Do I have to concentrate on only the spell while doing it?

[ppaap]

I am not good at keeping my attention for long. Even though I hold intentions during the spell, they are not constantly on my mind, and I will still have regular thoughts, even anxious and intrusive ones, during my spells.

I am a beginner, and so far I only do protection/clearing and return to sender. These spells take time, esp when it comes to cleansing my space and burning the candles.

Good thing is even though I didn’t hold my intention the entire time, I think those spells worked.

But I did see someone say to keep a clear mind at all times. So idk.

Discussion

[J-hophop]

Something I read in Curott’s “Book of Shadows” that made it into my work was the mantra “Pure heart bind it, nevermind it.” when something intrudes.

In Concentration Meditations you practice Observer Mind, noticing thoughts arising, quickly acknowledging them, and letting them go. I often visualize them as toy boats I release back into the stream of consciousness but away from the current spot in it.

It’s okay that it happens, but practice so that it happens less. Don’t give into it as ‘okay’ and let yourself be lazy, as thats just a way you circumvent your own power. Witchcraft is called a Practice for a reason.

[kai-ote]

Everybody has the challenge of getting both sides of their brain to focus on only one thing. In Zen it is known as being of one mind.

Find some way of getting your focus back on your working that works for you. For myself, being Coyote, I see stray thoughts as being little scampering squirrels, and I tune them out with a quick thought sort of like, “The squirrels will still be there later. Right now I am hunting that fat rabbit right in front of me.” Or whatever you want to make up that means I am focused on THIS, and everything else will be ignored. BB.

[MzOwl27]

No worries – it takes practice. Focus is a skill like anything else and the more you do it, the better you will get at it.

[Twisted_Wicket]

Intrusions unfortunately happen. As long as you are capable of refocusing on the task at hand, there is no real need to start over.

[Gildedragon]

Focus on the point of the spell but you don’t have to be single-minded ; like in meditation breath and thoughts happens

[butterflytigress27]

This is why we utilize tools, ingredients, and chanting during spellwork. It helps you to keep your focus and direct your intent.

You don’t want your mind to be completely closed off during spellwork as you can sometimes receive messages when working with deities or spirits. And these messages can relate back to your spell or the situation you’re doing the spell for. Let your thoughts come. And let them go. Use your tools and chants to refocus if you feel your mind really beginning to wander.

[Hedda_DieHexe]

Ok, so there is one thing you need to understand. The ritual is there for you to help you concentrate on your intention, so don’t let the details of the ritual distract you from what your intention is. Choose easy rituals, in order for you to concentrate more and not get lost. But first and foremost, train your concentration through meditation.