Spells, Creativity, and Kids
Designing a spell is an endeavor no less creative than sketching a picture or writing a story. As an experiment, ask your child to think of something she really wants. Then work with her to fashion an appropriate spell. Make it fun. Be adventurous. As the adage goes, let your own inner child come out in the process.
When doing spells with kids, incorporate as many colorful, tactile elements into the ritual as possible. Get out crayons, paints, and construction paper. Concoct potions you can actually drink. Dress up in special clothing. Fashion magic wands and other tools. Work outside under the full moon.
Preteens and teenagers can do these spells alone, if they're so inclined, or with friends. Younger kids can do them with an adult or with older kids, if they're willing. The spells presented here are simple and fun and can be done at any time, on any day, most of them under any phase of the moon.
Sharing Magic with Children
Kids usually enjoy creating their own spells. Here are some simple guidelines that will help them cast safe and effective spells:
Do no harm. This is the prime directive of all spell-casting. It extends to all life, and that means animals, insects, and plants as well as people.
Believe that what you're doing is possible. Without this belief, you won't get the results you desire.
Be clear about your intention and goal. Always ask yourself, “Exactly what do I want?”
Back your spell with positive emotion. The more strongly you can feel your spell coming true, the quicker you'll get results.
Keep your request simple. Stick to one wish at a time.
Always state your wishes in the present tense and in a positive way that describes the end result you desire.
If you're doing a spell for another person, make sure you have that person's permission. Even if you're trying to help someone else, and even if you have the person's best interests at heart, always ask first.
Have fun. Spells should always be done in the spirit of happiness and adventure. They're meant to be empowering, and part of empowerment is to enjoy what you're doing while you're doing it.
Read, read, read. Nonfiction books about magic and spell-casting will bolster your practical skills. Fiction will enable you to experience the magic.
Don't give up. If your spells don't seem to be working, follow the remedies suggested earlier. Revise your spells, reword them, and develop an inner awareness of what you're doing and why.
The guidelines children should follow when doing magic are the same as those for adults. The rules don't change as you grow up. That's because magic isn't a game (although it can certainly be fun). It's a worldview, a way of being, and a lifelong pursuit.
Some good books for kids to read about magic include the Harry Potter books, J. R. R. Tolkien's
Charms for Kids
Children of all ages generally enjoy making charms. A child's charm bag should contain only a few objects and be designed to serve a specific purpose.
Allow the child to determine the issue for which he wants to make a charm. Suppose, for instance, that your child is having problems with math and with his math teacher. He must first ask himself what he wants to accomplish. Does he want a better relationship with the teacher? Does he want the teacher to be more helpful? Does he want to develop more interest in the subject?
Remind your child that magic isn't a spectator sport — he must take action to bring about the desired result. A spell alone won't resolve your child's difficulties with math and transform him into a prodigy overnight. He also has to do the required work and study the subject.
Once he's identified the problem and pinpointed his desire, he should decide on the color of the bag. Encourage your child to use his intuition in selecting a color. Then let him choose three objects that symbolize his concern and the outcome he intends to achieve. For help in math, one object might be a string of numbers or a geometric shape. He could include one item that represents the teacher: his or her name written on a piece of paper, the room number of the class, even a picture of the teacher. The third object should describe the end result, such as an A on a test.
Have fun creating the charm bag. The spirit with which the bag is made becomes part of its magic.
