Celeste
Casting Spells with Mercury Retrogrades
Use retrogrades to empower your magick spells.
Witches can use Mercury Retrogrades for more powerful spells. However, they’re best for certain kinds of spells.
Every retrograde focuses on revisiting something from the past. The planet seems to pause, go backwards in time, pause again, and then move forward. This cycle usually takes place over several weeks. For some planets, the retrograde path can take months.
Remember, the planet only seems to go backwards for awhile. It’s actually moving forward. We just see it as something moving backwards, from our viewpoint on Earth.
That describes the influence of a retrograde, too: It can look like you’re going back over ground you’ve covered before. It can be fun or — more often — really annoying. You’ve been there, done that, and you’ve shredded or burned the tee-shirt. You really don’t want to go there again.
A small change in attitude turns a retrograde into a blessing:Â Think of it as a time to go back and get it right, this time.
All in all, this is an opportunity for tremendous growth and a better outcome.  It’s a chance to move forward with a clean slate, or at least a better history. You have a chance to banish past regrets and leave the negative parts of the past behind you.
You can also re-energize opportunities you missed, or things you’d like to bring forward into your current life.
Mercury retrogrades occur several times each year, and they can provide energy related to travel and communication.
So, any Mercury retrograde will be useful for spells and activities related to:
- Revisiting things you said (or neglected to say) in the past.
- Clearing up past misunderstandings.
- Going back to places where you want to change what you did there.
- Returning to places where good things happened, that you’d like to repeat or re-energize.
The best part about Mercury retrograde is this: You’re not the only one remembering these things from the past. So, you already have the collaborative energy you need to empower spells and activities that revisit past experiences.
For example, if you hate how things ended with someone who’d been close to you, chance are he or she is thinking about that, too. Maybe he or she would like a chance to do things differently. Mercury retrograde gives you both that opportunity.
Or, if you’ve lost touch with an individual or group you used to enjoy being around, it’s likely that the person or group has been thinking about you during this retrograde, as well.
You can choose a better outcome. This is like a do-over, or a chance to go back in the “Choose Your Own Adventure” story, and make a better decision.
Mercury Retrogrades
14 July – 8 August 2012 – This one’s in Leo. Expect very loud communications on both sides. Be very, very patient. Frankly, it won’t get easier, but you have a chance for astonishing progress if you can keep your outbursts in check, and exercise incredible patience, even when you’d be fully justified if you stormed out after blasting the other person.
6 Nov – 26 Nov 2012 – This starts in Scorpio (expect harsh communications and blaming, at the beginning) and concludes in Sagittarius (good time for a party). If you can keep your temper under control, this can lead to a very happy outcome. Cast early (as early as October 20th) and cast often, fine-tuning the outcome you’d like. This can be a roller coaster, fast-paced transformation for relationships.
23 Feb – 17 Mar 2013 – Take advantage of Pisces’ flow and mellow energy, to reconcile with people you’ve offended or those who’ve offended you. This is also an ideal time to re-apply for jobs, scholarships, or other opportunities that involve applications or important communications. The doors re-open during this retrograde. Find as many as you can, and plant seeds for future growth.
26 Jun – 20 July 2013 – This retrograde is in Cancer, which can be positive as a water sign. Focus on the flow, not the short-term obstacles in the stream! Pick up any “dropped balls” from the Feb/Mar retrograde, and keep moving forward. Ignore obnoxious behaviors by others, and try to rein in your own tendency to speak without thinking. Avoid nursing old grudges. Be the motherly figure represented by Cancer, not the fussy baby side of this sign! (And, allow others to have their bratty, petulant episodes. They may not have the self-control or insights that you do.)
21 Oct – 10 Nov 2013 – Falling on the weeks around Samhain, when things naturally conclude, you’ll find the most powerful energy in fixing relationships that should logically conclude now… but on happier terms than before. Spells after November 1st should focus on sending healing energy to yourself and others, with a chance for renewing broken relationships in 2014, around Beltane.
Casting spells with Mercury retrogrades can super-charge the positive effects of this time and your spells. Use them wisely.
Casting Spells in 2012
2012 is a significant year for its many astrological changes and anomalies. This is a year of transition for our planet and the individuals on it.
