😎 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Casual Casting

[BryWisteria]

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to everyone who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - HandCrafting

After delighting in the beautiful creative works of the coven, it’s time to put that creativity to the test in another way- but no need to be formal about it!

The theme for this week’s challenge was suggested by the wonderful @Amethyst and is…

Casual Casting : Informal Magick

Set aside strict traditions and ease up on elaborate rituals this week-
Sit back, relax, and cast some casual magick!

What is “informal” magick?

“Informal” magick is any magick that doesn’t require strict rules, elaborate preparations, or is bound to any rigid doctrine. It is laid back, casual, and may happen on a whim!

As with many magickal terms and aspects, each practitioner will have their own idea of what counts or doesn’t count as “informal magick”, but on the continuum of magick it undoubtedly falls on the opposite end from “formal” or Ceremonial Magick.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

This week’s theme challenges you to explore “informal” magick and casting casually - but as always, how you do so is up to you!

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Art by Strigoides on DeviantArt: Witch on the Beach

STEP 1 : Casting Casually

This challenge encourages you to set aside formality and embrace casual casting- be free with how you pursue the theme this week!

Still not sure where to begin?

To help you get started, the following list has a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Casual Quarter Calling

Some witches choose to call on the Quarters (also known as the Watchtowers or Guardians) as a pre-ritual procedure or as a spell in and of itself. While it is often a formal affair, every witch is free to call on the quarters in any way they so choose.

If calling the Quarters calls to you, feel free to give it a try- using as much or as little guidance or doctrine as feels right to you!

How to Call the Quarters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Easy Elements

Often associated with calling the Quarters, Elemental Magick can often involve elaborate preparations and careful planning. While the elements certainly have a treasured place in Ceremonial Magick, that doesn’t mean they can’t also be quickly drawn in to more casual spellwork.

The Elements of Wiccan Wisdom

Elemental Invocations and Meditations

For more ideas about Elemental Magick, feel free to check out the previous Elemental Mastery Challenge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Simple Circles

Something we see depicted in the movies all the time- casting a circle has become synonymous with ritual work. But not all witches draw circles every time they cast, and not all witches use circles for exclusively ceremonial magick!

Circle Casting for All: Wiccans and Non-Wiccans

Easy Circle of Protection: Casting a Circle with Your Mind

See also:
→ How to Cast Circles While Sitting Down

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Meet Your Inner Magick
The gifts of the community and shared knowledge are invaluable blessings, but it can sometimes be easy to lose sound of your own unique voice in the vast song of the magickal world.

Take some time to pause the teachings, wisdom, and knowledge we usually embrace to listen to just your own inner voice, free from any other influences. Stripped of all doctrine, rules, and expectations, you may be able to enjoy that pure spark that encouraged you to find magick in the first place

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Chaos Magick

While not always informal, Chaos Magick certainly likes to bend obliterate the rules! As an exceptionally freeing and lawless area of magick, Chaos can be as casual as you’d like it to be.

Intro to Chaos Magick

Being a Chaote: Practicing Chaos Magick

For more chaotic magick inspiration, check out the previous Chaos Magick Challenge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Everyday Magick

The whole appeal of “casual” is that it doesn’t require a lot of thought or effort- for this challenge, you might choose to find small and easy ways to add some magick to your normal day.

→ Compilation of Quick Witchy Hacks
→ Wearing Witchy Jewelry in Public
→ Quick & Easy Magick Recipe to Chill Out

You can also visit the previous Everyday Magick Challenge for more easy ways to add magick to your life

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

…And More!

Be casual! There are no formalities to your magick here- you are free to embrace casual casting in whatever way best suits your unique magickal practice

Art by Days-E on Tumblr: Bonding Time

---

---

STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Please click here for notes about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

To participate in the challenge, please share:

1. How you practiced/explored informal magick this week

For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new thread in the forums.

Note : If you choose to create a new thread, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post so that I can easily find it- thank you!

---

This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, July 26th at 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time)
( 2022-07-26T05:00:00Z )

(Note that the time zone is CET- you can use this time zone calculator to switch into your time zone!)

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

---

Picture from Freepik

A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team .

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Art by Flowerchild on Amino: Casual Witch

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

With but a simple thought and a flick of the wrist-
Your magick is yours, it freely exists!
So set down your books and let yourself be-
With informal magick, you’re completely free!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Blessed be!

[Kasandra]

Fon moor! Zu’u fen morot do fos dreh to.
Sounds fun! I’ll have to think about what to do though.

I usually plan my casting—ingredients, items, etc— but now that I think about it, I do a lot of casual casting in the form of daily magick, which is sometimes not planned. Some unplanned ritual should come up that I can enter for this challenge.

[crystal5]

These challenges are so much fun! I think these are building consistency in my practice.

(Some of you may have noticed my obsession with tea which is the first informal practice I thought of.)
I think the tea meditations are a lovely less formal practice. I bookmarked them together. Let’s see if I can share a bookmark. https://spells8.com/my-bookmarks/?cbxbmcatid=5321&userid=2104
(I tried the link and it took me to all my bookmarks. I like my system so I will leave it. Scroll down to tea and you will find all the tea ceremonies I have found.
The daily rituals are bookmarked as well. They can lead to informal practices, as well).

