Q - Hi Jamie, I've been a wiccan for about two months now and recently told my cousin, ellen about my choice. she thinks i've gone mad the religion is very inportant to me though and i like doing it quite alot but im closer to my cousin than anyone else, even my mum. the concern in her eyes was unmistakable. if she reacted like that how will my mum or my friends react. it wont be pretty. PLEASE don't say contact your guardian angel i already tried that. i got a big fat nothin so far! should i pack up my witchie things or continue to practice?
yours truly
sophie, age 13A - Sophie, Thanks for your email. This can be a tough situation, if, only if you don't understand the foundation and reasoning behind why you are attracted to Wicca in the first place. Usually concerns about Wicca are based on negative propaganda and misconceptions, not actual experience with the religion or its practitioners. So your job will be to set the record straight, but first you need to understand what it is about Wicca that is most attractive to you.
What about the Wiccan religion do you like? (do you like learning about lore from other cultures, symbology, animal medicine, crystals, moon phases, etc.)
You said you like "doing it a lot"? What part of Wicca do you like doing most? (meditation, visualization, appreciating/understanding nature's cycles, etc.)
How does practicing Wicca make you feel? (do you feel a connection to nature, more empowered as a responsible co-creator in your life, etc.)
How does this feeling positively impact your life and the people in your life? (for example do you find yourself more peaceful, confident, etc)
Imagine that you are describing Wicca like you were describing a special place, like a favorite meadow or beach. When you begin with defining why you like Wicca and how good it makes you feel, you will have a better chance at opening their minds, because you aren't trying to convince them of anything. You are simply pointing out how it helps you. Then perhaps you can explain the tenets of the religion and begin to debunk some of the hurtful myths that circulate about Wicca.
Lastly, if you liked playing soccer or riding horses, but your friend didn't, would you really give it up just because she didn't quite understand your passion? You are old enough to make your decisions about religion without needing another's stamp of approval.
Q) Hello! My name is Katerine, and I write you because I need your help and advise. I live in Ukraine, in Kharkiv, and I hear nothing about wiccans in our country. But I feel myself close to this religion and I really want to learn more about it and to become a part of it. I want to find someone who can teach me and show me what it’s really mean to be a wiccan. Please, tell me what I can do in this situation. Best wishes, Kate.
A) Thanks for your email, Kate. I imagine that it would be difficult to find wiccans in your country. But I bet they are there. Perhaps under a different name? Most countries have folks who still practice the old ways of healing and observing the earth's cycles with reverence. Did you scan through my website on the Mother Earth page? There's some basic information there on Wicca.
But aside from that, try "Blooming where you're planted." Do you know any elders in your community who use traditional folk medicines? Anyone who tells good stories that seem like myth or have lessons of life woven into them? Any stores you can visit that might have a metaphysical bent? Even a spiritual leader who might be inclined to talk about mysteries, spirit world, death, etc.?
You might want to avoid the word wicca in the beginning of your search. Some people have false notions of what this religion is and they may hold back from giving you really valuable information because they think you are interested in using spells to manipulate another - that's the most common misunderstanding.
Also, clarify, perhaps by writing down in a journal, why you are drawn to Wicca. Getting really clear on your intentions will help you attract the people who can offer you the information you desire.
Good luck and please keep me informed of how this goes!!
Q - How do i be a wiccan and a christian? And dont spells work best when they're made up?
A - Wicca is a way of life - like other earth spiritualities, such as Native American shamanism. We use nature as our guide. The elements (air, fire, water, earth), Mother Earth, Father Sky, the seasons - these are our teachers.
There is no singular book of wisdom for Wiccans like the Bible for Christianity, the Qu'ran for Islam or Torah for Jews. You are your own book that reveals itself slowly. Your book began as the breath of spirit as you entered this human world. You had access to the knowledge of the Spirit World, but as your human experience became more pronounced, you forgot how to co-create with the Divine and your book had few words with many blank pages. But in time, with experience and an open heart, you will learn and this knowledge and wisdom about yourself, your connection to the Divine. Words will appear on the pages and will be written on your heart and soul. And you will learn how to create a world of your choosing like a painter creates worlds on a canvas.
That said, spells will be more powerful for you if you create them because they are tailored specifically to your needs. But as you are learning to trust your intuition, discovering what the symbols, colors, animals, etc. mean to you, and finding out what magick looks and feels like, working with other's spells is considered good practice.
