QUESTION - When I was 14 (now 21) I was messing around with my grandmothers shadow book and I came across a spell to find my spirit animal. Well I did it horribly wrong, instead of a spell to tell me my spirit animal (which is a Snow Leopard), I cursed myself with bonding my soul with hers, and over the years I have slowly been growing attributes of my animal. First it was hunger, then I didn’t need my glasses, hearing increased, reflexes sharper, even my sexual activity matches up with their mating seasons and my natural abilities upgraded. What I am afraid of is the fact I feel like I’m going more primal that human and I don’t like it, what can I do to either reverse this, or stabilise my bond?


ANSWER – I might come across a bit harsh here but I think this is entirely psychosomatic. It is simply not possible to come across a book at 14 with no prior knowledge of the craft and work the kind of magic that has these long lasting physical effects. I’m not saying you are necessarily lying or that you don’t believe in the experiences you have been having but I think you have attributed your symptoms to the wrong cause.

The natural physical changes between the ages of 14 and 21 account for most of the descriptions you give. It is quite natural to grow out of the need to wear glasses and of course your sex drive will increase as you change from child to adult. Your appetite is also bound to increase during your adolescent years. Beware of trying to find a complicated explanation for natural and normal changes that would have happened anyway.
That said, the psychology of the mind is as powerful as any magic in my opinion and it is my belief you have convinced yourself that you have performed this magic to the extent where your mind is now starting to manifest some of these changes you ask about in your question. I don’t think an answer from me on a website will be sufficient to put this down and I suggest you see a professional therapist who can help you make the disassociation between your symptoms and what you believe to be the cause.
 
Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/Snow-Leopard-9-44910059

QUESTION - Hello!
I went through your archive and you had a similar question, but I'd like to hear some more input from you.

What do you think of people who cast spells for money? I know that it's best to cast your own spells, but I believe I don't have such power, for I have been unsuccessful so far, and I've been dabbling in witchcraft for about 3 or 4 years now.

I have found few people that seem genuine enough. Do you know anything about Izabael DaJinn? See seem very knowledgeable. She runs her own forum and she sound like she really knows what she's talking about.
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I'm also interested in sites like Full Moon Magick Shoppe and The Voodoo Magick Shop. Both seem to have some rather impossible spells, but also good reviews on on their respective E-Bay pages.

Can you share your thoughts? Can any of these people's spells actually work?

ANSWER - This is a tricky question. Not so much in the sense of giving you an accurate answer but in not stepping on the toes of some of the people selling spellwork on their various sites. The long and short of it is that some work and some don’t. As a very general rule of thumb the more a spell claims to be able to achieve the more it is likely to be an imaginative piece of advertising that will achieve precisely nothing.
The things that would cause me to be suspicious are spells that ask/involve no input from the person purchasing the spell or no link to the subject of the spell if it is to be cast on somebody else. I’d also be very suspicious of anything that claimed to break natural law (Can you bring my dead pet back please?), effect a permanent physical change (Can you change my eyes from brown to green please?) or change the established mindset of another person (Can you make this man fall in love with me please). The latter incidentally is possible but that kind of result isn’t going to be obtained for five quid off some random stranger on the internet.

I think there is a difference between selling a service and selling a product. If an experienced witch offered a bespoke spell craft service and took the time to get to know you and involve herself with the specifics of your circumstances then I have no hesitation in saying that he/she could pull it off. That however is worlds away from someone sticking a few herbs in some sparkling water and assuring the purchaser than anyone who drinks it will fall madly in love with them. And you’d definitely pay for the former option. I don’t do bespoke spell work but if I did I’d charge by the results and it wouldn’t be cheap! I’d be very wary of any witch offering to ping out a spell for a nominal amount (unless it’s a charity thing). Magic as with most things is a case of you get what you pay for. That said you can’t take an expensive offering as evidence of honesty either. It stands to reason that if a site is out to swindle you they want to make as much from the con as they can.

In terms of Izabael DaJinn I haven’t come across her before but I had a quick look on her website. She seems to go in for the bespoke spell thing but what she doesn’t say (unless I missed it in which case apologies to the lady) is whether she charges for her time, her willingness to cast or the results she obtains for you. To me any witch worth their salt has the confidence to only take the payment when the working they do actually achieves the intended result. Might be worth asking her what you get for your money. I’d personally run a mile from anyone who charges for a spell regardless of the result. You are not buying her time, her ingredients or her energies you are buying the result you expect. Any sign a witch plans to take your money and not deliver - avoid.