[Amaris_Bane]

Lol, well if this isn’t right up my alley! Really the only planned casting I do is for the Sabbats and maybe Esbats if I need an extra boost of something. Most of the time my casting is the urge to do something, me quickly gathering what I need based on intuition, sometimes referencing my book of correspondence of I have a specific intent but not a strong urge to pull certain herbs/crystals, yelling at my husband not to bother me, then sitting at my altar to get to work. This is part of why I have so much trouble replicating spells or herbal remedies because I just use what my gut is taking me to use at that time.

Let’s see if I can keep track of at least one thing this week to share, lol.

[AileyGrey]

I think I do a lot more casual casting than anything else! With a house full of people and littles underfoot, if it’s long and elaborate, it probably isn’t going to happen! Excited to see what everyone thinks of!

[Garnet]

104. Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Casual Casting
     Challenge Entry - Barbara

What an interesting subject.
Remember, as you read, this is what I do informally. I’m not suggesting anyone else follows my habits. This is my practice, how I am at peace doing Magick. You must form your own ‘rules’ or habits. Good luck.

I don’t do a lot of formal spells anymore.
It’s not that I’m lazy, just complacent. I am comfortable at this point in life. I don’t ask for anything, it is what it is and I am pleased.
CASUAL MAGICK
Casting a circle
Perhaps one of the first spells or manifestations I learned. When I do my devotionals is when most of my magical work is done.

“With this salt I sanctify this space
Blessed and sacred to keep me safe.”

I like to cast most of my circles, whether sitting or standing, with salt and strength of will.
In my magical supplies, I either have a salt pot or a salt packet from Micky D’s

• I take a large pinch of salt and simply close my eyes.
  Holding the salt over my head, I release the salt in a circular motion like a shower of gold, making a circle. Sometimes I say the blessing above, sometimes not. But either way, I visualize the formation of a golden circles of protection surrounding me.
  When I close the circle, I mentally allow it to slowly it fade into invisibility.
  PS: I always feel clean and lifted afterwards.

I may be way off base but each morning when I step outside to greet the moon, I acknowledge the elements. I start with Water, which has its own sounds and sights and is precious to all life, I wonder if there is a symbiotic relationship with Moon. AIR - sweet and moist, Earth - fresh with growing life. FIRE – Living in Florida, one is aware of the heat all year round, except the 4 days below 50 (winter) Sunshine? Yes fire gives us so much to be thankful for.

I speak to my cats, my plants and my husband if he has his hearing aids on.
My cats and man rarely interferes with my devotionals or prayers. If they do, it only breaks my concentration, not my circle. My Siamese cat will bump my elbow for a head scratch and it never bothers what I’m doing.

I am blessed, I am safe and I am loved.
May it be the same for you all.
Garnet

[crystal5]

If you would like some ideas on how to “weave some magic into the mundane”, I recommend “The Witches’ Cookery” 10 Easy things to do as a witch | Simple witchcraft for everyday practice - YouTube.

[Sarafeena_Sage]

Time to put on the jeans and go casual casting! LOL oh yeah and sneakers!

[jessica72]

I like to randomly draw pentagrams when I am wiping a surface or mopping the floor. Especially mirrors and windows, when I am cleaning them I always wipe a little pentagram in the middle. I’m not exactly sure where I picked up the habit but hey-ho there you go. Can’t help the just casually add a few protection symbols here and there.

[Artemisia]

Hmmm this is an interesting one. I’ll have to think about what I’d like to do tonight. Need to make a plan!

Thanks for the ideas and inspiration @BryWisteria and @Amethyst !

[Amaris_Bane]

@jessica72

Especially mirrors and windows,

On mirrors it’s a good habit to keep them locked and some forget to protect their windows as well. I actually do this with the rune on my windows with salt water when I start cleaning. Then by the time I get around to actually cleaning them (I use a homemade cleaner), it’s dried and easy to “wipe” away the evidence since I’m not fully out the broom closet

[Amethyst]

Whee! I can’t wait to see what everyone does!

[Susurrus]

@Amaris_Bane

my casting is the urge to do something, me quickly gathering what I need based on intuition, sometimes referencing my book of correspondence of I have a specific intent

@AileyGrey

I do a lot more casual casting than anything else!

Being the Master of Chaos that I am, I’ll have to see if I can reign in some of the chaos & get some kind of order in there for this one. I have an idea of something that I can do because it was pretty informal the last time I felt the need to do something. It definitely was something that it was like, well this is what you need to do & now go do it & I just… did it.

I have limited time when I feel comfortable doing any of my things. Some things I don’t care who is around or in the house, other things I need to be behind closed doors if anyone is here, or other times… just me & my dogs are here so I can get what it is I need to, done. If it’s outside then, I figure if they want to know they’ll ask otherwise I don’t think they really have put much thought into it, I don’t hide it but I don’t go out of my way to advertise it either. You either know or you don’t & I’m okay with that

My oldest son that is interested in Norse mythology & paganism won’t even say a word if I forget to shut my door while I am doing a full chakra cleansing with crystals & laying down after say a difficult appointment & I don’t realize how close it actually is to him leaving for work… he just quietly goes to work & I send him a text afterward to wish him a good night & I will see him later.

