I originally had no intention of writing this page. But let me first get something off my chest: If you're interested in Wicca just for spells, go back to your own religion and learn how to pray.

Whew! Okay...now some real information. I'm going to try to address it in a logical order.

The use of magick in Pagan religions: As stated above, it's not necessary. Magick is a common theme, and many Pagans and Wiccans use magick, but not all. First and foremost, these are religions.

But, there is the understanding that Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches do use spells and other forms of magick. To better understand what options are out there, it's going to take a lot of study and research. There are folk spells typically used in witchcraft involving candle magick, cord magick, knot magick, herbal magick, and stone magick, to name a few. Then there's the shamanic style of magick that involves going on a trace and a "spiritual journey" to heal, find your totem, etc. And, for those interested in more complex magick, there is Ceremonial Magick that is most often based on the Kabbalah.

For the most part, most Witches prefer to learn the folk magicks. There are those who mix in Shamanic and Ceremonial aspects, but since folk magick seems to be the "easiest" to learn and the most popular, we're going to focus on that here. (Also, while Ceremonial Magick and Shamanism do involve rituals, I am hard-pressed to actually call them "spells," but rather "workings," due to the desire to simplify things for the beginner.)

Giving out spells: I refuse to do it. I know there are books and websites out there that hand out spells like candy, but I don't believe they work. Most spells...good spells...are written by the practitioner for a specific purpose. They are written down, but often not thought about afterwards so as not to draw any energy away from the spell. Dwelling on the spell will usually lessen the effect. So, if one person writes a spell for a specific purpose and posts it, even with the possibility of changing the spell, you are still using their creation and drawing energy away from it. (At least, that's my opinion.) Secondly, you can't guarantee that someone will change a well-meaning spell to harm others. I feel that any Karma inflicted will fall upon the practitioner, but also on the person who provided them with the information. Also, most love spells are frowned upon because they are a form of manipulation by taking away another person's free will. I have heard stories about a girl who did a love spell on a guy, only to have the guy rape her. It's serious business. For those interested in bringing love into their lives, make sure it's general and do not direct it to any person. (Or hey, you can suffer the consequences, but I'd rather have a person love me out of their own free will than be loved by a zombie.) Finally, we come to the issue of "recipe spells."

"Recipe spells" is the term I've given to the spells that tell you that all you need are certain ingrediants, to say a pre-written chant, and ~*poof!*~ the magick will happen. Most of the spells you find on-line or in books are recipe spells. Little to no original content is put in the use of the spell, so it will not be specific to the user's needs. Recipe spells may work, but not as often as one would like. The reason is because when you read off a spell, you put little emotion into it. To make another analogy, it's the difference between someone reading a script and an actor giving an Oscar-winning performance. It's hard to describe, but when you are truly making magick happen you tend to go into a zone, and you do not need much of a script. But there are "needs" for a spell to work...

The tools of the trade: First of all, you don't need a full set of Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series to perform magick. You don't need a shiny new athame and cast-iron cauldron. You don't need a script including chants in pseudo-archaic languages (or even really bad Elizabethan English), a chorus, and a kick line. Leave the partridge in a pear tree at home. All you really need for magick is yourself.

But let's be honest, sometimes just "yourself" isn't enough. However, the tools are not the magick. The tools are the trigger. They get you into the correct mental state to do the magick. To use the actor analogy again, some actors can become any character without any problem. Others may need the costumes and props to really feel like the character to give a good performance. You'll have to learn what works best for you. The best thing to learn before practicing magick is meditation and focusing. The better you can focus on an idea, and the clearer your imagination, the more likely your spells will take effect. So in the case of a money spell, the gold-colored candle is a visual reminder of gold coins, the honeysuckle oil is a scent that is associated with wealth, and the chant makes us concentrate on the task at hand while we focus on key words like "money." The more you immerse your senses in these ideas, the more likely you will be able to concentrate and, to use the actor analogy, become your character instead of just waving your hands around while reading from the script. No longer are you just in need of money, but you are investing your energy from all your senses into the need. That's when your willpower kicks in to get what you need. But before you cast your spell, you may want to plan ahead...

Creating your spell: This is not titled "Writing your spell" because some of the best magick comes naturally and spontaneously. However, you still must plan a little so you know what to focus on. Even without any information on astrological correspondences and herbal uses, you can still create magick that works far better than the aforementioned recipe spells. This is the point where you stop using the Duncan Hines cake mix, and actually experiment in the kitchen.

Most well-practiced Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans will tell you to write your own spells, anyway. The reason is because they will be specific to your needs and will have your own creative energy. (Once again, when you can, avoid using another person's name or image...you may be crossing the line of manipulation. Also, even in cases of healing spells, get the other person's permission first.) The best advice I can give you is to go by your instincts. For some, candle magick will work best. For others, it's working with herbs. It all depends on your personal preference and ability. (By ability, I mean that a person who tends to burn him/herself lighting matches would probably want to avoid candles, while others with allergies may find the herbs bothersome.) Even then, if you choose to do a chant, make sure it's of your own composition. If the color orange means love to you while most spells tell you to use pink, use orange. Do what you agreed with before you read anything. What comes from your heart is what will work the best. No correspondences will help you if you don't truly believe in them first. If anything, they may wind up distracting you. If you want to work with herbs, for example, study them well before throwing them into a spell...you'll be better off using them with some understanding.

Doubt is a mother-phuq'er: I think the title says it all. When you doubt the outcome, your mental state is like a negative placebo. If you are sure you will fail, I guarantee that you will fail. I think it's a human trait to comfort the blow of failing (in this case, magickally) so afterwards we can say, "See? I told you it wouldn't work." That's the main problem with wanting to "try out" spells. When a person tests to see if the spell will work or not!, they already have some doubt. They will never see the results they want, guaranteed.

Caveat: A few things to watch out for that you may or may not agree with. (Remember, I am Wiccan, so this is coming from a Wiccan bias.)

Binding spells: This is where you bind a person from doing something else. While a good idea, remember you are not only binding the person, but you are binding yourself to that person. If you don't like him/her, why would you want to be connected to him/her?
Love spells: This has been discussed. Once again, my recommendation is to not do them, especially not with a particular person in mind.
Permission: Always ask permission before doing a spell for a person...even if it's in the best intentions.
High emotion: Spells generally work better in periods of high emotion...just be careful! Don't let your anger or sadness get the best of you. You may wind up inadvertantly doing harm.
Karma: Yeah, I've gotten my fare share of Karmic spankings. Just be wary of your actions. You reap what you sow. And you are the one responsible for it.
Efficiency of the spell: While you may work towards one goal by casting a spell, remember that the real turnout may not be what you expected. I've had some good and some not-so-good results before that, while they answered my need and desire, they also were not what I wanted to happen. I think it was Silver Ravenwolf who mentioned to be specific in your spells...while you may ask for money, it may come to you in a will when you favorite aunt dies unexpectedly. Keep these details in mind.

Now I'm sure this is not exactly clear to the beginner, but with practice you'll understand. I'm sorry I won't just hand out spells...I don't believe that just "trying out spells" really works, either. But as with most everything, practice makes perfect. Good luck!