12 Magic Spells

Compiled by Judika Illes

Basic magical theory suggests that everything occurring naturally on Earth--including you--radiates some sort of specific power. A magic spell attempts to harness these powers in order to achieve the spell-caster's goals. Horror stories and much popular entertainment to the contrary, the goal of most magic spells is to improve circumstances and provide healing, economic relief, love, success, and protection.

Worried about handling Eye of Newt? Don't be. The most common spell ingredients derive from plants and most utilize components easily found in the supermarket or garden.

Magic Spells: 1. A Spell to Enchant a Lover...

Judika Illes is the author of "The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells" and "The Encyclopedia of Spirits."

Spell for Eviction Prevention

This spell is beneficial for anyone concerned about forced eviction. It serves to ground you firmly in your home. You will need a rock from the property (if you can dig one out from underground, this is especially potent); plus benzoin resinoid (Styrax benzoin), either powdered or what is sold as essential oil (available from aromatherapy suppliers) and charcoal (not the charcoal briquettes used for barbecuing; use the small round charcoal discs used for burning incense, usually sold in inexpensive packs of ten).

Grate a little bit of rock and charcoal into a mortar. (An ordinary metal grater works on most rocks).
Add a bit of the benzoin and mash everything up together with a mortar. The consistency depends upon the liquidity of the benzoin. If the benzoin is fairly liquid, it will form a paste; otherwise, it may form tiny, sticky balls.
Scatter this mixture across all thresholds to the outside: doors, windows, gates—any portal large enough to theoretically permit someone to enter. Simultaneously focus on your desired goal.
Reserve the materials and repeat whenever threat appears, using the very same rock. Other materials may be replaced but once the rock is gone, it's time to consider leaving or other alternatives. (Choose your rock wisely. If you fear it will be a long haul, pick a big one).

A Spell to Remove Obstacles

A "block" is a magical term for the situation of being surrounded by insurmountable obstacles. Everyone has an occasional run of misfortune but if bad luck and lack of opportunity is prolonged, you may be suffering from a block. You'll know if you are: nothing goes right; opportunities evaporate or never manifest. Things or experiences that should be simple are instead difficult, challenging or impossible. It is as if you are surrounded by a wall that prevents success and opportunity from reaching you.

A block may have various causes but the most important thing is that it be removed. Different types and styles of spells are used to eliminate blocks: this unblocking spell involves creating a charm bag (also known as a mojo hand) to serve as a talisman and a passport to good fortune. This bag may be contained within a second bag to prevent the dirt from slipping out.

Gather pinches of dirt from seven different crossroads and place them in a red bag. Focus on your goals while gathering the dirt. See yourself happy and successful. Simultaneous prayer and spiritual petition can only help.
Add salt, an old key, and pebbles or nails found on, beside or near train tracks to the contents of the bag.
When all the ingredients are within, hold the bag within both hands and gently spit into the bag. Then carry it with you to encourage all desired avenues to open for you while obstacles melt away.

Floorwash for Better Business

Floorwashes are a staple of the American folk magic tradition known as Hoodoo. Although they're called "floorwashes," the term is somewhat deceptive. Floorwashes are more accurately "final floor rinses"; it is assumed that the floor is clean before applying. The floorwash is not rinsed off but allowed to dry and radiate its fragrance, aura, and power. Focus on your goals while applying the floorwash: visualize your desire come true.

This particular floorwash allegedly drives away negative spiritual entities while simultaneously drawing in customers and prosperity to fill the void. (This is only one of several "Better Business Floorwashes" found in the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells along with floorwashes for many other purposes).

Add essential oil of citronella to a bucket of water and white vinegar.
Use this to clean your floors.
Better Business Artist's Spell

Artists and steady money: that's frequently a contradiction in terms. Yet even visionaries must eat. This spell is intended to assist artists, innovators, and all those ahead of their time to achieve financial stability without sacrificing artistic principles.

Using a sharp point, personalize one small purple candle and one small green candle by carving your name, goals or lucky symbols into the wax.
Place the candles on either side of a Fool card drawn from a tarot deck of your choice. (Images may also be found on-line and printed out).
Burn and trust to inspiration.

A Spell to Attract Spirits

Sometimes you need dreams to get in touch with the spirits. Sometimes you need spirits to help you receive the right dream. This dream divination is based upon traditions from Alexandria, the great Egyptian city of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. It invokes assistance from angels and clairvoyance from bay laurel.

Write the following incantation on bay laurel leaves (available from a supermarket spice counter as well as from herbal suppliers or even directly from a bay laurel tree):
I call upon you Uriel, Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel,
Don't pass me by,
Don't disregard me,
As you bring your nightly visions, please enter and reveal to me what I wish to know.
State your wish clearly, concisely, and explicitly.
Place the leaves beside your head and go to sleep.