The Full Moon Magick Shoppe looks extremely overpriced to me. A candle love spell for $69.95? Lol. You’d get the same results with a tea light. I’m sceptical about the Voodoo shop too. I notice it has both Voodoo related and Wicca related spellwork for sale. These two traditions are very different to one another so unless they have affiliated practitioners of both I suspect they are just trying to appeal to a wide an audience as possible.

The reviews people get on these spell sites I’d treat with a real pinch of salt. Most of them are spam. I delete somewhere in the region of 10-12 comments every day on this site which are spam bots offering testimonials for some Dr or other who claims to be a miracle worker. There is a lot of money involved in duping the unfortunate and it is well worth the time of charletans to create numerous email addresses and identities to leave believable looking feedback

Image http://kimu-sama.deviantart.com/art/Money-43613053

Simply put the four elements are the four building blocks of life and represent elements of the natural world around us. The elements are useful and can be used by a witch in different ways and we’ll look at a few of those in depth below.

In the modern world witches often find themselves casting in places very set apart from the natural world. More often than not we are in indoor, electricity lit carpeted rooms. Bringing representations of the elements into that environment brings our casting space closer to that of the natural world. It helps bring nature into the casting space and allows the witch to connect with those energies she would normally associate with the outdoor environment.

For some witches the elements are used to summon elemental spirits. These are the spirits who embody the characteristics of the different elements. It is common practise in Wicca to call the spirits when casting the circle, asking the elemental spirits to lend their energies toward the spell work being performed and for the protection of the circle. In these instances an offering is usually made to the spirits – a feather perhaps for air or a crystal for Earth.

The elements are also used in a non spirit related sense to bring the properties of the nature they represent to a working. Stream water may be used to invoke the idea of peace and tranquillity whereas sea water might be used to bring majesty and violence to a spell. There are common associations with each of the elements (see the elements section on the website) but many witches prefer to go with their own instinct and use the elements in line with their own personal associations.

There are very definite opposing forces between the elements. Fire and Water are the opposite of each other as are Air and Earth (Air representing the intangible and Earth the physical). These come into play when completing a working that involves combating an excess of one element. For example a spell designed to calm a situation may make much use of the ability of water to dowse fire. This link between the elemental opposites is used both consciously and unconsciously at every level of witchcraft and plays a key role in the restoration of balance which is what many spells ultimately boil down to in the end.

Image ​http://www.deviantart.com/art/The-Four-Elements-168547201

QUESTION - I was really stupid, I clicked on a link on the computer that wanted me to sign a petition for an dog that was abused. I knew it would upset me but I still clicked and now I can’t cope with what I saw and the images and words are in my mind and driving me mad. I need some way of wiping my mind clear of what I have seen. Can you help me? And can I curse the people that hurt the dog?

ANSWER – I get quite angry with social media and some of the posts that get onto people’s feeds these days. That isn’t to say that I think we should bury our heads in the sand about some of the vile things that go on in the world but equally I am not certain that graphic pictures and detailed descriptions of violence and cruelty are helping anybody.

It’s important to be aware that anything you see in the media is there for a reason and that reason is because it is unusual behaviour. If it was human nature to abuse animals it wouldn’t make the news as it would be an everyday event not worth reporting and therefore not newsworthy. So you need to remember that although the dog in the video you saw did suffer there are thousands and millions of dogs every day leading happy safe lives with owners that love them. These don’t make your FB feed or the newspaper headlines because these happy, cared for dogs are the norm.
So I do feel that a sense of perspective is very important. It is easy to become very despondent when you see these kinds of images and all our faith in humanity takes a bashing when we have to question what kind of sicko could torture an innocent animal but we do need to remember that the vast vast majority of domestic animals will be treated very well.

Granted that doesn’t help the odd animal who is cruelly treated. But if you are referring to the dog I think you are, that animal is at peace now. Its suffering is over and it has moved on to a better place.
There is no magical way of wiping your mind. I think it is crucial for your mental wellbeing that you actually don’t try to suppress these images but instead you get them out into your open mental space and confront them. I’m not suggesting you watch the video again but that you work with the images you already have. Face them, weep over them, understand them in the context of all the good that is in the world and after that you will find it easier to cope with them and to put them down and move on.

