A spell is a combination of ingredients, tools, actions and focus which come together energetically to create change. Timings (when you cast your spell) can also be observed to ensure added power. These timings can be moon or astrological phases, seasonal times and also correspondences that connect with days of the week or hours of the day or night.

I have included simple, broad timings in this book for moon phase, day of the week and time of day. Observing these will give your spellwork a boost because working in line with the time of Nature is working in synchronicity with what is going on around you and provides stronger focus for your intentions.

The ingredients you gather together to create the spell will all have correspondences to your intention. In a way, they illustrate what it is that you want to happen. They will support the things you wish to happen because they have similar meanings and energies. These meanings and energies may also assist you in removing something. Correspondences also help us find substitute ingredients for our spells when what is written is not available, and I will give you my suggestions with each spell.

For more information about timings and correspondences, see Section 3: How to Create Your Own Tree Spells.

Tools are additional items that you can use to help create your spell. Here are just a few examples of tools used in spellcrafting and casting: cloths to set up your spell on, usually in colours which align with the energy of the spell; wands and staffs to direct and enhance energies; divination tools such as tarot and oracle cards; and crystal balls, pendulums and runes to provide clarity. Bells, music and musical instruments such as drums express your intentions. You may also require practical items such as glasses, cups, vases, bowls and cutting tools.

The way you put a spell together; the words you may recite and the things you actually do to cast your spell are the actions that bring it all together. These focus your intention, put you squarely in front of the path of outcome and strengthen the relationship between the energies of the ingredients and tools you are using. These all combine to raise energy in order for magick to happen.

[??] WHY WOULDN'T A SPELL WORK?

Not many things in life work all the time. External factors influence them; maybe they are not put together properly; sometimes it's just not meant to be. I'm sitting here writing my book for you on my laptop. I love my little computer, but it's rather clunky at times and has had its moments. It closes down for no apparent reason, loses files, can't be bothered accepting my AirDrops and decides I need to look at every file with a certain keyword except the one I want. It appears to have a mind of its own.

You cannot change another person's free will and this is also why spells do not work at times. Perhaps the consequence of the spell will adversely affect another or counter their stronger will, which you might not even be aware of. Another reason a spell may not work is because other energies have greater strength at that moment or they may in fact be leading you to a better eventual outcome.

Spells work because the person creating and casting them fully believes in what they are doing and has a strong, focused intention with a good connection to the energies of their spell and the outcome. While perhaps changing things for personal benefit, the outcome is still generally in keeping with a good outcome for all involved without forcibly changing anyone's free will.

[??] HOW TO CREATE AND CAST A SPELL

When you are using the spells in this book, please ensure you do so safely – and that's not just keeping burning candles well attended. Working with energies to create magick requires you to take responsibility for what you are doing, for yourself and the world you live in. There are many ways you can do this and there are also ways of life and beliefs which have their own rituals that ensure safety and power in spellcasting.

Most include a way to protect yourself and those around you. A way to mark the beginning of the spell or opening the space is usually next. There will be words, meditation, music, chants or actions which will help you focus on the task at hand and then there will be a way to release the energy, perhaps to give thanks and to close the space. This is a simple and safe way to cast a spell, but you must also read the section Working Magickly with Trees, pages 7–9, to ensure you are working with care and honour.

Timings

I have suggested a moon phase, a day of the week and a time of day to create each spell. These timings are when the energies are in line with the intentions of your spell, so they will give your magickal work additional power. However these suggestions should be seen as a guide only; sometimes a spell is needed immediately and it's best not to wait.

Protect and Open

Before you can begin, it's important to establish protection from negative energies. There are various ways you can achieve this but whatever way you use, make sure you always do it. You may wish to use a smudging method by burning sage or various other plants, or by spraying with a smudging mist. You can also visualise or draw a circle around you and your spell with your finger in the air, then fill your circle with white light. If you are aligned with certain deities, elementals or guides you may wish to ask for their assistance in providing protections as well. A very simple and effective protection method is to light a white candle while visualising the light cleansing, clearing and protecting.

Focus Intention

Sit or stand still for a long moment and imagine your outcome. Really see it in your mind and complete your picture with exact times, places and events. At this time, before you cast your spell, you may like to write your intention down and say it out loud to get yourself fully focused and your energy aligned with what you are about to create.

Cast Spell

In each of the tree spells I have shared with you, I have set out very specific steps to create your spell and explained why I've used them. In the final section, I've provided instruction on creating your own spells. 'Casting your spell' is simply what you do to make the spell happen. While casting your spell, you must maintain your focus on your intention.

Release, Close and Ground

Once you have completed your spell, you will need to release the power you have raised in creating it. Releasing the spell will be explained in each spell I share with you, but you can also do this by simply saying: 'I release the power I have raised' or 'It is done' or by putting out your white candle if lit.

'Grounding' is the way you bring yourself...