What are spells?
Spells are a vehicle for materializing our own will. All magic comes from tapping into the energy that exists in the world around us all the time, for everyone. Never let anyone try to convince you that you must be ‘special’ or ‘different’ in order to tap into this energy; that only they have “the Power” or that they are “more Powerful” than you. This simply is not the case.
Each and every one born on this planet has the ability to harness the energy here. We are all connected to Source. The power is all around you and literally in you.
A spell works best when we use physical, mundane things to help remind your subconscious. Remembering that the subconscious reacts best to symbolism, it is easy to be Mindful and focus on an object that is near. If you want to do an attraction spell, then charging a Bottle Spell and keeping it in a place you look often, or carrying it wrapped in a cloth in your purse or backpack will help to bring your attention to it often.
Just to note: there is a huge difference between an attraction spell and a ‘love spell’. Casting a love spell on another human being removes their sense of free-will; this is a form of manipulation. My free will is very precious to me and I would never want anyone to take it away. An attraction spell is about bringing closer what would likely already occur.
Spells are about intention. They are not very far removed from Mindfulness. Being aware of what you want and charging the Universal Energy with the task of bringing about the circumstances required for you to get what you need.
Does using a Bottle Spell make me a witch or a Wiccan?
Not in the least! The answer to this question is two-fold: Firstly, we all use simple spells (or intentions) in our every day life. Every time you say “Take care”, or “Safe journey”, or “I wish the kids would have a snow day, because I could SO use a day off” …. you are putting your intention out there, encapsulating them with your words and shipping them off into the Universe. This may not seem like a “spell” in the traditional sense, but it most certainly is about intention or desire, and at the base level, that is really all that a spell is comprised of — intention and desire.
Secondly, Wicca is a belief system and way of life. No one adopts an entirely new spiritual structure simply by choosing to utilize one method of conveying intention that is common to the practice. In fact, Bottle Spells are not solely used by Wiccans. The African-American practice of Hoodoo shows extensive use of spell bottles, and you may be surprised to learn that Bottle Spells are not so very far removed from the Catholic practice of burning candles of Patron Saints or the use of decorated and arranged flasks.
There is fear in the unknown. I invite you to do your own research. Perhaps you might be more comfortable with the terminology ‘bottle of intention’. I choose to use the term ‘bottle spell’ because I claim my own power from the language. Your intention is highly likely to draw you down a completely different path than mine!
Do I need a Bottle Spell for my spell to work?
Nope! The very truth is, they are just cute, crafty items. I have used essential herbs and salt (which has a long history of use in rituals of purification, magical protection and blessing), along with specifically chosen items for each spell. I crafted these items at Midnight (often referred to as ‘the witching hour’, but simply a strongly powerful time of day) while reciting the spell with my intention that they should hold true for the eventual owner. And then I left them in a circle of Rose Quartz (a beautiful crystal used in holistic healing rituals) to continue to charge for another 24hours. Is this required for the spells to work? Not at all. I feel it adds the depth of my intention to the casting of the spells.
You are your own magic self. You can create your own Bottle Spells or your own objects to be charged with your spell or intention. And you are perfectly welcome to write your own spells. Magic does not belong to anyone, except that it belongs to all of us!
If you choose to craft your own Bottle Spell, other than salt, some good herbs to add are:
Allspice [healing]
Basil [protection]
Cinnamon [for dream Magic]
Cloves [protection]
Fennel seeds [spiritual healing]
Garlic [spiritual purification]
Ginger [lunar Magic]
Marjoram [protection]
Mustard seed [protection]
Nutmeg [for good luck]
Sage [spiritual purification]
For Love — rose petals, jasmine flowers, lavender, orisis root
For Lust – ginger, cloves, cinnamon, caraway
