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
Witchcraft Love Spell
A good Witchcraft love spell… ahh, what a topic!
First, there’s the issue of how you cast your spell.
- Are you trying to override someone else’s free will?
- Are you casting a spell for one particular person, whether or not he (or she) is the right one for you?
- What if he (or she) is already in a relationship?
Questions, questions!
If you’ve already thought about this and you’re ready for a love spell that will work “an harm none,” here are our best suggestions.
1. Don’t waste your time with amateur spells. I’m sorry, but most of them won’t work. There are hundreds of them online. They’re often badly written and can backfire.
Don’t use bindings. Don’t use anything that involves the person ingesting something.
Your heart is involved, and — we hope — someone else’s. Don’t make mistakes. Use a good Witchcraft love spell from the start.
(I recommend only one book, Simple Spells for Love. It’s worked for 99% of my clients.)
2. Keep it simple. Try one spell first. Give it time to work… at least a week or two. If you don’t see results, then try something else.
If your first spell is still “running” — the candle is still burning, or whatever — stop it before starting a new spell. Using two love spells at the same time is like running two virus-checkers on your computer. Sometimes, they don’t play well together.
3. Do it right. Spells are successful when you cast on the right day of the week, during the right phase of the moon, using the correct candle color, etc. In witchcraft, love spells can work on the wrong day, during the wrong phase of the moon… but why waste your time and energy?
4. Avoid the auto-pilot approach. Don’t just say a few words, light a candle, and then play WoW for the rest of the evening.  Witchcraft love spells can work that way, but for the best results, channel your focus and energy into it. Keep visualizing your spell succeeding. If there are words to say, keep saying them. Magick isn’t at its best if you try the “set it and forget it” approach.
5. Take it seriously. We’re talking about your future and your happiness… forever, right? (If this is just about a one-nighter, see our second recommendation, below.)
Invest in your future by getting the best spells, and follow them exactly.  We have only two recommendations.  From what we’ve seen, the others are entertaining… but not as reliable.
Simple Spells for Love by Barrie Dolnick
Barrie Dolnick knows spells and keeps them simple. If I need something that’s going to work, Barrie’s spells are the most reliable.
They’re also designed for everyday people. Whether you believe in magick or not, Barrie’s spells work. They don’t involve anything weird or hard-to-find.
Barrie’s spells are easy to follow. She provides background information, ways to add more energy to each spell, and she offers spells for any romantic need. If you are lonely and want True Love, Barrie can help. If his eye is wandering, she has a spell that can help.
If it’s about love, Barrie’s book is all you need.
It’s rare for that book not to work. When it doesn’t, this is the only other book that I can recommend.
The Salem Witches Book Of Love Spells is more flippant than Barrie’s book, and offers a wider range of spells. However, if you’ve never cast a spell in your life, and you know almost nothing about real Witchcraft… this may not be your best choice.
On the other hand, many people — including me — have used these spells with great success. (One reason so many Witches have used it: It was published before Barrie’s book.)
Author Lilith McLelland is an entertaining writer who draws on her own experiences with magick and associates’ in the Salem Witch community.
If you’ve been crying yourself to sleep for the past week or longer, you’ll find plenty of laughs and good spells in The Salem Witches Book of Love Spells. In fact, this book is worth owning just because it’s fun to read.
But, I’ll be honest. If I needed a good love spell, I’d use Barrie Dolnick’s book, Simple Spells for Love.
The Salem book is juicier and more colorful. It relies on tried-and-true Witchcraft, but… I’ve had better luck with Barrie’s spells.
Bad Magick?
People often contact me when a friend or family member is trying to use magick in self-serving ways.
They worry that the individual will harm her (or him) self. Or, they worry that other people will be injured by the spells.
From my experience, the person usually has to learn some hard lessons on his (or her) own. Whether the person is casting spells, using Catholic novenas, or hiring some mystic to do the work for him… it’s still going to go awry.
Yes, the person can harm herself (or himself). However, the discomfort is usually minor and fleeting. The person learns a lesson from the experience, and the problems dissipate quickly.
Friends and family ask if “bad” spells can hurt other people. The simple answer is: Not usually.
Unless the other person in the spell is aware of what’s going on and/or is without spiritual protection, the spells can’t do damage to anyone else. It doesn’t work that way.
When someone else gets sick, it’s usually a coincidence.
Note: I’ve seen people get sick because a spell hastened their karma, but that’s all.
No one can ruin anyone else’s life — with magick or any other cosmic or spiritual force — unless that other person opens the door to it.
If the person affected was part of that kind of spell and knew it… well, there are two people who have some hard lessons ahead.
HOW TO HELP THEM
All you can do is gently advise your friend or family member that self-serving magick is unlikely to work for good.
There are hundreds of thousands of witches in America. I’ve heard of one — just one — winning a big lottery, ever. If windfalls were possible with magick, every weekly lottery would be won by a witch, a mystic, etc.
Beyond gental guidance, the best thing you can do is use your own spiritual practices for protection. Whether that’s prayer, casting protection, sending the person (or people) healing/strengthening energy, or whatever… that’s all you can do.
Each of us has power, and each of us has free will. We must learn to use those gifts wisely, or see them diminished with each false step.
Note: Binding or bottling can be used in extreme cases, but it can be a grave mistake to use either of those techniques casually. I generally recommend against them.
All of your friends and family members have their own paths. Each will find that path in his or her own way.
In the meantime, when anyone uses magick to benefit by keeping others down, the energy returns in ways that reduce his (or her) power for future magick.
That’s how it works. Almost every spiritual doctrine includes a clear warning about that.
HEALING COMES FIRST
Whether or not magick (or any other spiritual practice) causes the person harm or unhappiness beyond its failure… well, that depends on how bitter or even malicious the person’s intentions are.
Unhappy people tend to look for shortcuts in life. They feel short-changed by life, and usually see nothing wrong when their intentions (spells, prayers, etc.) could short-change — or even harm — others.
(I usually hear something like, “Oh, I don’t mean to harm him… just make him see how my life feels.”)
Those are issues best addressed by a counsellor. It’s about the mental and/or emotional health of the person. Magick is simply how he or she is expressing it.
MAGICK – WHAT WORKS
Magick works best for good and from the inside. That’s where the real power is, regardless of your spiritual path.
Magick empowers those who are already happy within themselves. It can also help those who need to find that level of contentment.
Once you’ve achieved a level of self-awareness and personal power, you can use magick to direct that power — with the aid of the gods — to improve the world around you.
That’s when you’re most likely to attract the best that life and the gods can give you, including love, laughter and wealth to make the world a better place.
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