Types of Spells

[Quintessence]

I've been working on a file for my Book of Shadows on spellcraft (what most of the community calls magic or magick), and as a component of that file, I wanted to include a classification system for types of spells. Although I have a model that I now like, I'm curious to hear how others might approach this or have approached this. Or, if you're not crazy like I am and trying to come up with classification systems, what are some general types of spells you could identify in your practice?

 

[The Hammer]

I've been working on a file for my Book of Shadows on spellcraft (what most of the community calls magic or magick), and as a component of that file, I wanted to include a classification system for types of spells. Although I have a model that I now like, I'm curious to hear how others might approach this or have approached this. Or, if you're not crazy like I am and trying to come up with classification systems, what are some general types of spells you could identify in your practice?

Hmmmm, I have yet to actually start my Book of Shadows (Now I am face palming because of this).

But first thing would be my go to Grounding/Centering Ritual, as I start everything with that. Opening and Closing the Ritual Space, then Ceremonial Rituals (the seasonals). After that, I would detail Tarot spreads I use.

As far as, protection spells or anything like that, I am very unstructured. I do what feels right at that moment, and that depends on the intentions behind what I am working, and the emotions involved. So I am not sure I will ever be able to really write those down haha.

(FYI, I don't make much distinction between Magic and Ritual)

 

[Iti oj]

I use the classifications from D&D

 

[Quintessence]

I use the classifications from D&D

A lot of mine ended up resembling it, though this was certainly not deliberate. Many elements of the D&D spells classification doesn't work for "real world" spellcraft. For example, I have a category called conjuration, but it doesn't resemble D&D conjuration. I classified conjuration (also called evocation) as basically any goal where the caster is trying to draw/create something into their environment (as opposed to making change in the self).

Hmmmm, I have yet to actually start my Book of Shadows (Now I am face palming because of this).

But first thing would be my go to Grounding/Centering Ritual, as I start everything with that. Opening and Closing the Ritual Space, then Ceremonial Rituals (the seasonals). After that, I would detail Tarot spreads I use.

As far as, protection spells or anything like that, I am very unstructured. I do what feels right at that moment, and that depends on the intentions behind what I am working, and the emotions involved. So I am not sure I will ever be able to really write those down haha.

(FYI, I don't make much distinction between Magic and Ritual)

I usually reserve the word "ritual" for ritual worship, or acts that honor the gods, and spellcraft (or magic as most call it) for goal-oriented behavior using occult/arcane techniques. That said, spellcraft is often very ritualistic, or structured according to tradition.

Making a good BoS is a huge process. Mine has basically be in the works for years, but I also put a lot of thought and research into it. Plus, I revise files I write for it multiple times. I'm in the third major iteration of my file on spellcraft.

 

[The Hammer]

A lot of mine ended up resembling it, though this was certainly not deliberate. Many elements of the D&D spells classification doesn't work for "real world" spellcraft. For example, I have a category called conjuration, but it doesn't resemble D&D conjuration. I classified conjuration (also called evocation) as basically any goal where the caster is trying to draw/create something into their environment (as opposed to making change in the self).

I usually reserve the word "ritual" for ritual worship, or acts that honor the gods, and spellcraft (or magic as most call it) for goal-oriented behavior using occult/arcane techniques. That said, spellcraft is often very ritualistic, or structured according to tradition.

Making a good BoS is a huge process. Mine has basically be in the works for years, but I also put a lot of thought and research into it. Plus, I revise files I write for it multiple times. I'm in the third major iteration of my file on spellcraft.

I can see and respect the D&D classification although I am not 100% familiar with it. It is more then likely similar to most video games.

I change edit and modify the way I do things way too often to use anything other then a computer BoS... But with that I refuse to use a computer BoS, because if I need to work something I am not going to place my laptop on my altar for reference >_<. I have a few leather bound books that I want to keep mine in. But again, I adapt things as I do them, and so writing it down has not been conducive to anything at this time.

