A Note on Magic and Spells

The spells in the Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac evoke everyday magic designed to improve our lives and homes. You needn’t be an expert on magic to follow these simple rites and spells; as you will see if you use these spells throughout the year, magic, once mastered, is easy to perform. The only advanced technique required of you is the art of visualization.

Visualization is an act of controlled imagination. If you can call up in your mind a picture of your best friend’s face or a flag flapping in the breeze, you can visualize. In magic, visualizations are used to direct and control magical energies. Basically the spellcaster creates a visual image of the spell’s desired goal, whether it be perfect health, a safe house, or a protected pet.

Visualization is the basis of all good spells, and as such it is a tool that should be properly used. Visualization must be real in the mind of the spellcaster so it allows him or her to raise, concentrate, and send forth energy to accomplish the spell.

Perhaps when visualizing you’ll find that you’re doing everything right, but you don’t feel anything. This is common, for we haven’t been trained to acknowledge—let alone utilize—our magical abilities. Keep practicing, however, for your spells can “take” even if you’re not the most experienced natural magician.

You will notice also that many spells in this collection have a somewhat light tone. They are seemingly fun and frivolous, filled with rhyme and colloquial speech. This is not to diminish the seriousness of the purpose, but rather to create a relaxed atmosphere for the practitioner. Lightness of spirit helps focus energy; rhyme and common language help the spellcaster remember the words and train the mind where it is needed. The intent of this magic is indeed very serious at times, and magic is never to be trifled with.

Even when your spells are effective, magic won’t usually sparkle before your very eyes. The test of magic’s success is time, not immediate eyepopping results. But you can feel magic’s energy for yourself by rubbing your palms together briskly for ten seconds, then holding them a few inches apart. Sense the energy passing through them, the warm tingle in your palms. This is the power raised and used in magic. It comes from within and is perfectly natural.

Among the features of the Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac are an easyto-use “book of days” format; new spells specifically tailored for each day

of the year (and its particular magical, astrological, and historical energies); and additional tips and lore for various days throughout the year— including color correspondences based on planetary influences, obscure and forgotten holidays and festivals, and an incense of the day to help you waft magical energies from the ether into your space. Moon signs, phases, and voids are also included to help you find the perfect time for your rituals and spells. (All times in this book are Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time.)

Enjoy your days and have a magical year!