If you're a beginner at all this, you've probably been using rituals and spells you've found in books. Quite often, the novice witch will think, "If I've read it in a book, it must be the most powerful/correct/appropriate thing to use." But sometimes the most powerful ritual is the one you write yourself, using your creativity and your words. Writing your own rituals and spells can be daunting at first, so I've broken the process down to some simple tips and suggestions. You'll be creating your own magickal rituals in no time! Just remember the Rede (Law): Do what you will, as long as it harms none.

What do you want the outcome of your ritual to be?

Okay, I know it sounds weird to start at the end, but if you want your need clearly outlined this is the place to start! Is this going to be a ritual to celebrate a milestone in your life? Do you need money/healing/protection? Do you want to get rid of some negativity in your life? This should be the step you take the most time thinking about; sit quietly and hone down the exact purpose of the ritual or spell.

When is the best time to perform this ritual?

Timing can be very important in performing your ritual or spell. The Waxing Moon (moving from new to Full Moon) is a great time for adding things to your life. Spells to bring things to you are best performed at this time. The Full Moon is a powerful time for magick of all kinds. For all you women- if you are menstruating during the Full Moon, this adds power to all your rituals. If you need lots of magickal power, or if the ritual is for a woman's issue, this would be an excellent time for a spell. The Waning Moon (after the Full Moon until just before the New Moon) is a great time to get rid of things in ritual work. If you want to move things out of your life, or banish negativity, this would be the time.

There is one rule that supercedes all of the above- if you can time it out with the moon, all the better. But if you need something now, then by all means do the ritual now!! Remember- the fuel for your spell is your need, so strike while the iron is hot.

What form will the ritual take?

This is an important step. Think about the purpose of the spell and try to match the ritual form to it. For example, you would probably not want to perform a ritual for protection with bunny fluff and soft music. Protection requires a strong ritual form, with perhaps fire, ritual knives, stinging herbs and pounding drums. A ritual for healing for a friend (with their permission, of course) may include making a charged herbal charm for them to keep after the ritual. A ritual for banishing could include "pouring" your negative energy into a bowl, then tossing it out onto the ground. You could bake a "prosperity" muffin, then eat it as part of the ritual, thus bringing that energy into your body. You can raise energy by dancing around like an idiot, chanting, meditating, creative visualization.

This is the fun part! You can be as creative as you like. Use whatever "props' will help you visualize your outcome; sometimes simple is better, other times silly is best! And don't think you need a closet full of witchy and magickal tools to perform your own rituals. Improvise with what you have. Many of the herbs you can find in your own kitchen are magickally appropriate for all kinds of spells.

You will also have to decide how formal the ritual will be. Will you be casting a formal circle? Invoking certain Gods or Goddesses? Invoking the elementals? Setting up an altar? Or will it be a simple ritual, with little fanfare and props?

What kind of stuff do I need to perform the ritual?

The step above will help you start to decide on what candles, gems, herbs and other ritual items you may want to include.

In addition to the ritual items you've decided on, I also recommend the following: some incense to set the mood; music suitable to the spell (romantic for a love spell; trancy, new age stuff for divination rituals; earthy nature sounds for a healing ritual;) candles for mood lighting; and a comfortable garment to wear while performing the ritual. Don't forget things like a lighter or matches, candleholders, dishes and bowls, etc. Make a list and check it twice- make sure you have everything you need before you begin. Nothing wrecks a magickal mood like rummaging through drawers for a pair of scissors!

What words/chants/prayers will I be using?

This, of course, will vary depending on the ritual you are doing. You can copy these out of books, if you like. But I encourage you to try and write your own- you've come this far alone! You may want to do a little research and focus on a particular deity; you can also call upon a certain elemental power related to your need. Again, be as creative as you like.

The ritual can consist of long, poetic verse...or just short passages. I often find that a simple set of rhyming sentences do the trick. It's like a simple chant, and repeated over and over, can put you into a trance-like state- perfect for ritual work. Don't fret about your words being "perfect." Remember- intent is all. Your feelings power the spell, so just write what you feel.

Once you've got all of the above roughly outlined, you've got your ritual/spell. Now all you have to do is put the finishing touches on it and you're ready to go. If you're nervous about doing the wrong thing, don't worry- you won't. You will not cause a cosmic catastrophe because you called the wrong element or used roses instead of rosemary!! As long as your intent is positive and you're not trying to control anyone else, you'll do fine.