How do magic spells work?

Magical power surrounds us. It may be found in everything from rocks and metal to wood, rainwater and a gentle breeze. Plus ourselves, of course. We call this energy the fifth element, essence, or put most simply, Spirit. This spirit is all powerful. It is the basis of life itself. It makes the planets spin, the tide come in, the sun rise and the seasons come around again. It also affects our moods and interactions—both with the world around us and between people. If we can harness this power and channel it, we can use it to achieve great things. So how do we do this? To begin with we have to open our hearts and minds and acknowledge the Spirit.

When I was a teen at school, I was incredibly interested in crystals, astrology, numerology and of course witch craft. I didn’t want to start a coven, black magic or do voodoo or anyone but up until now I’m a strong believer in positive energy. My mum bought me a couple of books including a tattered old one on rune stones and how to read them and the book Spells For Teenage Witches by Marina Baker which up until now I still don’t know or can’t remember if they worked but it seems to me I usually get what I want. I don’t do witch craft any more but I guess the fashion influence has stuck around in my dress sense, especially in my jewellery/accesory choices. I no longer wear long black cardigans with holes in them though.

The spells are presented in full colour throughout and is a collection of rituals and easy to do spells aimed at teenagers using traditional talismans, candles, shells, incense etc and a few every day objects. The book itself not only opens a door to witch craft for teenagers, it also leads to self expression, creativity and of course that all important, positive energy.

Teen witch is a collaboration with photographer Sophie Fordham, combining creative lighting and editing by Aisling Dee. Modeling Aisling Dee and sampled text from Spells for Teenage Witches by Marina Baker.

Irresista-spell

Best performed on a full moon at midnight.

1 small seashell | Pink cloth | A hair from your head | Orange ribbon

Place the shell and the hair in the cloth. Close your eyes and imagine yourself surrounded by golden light. Tie up the cloth with the ribbon. Keep the pouch on you at all times and you will charm everyone you meet.

Full moon spell

If you were able to fly around in space you could view a full moon every day. The moon herself never changes. It just depends where she happens to be in relation to the sun and the earth. It is our planet that casts the shadow to create a waxing or waning moon. So why should a full moon be any more important than a crescent moon? Well, in one sense it isn’t. The moon is the moon is the moon. Yet a full moon provides light. In the days before electricity and street lighting a full moon was an important source of illumination. You could harvest and hunt by it, so man and woman’s survival depended on it. But the practical benefits of a full moon in no way detract from the importance of planetary positions. The gravitational pull of the moon is highly influential, affecting everything: the weather, the sea, plants and us — our bodies are, after all, made of 90 percent water. Many farmers understand that planting crops around a full moon can help seedlings grow. This same power can be utilized to strengthen our magic. The following spell can help you tune in and harness this energy. But all the spells in this book may be enhanced when cast around a full moon.

A crystal | A pentacle | A wand | Dark purple candles in jars

Outside at night place your pentacle in the ground with the lighted candles on either side. Hold the crystal in your left hand and the wand in your right. Hold both arms up to the moon, saying:

“Glorious Goddess, I bathe in your beauty, energy and light. I acknowledge the magic of this night, the ecstatic spirit of your might. While I may never fully understand the mysteries of your powers, great mother, grant me permission to share in your gift. Empower me to help others.”

The moon is always beautiful. Spare a moment every evening to find her in the sky and marvel.