Any spells cast during 2012 are likely to be more powerful. You can make your witchcraft hyper-powerful by planning your spells according to the stars, the planets, and the phases of the moon. Other influences — such as correspondences — can help, too.
Here’s what you need to remember, so you don’t make long-lasting mistakes with your spells in 2012.
First, remember that spells are very literal. It’s smart to write your spells first. Remove all slang, and any dramatic expressions you don’t mean, literally.
For example, if you want a certain person to leave you alone, say something like, “I want [person's full name] to stay away from me, and for him/her to have no negative influence in my life or in the lives of those close to me.” Do not say something like, “I want [person's name] to fall off the face of the earth. He/she is dead to me.”
Never cast a spell on another that asks for something you wouldn’t want to happen to you. If the target of your spell is using a mirror spell, or other protection that returns the spell — as received — back at the sender… well, the outcome could be tragic.
Never cast a spell on behalf of someone else. Generally, the outcome is something that teaches you a lesson about meddling in others’ lives. It’s usually significant enough to haunt you for the rest of your life.  Instead, tell that person to cast his or her own spells, and leave you out of it.  One of many reasons why people choose earth-based and Pagan spirituality is this: We believe that we have direct access to Deity. We don’t need a priest or other intermediary as the go-between, to commune with our gods and goddesses. Even our priests and priestesses are primarily organizers and teachers. So, don’t set yourself up as the go-between by using magick on behalf of others. Instead, empower them by instructing them or pointing them to good resources.
If you want something
As the moon increases in size (waxes), cast to attract whatever it is.
Remember these two important points:
- Cast only for your own experience. Never cast spells that attempt to control or influence others. So, you can cast for a happy relationship with someone like an individual, but not to attract that specific individual.
- Always add “An it harm none,” and “So mote it be” when you conclude your spell. The first is insurance against damage you hadn’t planned to inflict. The second is voicing your trust that Deity will honor your requests and act in your best interests.
Then, during the next full moon (and the day before and after it), celebrate the imminent arrival of whatever you’ve wished (or cast) for. Thank Deity (or the Deities) for the blessings you’ve already received, and for their gracious help in bringing you what you’ve asked for.
Always act in confidence — with perfect faith and trust — that Deity is/are working on your desires right now.
Remember: If you keep digging up planted seeds to see if they’re starting to grow yet, you’ll kill the plant. Faith is an important part of your spells. Trust that Deity will bring you the experience (the essence) of what you’ve cast for, at the very best time for you to receive it.
If you need to banish something
As the moon decreases in size (wanes), cast to eliminate lack, weaknesses, and disappointment in general.
If something is bothering you and it needs to leave your life experience as soon as possible, cast to remove or lift it during the waning (decreasing) moon.
Remember also to ask for what you’d like to replace it. Never cast to remove something and stop there. That could create a vacuum and attract even worse things to you. Always ask for a specific experience to replace what you’re sending away.
When someone is doing something harmful to you or to others, cast for Justice instead of using a spell (or a binding) to stop that person. You don’t personally need to inflict pain or suffering on another person. If it’s an appropriate outcome for that person, Deity (or the Universe, if you prefer) will send that to him or her without your assistance or even your request.
2012 is a very powerful year of transformation and change for all of us. The power is there. Put it to good use by casting spells and using magick responsibly, consciously, and in accordance with the powers within your reach during this landmark year.
Simple Spells for Love: Ancient Practices for Emotional Fulfillment
Simple Spells for Love is the book you need if you’re looking for a permanent, loving relationship. You don’t need to be a “witch” to use these very simple spells and achieve surprising, positive results.
It’s a by-the-numbers book, and it’s so simple to use, you may be surprised that this is magick. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles can be accepting that, yes, it can be that easy.
Other books (and the media) make magick look like something dark and complex. It doesn’t have to be.
For example, many spell books involve strange ingredients — such as obscure herbs — that can be difficult to find.
That’s not the case with Simple Spells for Love. This book is written for normal, everyday people who simply want to find love.
Chances are, you already own most of the simple supplies you’ll need for these spells. (At the very most, you might need to pick up some colored birthday candles or a fresh flower for your home or desk.)