I see what you mean by the distinction, but as spellcrafting is heavily ritualistic, I would be more apt to say ritual for _____, vice spell for _____. But that really is just word choice more then anything.

 

[Quintessence]

I think we traditionally think of spells as ritualistic. The typical image our culture conjures of a spell being cast involves elaborate incantations and props, so this has understandably shaped the understanding various occult groups have of the subject. I would suggest, though, that spellcraft need not be so ritualistic. I think of things like crafting a work of art and weaving a spell into it, which defies the usual image of doing this. I also think of examples from Penczak's "Instant Magick" where a simple hand gesture is used to facilitate an altered state of consciousness There's not much ritual in that, though I suppose this depends on how we are defining the term. As you said, it's mostly just word choice.

I also sympathize with the desire to keep everything electronic, but I find that the construction of a very nice hand made book forces one to process things more deeply and thoughtfully. Once you get to a certain point in your path, your own tradition begins to solidify anyway, so major changes aren't common. The structure of it makes itself as you walk the path. But this could probably be its own topic, yes?

 

[Mindmaster]

I think we traditionally think of spells as ritualistic. The typical image our culture conjures of a spell being cast involves elaborate incantations and props, so this has understandably shaped the understanding various occult groups have of the subject. I would suggest, though, that spellcraft need not be so ritualistic. I think of things like crafting a work of art and weaving a spell into it, which defies the usual image of doing this. I also think of examples from Penczak's "Instant Magick" where a simple hand gesture is used to facilitate an altered state of consciousness There's not much ritual in that, though I suppose this depends on how we are defining the term. As you said, it's mostly just word choice.

I also sympathize with the desire to keep everything electronic, but I find that the construction of a very nice hand made book forces one to process things more deeply and thoughtfully. Once you get to a certain point in your path, your own tradition begins to solidify anyway, so major changes aren't common. The structure of it makes itself as you walk the path. But this could probably be its own topic, yes?

I've basically stored these in digital format with encryption for the fact that physical books can be stolen or destroyed. Use something that works with markdown and you can even add hyperlinks to the text and it's already "print ready"... Encrypted digital format on the cloud means you will never lose it and no one can read it but you... I used to do the whole physical thing, but I've had things spill onto them... candles tip, etc... Basically, it's just not safe that way... Personally, I use non-ritualistic methods for all things and don't find there to be a particular advantage to doing it "the old way."

The worst thing you can do is not to record things -- if you don't write dreams down your subconscious thinks you ignore it, and if you don't write down tarot readings or sigils somewhere you are often going to forget what they were. Also, it is terrible to have something work well and then forget it...

For me the differences between most of the 'magical' schools of thought are only fabrications. Magic is magic, everything else is an aesthetic.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I've been working on a file for my Book of Shadows on spellcraft (what most of the community calls magic or magick), and as a component of that file, I wanted to include a classification system for types of spells. Although I have a model that I now like, I'm curious to hear how others might approach this or have approached this. Or, if you're not crazy like I am and trying to come up with classification systems, what are some general types of spells you could identify in your practice?

I honestly dont know if this will help, but if I may?

I usually have a journal type Book of Shadows. Im a messy organized person (you know...like the old teen who says " uh ma, I know where everything is in my room..in a congested book") Thats what it is, I scrap book. I use colored stickers to mark pages where I do my sigils. Another color for prayers. Another for what each part of nature means to me and prayers with those.

You can substitute my color method with folders as you were saying. Um. I keep a calender of the moon phases. I started learning more about that and how it relates to other elements. So you can do an "element" file with each folder for individual elements you use. I remember you saying you are heavily an elemental person.

Id say you can wrap your organizing around the elements. For example, for sun (or fire?) you can have a folder with all the work and knowledge you have with your connection with the sun spirit. I like to write, so I usually write small essays about how I am connected to what element.

Scrap books, stickers, folders, etc I use.

In my kitchen, I have a few cabinets specifically for craft. Mostly kitchen things like herbs and natural foods. So if you work with food and such, using cabnets helps a lot and its simple.