Since you are your own book, you can incorporate any philosophy into your spiritual practice. You can be a Wiccan and adore Jesus. You can be a witch and still pray to the saints. It's all up to you. There's no wrong way to do it. Just create harmony.
Q - Do you consider yourself a role model?
A - I do and the main reason I do is because of the feedback from teen readers (and their parents) about how my books helped them. Just this last weekend I was at Pantheacon (a conference for pagans in San Jose) and this beautiful young woman, age 17, came to my booth and told me how much The Teen Spell Book and The Enchanted Diary helped her through her early teen years and how she carried them with her everywhere she went. And that she has bought it for many friends because she found it so valuable to her. It was such a thrill for both of us to meet each other!
I've also had several people buy a second copy of the book, because someone in the family had taken possession of their book and now they needed a new one. I like that.
Q - What makes an altar?
A - An altar or shrine is a focal point for prayer and meditation. It can be simple, just a space with cloth and a candle or you can add crystals, pictures, incense. It's a good idea to have something to represent the four directions (North-Earth, South-Fire, East-Air, West-Water). For example, a stone could represent the north, a candle for the south, a feather for the east and a shell for the west.
Q - What is your goal today?
A - To be the Latina J.K. Rowling. That would be amazing!
On November 20, I chatted with the 6th Grade class at Riverhead Charter School on Long Island, NY. Their teacher read the first chapter of Rogelia's House of Magic then we conducted this interview through blogging on the Internet. Pretty cool stuff. Here are their questions and my answers!
RCS -- Do you have any children ?
JMW: I have three children
Ali -- 18 in college
Skyler -- 11 in 5th grade
Kobe -- 9 in 4th grade
Nicholas: Are you working on another book?
JMW: I just sold a book to my publisher -- Ten Speed Press to write The Faerie Herbalism with Faerie Artist, Lisa Steinke.Ladejah: What is it about?
JMW -- I'm also working on a woman's book called The Making of a Xicana Goddess, which is about exploring magic and creativity as a means to heal from divorce, abandonment, sexual abuse, and death.Voshon: What do you do in your spare time, what are your hobbies?
JMW: My hobbies are hiking, yoga, reading, writing.Sasha (student) What inspired you to write Rogelia's House of Magic?
JMW: An editor asked me to write Rojo's Mojo (my nickname for the book). But while writing it my diaries were my inspiration -- working out the relationship with my mom and how as a teen I felt so disempowered and sought ways to feel more connected.
Jessica: What made you become a writer?
JMW: I've been a writer since the 2nd grade. I still have that first story, it was called The Floating Bed.
Erik: Did you have another job or career before you became a writer?
JMW: Even when I went to college, I knew I wanted to write. I thought I would write for business, so I became a public relations writer. But I couldn't fit into the corporate world, so I became a massage therapist and then found a job as a literary agent assistant, then I got the gig to write my first book.
Maurice: How long did it take you to write your first book?
JMW -- 6 months!!
Ladejah: Did anyone from your family inspire you to become a writer?
JMW: My aunt. She's also a public relations writer. There are a lot of perks to that job if you can stand the high heels.
Voshon: Who are your role models?
JMW: Isabel Allende, my grandfather, my aunt and Lucille Ball
Samantha: What is your background? Can you explain your heritage?
JMW: I'm half Mexican from my mom, actually 8 generations in southern California (in other words my peeps are also part Native American). My dad was half German and half Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). But since I didn't see much of him, I really got two doses of diluted Mexican--ness.Jataya: who is your favorite author?
JMW: My favorite author is Isabel Allende and CS Lewis. I still have my Narnia set from when I was 11 and I'm 40 now.
Sasha (student) Did you ever doubt that your book would sell?
JMW: It had basically sold before I wrote it. The editor asked my agent (who was my boss at the time) if she knew of any writer who would like to write The Wicca Cookbook. AI wrote the proposal and it sold. This might sound humble because I still had to write something good, but it felt so right.
Warren: What kind of car do you drive?
JMW: A blue Honda CRV with lots of stickers and things dangling from my rear view mirror. My fave sticker say "Blending in with you muggles." I love to watch people stop and read that one.
Joseph: What is your favorite book you have written?
