Informal spells allow Wiccans to work magic without elaborate preparations and can fill an immediate need. A spell, or action, that uses sympathetic magic allows the user to call on something to represent something else, an act of “like affects like.”
Creating Metaphors for Sympathetic Magic
Metaphors are comparisons that show how two unlike things share an important commonality. Although using a metaphor as a piece of sympathetic magic may seem counterintuitive (connecting “like affects like” with the unlike things of metaphors), the magic practitioner can create a powerful relationship within the imagery of the metaphor.
In creating a metaphor for spell work, the individual can either thoughtfully select the objects to be compared or rely upon some creative force-fitting. One of the things to be compared will be the issue on which the magic worker wants to focus. Consider what is at the heart of the spell.
If the desired result is to grow the loving feelings in a relationships (not forcing love, but allowing it to develop naturally), focus on the word "grow." This could lead to thinking about gardens – “our relationship is a garden.”
When a comparison doesn’t come to mind, one can flip through a magazine and randomly point to a word or image. This becomes the answer that must be connected to the issue with a bit of creative force-fitting. So, if the random word is "indoors" it could lead to associations with closet, kitchen, bedroom, living room – and the decision to say, “our relationship is a kitchen.”
It doesn't matter whether or not the metaphor would work for anyone else. Scott Cunningham, in Earth Power (Llewellyn, 1994) says, "No one but you knows...what symbols mean to you. They are a very personal thing...".
Creating a Symbolic Action for Life Changes
Bill Whitcomb in The Magician's Companion (Llewellyn Publications, 1996), suggests taking thinking of an action that symbolically represents the desired result. In the example, if the relationship metaphor was ‘garden’ then go out into the garden and plant some seeds, weeding what isn’t necessary and what could hamper the growth of the sprouting seeds. If the metaphor was "kitchen" then cook a meal, focusing on developing variety in the appearance, texture, and flavors of the food. This could bring pleasing variety and depth to the relationship.
The action is symbolic. However, it is the thoughts focused on the intent behind the action that is most important. Keep in mind that the desired result is the growth of loving feelings in a relationship. Visualize that while gardening or cooking, combining the power of visualization with the symbolic action.
While this technique isn’t formal spell work, it does allow the practitioner to fit in magic as part of their everyday life. Start the spell by creating a metaphoric comparisons for the desired change. Next, develop a symbolic actions for the metaphor. Finally, visualize reaching the desired goal while engaging in the action. These informal spells can supplement ritualized spells or stand on their own.
 |