Id have to think of others.

 

[Agathion]

Before finding my niche with holy power I studied other types of magic though I never attained any proficiency with them other then causing my arm to be paralyzed and numb for 15 minutes by channeling energy into it. D&D magic system is a good template but needs some tweaks to be relevant to RL magic.
The different spell schools are fine as they are in terms of labels for the different kind of spells there are. Of course real magic does not and cannot work as seen in d&d or Hollywood. In addition if you wish to further specify you could add things such as the elements used in the spell, emotions used, materials required, what time is best to cast it and so on. In most cases no one book of shadows will be the same as another. Everyone is unique and so are their spellcasting methods.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

What is D&D magic system? (Looked it up) Dungeons and Dragons?

 

[vaguelyhumanoid]

Yes, the Dungeons and Dragons magic system. It's a system with 8 schools of magic:

Abjuration - protecting a person, object or location.
Conjuration - summoning a being or object from another plane of existence.
Divination - predicting the future, remote viewing and detecting energies.
Enchantment - magic to read, influence or control minds.
Evocation - shaping and projecting elemental energies such as fire and ice.
Illusion - magic that creates the appearance or sensation of something that isn't actually there.
Necromancy - death magic; spells that can drain life force or re-animate the dead.
Transmutation - magic that transforms beings, objects or terrain.

 

[Erebus]

I've been working on a file for my Book of Shadows on spellcraft (what most of the community calls magic or magick), and as a component of that file, I wanted to include a classification system for types of spells. Although I have a model that I now like, I'm curious to hear how others might approach this or have approached this. Or, if you're not crazy like I am and trying to come up with classification systems, what are some general types of spells you could identify in your practice?

There are so many ways you can categorize spells if you're so inclined. Separating them by "flavour" as vaguelyhumanoid suggested and as you see in various works of fiction is one approach. Separating them into colours or elements is another, similar approach. You could also separate them based on the process of casting the spell. Is the spell heavily ritualistic? Is it more meditative?

Personally, I think spells can be condensed into a few broad categories based on how the spell works:

Goal setting - these are the spells where you set yourself a definite target and keep the spell in mind. Weight loss would be a good example of a goal setting spell. These are the easiest spells to explain to outsiders too.

Alteration of the subconscious - sometimes called "fire and forget" spells. These are the spells that you use once and then don't pay them much heed. The aim is to alter the way you perceive something on a subconscious level.

External impact - the spells that a lot of people think of as more traditionally magical. These are the spells that you intend to achieve something with a minimum of your own physical/mental input.

Apotheosis - spells designed to align your being with that of a particular god.

 

[Quintessence]

This is such an old thread... lol. I finished that file for the Book a while ago, and the system is working fine so far. On the whole, I don't see myself as doing a lot of spellcraft as much as incorporating those same techniques into ritual (aka, worship of the gods). Some of the system I came up with does sound a bit like the D&D one, oddly. Elements of that classification system work fairly well for the real world practice. Maybe I will post what I came up with in this thread if people are actually interested.

 

[Erebus]

This is such an old thread... lol. I finished that file for the Book a while ago, and the system is working fine so far. On the whole, I don't see myself as doing a lot of spellcraft as much as incorporating those same techniques into ritual (aka, worship of the gods). Some of the system I came up with does sound a bit like the D&D one, oddly. Elements of that classification system work fairly well for the real world practice. Maybe I will post what I came up with in this thread if people are actually interested.

Haha! I didn't spot that. Ahh well, some more food for thought I guess.

Would definitely be interested in seeing what you came up with.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yes, the Dungeons and Dragons magic system. It's a system with 8 schools of magic:

Abjuration - protecting a person, object or location.
Conjuration - summoning a being or object from another plane of existence.
Divination - predicting the future, remote viewing and detecting energies.
Enchantment - magic to read, influence or control minds.
Evocation - shaping and projecting elemental energies such as fire and ice.
Illusion - magic that creates the appearance or sensation of something that isn't actually there.
Necromancy - death magic; spells that can drain life force or re-animate the dead.
Transmutation - magic that transforms beings, objects or terrain.

