Do You Cast Spells?

That's the big question, and yes, I do. Healing, reversals and curses. Let's start with the latter since that's likely why you're reading this post, though I will not give instructions on how to direct these energies because it doesn't need to fall into the wrong hands. 

When I was fresh out of my initiation, I was quick to curse. I think I was on my second or third one when I was able to confirm it worked. After that I began treating it like cocaine. Though today, if it's not for myself or family, I charge because if it backfires it's on me because I'm the one who cast it. I've had a few backfires cause spiritual chaos at home. My first one was accidental because I dropped it on the altar. It was devastating to the temple I was a part of. Everyone went in separate directions after it closed. Most people would look at the bills and say, "The temple was already struggling. Candles and incense don't actually do anything." But I left before the temple closed when my mom got sick. So, not only did I curse the temple, but I also left when they were struggling the most. 

This all sounds vague because I don't want to reveal a lot of what goes into a curse. Cursing and healing operate in similar ways, so I will also hold back on many details of healing. Reversals are just putting up a shield and deflecting the energy back towards the sender. 

Healing is obviously compassionate, and curses are a last resort. If someone is really upsetting you, seek healing first. There are plenty of books available on the subject, and I suppose if you take the time to seek them out, you'll likely vet the authors before buying the books. When you first start, the best tip I can give you, is look for the books you can't get in Barnes & Noble. There are a number of books they carry that I like, though when starting out, look at used bookstores with some wear on them. The old, tattered books with primal energy. Read the works of Crowley, and books written before you were born. The closer to the source, the better. The 1800s saw some notable books on Celtic spirituality and the Fae, which are rather in depth and consistent with those times and regions.

Jason Miller is a very good modern author. He wrote "Protection & Reversal Magick" which I feel is a great place to start before moving onto more intensive practices. You need to protect yourself before carrying out spell-work. Just like surfing the web with anti-virus. Start with your home. Mop the kitchen floor with Pine-Sol and Florida Water.

If you have to practice discreetly or don't have much space to work with, I recommend "Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living" by Melusine Draco. It's a small book that can be quickly tucked away.

In closing, when working with these energies, the first thing is to take them seriously. Most people won't, because they want it to work while believing it won't. This is a recipe for disaster, and it can cause effects that you are not aware of.