> For the Teen Spell Book you wrote, I was wondering what kind of tools I require before I can start doing spellwork? I have a chalice, cauldron, and an incense burner is their more that is required to do the spells in the teen spell book. -Kevin

All the tools of the trade are really just physical reminders of the elements that live inside us and are all around us at any given time. The most important tool you will ever have is your heart and your intention.

However, I know you want to speak specifics. It would be nice for you to have tools that are representative of all the elements. So far you have two water symbols (Cauldron and chalice) and one combination of fire and air (incense). What about Earth? My favorite element, so I can't help but notice when it goes ignored. : ) What will represent Mother Earth, tierra firma for you and your practice? After you establish that (suggestions, some stones, or dish of salt, or even a pentacle), it seems to me you may be ready to go.

Have fun. Be safe. Harm none. Blessed be.

> When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I first fell in love with writing stories when I was in second grade and I wrote that story about the Runaway Hamburger. It was really a knock off of the Gingerbread Man, but I loved it. Then there was this really strange story called The Floating Bed, about all kinds of disasters and the bed that I lived on with my sister, mom, and aunt. I could probably take it to a psychologist and get an assessment into my childhood. : )

I started keeping a diary at eleven (the picture is on this page) and when I started reading Judy Blume I knew I would always write. However, I never thought I'd be an author. It was beyond my reach. I thought I'd work as a writer in the professional world. Not as a journalist. I am too sensitive to not be crushed by all the negative stuff that the papers focus on. (someday I'll print The Floating Bed and you'll understand). I began in magazines and moved quickly to books. My primary love in writing has been to encourage and support people through rough times. Now as I really heal these issues of my own through the writing for others, I'm ready to be the storyteller, spinning webs of delight and because they touch the heart that connects us all.

> Sometimes I write in my diary and sometimes I forget and skip a day. Then I just can't seem to get into it again. Should I just give up?

Writing in a diary is a wonderful tool. You don't have to do it every day. I don't. But it's there when I need it. When I was a teen, my diary felt like my best friend, both loyal and a good listener. Here' s my top six reasons to keep a diary 1) It helps you find your voice. Being a teen there are so many things thrown at you, spending time along with your thoughts helps you decide which thoughts are yours, and which are opinions of someone else 2) It helps you organize. There is a lot going on when you are a teen. Writing helps you get things clear in your head in a way that makes sence and allows you to articulate your feelings, opinions, or thoughts, 3) It helps you separate drama from reality. When you write, you get a chance to realize your responsibility in a situation and save "face" at the same time. You see things from a more objective position. 4) Writing helps you process your feelings - like going from rage to anger to sadness to hope. 5) Writing allows you to express things you might never say outloud. 6) Writing helps you set goals and visualize your dreams.

> Is magic for real?

Absolutely!! Magic is the power of believing in what you don't see. Magic is when you find connection to the world, people, everything; it's the ability to create a life you enjoy by making clear choices and voicing your desires; its the serendipity when your friend calls, just when you're thinking about her; magic is natural and beautiful.

> I tried the spell about seeing the faeries (from your Teen Spell Book) and I followed the directions exactly. But, it did not work for me. :( I dont know why? - Madison

I love the faeries and I can imagine why you want to see them so much! It can take a bit of time for this spell to work. Fae folk can be shy and take their sweet time getting to know you. They came when you called, I'm sure of it. They absolutely love attention. Your ability to see them will come in stages. Maybe at first you'll see a flicker of light, or movement, or maybe your cat will start pouncing all over the garden at seemingly nothing, when in fact its the faery drawn out of the wilderness by your spell. Faeries show up differently for everyone. With time, perhaps you'll see the faeries in a dream or your mind's eye, or feel them tweak your nose, maybe you'll feel the breeze of their wings, or maybe you'll see them in solid form right in front of you. Use the psychic quiz on this page to decide which is your psychic ability. Once you do your best to improve your psychic skill, you will connect more easily with the faeries.

>Why do you like to write? - Anna

I'm one of those people who spends a lot of time spinning the many thoughts around in my head over and over again. When I write it down (particularly in my diary) I can unravel the tangle my problems and I see answers that I never imagined before or realize that maybe it's not as bad as I originally thought. And sometimes I'm just so happy that I want to remember a feeling or a day forever.

>How do you get great thoughts on paper before you forget? - Rocio

I use the mnemonic system that I learned in 11th grade history. It's a memory enhancer - which is good for studying or writing down something too cool to forget. You chose a symbol or a word or a phrase to represent blocks of information. When a great idea occurs to me, I don't try to write down every last detail. I just write a phrase (or two) like "purple straw basket" and I'll remember a whole story, complete with smells, sounds, and thoughts, about a woman in Fiji weaving a basket for me. After I've captured the feeling of my story, I can write about in more detail. Ideas come from the muse or creative source. The muse is very similar to dreams. While a dream is still fresh, write down a phrase that captures the essence of your dream, such as "white bench at top of hill." Don't think about it too much. You're dealing with the world of symbols. Later try to recapture the whole dream from these phrases (you can also draw pictures). You'll be amazed! Email me and tell me how it goes.