JMW: The Teen Spell Book. I used my diary to write about all the times that I felt sad, angry, disempowered and wrote visualizations and affirmations to come out of darkness into the light. It's helped so many people I just adore that book and my courage to be so honest and vulnerable. I actually got in a car accident on the way to my first book signing because I was so scared that I had essentially published my diary, but I kept pushing myself and my reward is comments from parents and teens about how much it's helped them.
Nicholas: I think you are very intelligent.
JMW: I think you are very cool
Voshon: And inspirational!
JMW: And wiseTorey: Do you like historical fiction books?
JMW: LOVE historical fiction!!! Actually that's another book in the oven -- called Hauntingly Familiar a time warp kinda book about an ancestor and her descendant mixing into each other's lives. Based in 1875 exactly where I live
Sasha (student): Do any of your children write too?
JMW Ali is going to school to be a writer. Her dream job would be to write for Rolling Stones Magazine. I think that's a good goal. I had her edit Rogelia's House of Magic so she could have writing credits.
Erik: Do you write any adventure books?
JMW: Not yet.
Ladejah: Are you going to make any middle grade books?
JMW: Rogelia's House of Magic could be considered middle grade. Although I do have ideas for this readership, too. It's called The Queen's Apple, still working on it. Been working on it forever!
Jamall: Do you hang out with a group of writers?
JMW: No, but there's a group of Latina authors and we've been talking about getting together once a month to chat.
Brianna: Which do prefer Sprite or Sierra Mist?
JMW: 7upMarquis: Have you talked with any other schools before?
JMW: Yes. I had one local school develop a play from the first 8 chapters of Rogelia's House of Magic. But via email and across the country? This is a first. And I like it
Joshua: What kind of hair products do you use?
JMW: Because I have long and luxurious hair? Thanks for noticing!! Actually I use a eco--friendly product called Alba Botanicals.
Samantha: What are you doing to save the environment?
JMW: I compost, take my grocery bags to the store, walk or ride bikes when I can, print the least amount of paper possible, use cloth or baskets to wrap gifts, grow my own vegetables, turn off the lights, reduce phantom energy leaks, use recyclable products, buy organic, take short showers, donate to Green Peace, Sierra Club and Environment California, etc..
Mickey: Where do you live in California?
JMW: I live in the OC baby. I can walk to the beach in 30 min.
Ladejah: What is your favorite food?
JMW: tacos
Zack: Do you like any sports?
JMW: I'm an excellent soccer player if I do say so myself
Brianna: Do you have any pets?
JMW: 6 cats! Two kitties have to go though, even though my sons disagree
Luke: What is your favorite tv show?
JMW: I don't watch tv. Can you believe it??? The last show I watched was Friends. Before that it was I Love Lucy. I swear. No lies.
Ladejah: I wish I could meet you in person.
JMW: I know, huh?
JMW: Are Any of you writers
(All hands go up)
JMW: Huzzah for the writers in the room!! BTW on my website www.jamiewood.com/teen you will find some handy tips on writing and getting published on the left column in both the writing and FAQ sections. Make sure to look up some of the past info.
These questions came from the Embracing Latina Leadership Alliance conference.
Do you ever hide symbolism in your book?
Yes!! I loved tucking away little secrets and symbols in Rogelia's House of Magic. It reminds me of a scavenger hunt. Some of them I wrote into the first draft (one has to do with the girls' names). Others were woven in as I added layers to the books through subsequent drafts.
How do you deal with the demands of the publisher?
It's always important to stay true to yourself when dealing with publishers, who often have specific ideas of what they want. You have to find a balance between what is smart business (and will get you published) and what is is right for you and your integrity. Once an editor from Simon & Schuster, Marcela Landres, asked me to write a book on Santeria. I knew nothing of that religion and didn't feel comfortable or in my integrity to research then write about it without experiencing it for a lengthy time. I had to tell her no (which was very difficult). But then a few years later Marcela recommended me to Claudia Gabel, my editor at Random House to write Rogelia's House of Magic. Another example is when The Teen Spell Book cover was designed I asked them to include dragons on the cover, instead of just having flowers, to appeal to guys as well as girls. And they did.
Are your books based mostly on your research?