This is a practical book of spells if you’re trying to fix or improve an existing relationship.
Many (not all) of the spells assume that you already have some sort of relationship with the individual. In other words, it may not be the best book if you’re feeling completely alone and feel like no one around you is a good partner for you (or anyone else).
In addition, if you have few friends and spend most of your time at home, feeling sorry for yourself, I recommend a different Simple Spells book: Simple Spells for Success. Frankly, to attract the life partner you deserve, it’s best to be a happy, successful person to start with. You’ll stand out in the crowd, and he (or she) will be looking for you.
I’ve used the spells in that book, over and over again, and they’ve always worked. Even when things seemed unlikely or even impossible, those spells have always worked for me.
And, I can assure you: Being happy and successful can make you very attractive (and downright sexy). (If you’re successful but not happy… well, I’m not sure that’s really “success.”)
So, if you’re not happy with your life and you’re trying to find romance, as well… start with Simple Spells for Success, instead.
The Simple Spells books are among the best spell books you can buy. Author Barrie Dolnick tells you exactly what to do, on what day, and which materials to use. It’s entirely by-the-numbers, like a recipe. Whether you actually believe in magick or not, chances are: These spells will work. (You don’t have to believe in electricity for the light to turn on when you flip the switch. You don’t have to believe your refrigerator is made of steel, for the refrigerator magnet to work.)
In addition, she shares practical, non-magick insights that can help you almost as much as the spells will. She’s counseled a lot of people, especially high-powered executives who’ve needed a lot of help.
So, whether you’re hoping for love in time for Valentine’s Day, the big game (and party), the prom, or so you’ll have someone to kiss under the mistletoe, I recommend Simple Spells for Love.
Here’s what it says inside the book cover:
A modern-day guidebook for easy-to-cast spells and benevolent charms that can strengthen commitment and enhance romance. This mystical, romantic book will help put you back in touch with the powerful rhythms and energies that are a natural part of each of our lives.
Sale Price:$15.00
Necklace – Pentagram
If you’d like to wear a pentagram or pentacle, this is an affordable and simple choice.
Though it’s sold through a “costume” company, the design is simple and lovely, and you can keep it on the faux leather cord, or replace it with a ribbon (recommended) or a simple chain.
Some witches and Wiccans are “out” and are happy to represent their beliefs with jewelry like this. (We believe most witches and Wiccans still aren’t “out.”) The combination of the pentagram and crystal emphasize your beliefs and practices.
For the price, if you’re deciding whether to wear a pentagram or not, this is a great starter necklace.
18″ leather necklace with a pentagram and a drop crystal.
Small, lightweight, and discreet.
Sale Price:$3.95
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
When someone asks me about the Craft or about Wicca, I refer them to this book. Always.
Witchcraft is the practice of the “old ways” and can include the use of herbs (healing, magickal and non-magickal), candles, talismans, and perhaps prayers or spells, depending on your theology.
It’s not necessarily a religion or even a religious practice. There are Christian witches, Jewish witches, Buddhist witches, and so on. If you don’t delve into areas that might conflict, you can be a witch and a devout, practicing member of any religion, mainstream or not.
Wicca is the recognized religious belief system (and practices) that many people practice, worldwide, just as they always have.
This book gives you a good overview of both, but especially focuses on Wicca and how to practice as a solitary. If you are interested in Wicca at all, we always recommend starting as a solitary, and using the simplest (“An’ it harm none”) rituals and practices.
If you follow Scott Cunningham’s advice, you won’t get into trouble. (We can’t say the same about Silver Ravenwolf’s books, though they include a lot of excellent information.)
If you’re not sure about Wicca or witchcraft, this is the only book you need to read, to decide for yourself.
No matter what anyone tells you, or what you see in the media, this book represents the actual beliefs and practices of Wicca.
Skip the jewelry, the cloaks, the athames, the expensive candles and incenses, and just buy this book.
It will keep you busy for months, learning what really works.
Here’s the official description of this important classic.
Cunningham’s classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth.
Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God.
Wicca also includes Scott Cunningham’s own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers.
Sale Price:$10.17
Proud supporter of the Witches' Voice