Spells & Bindings

A spell is a work of magic. Magic, like religion, follows different philosophies and can be worked in many different ways. However a spell is generally wrought with some form of ceremony. Factors effecting it may include the time and the date at which it is done; the location; the tools used; the rites of the ceremony itself and the words spoken. Sometimes the purpose is to summon a supernatural being (a god or a demon) who will work the actual magic itself. Sometimes the power is entirely the spell-caster's and the ceremony is an aid to focusing his or her concentration. A spell may be permanent or of limited duration. There may be some further act required to return to human form. Most modern texts are agreed that magic requires immense will-power, concentration, and faith in ones own ability. Magic is generally not believed in, so presumably, the spell-caster must overcome this. This might explain why magic is so weak today in comparison with years gone by. Sadly, many modern disciplines do not hold shape-shifting to be possible. Certainly few magics are as demanding: to change a man into a horse apparently violates many scientific principles. There are a lot of variables to be held in mind: for example, what age horse will the man become? His actual age? His equivalent age? What will his equine appearance be? What breed and colour? Will he retain his human intelligence? Will he be given the equine instinct to be able to instantly control his new form? A horse requires special bacteria in its gut in order to digest grass - will this be part of the spell? Will the transformation be gradual, or will it be instantaneous? Perhaps an essential first step is to acknowledge that science has its place in the universe, but not here! Envision all animals to have an intrinsic "essence" which the magic can draw on to shape itself. One hardly expects that when Circe transformed all those sailors into swine, she reconstructed them atom by atom: she visualised the image of pighood and conferred it upon her guests. More specific enchantments, such as potions and amulets, will be dealt with in other sections.