As swords instead as thermometers

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Dec 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

scarstrucked	07 Dec 2004
I encountered a miniscule web page which very briefly described how the tarot cards can be used for spells and hexes. I've always used the tarot as a tool to read into myself and into other, only to read, but not to write. I find myself very puzzled and curious; if any of you have any insight in this matter please reply to this post. Now I know there are many of you that are going to think that what I just wrote is blasphemy and I think so too, but I'm just wandering thats all. Thank you.

Imagemaker	07 Dec 2004
You'll find few (any?) people here who worry about blasphemy. Welcome to a diverse, generally non-judgmental crowd! There are many pagans, wiccans, and practitioners of the Craft here. Many use spells, and there are books on it if you search amazon.com for tarot and spells. What does the title of this thread mean? Why thermometers?

HudsonGray	08 Dec 2004
Using a deck for benign spellwork, yes. You pull the cards you wish to manifest or that would encourage what you need to happen (a good running car/Chariot, decision making/2 Swords, etc.) But for hexes, no. Most witches know that putting out bad only draws bad to you. Thermometers?

Thirteen	08 Dec 2004
HudsonGray wrote: Thermometers? Maybe something to do with taking our temperature on the subject of spells and hexes? :D STARSTRUCKED: I'm in full agreement with what's been said. Here's what you have to remember: tarot cards are pictures on cards, and like any other deck of cards, they can be used however the person who bought them wishes to use them. It's not a matter the right way or the wrong way to use them--it's only a matter of what's the best way. The best way is usually what they were intended for--but that's not going to stop any inventive human from using them for all kinds of other odd and different purposes. This time of year, I find tarot cards look beautiful set between the branches of a nice Yuletide tree--much better than hanging tinsel or the usual ornaments. It's not what they were intended for, any more than a flag might be intended to be cut and sewn into a shirt--but you can do it. Ditto with hexes. It's not what the cards were intended for, and it's not, IMHO, the best use for them (certainly not the wisest as hexes can backfire)--but people do it.

Ace	08 Dec 2004
There is a book (illustrated by the black and white Robin Wood Tarot) called Tarot Spells by Janine Renee. It tells you what cards to put down, in what configuration, and what to say to get the results you want. Also candles, and other things for your set up. With LOTS of spells. It isn't blasphemous. Cards are a tool to do magic. As a friend says, there are lots of way over the mountain. I am with Thirteen here.

Fudugazi	08 Dec 2004
Ace wrote: There is a book (illustrated by the black and white Robin Wood Tarot) called Tarot Spells by Janine Renee. It tells you what cards to put down, in what configuration, and what to say to get the results you want. Also candles, and other things for your set up. With LOTS of spells. It isn't blasphemous. Cards are a tool to do magic. As a friend says, there are lots of way over the mountain. I am with Thirteen here. Forgive me if I am off-topic here. I am sceptical child of the Enlightenment, and have trouble with conceiving of spells in our world: how do they actually work? (tarot or other spells, like candles). Is it more about concentration or is there something else at work? And if so, what? Does the ritual matter? Why? I am familiar with the works of Starhawk, but her rituals seem to be more about political demonstrations (very apt, too) and feeling good together. But real spells to make things happen? I am lost there. Moderators, if this should be elsewhere, I understand, but I have seen many references to spells and tarot spells, and need some (other kind of) enlightenment. Thank you

Fudugazi	08 Dec 2004
Thirteen wrote: tarot cards are pictures on cards, and like any other deck of cards, they can be used however the person who bought them wishes to use them. It's not a matter the right way or the wrong way to use them--it's only a matter of what's the best way. The best way is usually what they were intended for--but that's not going to stop any inventive human from using them for all kinds of other odd and different purposes. That's so true! After all the Tarot was invented as a card game (still played) but some clever clogs started using it for divination...and here we are now! Some use it for problem-solving (as distinct from predictive use) and psychological exploration of self. The more contemplative among us use it for meditation, and the influence of Eastern philsophies on the West has enhanced that use, and added the mandala to the patterns of the tarot. Then there is the whole link of Tarot to Quabbalah and the tree of life, as explored by Rachel Pollack and others. Each generation can contribute new uses, and the Tarot seems to be an infinitely flexible tool.

