Where to get spells?

It is possible to purchase a "book of spells" at almost any book retail outlet. Many of them are reasonably priced, and have titles that include such Words as: The Complete book of, Encyclopedia of, All the spells you will every need, The Bible of, or the Secret book of, do not be fooled.

A book of spells is basically a "recipe" book for the art of magic.

It should include such information as:

- Reason/type of spell (protection, prosperity, divination, love, finding a new job, selling a house, etc.);

- Timing (day, hour, phase and house of the moon);

- Ingredients (herbs, stones, gems, candles and their colours, oils, incense, sigals, runes, fabrics) and the aspects of each being used;

- Incantations (the Words and sounds needed to cast the spell);

- Deity(s), called;

- Special instructions;

- Follow through;

- Repetition (how often the spell can or should be repeated and when);

- How to reverse the spell should anything go wrong;

- And most importantly of all, a review of the ethics involved in casting this particular spell.

Most practitioners of magic, research, plan, and write their own spells.

A "generic" spell is fine for the dabblers, and uninitiated, mostly they "kind of work" and are harmless enough in the hands of the inexperienced.

A true Book of Spells, is often part of, or a compendium to, a Book of Shadows.

If you are part of a well established "Family Tradition, or Line or if you are a new member of a newer Coven/Circle, there are (or should be) leaders and/or teachers who will own one or more Book of Shadows.

As you learn to work with them, you will find, these spells, are often used as templates for new spells.

Few magical needs are exactly the same each time, so it is extremely important to adjust the spell to the specific need.

The notable exception to this rule is the making of charms, amulets, and talismans, but these things are more generic than most spells, and can be "the same" each time.

I have in my personal Library more than nine true "Books of Shadows," hand written and passed down through Family Tradition Lines (my own and those of two of my mentors/teachers).

These sorts of things are lovingly and carefully passed on to true practitioners. Rarely if ever are they sold.

I only know of one Book of Shadows that ended up, by accident (or divine plan) in an estate sale, and was fortunate enough to pick it up for much less than it was worth. I doubt anyone else at that sale had any idea what it was, because it looked very much like a personal journal, which is what most of the "good ones" look like.