Spellcasting is an art and a science, as there are many factors that must be considered. The phase of the moon, magical correspondences, planetary influences, raising energy and even the time of day can all play a part in your spell. Although it may seem so, there is nothing supernatural about spellcasting. As witches, we work with the natural forces of the earth and the universe. Once our spell is cast successfully, it is a matter of time until circumstances line up and our goal begins to manifest.

We must first ask, what is a spell? Spellcasting is but one form of magic. It is a method of communicating our desires to the universe, so that the universe can respond and manifest our desires into physical reality. There is an old magical saying, “As above, so below”. This means that in order for something to manifest in the visible realm, it must first be present in the invisible realm. Your spell is what places it there. Another magical concept is “Like attracts like”. Using energies and objects that have a connection to your goal will help it to manifest faster.

There are six keys to effective spellcasting. The first one is Altered Consciousness. If you want your spell to work, you must first learn how to alter your consciousness. This can be achieved through controlled-breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, chanting or drumming. Incense smoke, candles and relaxing music can also help. Once we alter our brain waves to the Alpha state, we have reached the magickal mindset, the state of ritual consciousness. In Alpha we become more sensitive to the unseen realms, and we are more open to receive psychic information. Healing abilities are enhanced and we are better able to communicate with our dieties and spirit guides. Alpha has been called by some the “daydream” state, when we are relaxed yet still aware of our surroundings.

The next key for effective spellcasting is to have a Clear Intention. Know exactly what you want. If you are indecisive or unsure about what you want, it is unlikely to manifest. Your focus should be on exactly what you want, and not on what you need in order to have it. For example, if you have a bill that needs to be paid, focus on the bill getting paid and not on the money you need to pay it. You don’t want to limit how the universe manifests your goal. You might get a check in the mail from an unexpected source, or you might be contacted by the bill collector informing you there was a mistake and you don’t owe anything after all. Remember to focus on the outcome and not on how it manifests.

The third key for effective spellcasting is to have a Strong Will. It must be something you truly, earnestly desire and you are determined to see it happen. A determined mindset is key. The more emotionally involved you are, and the more of that energy you put into the spell, the more likely it will manifest.

The fourth key is to Raise Energy. You may choose to repeat a chant multiple times, first softly then increasing in volume, then returning to a soft tone. Some choose to write an incantation on a piece of parchment paper, and then burn the paper while reciting the incantation. Others may dance around in a circle, beat a drum or sing. You may raise energy any way you choose. Be creative. Use your intuition to determine when enough energy has been raised and when it is time to release it.

The fifth key to effective spellcasting is the Expectation of Results. Know that it is going to happen. If you begin to have doubts, or start thinking to yourself “It didn’t work”, then you have short-circuited your spell and it certainly will not happen. I have, however, known some folks who were skeptical of the magical process, and their spell manifested anyway. It is important to try your best and maintain a positive expectation of results. Visualize it as already happened and place yourself in the picture.

The sixth and final key of effective spellcasting is to Let It Go. Don’t obsess over it and do not talk about it. Keep it to yourself until it manifests. This is rather important. It is one thing to have a positive expectation, but if you are constantly thinking about it, then you are calling that energy back to you instead of letting it do it’s work. Cast your spell, maintain a positive attitude, and let it go.

Now we will examine the days of the week and the magic associated with each one. These are some of the traditional magical associations, but if you feel something different will work for you, then by all means use it. A wonderful thing about magic is that it can be individualized. Symbols, colors and scents can mean different things to different people. However, these correspondences have power because they have been used for centuries. It would not be wise to disregard them completely.

MONDAY

Name: Day of the Moon

Celestial Influence: The Moon

Colors: White, Silver, Purple

Crystals and Stones: Moonstone, Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Selenite, Amethyst, Pearl

Herbs and Plants: Moonflower, Lavender, Sage, Jasmine, Mugwort

Magical Workings: Goddess Worship, Divination, Spirit Communication, Meditation, Introspection

TUESDAY

Name: Day of Tyr (pronounced “teer”). Tyr is a Norse god of law and war.

Celestial Influence: Mars

Colors: Red, Black

Crystals and Stones: Red Jasper, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Carnelian

Herbs and Plants: Red Clover, Damiana, Cinnamon, Basil

Magical Workings: Resolving Conflict, Assertiveness, Courage, Force, Male Sexuality

WEDNESDAY

Name: Day of Woden. Woden, or Odin, is a Norse god, the mythological inventor of the runes.

Celestial Influence: Mercury

Colors: Yellow, Orange

Crystals and Stones: Citrine,Tiger’s Eye, Calcite, Yellow Jasper, Amber

Herbs and Plants: Mint, Daffodill, Calendula, Pumpkin, Saffron, Marigold

Magical Workings: Memory Retention, Safe Travel, Learning, Ritual Writing, Communication

THURSDAY

Name: Day of Thor. Thor is a Norse god of thunder.

Celestial Influence: Jupiter

Colors: Green, Brown

Crystals and Stones: Tree Agate, Aventurine, Emerald, Jade, Malachite

Herbs and Plants: Oak Moss, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Cinquefoil, Bay Leaves

Magical Workings: Career, Finances, Advancement, Growth

FRIDAY

Name: Day of Freya (pronounced “Fray-uh”). Freya is a Norse goddess of love and beauty.

Celestial Influence: Venus

Colors: Red, Pink, Blue

Crystals and Stones: Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Rhodocrosite

Herbs and Plants: Rose, Lavender, Lilac, Yarrow, Thyme

Magical Workings: Romance, Friendship, Family, Fertility, Self-Esteem, Female Sexuality

SATURDAY

Name: Day of Saturn

Celestial Influence: Saturn

Color: Black

Crystals and Stones: Black Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Black Onyx, Jet

Herbs and Plants: Henbane, Hellebore, Belladonna, Blackthorn, Mandrake, Hemlock, Foxglove, Datura, Snapdragon, Mistletoe, Wormwood. Most of the herbs and plants associated with Saturday are poisonous and must be handled with extreme care.

Magical Workings: Protection, Banishing, Binding, Removing Obstacles

SUNDAY

Name: Day of the Sun

Celestial Influence: The Sun

Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange

Crystals and Stones: Sunstone, Citrine, Yellow Calcite

Herbs and Plants: Sunflower, Heliotrope, Fennel, Goldenseal, Dandelion, St. John’s Wort

Magical Workings: Success, Achieving Goals, God Worship, Ambition, Illumination, Revelation

You now have learned some of the basics of spellcasting, but there is so much more. As you grow in your practice of witchcraft, you will discover what works best for you. Listen to your intuition, and let your deities and guides assist you in casting your spells with power and stronger focus.