Ace	08 Dec 2004
Magic, as I understand it, is to express a desire for something or for something to happen and then IT HAPPENS! You get the desired object/opportunity/results you asked for. Spells are just a way (probably a pretty convoluted way) of asking for a desire. In the book I mention, an alter is set up, candles are lit, a sacred space is created. Specific tarot cards are placed in a specific layout, words are spoken, energy is sent out into the universe. Then the space is closed down, the candles blown out, and one goes on one's way. Tarot cards have symbolic pictures on them. They can symbolize the desire. What is prayer except a way of asking for magic to happen?

closrapexa	08 Dec 2004
Officially, I'm skeptical. However, unofficially, why not? I mean, when I read Tarot I fell that I am accessing some sort of energy flow that allows me to read and understand (some would call it a magnetic field). This however is in the mode of recieving; i.e., I have no "power" over what may or may not come up. However, in Magick, I believe it is all a sense of focusing your desire, thus using you mond to "comtrol" the energy. Ultimately, the "power" is in your mind, and the human mind can be a very powerful tool. There are many ways to focus your desires into a form that makes things happen, and Tarot cards are but another way to do it. Even the alters, the candles, the words are but ways to access your inner force and send it out to make things happen for you. I wish we could live in a Buffy/Charmed -like world where the power was really in the words and rituals, but then that is a bit too "instant enlightenment" for me. BTW, I'm speaking here as a complete boor, since I have never done any spell work myself, all I have is theories.

Major Tom	08 Dec 2004
Yep. What Thirteen said. Spells and hexes are quite effective. So effective indeed that they are dangerous to undertake unless you're very sure what you are doing. I would advise anyone undertaking spellwork to first perform a reading asking what the results of that spell will be. Once you know what's going to happen you are in a position to accept responsibility for what does happen. But if your reading says it will all go horribly wrong you can decide not to do the spell.

Sulis	08 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: I am sceptical child of the Enlightenment, and have trouble with conceiving of spells in our world: how do they actually work? (tarot or other spells, like candles). People have trouble conceiving how tarot works as well and yet we all know it does. Magic is a way of manipulating energy to get a desired result. I use tarot cards in my spellwork as a way of focusing my intention. An example, my sister wanted me to do a fertility spell for her - I always use the Glastonbury tarot for spellwork; the colours are wonderful and the cards have very positive keywords. I used The Empress (3), the 3 of Cups which shows 3 children playing and the 10 of Cups who's keyword is happiness. Like Major Tom I would advise anyone trying any magical work to make sure they know what they're doing first. Remember that what you give out comes back to you - in life as well as magic. Love Sulis xx

Fudugazi	08 Dec 2004
Sulis, Thank you for sharing your work. I find it fasicinating, even if I don't really understand. Sulis wrote: People have trouble conceiving how tarot works as well and yet we all know it does. Too true. And I know that from the start I approached tarot with an open mind, though I had no idea what it could bring me. I think it was because I found tarot (or it found me) during a time of personal crisis - it's like that signature line of Sylvia's "there a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" (Leonard Cohen). In fact, it was a reading I went for (my first ever) that opened, literally, the floodgates. Sulis wrote: Magic is a way of manipulating energy to get a desired result. I use tarot cards in my spellwork as a way of focusing my intention. I find the first sentence rather difficult to cope with – probably my gut reaction to the word « manipulation ». But I think I understand what you are saying. Is it anything like what Chinese medicine does, working with the chi (the energy) currents in the body, only on a larger scale? (i.e. seeing the world as a body with currents of energy). But how do you know if what you are doing is right? If working on one energy, you won’t be disturbing another, which will set off a chain of events you can’t control? And what about disturbing another person’s energy, against his∕her will? I have always thought that tarot should be applied with a light touch to other people, unless they specifically ask for more depth, meaning, etc. Isn’t it the same with tarot spells? Sorry if these questions sound too basic. Sulis wrote: An example, my sister wanted me to do a fertility spell for her - I always use the Glastonbury tarot for spellwork; the colours are wonderful and the cards have very positive keywords. I used The Empress (3), the 3 of Cups which shows 3 children playing and the 10 of Cups whose keyword is happiness. Let us know how it goes! But how would you distinguish what you did from meditation, or from creative visualisation, à la Shakti Gawain?

