Words are Spells

There is a reason they call it spell-ing.

When you hear the word “witch” in the stereotypical sense- the crone-like figure who wears black and uses magic (for good or evil)- you might think of fairy-tales and myths where these female figures used spells as part of their magical toolkit.

Meaningful words paired with the intention to create or call in something aligned with our highest purpose can bring about the most magical change in our lives, reinforcing the power and sovereignty we have over what happens to us. Whether it is through intention-setting as part of a ritual, through mantra during meditations, or through affirmations repeated constantly, words are our spells and they have the power to change everything.

Intention Setting

Intentions are like goals and targets you set for yourself with the added turbo-boost of tuning into something aligned with your highest calling. They are wishes that come from a deep, intuitive knowing of what you need, given to you by that connection between universe and being. How do you know what to call in? Tune into something that feels good, that will do good and harness the energy of the moment to make it reality. New moon burning or water rituals are a beautiful moment to connect with the gentle power of mama moon and her lunar energy through intention setting.

I was first introduced to the power of intention on a yoga retreat during our closing ceremony and burning ritual. I wanted that point in my life to be a turning point; I wanted my deep dive into unlearning and exploration to continue so I told the universe that as I threw my intention into the fire. And it was a turning point. That yoga retreat led me to all the growth and healing I have experienced in the last 2 years, and I attribute so much of that to the intentions I have set along the way.

How to set an intention

A beautiful way to introduce yourself to intention-setting is a daily practice in the mornings. Perhaps start with a little gentle movement, a short meditation or some breathing, and then tune into what you wish to call in, let go, create, achieve this day. It is particularly special to do this after your yoga practice in the mornings, when your body and mind have tuned into one another, and your energy is centred and calm. Close your eyes, take your hands into Anjali mudra at heart centre and breathe into the heart-space for a few moments. Call to mind the intention that feels unforced, like a natural fit for the energy you are feeling, and visualise it. See and feel this intention as if it were true and certain to happen, as if it had already manifested, and then let it go as you exhale. Let go of any attachment or expectation relating to it. Turn it over to the universe and move through your day knowing you are supported and loved.

Once your intention has been said or written and released (in whatever way feels right for you) it is essential that you let it go. It’s a challenge not to hold onto that feeling and keep wishing for the same thing, but part of this practice is trusting that once it is out there, you have been heard, and what is meant for you will not pass you by. You have to trust that whatever happens, or doesn’t happen, is for your highest good, and that the universe is supporting your growth with everything that happens to you. There is no “didn’t work”; there is only patience, surrender, acceptance, and trust that what is aligned with your greatest good will come to be.

Mantra

For thousands of years, practitioners of all kinds of yoga and meditation have been using mantras as a way of finding profound stillness, calm, focus, concentration and healing. Many of these phrases have been uttered over centuries, wrapping them in a strong vibrational energy that the practitioner can tap into whenever they need the strength or healing these mantras can bring. The word mantra comes from two Sanskrit words—manas meaning “mind” and tra meaning “tool”. Mantra literally translates into “a tool for the mind,” and was designed to help practitioners access healing on the deepest level, and to discover their truest natures. On top of anecdotal evidence that supports the power of these mantras, researchers and scientists all over the world have found that repeating a mantra during or after a meditation and yoga practice can engage the areas of the brain relating to self-reflection, mind wandering, relaxation and rest (See research carried out by researchers from Linköping University, in Sweden http://www.springer.com/psychology/cognitive+psychology/journal/41465).

In the yogic tradition, these mantras were in Sanskrit, usually beginning with the sound of Om. Here, this primordial, universal sound imbues whatever follows with the most powerful, sacred vibrations in existence. There are thousands of mantras- for healing, for strength, for combatting fear, for overcoming obstacles, for supporting prosperity and encouraging creativity in learning and in art. Ong namo gurudev namo is one of my many favourite mantras, and a favourite of my students, as it calls to the intuitive knowing we all have within: it translates as I bow to the divine wisdom within. Ra ma da sa sa say so hung is a particularly powerful healing mantra for those who need forgiveness, healing from illness or from grief. Shiva mantras are incredibly potent and must be used with good energy and intention behind them. Calling to mind Lord Shiva or his manifestations is a call to the inner self, the true self, the energy of creation, of the universe. Om namah Shivaya translates as I bow to Shiva and can be used in any situation where you need the powerful, creative force of the universe behind you. Research and reading will bring you to whatever mantras you are called to, and the vibrational power-up they can bring you. Find something that resonates deeply with you and you will tap into a form of magic that is physically and spiritually potent.

Affirmation:

In his book “The Brain That Changes Itself”, Norman Doidge explains how the brain is not a rigid structure that cannot be moulded. He outlines the idea of neuroplasticity: that, with practice and consistency, the brain can be wired and rewired in whichever way we intend. With this in mind, we can use the power of affirmations to change or break certain patterns that we identify in our lives as harmful or counter-productive to growth and healing. You can train your brain to believe (or not believe any longer) whatever you tell it to.

Think about the stories you carry around with yourself and the impressions they leave on your behaviour, choices, self-worth. Imagine if you had the power, the magic to change these things? Truth is, positive affirmations spoken out loud or written or seen everyday is the key to this change. Statements beginning with I am such as I am worthy, I am loved, I am safe, I am powerful can physically re-train the brain to respond and react differently, in a way that is more aligned with the personal growth you wish to achieve.

You could write them on post-it notes and stick them in your bedroom or on your bathroom mirror so they are one of the first things you see in the morning everyday. You could turn your phone or email password into a word that means something to you like abundance, positivity or love, and reinforce their positive message by typing them in several times a day. Leaving yourself notes in your diary or planner, setting your affirmations as screensavers on your phone or computer can really retune your thinking.

These positive reinforcements of attitudes, behaviours, patterns that you wish to call in will bring about huge changes if you commit to using them consistently and with the right intention and energy.

So give words a go and call on your inner witch; connect with the strength of an intention, tap into the ancient power of mantra, and the positive energy of an affirmation. Your words are spells; use their powers to change your life.

Love,
Mihiqua Rao