Unlike most mainstream religions, witchcraft does not have a long list of laws governing our behavior. Most witches generally adhere to what has become known as The Wiccan/Witches Rede and The Three-Fold Law. These two principles contain the basics of what witches define as ethical and moral behavior within the Craft and the society in which we live.

Much criticism has been leveled at the Witches Rede by outsiders who, by a quick reading of the text, assume that it is a license to do whatever “feels good” to the individual without accompanying responsibility. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Witches Rede is rich with compassion, empathy and respect for others, the individual practitioner, the Goddess and God, and Mother Earth. It guides and directs our energies “for the good of all.”

“Harm” is defined as “physical or mental damage” and to this we can add “psychic damage” as well. To inflict harm on another is simply not a thing that a witch would do (unless provoked into protecting themselves). All we do affects everything else in the Web of Life. We are very conscious of this responsibility. All things are connected to all other things; we are related to all Life, the Earth, the Stars and the Cosmos. Our practice is known as “The Craft of the Wise” because we work within the natural and spiritual laws that govern the workings of the universe; this is wisdom, to work against these laws creates chaos. We accept responsibility for our actions and what will result from them. Therefore, spells are directed towards a very specific end which should, ultimately, be “for the good of all and the harm of none.” If the spell is indeed “for the good of all,” it will come to pass. If it does not manifest, then perhaps we have asked wrongly or are in conflict with what is good for another who we may not even have information about; but trust that Goddess and God does.

An example must be given here in the working of love spells. To manipulate a person into a relationship in which they have shown no interest is to try to negate that person’s right to free will. To cast a spell “to make so and so fall in love with me” shows not a spirit of love, but an insensitivity to another’s feelings. But witches do cast love spells, don’t they? Yes, they do. The first love spell a witch should cast should be for her/himself. Self esteem is essential to correct magical working. To bring a complete and balanced person into a relationship is to give a precious gift to another. To be capable of receiving love, we must be able to truly give love.

So what would be a “correct” love spell? A spell to “remove obstacles to love” could cause physical distance to cease to be a problem, could allow “circumstances” to arrange a meeting, or could draw someone who is good for you into your life that perhaps you do not even know yet! It could also make someone who IS interested in you able to overcome shyness in approaching you…or you them.

The point here is that while witches are free to influence energies to accomplish a purpose, they are not free to manipulate people. “For the good of all” should be the only reason one works a spell.

ENHANCING DESIRABILITY

To build confidence in yourself, inside and out, and draw others to you:

• 6 drops rose essential oil (palmarosa or rose geranium essential oil may be substituted)
• 3 drops jasmine essential oil
• 3 drops lotus essential oil (very rare and expensive; 2 drops rose and 1 drop jasmine may be substituted)
• 2 cups Epsom salt
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup sea salt
• Green vegetable food coloring
• One handful of dried rose petals (or more if you desire)
• Large glass jar with plastic/rubber stopper lid
• Scoop
• Muslin bags

Thoroughly mix the oils in a separate container (a capped ½ oz brown or blue glass vial is preferable) from the salts. Unless you are in a hurry, it is best to let the oils sit for 3-4 days so that they have a chance to blend properly and develop a unique bouquet. Gently turn the tightly capped bottle several times a day and give them a boost of magical empowerment.

Combine the salts and baking soda in a large glass or metal bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Add the pre-mixed oils and use your hands to distribute the oils thoroughly and evenly throughout the salt mixture. Alternatively, you can use a wooden spoon reserved specifically for spell working purposes. Add a few drops of green food coloring and use your preferred method to distribute the coloring thoroughly and evenly throughout the mixture, adding additional drops until you are pleased with the depth of color. Mix in the dried rose petals.

Transfer the mixture to the clean glass jar using a funnel (if you do not have a funnel, you can make one out of newspaper by rolling a page into a cone shape and inserting the smaller end into the jar opening). If it will fit, place the scoop inside the jar, seal the jar with the lid, and store it out of direct sunlight.

Use the salt mixture in the bath or as a quick sponge bath anytime you feel like freshening up. Because the mixture contains rose petals, protect your pipes and drains from clogging by using the scoop to place an appropriate amount of mixture into a muslin bag; tie the bag closed and pop it into the tub or sink under running water.

As you relax in the tub or bathe your arms, chest, neck and face, recite the following:

Let all those who see me see what I see.
I see the beauty that is deep inside of me.
Let all those who see me see what I know.
I know that my heart radiates a loving glow.
Let all those who see me see what I am proud of.
I am a daughter/son of the Goddess, worthy of love.
I ask this for the good of all and the harm of none.

