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Discussion
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I always encourage people to try and do stuff, mix, combine, add or leave out some things or the other. Not always for the result, but for the process. Even an unsuccessful spell will teach you a lot!
When doing something, following a book or your own trusted way, there’s a small chance you’re gonna forget something (or add something by mistake, tiredness or too much enthusiasm). This doesn’t mean that the thing is ruined! On the contrary, your instinct left out stuff because you didn’t need them at that time. I would argue that this is better.
Take a deep breath, recenter yourself. Say ‘thank you’ and let the thing work its things. Even if you didn’t get it just right.
Be brave to break the mold. Many great things came from silly accidents so there should be no fear. Don’t stress too much to do things in a strict manner: all that struggle will definitely mess up the enjoyment of the craft.
You are doing it just fine the way you’re doing it now. 😀
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Let’s discuss not following things to the letter
updated 8 months, 1 week ago
2 Members
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Reply
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Honestly, making sure I do things “by the book” has been the biggest barrier for me actually to start practicing anything really. This post honestly came at the right time when I was considering creating a personalized way to set up protective wards (I just don’t have access to a lot of things / have to be discreet due to other people).
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I am a huge proponent of mixing it up. I usually make up my own spells anyway, but draw inspiration from others. I also firmly belive that anything can be used as a magical tool.
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As always, it’s all dependent on the tradition one follows. And remember – the only person putting labels on a practice is YOU.
If you want to practice according to a faith that’s orthopraxic (meaning following every detail is important, not the intent behind gestures), do so. If you want to practice eclectically and orthodoxically (meaning intent is more important than form), do so. You make the rules. You can follow or break them as you wish.
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It’s really about the spirit of the thing than the thing itself — if you understand why a particular thing is said, or why you light a candle, or why you combine these particular ingredients, then checking all the boxes becomes a lot less important.
My coven has a set way we raise the altar for workings — and we change it all the time depending on the work, or who is raising the altar for us. As long as the work gets done, it doesn’t really matter the order in which it goes, or what precise words get said.
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Some magick is like baking. If you don’t follow everything to the letter you’re bread might not even rise.
Other magick is like soup. Chuck it in, give it a whirl and try it out!
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I agree. I have accidently left out parts and skipped steps of a spell and they have still worked. After reading other comments/postings plus my experiences, I agree that it is all about the intention and energy.
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My favourite lyric that I follow to this day is – read the manual, even if you don’t follow it.
And as Captain Barbosa would say – it’s more like guidelines
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Sure. As long as following your intuition doesn’t lead you to burning down your house or drinking poison water.
