There’s nothing wrong with following spells created by others—after all, entire shelves of books are dedicated to them. But sometimes, you might want to craft your own spell. Maybe you can’t find exactly what you need, or you simply feel drawn to create something unique. The good news? Writing your own spell is easier than you might expect if you stick to a straightforward process.
Step one: CLARIFY YOUR INTENTION OR GOAL.
What do you hope to achieve? Are you seeking abundance, a new career, or perhaps inviting love into your life? Pinpoint the exact purpose of your spell. Be specific and clear about your desire—like, “I will earn that promotion at work!”
Step two: CHOOSE THE PHYSICAL ELEMENTS YOU’LL USE.
Does your spell call for candles, crystals, or herbs? When designing your spell, think creatively—magic is deeply symbolic. Don’t hesitate to use unconventional items: toy cars, chess pieces, hardware, sunglasses, or even old DVDs can all serve a purpose.
Step three: CONSIDER THE TIMING.
Some magical paths place great importance on the phase of the moon, while others don’t. Typically, spells meant to attract are performed during the waxing moon.
Spells for banishing or letting go are often done as the moon wanes. You might feel a certain day or hour is best for your work. But don’t get bogged down in the details—if you’re comfortable working spontaneously, trust your instincts.
If your tradition values correspondences, check out our Magical Correspondence Tables for guidance.
Step four: PLAN YOUR WORDS.
What will you say—if anything—during your spell? Will you recite a formal invocation, whisper a rhyme, or simply meditate in silence? Words hold power, so choose them with care.
Step five: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER.
Combine your intention, materials, timing, and words into a complete ritual. And then, as the famous slogan says, Just Do It.
Author Susan Pesznecker explains that when you create a spell from scratch, you pour your own intentions, preferences, hopes, and energy into it. This makes the spell uniquely yours, carrying your personal signature and resonating deeply within you. Such a spell is often more effective and meaningful than one taken from a book, because you are involved in every step. Spellwork is about using magic to shift reality.
We do this by aligning as many factors as possible—timing, location, elemental energies, deities, and more—in hopes of nudging reality in the direction we desire. Nowhere is this more beautifully accomplished than when you handcraft your own spells, charms, and rituals, infusing them with your essence and making the magic truly personal.
Here are a few tips:
Although this five-step approach is simple, it’s also effective. Consider keeping a magical journal or jotting notes in your Book of Shadows as you develop your spell, and track what happens as your intentions begin to manifest.
If you don’t see results within a few weeks—some traditions suggest within a lunar month, or 28 days—pause and review your spell. See if there’s anything you might want to adjust.
The Universe can be unpredictable, so be precise in your wording. In other words, be careful what you wish for—you just might get it!
Remember, magic is a tool and a skill, but common sense is essential. You can cast spells all day to land a job, but your chances improve dramatically if you’re also sending out resumes and actively searching!