The muslin bag may be used many times before needing to be replaced. Let it dry, with the rose petals inside, in an area where the seeping color of the rose petals will not damage the surface. Alternatively, you may discard the muslin bag and use a fresh one each time. This recipe will make enough salts for 18-20 tub baths; since not as much product is needed for sponge bathing, it is possible to extend the number of spell workings significantly. If kept tightly capped and out of sunlight, bath salts can be kept for several years. WARNING: Do use caution when handling glass containers in the bath area.

LOVER’S MOON

To attract a new love:

• A Pink Votive Candle
• A Cauldron
• A Fresh Rose, complete with thorns
• A Bell
• Rose Essential Oil

Two days before the full moon, place the candle in your cauldron or any large metal pot. Place a fresh rose in your choice of color and a bell beside the cauldron and on your personal altar. Each night, use rose essential oil to anoint the candle’s wick and then light it. Leaving the candle within the cauldron, cup your hands around the candle and direct loving thoughts into the candle’s flame. On the night of the full moon, remove a thorn from the rose and use it to carve your heart’s desire* into the candle’s wax, reciting:

I will find true love.

Anoint the wick, light the candle and ring the bell three times, reciting:

As this candle begins to burn, a lover true will I earn.
As this flame burns ever higher, I will feel my lover’s fire.
I ask this for the good of all and the harm of none.

Ring the bell three more times and watch the candle burn completely.

*Always remember that the use of magic to compel the will of another does not meet the test of “An it harm none.” Thus, you should not carve the name of an individual; rather, carve the traits, qualities, role, occupation, or other manifestations desired.

LOVER’S TISANE

Here’s a quick recipe to create the perfect romantic mood for an enchanted evening:

• 1 oz Dried Hibiscus Flowers
• 1 oz Dried and Pulverized Rosehips
• ½ oz Dried Lemon Balm
• ½ oz Dried Peppermint
• ½ oz Dried Meadowsweet

Stir all ingredients together in a clockwise direction. Store in dark, air-tight lidded jar or tin (tisane will keep for one year).

When ready to brew the tisane, select your most sacred teapot and pour boiling water over the herbs, two teaspoons for each cup of water. Allow the tisane to steep for five minutes, during which time recite the following:

Herbal brew of love’s emotion,
With my wish I fortify.
When two people share this potion,
Their love shall intensify.
I ask this for the good of all and the harm of none.

Sweeten to taste with honey and share this lovely tisane with the one you love.

VENUS ENCHANTMENT

For a passionate pick me up, this tisane will do the trick:

• One Ginseng Root, scrubbed clean
• One Pint Distilled or Spring Water

Bring the water to a simmer and add the ginseng root; cover. Do not bring to a boil; do not stir; do not uncover for one whole hour. Pour a cup for you and your lover to share. Before you drink, simply recite:

Gift of the Goddess and magic of moon,
May the flower of our love come full bloom.

This enchanted potion will give your romantic tryst an extra amount of endurance for a most memorable encounter.

SPELL FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

To meet someone new or start a new phase in an existing relationship:

• A Pink Candle
• A Blue Candle
• Lily Essence Oil*, Freesia Fragrance Oil, or Jasmine Essential Oil
• A Fresh Lily
• Some Fresh or Dried Catnip
• A Lapis Lazuli Stone
• A Glass of Water
• A Mirror
• Cup of Hot Water, Cinnamon Stick, & Honey made into a tisane
• 1/4 cup Powdered Cinnamon (more or less as needed)

On a Monday morning before dawn, place the candles on your altar and light them. Touch the candles with one of the noted oils. Lay the lily, along with the catnip, on your altar. Place the lapis lazuli stone in front of the lily, and a glass of water atop a mirror. Chant the following:

Healing starts with new beginnings.
My heart is open. I am ready now.
Today, a new love I will meet.
Goddess, you will show me how.
I ask this for the good of all
and the harm of none.
So mote it be.
Drink the cup of hot cinnamon tisane that you made by stirring counterclockwise with the cinnamon stick. Sprinkle the powdered cinnamon on the threshold of your front door and along your entry path. Each time the cinnamon is crushed underfoot, its regenerative powers will help you start a fresh chapter in your love life.

*To create Lily Essence Oil, combine equal parts (drops) of essential oils of Jasmine, Tangerine & Oakmoss