Imagemaker	08 Dec 2004
Quote: how would you distinguish what you did from meditation, or from creative visualisation, à la Shakti Gawain And I'd add, Wayne Dyer's The Power of Intention. I see all these methods as varieties of working with intention. Some here have emphasized that they say, "if it harm none and serve the highest good." I've known Catholic Sisters who use prayer, novenas, and candles in *exactly* the same way--to put a request out to the universe/God for something they want. The only difference is the jargon of each form of belief/practice.

Fudugazi	08 Dec 2004
Imagemaker wrote: I've known Catholic Sisters who use prayer, novenas, and candles in *exactly* the same way--to put a request out to the universe/God for something they want. The only difference is the jargon of each form of belief/practice. Absolutely. But if you are sceptical child of the Enlightenment (shall I call myself SCOTE?), then you don’t have such practices or associated jargon. You need some kind of initiation that makes sense. My usual way into the uncanny (as I call it) is through imagination, which is why I love descriptions of spells, rituals, etc. – they fire up my imagination. But the BS’o-meter in my brain questions it all }) – not to destroy or put in doubt: rather, to understand the system, and to engage with the imaginative framework in which all these practices exist.

Imagemaker	08 Dec 2004
Here's a thought--for the purely scientific mind, consider the scientific method in which one proposes a hypothesis and then conducts an experiment to evaluate whether the hypothesis could be true. That imagination of a possibility, constructing a hypothesis, and testing it *could* be analogous to a prayer/spell/intent. There's more skepticism needed, more hard evidence demanded, of course, yet there's usually a thread of doubt in all believers and a thread of faith in all scientists--faith in their intelligence and methods. To have an idea, a desire, and move forward in some way to create/fulfill it seems to be the core impulse.

souljourney	08 Dec 2004
Have any of you seen the movie "What the Bleep Do We Know?"... it's out in limited places, etc. But part of what it talks about it "creating your own reality"... This concept is actually based in Quantum Physics...we are talking science here...not just unproven mumbo-jumbo. Ok, so to "create your own reality"...use what you want, visualization, affirmations, prayer, rituals, ceremonies, just thougt, saying what you want outloud. So some people find they can focus better using a "ritual" called a spell or Magick. Check out the website: www.whatthebleep.com Hope some of this helps. SJ

Thirteen	08 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: But how do you know if what you are doing is right? If working on one energy, you won’t be disturbing another, which will set off a chain of events you can’t control? And what about disturbing another person’s energy, against his?her will? This is why, in traditional Wicca at least, there is the cautionary observation that you're going to get back 3-times what you send out. Send out bad, and it's going to come back to you 3-times worse. So, is it right? You answer that by thinking, "Would I want this to come back at me 3-fold?" If not, then it's probably not right. This also makes people think hard, and take care, before they try anything. Because, yes, absolutely, when you do "spellcraft" you "influence" things (is that a better word for you than "manipulate"?). I remember hearing of one group that did some sort of rain ceremony--the rain came alright, and wouldn't stop! Flooding and such. It's a "becareful-what-you-wish-for" situation. As for "manipulating" another person's energy--most folk feel you can "manipulate" the natural world easier than another person. Creating a "love" spell isn't going to make someone who doesn't notice you suddenly start sending you passionate love letters. They have their own power, and such a "spell" will probably just bounce off them. Regarding enlightenment skepticism, I hear you and I agree. But like Souljourney, I know a little about quantum physics. And I know a lot about people too. It's amazing how much effect we can have on our reality, on our world, on ourselves and others (do you know there's a computer out now that responds to thoughts? Not muscle twitches, thoughts). Will power and desire can't change everything--but it can change quite a lot. Spells--and prayers for that matter--are just a way of focusing that will power and desire. You can't change what can't be changed, but you can "influence" what can be changed. Put it another way--perhaps it would have rained without that spell, but likely it wouldn't have rained so easily or so much. One last thing, spells are a very creative way of "prayer," as it were, of focusing that willpower. It's not just tarot cards or words that can be used. It's anything that helps you, personally, focus that will. Want sunshine instead of rain? You can focus on the Sun card--or on a lightbulb. Whatever works. This kind of prayer, is flexable. I mention this because perhaps it will help you see past the skepticism, which is often based as much on HOW something is done as WHAT it does, yes?

