Beginning to Cast Spells???

STOP, WAIT, DON'T CAST THAT SPELL
Not until you do some much needed preparation and thought. A spell should not be done in a casual, offhand manner at the height of a desperate emotion. Spells often go awry when we cast them in the heat of the moment or on a whim. When we do not take the time to think about what we want to do then we get in over our heads and have all kinds of problems. 

When a spell begins to coalesce in my and form I start writing. I want to make a change, but how. The first thing I think about is "what can I do mundanely? Never waste time magickally with something you can do much more easily mundanely. Why wasted energy? Just because I can do something does not mean I have to. I know the extent of my abilities, I have nothing to prove, so why would I cast when I do not have to? 

There are some ground rules I follow when I cast a spell that perhaps you would like to consider: 

Never cast above your abilities: Understand everything you do, know the reasons you perform a certain movement or speak a certain way. Not just from books but your heart. You should understand the logic of everything you do. You should understand the flow of energy into and out of you.

Don't do magick to impress others, or yourself: I am speaking of both people who are with you and those you cast to. To do something to show off is a tip that you are insecure in what you do. To cast a spell so that others will know how magickal you are is nothing more than ego. If you know you are strong and powerful then other people do not have to know that for it to be valid. Ward yourself, but wearing a neon sign says you do not have faith in yourself.

Never do things that are spooky to get attention: In many ways this goes along with number 2. If you are doing magick to scare yourself and others you are showing off and not working with the energies around you. You are also leaving yourself open to bringing out the spooky, nasty part of yourself (I personally believe most demons are the parts of ourselves we are afraid of). 

Perform a divination before you cast: It is always a good idea to see which way the wind is blowing. 

As you start to think start to write. What is the purpose of this spell? What do you want it to do? How can it go awry? What are all of the possible outcomes? 

If you are comfortable with these thoughts then start to think about what you will need, tools wise. Start to gather your ingredients, what are they? How do they mesh? Do you need to research this anywhere? How do you feel about what your are researching. What is the perfect time of the month? Is there a moon influence that would enhance your spell? What about a day of the week?

Before you cast your spell you will want to prepare your body with a ritual bath using the scent that will best enhance your purpose. As you bath fill your mind and thoughts with what you wish to accomplish. Your soul should be full of purpose and your energy being gathered as you complete your bath. If you need to empty your mind of other thoughts and influences do so now.

Now you are ready to do the things you need to do to in order to cast your your spell.