There is nothing wrong with using spells in books or on web pages, as long as they are used as guidelines for writing your own spell. There are many reasons for this. A lot of new Witches might try a spell word-for-word out of a book and not know what many components of the spell mean or what they are for. Therefore, the spell will not work. It's not the words you say that make the spell work, it's the intent and the energy. If you don't know the meaning of what you are doing, how can it be an effective spell? If you write your own spell or ritual, you will know the meaning and significance of every word and action contained in that spell, thus your magickal working will be full of power. Following is a short "recipe" for writing your own spells and rituals. It includes many questions you will need to answer before working your spell. Many answers to the questions are found on my web page; others are found in books or in other web pages.
Know the Basics
Know what magick is. Know different ways to raise, direct and ground energy. Know how
to cast a magick circle. Know how to open a circle. Know the basic outline of a spell.
Know the Intent or Purpose
What is it you are trying to do? Heal an illness? Increase your concentration? Bring love
into your life? Sell a house? Celebrate a Sabbat? Before you begin any magickal working,
you should have a firm grasp on what outcome you are seeking.
Know the Best Time to Work the Spell
Do you know what type of magick should be worked during the waning moon and what
type during the waxing moon? What type of magick is best worked on the full moon? The
new moon? What days of the week are best for what types of magick? Learn how the
moon phases and days of the week affect magickal workings so you will know when to
work your spell.
Know Correspondences
Learn which colors will bring what results. Learn a little about herbalism; which herbs can
be used for what magickal purposes. Learn about image magick and how it works. Learn
about elemental magick; which elements can be used for what types of magick.
Basic Working Spell Outline
Ritual Preparation
Choose a time. Decide the intent. Choose an aspect of the Divine, if you wish. Decide how
to raise energy (ie: dance, chanting, drumming, etc.) Choose how to cast and close the
circle.
Cleanse yourself and your magickal space.
You can do this with a ritual bath for yourself, or through meditation to still and focus
your mind. You can cleanse your space with your magickal broom or with incense or
burning herbs.
Cast the Circle
Invocation of the Divine
Statement of purpose
This is simply to tell the Divine why you have called Him/Her to the circle; what you are
trying to accomplish.
Magickal Working
Raise energy, through chanting or drumming or however you have chosen to do so. Direct
or channel this energy by using candles, herbs, stones or whatever other correspondences
you found to fit your specific need. Ground your energy when you have completed the
working.
Cakes and Wine
Eat a small piece of bread or cookie and drink a little wine, milk or juice to help restore
your energy.
Thanking the Divine
Closing the Circle