Lurea	09 Dec 2004
There have been several scientific studies showing that people in the hospital who are prayed for heal faster, with fewer complications. The effect is not humongous but it is there. It holds up even when the patients don't know they are being prayed for. There's a technique used by some nurses called 'Therapeutic Touch' which has also been shown to improve healing. A practitioner explained to me that therapeutic touch is energy field manipulation, more or less. Now, if simple prayer can have measurable effects, and therapeutic touch (which despite the name, doesn't involve actual massage or anything that could produce an overt physical effect)... Well, then it's not a stretch to me that the magic or creative, empowered visualizations of wiccans would also have an effect. :) And I agree with Souljourney about quantum physics. Quantum entaglement, in which quantum particles communicate instantaneously, just blows my mind. A scientific way of showing the interrelatedness of all matter/energy. And what is human thought except the movement of energy?

emillkim	09 Dec 2004
That healing touch practice in Japan is called Reiki. It is based on the eastern philosophic concept of 'Qi.' The best analogy I can use to describe 'Qi' is 'the force' as described in Star Wars. It is everywhere It is everything It is dynamic I'm an acupuncturist (my day job). As a practice, we needle to manipulate this qi. People who practice Tai chi' also manipulate it for health reasons. It's a very accepted concept in older Asian cultures (although with westernization, the ideas are thought to be antiquated (wrong!)) Never discount the power of your thoughts. I think that most readers of this forum can understand how our personal energies and those of querents manifest in the cards. The same thing with our intents. When oft repeated and spoken with conviction words and thoughts have power.... My scattered two cents Emill

tarotlova	09 Dec 2004
You know I did quiet a few spells to help me get a divorce, they worked, even though he didn't sign the papers the Judge granted me the divorce, and sure I probley still would of gotten the divorce without these spells but, would it have gone so smoothly? No I think not, he was an abusive SOB but in the end he just excepted everything, I got my 1/2 of the house when it sold & everything else I just let him have as I was always told it was not mine but his. Now a year and 1/2 later I met and married my soulmate(yes I did a spell asking to meet my soulmate and it took 1 year) I live in a brand new house with nice furniture instead of second hand and even third everything, but best of all I am just HAPPY, I always believed the worst, now I expect the best to happen, and it does, so your attitude and thoughts do make a difference it's like a ripple effect in a pond what you put out effects everyone in some way, and I think deep down we all know if we are doing a wrong thing same with spellwork, if it's not meant to happen it won't so obliviously when I did my spells the time was right for me to move on, and by the Goddess I'm glad I did, I never knew life could be so good. Blessings to all good spellwork!

Fudugazi	09 Dec 2004
tarotlova wrote: You know I did quiet a few spells to help me get a divorce, they worked, even though he didn't sign the papers the Judge granted me the divorce, and sure I probley still would of gotten the divorce without these spells but, would it have gone so smoothly? No I think not, he was an abusive SOB but in the end he just excepted everything, I got my 1/2 of the house when it sold & everything else I just let him have as I was always told it was not mine but his. Now a year and 1/2 later I met and married my soulmate(yes I did a spell asking to meet my soulmate and it took 1 year) I live in a brand new house with nice furniture instead of second hand and even third everything, but best of all I am just HAPPY, I always believed the worst, now I expect the best to happen, and it does, so your attitude and thoughts do make a difference it's like a ripple effect in a pond what you put out effects everyone in some way, and I think deep down we all know if we are doing a wrong thing same with spellwork, if it's not meant to happen it won't so obliviously when I did my spells the time was right for me to move on, and by the Goddess I'm glad I did, I never knew life could be so good. Blessings to all good spellwork! That's a good story. I'm glad it worked out for you :) Would you say your spells were about focussed imagination? As a writer - and tarot lover - I am quite familiar with that. I like what you say about feeling when you do the wrong thing. Yes, I feel that sometimes, I can literally hear it! In tarot reading it's the same - I sometimes don't get it right, but I feel it when I am getting it wrong. In such cases, I usually leave it for a while, and in time the cards might tell me (or rather, I might acutally get to SEE the cards) what it is they are saying.

tarotlova	09 Dec 2004
Yes I would say focused is the right thing, I don't think I imagined much at that time what it would be like to be living my dream, to be single at that time! As I was afraid I might jinx it! I was not so optimistic back then as I am now, but I truly belived that what was right for me would happen as I asked Hecate for help as she is the Triple Goddess and will give people what they need rather than want. Meeting my present husband was a big bonus, not so much as a supprise, as I did read in the cards I would meet & marry again I just did not believe it! I thought it was wishful thinking! As I didn't really want to spend the rest of my life alone as I pretended too.Blessings