Wow. Not bad. Not bad. (Mental note) Thanks for the explanation.

 

[Quintessence]

Well, since I'm home, I might as well copy this out from the Book (paraphrased, anyway)...

• Conjuration. A spell that aims to create or draw something into the environment that is not currently there. Also called an evocation, because it summons something outside of the caster's body.
• Destruction. A spell that aims to destroy something in the environment that is currently there. Opposite of conjuration. They should not be confused with banishments, which only push things away and not destroy them.
• Transmutation. Where conjuration and destruction target the environment, transmutation targets the caster to transform the self. That state might be temporary or relatively permanent. Also called invocation, because it summons something inside of the caster's body.
• Glamour. A spell that appears to alter the self to outside observers. Also called illusions, or charms, glamours essentially deceive a viewer to see things that are not the way they truly are.
• Protection. A spell that aims to maintain a current state or status quo. Three subtypes: (1) wards, which keep unwanted influences away, (2) blessings, which maintain needed favor to maintain good conditions, (3) banishment, which removes undesired influences. Protection spells frequently contain elements of conjurations, destructions, of restorations.
• Restoration. A spell that aims to recover something that was once present, but has been blocked, disrupted, or destroyed. Also called healing spells.
• Enchantment. A spell that imbues an object with energy or purpose beyond its intrinsic nature or qualities. Similar to a transmutation, only done to something other than the caster.
• Divination. A spell that focuses on gathering information or knowledge. Four subtypes include oracular, otherworldly, omens, and scrying.

It has more similarities to Elder Scrolls than D&D, now than I look at it. LULZ.

 

[Erebus]

Well, since I'm home, I might as well copy this out from the Book (paraphrased, anyway)...

• Conjuration. A spell that aims to create or draw something into the environment that is not currently there. Also called an evocation, because it summons something outside of the caster's body.
• Destruction. A spell that aims to destroy something in the environment that is currently there. Opposite of conjuration. They should not be confused with banishments, which only push things away and not destroy them.
• Transmutation. Where conjuration and destruction target the environment, transmutation targets the caster to transform the self. That state might be temporary or relatively permanent. Also called invocation, because it summons something inside of the caster's body.
• Glamour. A spell that appears to alter the self to outside observers. Also called illusions, or charms, glamours essentially deceive a viewer to see things that are not the way they truly are.
• Protection. A spell that aims to maintain a current state or status quo. Three subtypes: (1) wards, which keep unwanted influences away, (2) blessings, which maintain needed favor to maintain good conditions, (3) banishment, which removes undesired influences. Protection spells frequently contain elements of conjurations, destructions, of restorations.
• Restoration. A spell that aims to recover something that was once present, but has been blocked, disrupted, or destroyed. Also called healing spells.
• Enchantment. A spell that imbues an object with energy or purpose beyond its intrinsic nature or qualities. Similar to a transmutation, only done to something other than the caster.
• Divination. A spell that focuses on gathering information or knowledge. Four subtypes include oracular, otherworldly, omens, and scrying.

It has more similarities to Elder Scrolls than D&D, now than I look at it. LULZ.

I like this system a lot actually. Elder scrolls lore is a very rich resource to use if you're at all inclined towards the chaos magic line of thinking.

In fact, I suspect that most fantasy writers will look into real-world magic at some point in their lives. I remember a Warhammer book that gave a pretty spot on description on how chaos magic works

 

[Quintessence]

Hush hush! By talking like that, you're lending credence to those fundamentalists who say D&D is the gateway drug to the occult!

 

[Erebus]

Hush hush! By talking like that, you're lending credence to those fundamentalists who say D&D is the gateway drug to the occult!

Whoops!

I'll keep quiet on that one then

 

[vaguelyhumanoid]

D&D won't teach you any real occult stuff. Mage, (from the World of Darkness series) on the other hand...