Basic Spell Structure

This is not exactly what I always use but it does have some good points enjoy.

Author Unknown

I. Understand exactly what it is you wish to accomplish and know how to word it. Know exactly what you want before you undertake a spell. If you can't state precisely, in 15-20 words or less, or visualize precisely what you expect to manifest from the spell, you're not ready to proceed with it. Don't be vague. Many a witch has manifested results that were exactly what was asked for, not what was truly desired for. Once you have clearly defined what you want, decide what words you will use to verbalize this magickal desire and the visualization. You may use rhyme or prose, just be sure you use the present tense, and write it down and/or memorize it.

II. Start visualizing the process towards the ends. Start seeing the process from where you are now to what your situation will be like once the magickal goal is manifest. It is important to remember not to dictate how the goal will manifest, just how your situation will change and improve when it does. Likewise, don't visualize taking from someone else to fulfill your need. This is a violation of the Rede, and will never work to your ultimate good.

III. Decide which magickal tools you will use (if any) to help draw the energies of your goal to you. If you want to be totally precise and anal look at the Wheel of the Month for the correct Moon phase, the correct Correspondence Tables  to decide which Astrological, Planetary, Day, Hour, Elemental, Color, Stone, Incense, Herbal, and Essential Oil attributes are appropriate for your magickal goal. You may choose to use as many or as few as you desire.

IV. Have everything you need in the appropriate place at the appropriate time. Your magick could be lessened if you have to leave the sacred space of the circle to retrieve forgotten items.

V. Purify your space and yourself.

VI. Cast your Circle.

VII. Ground and Center yourself. Do this by pulling your energy into a line running through the center of your body that is anchored into the Earth. Clear your mind of all errant thoughts so you can focus on the task at hand.

VIII. Begin visualizing your goal and raising magickal energy. Concentrate and start your visualization; the one that you perfected in step one. Take your time and recall it in vivid detail. Start raising magickal energy. Witches call this energy the "Cone of Power", as it rises up above them in the shape of an inverted cone. Do this by dancing, singing, visualizing, chanting, or any combination you desire.

IX. Perform the Actual Spell. Use the tools, words, actions, and anything else required. If you make a slight mistake, worry not, just continue. If you feel you have made a major mistake, stop right there and begin grounding the energy you've raised into Mother Earth. It is better to proceed than stop. Partially cast spells tend to manifest chaotically.

X. Release the Cone of Power. Even after the spell is finished, you may continue to build up the energy you have been raising. When you feel you can't raise any more energy, release it physically, by exhaling or throwing your arms up; and mentally, by seeing it go outward from you to do it's work.

XI. Formally end the spell with an affirmative phrase such as "It is So", or, "So Mote It Be". Any residual energy you feel around you at this point should be grounded into Mother Earth.

XII. Close your Circle.

XIII. Enter the details of your magickal workings in your Book of Shadows. Include the day, date, time, tools used, actual spell, and any comments or observations you have.

XIV. Work your spell in the mundane world as well. This means taking whatever actions are necessary in your everyday, physical world to aid the manifestation of your spell. This includes continuing to visualize your goal.

XV. Repeat the spell. This is at your discretion, but "more" is not always "better". Piling spell atop spell will likely cancel the previous spells out. Some witches wait three months before repeating a spell.

X. Breaking the Spell. It has been my experience that once something is cast, it will run it's course to an extent, even if you "break the spell". Energies you set in motion are going to manifest; breaking the spell allows you to control to some degree how much of those energies manifest.