If any good can come out of the horror that is animal abuse it is that renewed sense of determination in us all not to let it happen again. Do something positive to redeem the tragedy and put some good back in the world. Donate a few hours to a local animal charity or set up an RSPCA direct debit. Bring something good out of the tragedy. Tell people what you are doing and why. Your example will help restore their faith in humanity and in so doing you are helping to make the world the better place you want it to be.

In terms of the cursing. I’d be a hypocrite if I said not to. Some of my most powerful hexes have been targeted at animal abusers. I will however say this. I don’t believe in Karma from the sense of a divine justice balancing the books but I do believe that a person who puts nothing but hate, violence and abuse into the world will create an environment that gives him much the same back. In the case of this animal abuser, a person who is this disconnected with empathy and kindness will reap the results of the evil he has sown into the world. I genuinely believe that. Instead of punishing the wrong, look to put a proportionate amount of kindness back into the world. It will heal you quicker than any amount of revenge ever could.

​(And I’m happy to tell you that this particular abuser is on quite a few hex lists anyway!)

Image - (Animal sleeping, not dead) Please advise of artist for credit.

QUESTION - I am curious- I have sent out an intention spell and am wondering what I should do with my items used in the spell as I wait? I don't think I should tuck away in a box as I want the magic to flow, but my altar is getting full and messy with charms and such. What do you do with your poppets etc. as you wait on results?

Thank you. Awesome site, as always!!

ANSWER – I’ve got a highly specific way of storing them! And I’ve popped my actual pic up so you can see what I mean. I have two “trees” (basically big branches of dead fallen wood) and I’ve brought them inside the house. These work as spell/charm trees and I basically just tie any poppets or spell work onto the trees while they are in use. Ideally I’d add that I ALWAYS remember to stick a post it note on them to remind me who the working was for but sadly I often forget and end up looking at various plasticine poppets in bewilderment wondering who had annoyed me enough to stick THAT many needles in them… !!

It’s a handy method of storage because it keeps the surfaces free but it also means the spells are still accessible rather than, as you say, being tucked away in a box or a drawer. It also helps me to see the workings and think about them and this brings additional energy which keeps the workings topped up with intention.

​Image - Personal WPF collection

QUESTION - My mother has been predicting deaths or accidents or simple little things a week before they happen by having dreams or simply thinking about it since she was small. Do you know anything about these sort of things?

ANSWER – The ability to look into the future is in most people to a certain extent. How many times have you thought about a friend only for them to ring you later the same day? We are all clued into the world in ways we do not yet understand. It is a part of what it is to be human.

This ability to glean knowledge of the as yet unknown, including the ability to see into the future is often referred to as clairvoyance or having a sixth sense. Our five developed physical senses (taste, smell, sight, sound and touch) allow us to perceive the world directly. Our final sense, perhaps closely aligned with the concept of intuition follows a less direct path and isn’t fully understood. Nevertheless given the number of people who experience it, it would be nonsensical to claim this sense doesn’t exist.

Clairvoyance can either be an innate or a developed sense. This is as true for witches as it is for anybody else. Deliberate attempts to develop clairvoyance can be seen in the art of divination and using structure and meditative techniques to access esoteric knowledge.

Equally though there are people who make no formal attempt at divination and who simply appear to be blessed with the gift of forethought. This is, I imagine, the closest definition to your mother.
There is often some confusion between the ability to foretell the future (sometimes termed as prophesising) and witchcraft. The two are often considered to be the same thing but, although there is some overlap, they are actually very different things indeed. Many witches will cheerfully acknowledge they have no ability to prophesise and indeed may even argue such a skill would be irrelevant anyway as the craft tends to place more of an emphasis on manipulating the future rather than trying to determine what future is set in place.
In your specific case I think it is likely your mother has the gift of clairvoyance to a greater extent than most.

This isn’t something to be feared or embraced, it’s simply another part to the mother you love.  She may well find it comes in handy at times and she may well find it brings her grief at times.  If she wants to explore it then tools such as the Tarot or the Runestones may help her to heighten her natural abilities. You/she are welcome to look at the information on both that we host on the site.

Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/Clairvoyant-251178072

QUESTION - Hello. This is nice; to help the seeker find his/her Path. For years I've felt that I was not the same as the rest, I'm missing something. I can feel it inside me, I have the natural ability of controlling my personal energy. I can pin point energy anywhere I want in my body, or my whole body. I practice what some would call UNBOUND, but I focus and use the earth energy or the energy from around me to cause little simple changes according to my will.
I have no need for circles and I don't feel the need to protect myself, I have a very personal understanding of spirits and deities and angels and demons and elementals and so on, I find it comforting if I can pick up on their energy. Don't get me wrong, I do bind my house and property successfully with my energy from any negativity. The internet veils what I'm seeking...or I just haven't found it yet even though I'm relentless for what I seek. I don't actually have a question, I guess I’m just seeking advice from a fellow practitioner of the craft. I want to progress further in my abilities, to excel beyond what has been accomplished by another before me, to do, what I want, according to my own desires and will. Your advice will be respectfully appreciated.

ANSWER – Thank you for your question, it is always nice to hear from someone who is positive about their path and feels it is working well for them. I think many of our fellow witches will identify with the sense of restlessness you describe in your question – the inner knowledge that they need to take something different from the world than others do. I think a lot of us have felt that push which catapulted us onto a magical path and finally forced us to acknowledge our identity as witches.

What I really like about what you write here is your strong positivity about what works well for you. I have noticed a lot of witches who write into WPF are very concerned with conforming to what they believe is a definition of what it means to be a witch. Sometimes this is at the cost of personal identity and intuition which I think is a real shame. So it is very refreshing to hear somebody boldly stating that they don’t need to use circles. And of course you don’t need them! Circles are entirely a personal preference and in my view your confidence that what you are doing will work for you will get you a lot further than any amount of trying to “stick to the book” ever could.

The best advice I can give you is to continue to have the courage of your own convictions as a witch. Keep allowing that inner voice to tell you what is right on your path and keep believing in yourself and what you are doing.

I’m unsure if the answers you are seeing are on the internet at all. I strongly suspect you will find they lie within yourself.

Image http://darkvenuspersephonae.deviantart.com/art/Death-of-spring-407251076

Question 1. A maid at my moms home done some black magic on my father who is 68 and in 1.5 years he gave her enough money and attention, he is not taking care of my mom and not bothered about us. He is mad about her and even lie and cheat my mom. The maid looks so ugly and stink but still he is mad about her. I am from India and at this age none will get into divorce stuff. Please help me in this case.

Question 2. My husband is not caring and loving, all he want is to have sex, eat and drink. He will easily go behind any lady and influenced by outside people. Not even caring for my kids. He feels happy when any outsider is there but not with our family. Please guide me how can I save my marriage.
 
ANSWER - I am very sorry to hear of these troubles which sound like they are making your life very difficult indeed.  It is however very tricky to advise in this case as the culture you are a part of is very different from the culture of my own personal background. My advice to a woman who lives in a culture where divorce is an option would be to kick the husband out and find a man who would treat her better and with the respect she deserves. Your mother does not deserve a man who messes around with the maid. However as you specify in your question your mother is of an age and in a culture where divorce is not something she is able to consider so we perhaps need to explore other options here.

From a practical perspective I would suggest you speak to your father and tell him how unhappy he is making your mother. Explain that his actions are humiliating her and hurting you and you need him to be more considerate of your feelings. I don’t really expect him to listen from what you say about him but I always feel practical solutions should be explored fully in addition to any magical solutions imposed.
If your father is reluctant to mend his ways then I think you would be best off looking at performing a binding on the maid. Have a look at the link at the bottom which will talk you through how to work a basic binding spell. My suggestion would be that you incorporate some element of binding her from staying in the family home so that she is unable to continue her relationship with your father.
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In terms of your own situation I think it is a different set of rules. You are younger and even in your culture it is more socially acceptable to look at leaving your husband. I’m not necessarily suggesting you kick him straight out but I am suggesting that you make him aware this is a very definite possibility. If the man is taking you for granted he may well buck up his ideas if he feels there is a chance he will lose you. Again, talk him. Tell him his behaviour is not acceptable. If he listens to you and he wants to save his marriage he will make the effort. If he isn’t bothered then to be honest your marriage isn’t worth saving. In this instance seek some support to make the steps to leave him and strike out on your own. There is a lot of information on the internet to support with this but if you struggle to find any your local place or worship or your local police will point you in the right direction.

Image http://www.deviantart.com/art/India-363932288