> Hello,

I am not positive what exact spell I would need, but I want something that will help someone make up their mind. I am waiting on an answer from someone, and I really just want to know, it's important that I know sooner than later, and so I wanted to do a spell that would help speed up the process. If you know of anything that I might be able to use, I would REALLY appreciate it.

Also, one of my friends hasn't been acting like herself lately, and I just wish there was something I could do to help her be her true self again. She is Wiccan as well, and I think if I let her know my feelings, she would be more than willing to co-operate and do a spell to help her be herself once again, if you have any spells that could help with that, or if you have any safe resources for me to find spells, I would appreciate it so, so much if you let me know !

Thank you so much !

ps, you are a wonderful writer, and an inspiration to me :)

I can't wait to read your book "The Enchanted Diary, A Teen's Guide To Magick and Life"

How cute are you? I think your intentions sound good. I do have a spell to help a friend on page 156 of the Teen Spell Book. I wrote that thinking of my friend who has bulimia. You can only send your friend love and powerful energy, you cannot bend their will or change their fate because their path looks scary to you. Everything happens for a reason and we create everything in our immiedate world because it will help us grow. If you were to see a butterfly struggling to get out of its cocoon and you decided to help it along, that butterfly would die. The butterfly gains essential, imperative tools during the struggle to release itself. Remember that when you think of your friend. The important thing is to talk to her and see if you can just accept where she is, or if inspiration strikes, offer words of guidance or encouragement. Go easy on yourself. It isn't your responsibility to save her, and she might not even need it, just like the butterfly. As for hurrying up a situation, it is my belief that the hurry feeling comes from our ego. We think we know the right way something should turn out, but it's really hard ot predict the future, because it changes at every moment. Everything happens in perfect order in this Universe. You need to trust that All Is Well. This quote is from the Desiderata (written in 1692): ""whether it is clear to you or not, no doubt, the universe is unfolding as it should." Light a white candle. Close your eyes and connect to the molten center of Mother Earth and your favorite constellation or star in Father Sky. Repeat to yourself "All is Well," over and over again until all the horrible, scary, negative possibilities dissolve into the truth that all is really well.

> I wanted to ask you if theres anything else you would sugest me doing to get more comfortable with the wiccan religion.

Well darling, the first thing to do as a Wiccan pratictioner begins with the seasons. Try to follow nature's rhythyms, for example during the fall season we consider that we are entering the dark times, when the days are growing shorter. We look at our shadow selves (those parts of ourselves we hide from others, jealousy, selfishness, etc.) and make peace with them. For more info on each holiday look up my website www.jamiewood.com on the Mother Earth link.

Next practice following your intuition. Listen to your gut feelings and learn to trust yourself, your unique expression and perception. Intuition gets more powerful and accurate the more you use it.

You can work with the specific aspects of the Wiccan religion to strengthen your intuition, such as animal totems, tarot cards, runes, colors, numbers, days, planets, symbols, the four elements (fire, water, air, earth), communicating with the gods and goddesses. Follow whatever interests you. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Some things will appeal to more than others. For example, I've never delved deep into runes.

Only when you have chosen certain aspects to study and are familiar with them, is it time to try spells. And you want to follow the four rules of: Have you tried everything you can think of to get what you want, Make sure it harms no one, Make sure you are ready to accept the consequences or outcome (we're not always sure how Spirit will manifest our dreams), and ask yourself is it really the best thing for you. When we concentrate and set our intentions we must be very certain of these four things. Our words and intention are VERY powerful indeed.

Not every witch even practices spells. Some just believe in Mother Earth as a living energy and follow nature as a guide to life.

So start slowly and let the magic reveal itself to you so that you feel it all the way to your toes and the shiver runs up and down your arms in a welcoming, rather than scary way. The Mother wants the best for you, including the rise and confidence to your power.

> What is a spell?

The word spell means to speak. When you cast a spell you speak your desire. Spellcasters gather pictures, crystals, things from nature, candles, all sorts of things that symbolize their desire. They they visualize their desire coming true, repeat an incantation, and trust their wish will come true. Four rules of spellcasting: there must be a need, the outcome will serve the highest good, will not harm anyone, and you are willing to accept the responsibilities of the outcome.

> What if I can't remember the exact wording of a spell?

It doesn't matter. As long as the words feel powerful to you. Rhyming helps, too because it sticks to your brain like peanut butter.

> How do you get your ideas for writing?

I start with a fact I want to know about or a story that I want to see unfold. I write about the magic I see and the love I feel for others, but especially young women. When I was younger I did not feel the support I needed to be confidant. Today I write to motivate others to find the greatness within themselves and encourage them to share these unique talents with the world.

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