Everything Under the Moon

Hey all - I hope I posted this in the right place.

I have been reading up on & studying now for quite a few years but did not start actually practicing until this year. As a “newbie” I have come to forums like this one for advice, information, & guidance. It has been such a great resource! But it seems that there are some contradictions which can be very confusing for us beginners. It may all be a matter of opinion but still, in regards to magic or spell casting, I would think that whether or not something works / or not should be agreed upon and I see a lot of conflicting answers to questions asked.

I was wondering if we could open a discussion about this.

One thing I have come to believe is that magic is magic…yes, it takes time and practice to be able to become competent at the skills needed to carry out a successful spell but if the caster (is that a word?) has the ability to cast the spell – it should work. No matter what the spell. Even the “bad” ones. Right?

I have read responses that say be careful what you wish for – you’ll get it. But I have also seen people respond with well, if it didn’t work, then it wasn’t meant to / meant to be / supposed to. So, which is it?

For instance, I have heard stories of people who have cast love spells on specific person(s) and had them go “bad”.
Some would say it is karma, some would say it wasn’t meant to be. Others still would claim that the caster just figured out that when they got what they wanted finally, they didn’t really want it.

BUT THE SPELL WORKED.

I have also seen discussions about manipulation. Some believe you should never cast a spell on anyone without their knowledge while others think that it is ok if it is a “good” spell but not if it is a “bad” one. But isn’t spell casting manipulation no matter what the spell? Aren’t we trying to manipulate something when we cast our spells either for ourselves or for others? Good or bad intentions?

What are everyone’s thoughts about this? Do you believe that a competent spell caster can cast a spell – any spell and have it work or is there another “force” at work to contend with here?

I do not want the intention of this thread to be misunderstood. I am not asking about karma, consequence, or any of that – I know we have a lot of other threads on those topics. This is specifically about spell casting & it’s effectiveness (for lack of another phrase) and what things you think may contribute to a spell being successful or not.

Stasia

If a spell is cast and the person performing the working has faith in it, it will work every single time. Now, whether or not the outcome is what the person desired is something entirely different...but once you put that energy into motion, it does what it should, whether or not it is what you actually had in mind.

Well Bstnactrs it's nice to have someone ask sensible questions.
Magic comes from within - it's all about raising the energy from yourself to manipulate the energies of the world - that is magic. Everything is made up of energy and everything can be manipulated, whether it be good or bad. Who decides if it's good or bad anyway?
Magic is all about making changes in YOUR world, magic is all about you and what YOU want. Magic is completely selfish fundamentally.
Magic is all about you. It is about taking control of YOUR life and having a say in how things go for YOU.
Magic is me, me, me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Keep asking questions - I do it myself every day.


hedge

Now, whether or not the outcome is what the person desired is something entirely different...but once you put that energy into motion, it does what it should, whether or not it is what you actually had in mind.

A competent spell caster will know what they have in mind and the desired outcome will be achieved.
No ifs or buts or mistakes.
If you use the energy then magic does what it is told - not what it wants - that goes against the whole concept of magic and spell crafting.
In my humble opinion of course.

I have to agree with you there Hedgewitch, 100%. This idea that it has a mind of its own is bizarre to say the least, it has more to do with how you direct it. A bit like the energy you put into your everyday life. Spend a lot of your time pumping out negative enrgy then it is more than likely you will focus on the negative aspects of that day, positive will attract positive thoughts and feelings. Hope I have explained that well enough.

Thanks Hedge! I try

You guys have pretty much affirmed what I thought to be true so I guess I am on the right track! It's just confusing b/c people have their opinions obviously, which is fine, but it becomes a matter of whose advice do you go with? When you are new to this, it is hard to know.

The one thing I have learned was that I was not being specific enough with my spells...and so, they haven't really worked. I am now learning to be as specific as possible so that my desired outcome is what manifests when I need it to. I have also started putting together my own now, instead of using others' which I hope will bring me better outcomes since it will be more personalized.

Thanks for all of your input! As always, you guys are a great source of help & information!

Be well, Stay safe,
Stasia

I think aside from the confidence, it's important to not influence the spell after casting it. Say that your spell is like a software that's going to be installed on your computer. The installation is still in progress, but then you come in and then start doping around with your computer and then the installation fails. I think most magicians need to know that when it's out there, it's out there. Don't go back in and try to tinker with it to get 'better results,' or else you'll ruin it altogether. To know that magick is an action much like speech in polite company eventually results in a more careful and concise use of magick. If you think that magick is as trivial as something you can just take back at the drop of a hat, then you're not taking it seriously enough and that could possibly ruin the effect of the spell as well.

Good point.

Good point.

Ditto