I don't know if I can replace items in a spell

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: nesthead

I hope this is not considered spell begging...

I want to do a spell this week, but it says that I need the dirt from where a person stepped. What if I can't get that? Can I replace it with something, or does this mean I should try a differnet spell?

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: SARDONICPILLOW

personally i feel it is not important as you can make the spell however you want as long as the intent is there. the spells directions are there to aid you in strengthening your enery and intent and if you can get enough from something else then it is no problem

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Frater Manjet

I am not much one for spellcrafting, but if the identity of the person having stepped on the dirt is not critical why not just go outside and take some from your own footprint. I would think this would be quite easy to procure myself.

- VVV

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Ludi

Spells using dirt from a person's step are often spells with harmful intent. Are you doing a spell with harmful intent? Just curious...

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Original post: content persephone

I substitute items for other ones in spells all the time. It just really depends on what the, in this case, dirt, or other item represents or corresponds to in terms of the spellwork.

For example, if the dirt in this case represents somewhere that a certain person has been - you might substitute a map of the place, or a picture of it, or even the name written on a piece of paper (i.e. this person's house at 555 maple avenue or whatever).

Spells work best when they are written and fully "intentioned" by the witch. So I wouldn't worry too much about making someone else's spell fit what you need to do. I would think of how you might adapt the work to fit better with your needs/intention and resources.

Just my $0.02.
Blessings on your path.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Rin Daemoko

You can also expand your concept of "where" this person

has stepped. The soil touches the air around it, the air

around it touches all other soil. All soil was probably at

one time cooking in the earth's interior.

You can also combine the map or card with the individual's

name with the soil. Burry the map or the card in a bowl

of soil and let it sit for a night or two.

The reason a spell would require such a thing is to attain

a "target lock." You'll encounter several different ways

that such a thing can be achieved - the most common is

the use of full names, birthdays, or personal belongings.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Qryztufre

[QUOTE=nesthead]I hope this is not considered spell begging...

I want to do a spell this week, but it says that I need the dirt from where a person stepped. What if I can't get that? Can I replace it with something, or does this mean I should try a differnet spell?[/QUOTE]
Not being able to find an earthen place in the middle of the city is quite sad...OH WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TOO!

Are there any parks nearby?

Maybe an unpaved alley?

Possibly a HUGE pothole in a sidewalk?

Maybe a greenhouse...though, I'm not sure if sticking a handful of dirt in your pocket is shoplifting or not...

Q

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: palindroem

On the other hand . . .

Where a person touches leave a very real signiture of that persons energy. Just as thier hair, sweat or blood would to. The interaction between that person (thier energy) and that spot (the dirt) may have a significance thats realized in thier sum.

Gathering this component also ensures that you have put enough of your own effort (energy) into creating the effect you want. You've focus'ed on the individual, thier energy, someplace they have made a definite impact on the world.

if the identity of the person having stepped on the dirt is not critical why not just go outside and take some from your own footprint

I would contend that in this type of magick, the identity of the person thats stepped on the dirt is specifically important.

The soil touches the air around it, the air around it touches all other soil. All soil was probably at one time cooking in the earth's interior.

There comes a point when you lose the value of a specific object by assuming that universal relationship allows anything to be used as a substitute for anything else. Sometimes its important that a thing is a specific thing. Only your shadow really knows where you stand.
Granted, things that own a signature of the targets identity can often all be put in the same group or catagory . . . its a far cry from them all being the same.

it is not important as you can make the spell however you want as long as the intent is there. the spells directions are there to aid you in strengthening your enery and intent and if you can get enough from something else then it is no problem

Intent is paramount. But not all spell ingredients are there simply for the sake of psychology. Part art, equal science.

Sympathy is often a viable way of modifying a spell. Just remember, the specific flavor of a spell is based on the specific ingredients. Change the ingredients . . . change the flavor. Not less palatable . . . just different.

Just my opinion . . .

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: martin

I agree with Palindroem, it is the actual place where the person came into contact which is required. Earth is very recpetive and will draw into it the energy of a person (which is why traditionally magical tools should not be left directly on the earth), the allegation between the person and the earth will mean that piece of earth will have become connected to them. Any old piece of earth will not make a magical link, just as any old nail clipping or piece of cloth will not act as a witness for a specific person.

Similarly, although I accept the 'all soil is soil and therefore connected' idea, I do not believe that by extension any piece of soil can be used just because all soil is "linked". Only one part of the earth came into contact with his footprint, and only that part retains the personal energy.

And I think I've expressed my feelings on spell ingredients not just being "symbols" before, so I shan't go into it again, except to say that I don't believe that nature is a handy set of symbols there to help us focus on our desires! There is power in nature just as there is power in ourselves, and there are methods by which one may extract the occult virtue of an object, and use it magic, in a way beyond that of mere "props". In light of that I believe that spellcraft should be studied and understood before it is fiddled about with and ingredients substituted.

FFFF
Martin

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Original post: nesthead

Oryztufre, you make me laugh...it's all city streets here.

Ludi, no, it's nothing bad. I'm trying to help a friend out to get a good job, but she doesn't believe in magic - thought I'd try anyway.

Thanks everyone - I think I'll put it together with what reminds me of her, and meditate on it.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: LadyHydralisk

Hair would work better. Just a thought.