Sulis	09 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: Let us know how it goes! Oh it went really well. If it were still a spell in progress I wouldn't be talking about it here - I think talking about, even thinking about a spell too much before it's manifested just holds the energy to the person who's cast the spell and stops it from working. My sister had suffered from endometriosis very badly for years. She'd been trying to conceive for about 3 years. I made her a jade fertility charm as part of my spell and she had 2 reflexology treatments (it's very good for fertility problems). She was pregnant within the month and now has a beautiful little girl; Daisy. Spell work is very much like meditation, creative visualisation and prayer. I think the difference is that in a spell ingredients or props are often used to help focus the intent and energy is actually 'raised and focused' Love Sulis xx

Fudugazi	09 Dec 2004
Sulis wrote: Oh it went really well. She was pregnant within the month and now has a beautiful little girl; Daisy. Spell work is very much like meditation, creative visualisation and prayer. I think the difference is that in a spell ingredients or props are often used to help focus the intent and energy is actually 'raised and focused' wey-hey, that's lovely! Not sure what you mean by raised energy (focussed I am familiar with), but I'm glad it worked. I'll add - but I might be wrong - that it sounds like the kind of channelling of power and imagination I get on a particularly good writing day. It feels greater than oneself - well, you sound very familiar with the words and ideas that convey such phenomena.

Sulis	09 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: it sounds like the kind of channelling of power and imagination I get on a particularly good writing day That's it. I was in a bit of a rush and didn't express myself very well (husband was shouting that my dinner was ready :)) I can't speak for anyone else but when I 'raise' energy what I do is channel Universal energy and Earth energy through me. Witches and Wiccans generally use something called a 'magic circle' which contains the energy raised and channelled by the practitioner. When the energy has reached a certain level it is released from the circle to go and do whatever it is it was raised to do. Hope that explains things a bit better. Love Sulis xx

HudsonGray	09 Dec 2004
That's a very good explanation Sulis. A lot of the terms & techniques overlap with other methods (Reiki, Accupressure, Prayer, etc.) so we're all dancing around the same thing but using different slants and words.

Thirteen	10 Dec 2004
Sulis wrote: Witches and Wiccans generally use something called a 'magic circle' which contains the energy raised and channelled by the practitioner. When the energy has reached a certain level it is released from the circle to go and do whatever it is it was raised to do. They also "ground" afterwards--don't forget that important part ;) I remember many a discussion by people who raised a circle of energy, sent it off....and then forgot to ground. They ended up tripping and dropping stuff, the world seemed wonky, all kinds of little upsets until they finally grounded. Grounding, for the folk playing at home, is simply pressing hands to the earth or floor and draining off any excess energy that might be clinging to you. The big blast of energy you created, like lightening, you send off. But being that you surrounded yourself with it, some still clings, like a static charge. If you don't ground, it unbalances you, gives you little shocks (sic). Skeptically speaking, I can't say how well raising and sending off energy works. But in my own personal experience, grounding afterwards is an absolute must.

