By Kali'Diah
>I wanted to know how spells work and what they do.
>I always wondered why you believe they work.
>Where do you think the power to do the spells come from.
>I'm not saying there is no power or source because there very well could be.
You wanted to know what spells do. Easy: whatever YOU want them to. That's the whole purpose of magick. Even if deity is incorporated, it is a tool to help you accomplish goals, or to change situations.
As to HOW they work, the jury's still out on that one. There are a bazillion theories, but nothing definite. However, for the most part, it's basically gathering energy and "charging" it with a purpose (what you want the spell to accomplish), then sending it out into the Universe to bring about that change. That's really all you need to know. Not knowing the EXACT details won't matter much.
Because I've cast spells for specific things, and those specific things occured. I've had proof. If I didn't have that proof, I wouldn't believe.
I don't think of it as "power". That implies something outside of me, beyond my control. I don't feel comfortable with that.
The choice to do spells comes from me and my need/desire. The knowledge to do spells comes from my own instinct and logical thinking, books, and other more experienced practitioners. The energy needed to "fuel" the spells comes from within me, as well as my environmet -- energy is all around us, may as well use it.
I do not think that some being, divine or otherwise, "graced" me with the ability to do magick ... only the curiosity that led me to study it. Anyone can do magick, if they want to.
I personally don't believe that magick itself is "granted" by any divine force. Yes, many incorporate deities into spellwork, but even if you removed them, the magick would still be there. You'd just have to construct the spell differently.