensive things.  They were opportunists and used whatever worked."

They also made nearly everything by hand, giving plenty of time for the object to be infused with their desire.  Using an herbal teabag is not as good as learning about the wild plants in your yard which could do the same thing.   That's what early witches would have done.


Spells don't have to be done a certain way.  Don't tell me how to practice!"

You're right, spells don't have to be done in a way that others agree upon, but ideally, they will look like nothing else.  Think back to any accounts by outsiders encountering magic that you may have heard.  They talk about seeing strange objects put in strange places, items they don't understand and arrangements that seem to mean something, however foreign.  That's good magic.  It doesn't look like a shoebox full of plastic charms that may have been left behind by a little girl.


It's not the looks that matter.  It's the effort!"

Then put in some effort! Do that and your magic will be instantly elevated to the level of art.  It doesn't matter what your tastes or talents may be; if you give your all to a spell, it will be a unique expression of your desire.

Take the time to pick just the right components, not just what you find around the house.  Learn new things in an effort to build a better spell: discover uses of local herbs and stones you have found; work with natural items that have classic associations, like bones; find instructions and tutorials on making things by hand that can be used for spells.  This will ensure that you are always growing and becoming stronger in your practice while also not succumbing to the lowest common denominator.

To protect you from ugly magic, remember these tips:

Take a few extra dollar and get the good stuff that your spell deserves.  Your work is important and it deserves your full attention, your full devotion.

Get the right goods for the job, not just what is easiest to obtain.  A little time and sacrifice is good for boosting your magic.

Once everything is assembled and has become a unique kind of beautiful, give it all the energy you've got in you.  There is nothing stronger than the work you feed from start to finish.


Image from:
freerepublic.com