MeeWah	10 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: wey-hey, that's lovely! Not sure what you mean by raised energy (focussed I am familiar with), but I'm glad it worked. I'll add - but I might be wrong - that it sounds like the kind of channelling of power and imagination I get on a particularly good writing day. It feels greater than oneself - well, you sound very familiar with the words and ideas that convey such phenomena. Helvetia: I have not read through this thread in its entirety, but was caught by the above post & hope I am not repeating something already said. The energy used in spellwork is the same energy used in any creative output. Of the life energy or life force channelled &/or applied to endeavours such as prayer, meditation, hands-on healing techniques, card readings, writing, artwork, gardening, cooking--even the mundane area of work of any kind. It is using intent, focus & various symbolic objects with which to express a goal or outcome. Spellwork can be compared to prayerwork with props. The props are the tools to augment the intent, & follows the same line of reasoning one would use or wear an object as a charm or talisman. The power is not in the object or that used, but within the person & the belief. Mind *is* the builder & the creator. As in any concerted endeavour, one "harnesses" personal power through the use of a focussed intent, imagery/visualization & deed/action to carry the endeavour or purpose through. Spellwork is a "making"; a process of creating purposefully. The preparation of itself for a ritual tends to raise power & contributes towards the purpose. At the very least, it can influence the energy lines or patterns within the life towards that desired. Briefly--I cast a circle to delineate the sacred space for any working/making & seal it prior to the formal energy raising. Energy is already raised by preparation before the circle casting; further raised with the casting of the circle & continues to be raised & strengthened by invoking ThePowersThatBe/The Old Ones. I ground myself to Earth before channeling the desire & release it to Universe. I also channel excess energy back to Mother Earth before releasing the circle to avoid energy richochet which can be unsettling to uncomfortable. I have found the Robin Wood deck to be excellent for spellwork. The first time I used it thusly was more of an experiment. The purpose was to attract business for readings out of my home. I was employed in a regular job & had been doing readings part-time, but wanted a venue that would permit the type of readings I specialize in & would appeal to a limited market for they are time & labour intensive. As I prefer not to advertise & expose myself unduly to just any audience, I resorted to spellwork. Some time later, an opportunity developed through Aeclectic Tarot for e-mail readings. Though it has been temporarily closed, it was a wonderful experience & I learned so much from it.

MeeWah	10 Dec 2004
Scarstrucked: Hope the responses thus far will be of help. & welcome to the Aeclectic Tarot Forums!

Sulis	11 Dec 2004
Thirteen wrote: They also "ground" afterwards--don't forget that important part I remember many a discussion by people who raised a circle of energy, sent it off....and then forgot to ground. They ended up tripping and dropping stuff, the world seemed wonky, all kinds of little upsets until they finally grounded. Thirteen's right - I forgot to mention grounding - returning the energy back to the earth. Very important - I end up with a headache if I don't ground the energy after doing magical stuff. I also ground after a card reading, for the same reasons. Love Sulis xx

Fudugazi	11 Dec 2004
MeeWah wrote: I have found the Robin Wood deck to be excellent for spellwork. The first time I used it thusly was more of an experiment. The purpose was to attract business for readings out of my home... As I prefer not to advertise & expose myself unduly to just any audience, I resorted to spellwork. Some time later, an opportunity developed through Aeclectic Tarot for e-mail readings. Though it has been temporarily closed, it was a wonderful experience & I learned so much from it. That's great! I hope more will come your way. Get that lady in the garden out! (otherwise known as the 9 of Pentacles). It's funny you should mention the Robin Wood - I've had the deck for some years and always thought it was very inspired by pagan philosophy, though the friend who suggested it is not really pagan (she does do spells though). I have mixed feelings about some of the pictures on that deck - mainly the style, not the subject - but I can imagine it being very friendly for making everyday, life-enhancing spells.

scarstrucked	12 Dec 2004
Thanks alot for your responses and your advise. First, I'd like to clear the confusion of my title: I used the word "thermometer" because we all begin using the tarot to look into ourselves, to better understand our souls. Then we go to the next step and read other's soul. The tarot cards are an ever-evolving tool which will take the mind into spheres of knowledege we couldn't even imagine. Again, thank you for your wise words and your hospitality. I'm glad I joined this forum.

Ace	13 Dec 2004
Thank you Scarstruck, for starting this thread. Please speak up more often! Drop in any time, and don't forget to do a New Members thread for yourself!

Ivy Rhiannon	15 Dec 2004
Helvetica wrote: I am sceptical child of the Enlightenment, and have trouble with conceiving of spells in our world: how do they actually work? (tarot or other spells, like candles). Is it more about concentration or is there something else at work? And if so, what? Does the ritual matter? Why? I am familiar with the works of Starhawk, but her rituals seem to be more about political demonstrations (very apt, too) and feeling good together. But real spells to make things happen? I am lost there. to answer your questions: how do they work? It is about intent. Wanting something, and then through visualzation, making it come true. (simplest I could put it.) Is it more about concentration or is there something else at work? Well that depends on who you ask. Some believe whatever diety they believe in makes it happen, so then spells rather physical prayers. But then some believe, like me, that you make it happen. Either way it does involve concentration. Does the ritual matter? But real spells to make things happen? Most spells in books are glamorous to get you to buy them. Spells can be as simple as saying an affirmation or doing a big ritual. But yes they do make things happen.

The As swords instead as thermometers thread was originally posted on 07 Dec 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.