I’ve been working on some manifestation spells and how to work best with natural energies.
Now I’ve read in many books that once you’ve cast a spell you then put it out of your mind and let the universe do the rest. I’m not sure I can work like this, I’ve tried it and am not sure it’s for me.
I feel that my spells, particularly manifestation work, should be thought of and the manifestations nurtured, I feel like I’m abandoning them otherwise - maybe its the mothering instinct!!
I’d love to know how others work, do you find it works best for you to release spells as soon as they are cast? I feel that there is no right or wrong way with this, other than to do what feels right, but it is best to forget about spells and leave it to the universe Ito sort it out?
I think about it, but it’s more like a, I can’t wait till it works kind of thing. An affirmation, not a doubt. But other than that, yeah, I leave it for the Universe to decide.
I agree with your own assessment - you sound a bit like a mother hen, worrying about one of your chicks! But in a good way.
It’s totally understandable - you did the spell, maybe even wrote it. You assembled the ingredients and tended to it before actually putting it out there. Why shouldn’t you feel that little pang?
What I have found useful is incorporating a small candle, even if one’s not necessarily called for - and usually a small tea candle, so I can let it burn all the way out without it taking a couple of hours!
The action of having the candle burn out and seeing the smoke rise is kind of calming to me - like, my work is done, and yes, it’s up to the Universe now.
All that aside, you’re right that there’s no right or wrong way and you just have to do what feels right to you. So if you’re happier keeping them in your thoughts to nurture them, then why not?
I suppose it depends on what the spell is for. If I’m making a witch bottle to improve a habit, I’ll keep it in mind after it’s made. I feel like it’s reinforcing the intent.
Other spells I fire and forget, well maybe not forget but let go. Like the cinnamon abundance spell the first of the month. I do it and trust the rest will fall into place.
I’ve been doing spells on moving, lately. One I keep under my pillow and repeat every night as I attempt to fall asleep. Another, I repeat when I think of it. It’s hard to cast once and let go of something which requires so much cleaning, packing, and red tape! Yet there are parts of the process which require me to step back and let the Universe or deities handle. I’m firmly in the camp of doing what feels right in the moment, just because I acknowledge several layers of work to be done, both within and on the physical plane.
I agree with you that there’s no right or wrong! There are definitely different schools of thought about spellwork post-casting.
I’m of the same train of thought as others that spell follow-up depends on the type of spell. Some things are best left in the past - continuing to fret over cord cuttings, banishments, or removals may weaken or even negate the spellwork . On the other hand, I’ve found that growth work like money spells, finding a new job, self-care, achieving peace, etc all benefit from gentle nurturing and continued attention
To make the call, one could ask: Is continuing to think about this helping the spell manifest, or is it negating the work I’ve put in?
If continued thought and visualization is helping the spell along in positive ways - great! If not, cut it from the mind and trust the Universe to handle it
That’s the happy medium and the ideal right there!
Like some others, I’m one who reinforces spells. I’ve read books that said don’t do it and books that said it was useful. Like Bry and others have said, you do you.. I feel better when I reinforce it so I keep doing it. Setting a spell and forgetting it is not in me. Even if it is a closed spell like a bottle. I still send help periodically.
I think with me it depends who’s in control of the spell. I have a spell currently in the process but it’s controlled by the runes so I leave it alone (I found runes don’t like it when I fuss)
If its controlled by a deity/demon, again I leave it alone, it shows lack of trust. I have my Malphas home protection jars and he doesn’t want me messing those up either, spells done, request made, now clear off so to speak
If its mine, I fuss with it all the time. That’s just me
(ps: this could be a chaos witch thing mind as we are known for changing things like all the time for no valid reason other than we feel like it might be why my spiritual team are like hands off)
What a fascinating question @LilithKitty, thank you for the very interesting dialogue I had with my self! If I may offer my thoughts, and I generally agree with everyone, yet I think there’s another perspective to add.
The beauty of magick lies in the eye of the beholder, so you do you - if it makes you feel better and doesn’t harm you or anyone else, then you do you.
As has also been said, it depends on the magick; some spells, such as knot spells, are designed for longevity, which I think is based around the idea that some spells need reinforcement; which spells, that’s up to the creator i.e. you. It’s your spell, you can decide how you want it to work. On the other hand, some practitioners feel that some magick must be reinforced regularly, like protection spells…we trust the Universe, but who has ever done a protection spell just once in their life lol.
Lastly, I think you should consider what you’re thinking in relation to the magick. If you’re gathering positive energy because you’re thinking about the outcome and how great it will be…why not pour that energy into the spell for a little boost? If you’re worried about the spell, ask yourself why and go from there; if I’m worried a spell isn’t working, maybe I need to address my confidence issues, and we all do that so don’t worry. If you’re worried that the spell needs charging or is somehow waning, again, why not?
It’s easy to get lost in what books say and what other people experience, but at the end of the day it’s your magick and no one else’s. Besides, there’s no rule that says all of your magick has to follow the same rules - maybe one month you’ll reinforce protection more, the next month you might feel the finances need a boost. Find your own flow, and enjoy the ride!
For me, I set it and forget it. I find that every time I try and put additional energy or thought into it, the longer it takes to work, if it works at all. Like the Universe smells my desperation, lol! My best manifestations are always ones that I forget about. Then when it happens/turns up, I’m always surprised because I forgot I asked.
. On the other hand, I’ve found that growth work like money spells, finding a new job, self-care, achieving peace, etc all benefit from gentle nurturing and continued attention 
as we are known for changing things like all the time for no valid reason other than we feel like it