My heart and soul goes into every book I write. Even the Latino Writers and Journalist book, which consisted of a lot of research, was influenced by the inspiration I felt in interviewing the writers and journalists. I've tested every recipe and spell in my magick books. As far as Rogelia's House of Magic goes, well... let's just say that my aunt told my mom it would be best for her not to read it (because of the relationship between Marina and her mother).
This may seem to be a silly question for you, but I really am not familiar with magic. I have heard about curanderas before, but I noticed that some of your other books have Wicca (I've heard the name Wicca before, but really do not know anything about it) in the title. Is there a connection between curanderismo and Wicca or are they different?
There are some similarities to curanderismo and Wicca. Number one would be their work with nature, plants in particular, for healing of the mind, body, and soul. They both use some form of chanting to get into the meditative state that promotes healing. They both believe in the Spirit World. Curanderas might call on saints or perhaps Aztec Gods and Goddesses. Wiccans ask for help and guidance from Gods and Goddesses around the world (incl. Mexican--based). Both work with energy, i.e., smudging to cleanse an area. There are some variants in the ways that Wiccans and curanderas observe the cycles of the moon and natural cycles of the Solstices and Equinoxes. They both work with symbology and ritual ceremony, though in ways that are unique to their traditions.
As I was reading Rogelia's House of Magic I knew it was fiction but based on your other non--fiction books I was always wondering if certain magical aspects were something that you created with your imagination or if it was something you had first hand experience with or knew someone capable of doing.
Thanks for asking this question. It was kind of the point to writing the book the way I did -- to show that magic is real. I did receive a limpia from a curandera that was similar to the one in the book. When I was a young girl, we did move to a vortex of sorts and very soon after moving, I did experience hearing a deluge of voices every night. Unfortunately, I didn't have a curandera in the room across the hall, and eventually my room became soo very cold that I got scared and began sleeping with a Bible under my pillow. Plus I had an rather blunt nana, a tarot reader and psychic, who told me when I was sixteen. "Well, honey, the reason you're such a bitch is because you've got all those spirits living with you in your room." Bless her. That's when I realized that teens interested in magic really need a mentor to explain these things properly. There is nothing frightening about spirits living with you and you always have the ability to tell them to get lost. Let's see, using theories outlined in the book The Celestine Prophecy, I have seen auras. I do have a lovely relationship with faeries and in fact plan on attending a Fairie Festival in two weeks, promoted by Brian Froud (think Labyrinth or Dark Crystal). I haven't translated bird talk, but there are time I think I get the gist of their meaning. Most days I listen to my intuition, sit in the silence or in nature, just to be.
Do you know anywhere I can send my writing? --Amanda
There are many budding writers out there just yearning for the chance to see their work in print. I must admit, it's wonderful to hold your printed work in your hands. The young person's unique perspective is so very vital and full of energy and questions that the market has created a place just for you. Below is a list of publications that accept submissions from young writers. Remember only this piece of advice that a writer friend reminded me of just this past weekend. Many writers make the mistake of trying to emulate their favorite author when it is your original voice, your point of view and perspective that will sell the work and make it believable and powerful for editors or readers to enjoy. Don't sell yourself short -- follow your intuition and write from the heart!
Creative Kids P.O. Box 8813 Waco, TX 76714--8813 » WEBSITE
Potluck "Potluck Magazine publishes poetry, short stories, fables, book reviews, and artwork by young writers and artist ages 8--16-- though we do consider and have published works from writers as young as four and as old as 18." » WEBSITE
Restless Youth Press 271 East 10th St. 64 NYC NY 10009 » WEBSITE
Skipping Stones "Skipping Stones publishes bimonthly during the school year. We accept art and original writings in every language and from all ages. We invite you to participate in this exciting project with your submissions, subscriptions, suggestions and support." » WEBSITE
Stone Soup Submissions Dept. P.O. Box 83 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 » WEBSITE
The Writer's Slate "The Writers' Slate publishes original poetry and prose from students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It also publishes pedagogical or creative writing by teachers. Three issues per year are published on--line with one devoted to publishing winners of the writing contests." » WEBSITE
For Girls: New Moon "Fiction, poetry, artwork, letters, science experiments, cartoons and articles about the lives of girls and women around the globe edited by and for girls ages 8--14." » WEBSITE
For Teens: Frodo's Notebook "Frodo's Notebook is always looking for well--crafted poems, creative essays, and short stories by teens age 13--19 from all around the world." » WEBSITE
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.
>> HOME