I do have a couple of things milling around though that I would like to get done & my husband told me when he got home that first tomorrow is a “Me” day & second that means nothing outside of what I want or need for myself. (Talk about unattainable expectations, but I’ll give it a shot )

• Eeeekkk… something to think about manifesting! It’s been a while!

[Artemisia]

@Garnet I really liked your entry for this week’s challenge. It resonated deeply with me. I guess I’ve felt like maybe I’m not truly a witch because I don’t always feel comfortable following a formal or ceremonial ritual. There are some occasions where it fits for me but generally, it’s outside my comfort level. And for that reason, I always had a bit of doubt in my mind. Was I wrong? Am I trying to force something that doesn’t fit?

Then I read your entry and it clicked. I’m not in the wrong place! I was just forcing a square peg in a round hole. Casual magick is what I do, what feels innate and right for me.

Maybe it’s silly but it was an Aha! moment for me - when I realized where my Magick lay. This is what I do. This is who I am.

Thank you for sharing!

[Susurrus]

@Artemisia

always had a bit of doubt in my mind. Was I wrong? Am I trying to force something that doesn’t fit?

I had this feeling for the longest time. Following the recipes or the foramlities just wasnt how I operated. It never felt right or it felt forced to me.

Once i started “making spells my own” I would do what I could, when I could, & with what I had or felt I needed, I set up my devotionals or altar however it happens to turn out depending on what I’m doing.

It took me a while to understand that is what works for me. Honestly for a while it was just chaotic, its getting to be more of an informal routine or practice now as I have worked through some things.

I personally don’t always cast a circle, whether inside or outside. It’s a rare occurence because of other things I have done or do each day thst are meant for the same things. So I just have a small crystal wand.

So, you are not alone there. Im happy that @Garnet had done her entry today & that it resonated with you & clicked.

Garnet, I think what you do each day is a great way to start the day. Someday I will get to a point where I have a daily routine & things will come together. I still have a lot to do first.

[Amaris_Bane]

@Garnet

except the 4 days below 50 (winter) Sunshine

As a Texan on the Gulf I can sympathize with the year round summer lol.

I love your morning “routine” and have a similar process. I wake up and say my morning prayers/blessings to my ancestors and deities. I let my dogs outside and say good morning to the sun and the birds while they are doing their business. When they go inside, I then go about watering what plants I have left and filling my bird bath and feeders, giving them blessings while I do it. Then I go about my day.

[jem1]

I thrive on informal magick

[Phoenix_Fire]

I had a thought about rainbows as weve been looking at rainbow with kids lately with all the rainy n dark days to bring some colour into the dreary day. So after i finishrd work and another rainbow themed day i was thinkibg about the challenge and decided i was going to look for oppotunities during the next week to incorporate colour magic around the colours of tge rainbow . Not sure what yet bjt now im thinking of it i can see what ideas come up as i go

[Ostara]

@Phoenix_Fire I just read something the other day about rainbow water. You put it out when there is a rainbow and let it charge like moon water. We haven’t had any rain, so no rainbows here in Texas!

[BryWisteria]

@Kasandra I think it’s normal to be more aware of the formal and carefully planned out spellwork as it naturally uses more thought- but it sounds like you already use a lot of fun and impromptu magick! Hopefully the theme this week helps you (and others too!) become more aware of those lovely little aspects and moments of sudden magick that you may not have been aware of before Have fun with it!

@Crystal I’m so glad to hear you find the challenges fun, Crystal! And also that you enjoy the tea meditations- the fellow tea lover in me is always delighted when someone else enjoys tea magick as much as I do! And thank you for sharing both your bookmark list and the recommended mundane magic video!

@Amaris_Bane It sounds like casual magick is your cup of tea, Amaris- hooray! I hope you find something fun and freeing to jump into this week- there’s certainly no need to stress about it! Let spontaneity take over and enjoy the magick that comes to you

@AileyGrey It sounds like you’ve adapted your practice to the situation and made it work for you- you’re a master of casual magick, Ailey!

@Garnet You always write so beautifully, Garnet I think it’s so powerful that you’ve built up your practice and found your comfort and happiness with how you use it- that is such an accomplishment that you’ve found what works for you, and that you stick to it! You keep on doing you, Garnet! (And also please give your cats some loving pets from me- they sound really sweet, maybe even as sweet as their owner! )

@Sarafeena_Sage Or pajamas- there’s no dress code here!

@Jessica72 And hey-ho there you go- it’s spontaneous magick that is calling to you, so why not jump into the moment and heed the call? I think it’s both creative and productive to place protective symbols around- good for you, Jessica!

@Artemisia I hope you can find something fun- no need to focus too much on planning, if you can, feel free to let spontaneity take over! Good luck, Kat!

@Amethyst Same here! Thanks again for a very fun challenge theme, Amethyst- I hope there will be plenty of fun informal casting tips, tricks, and ideas shared around!

@Jem1 Then this challenge is for you, Jem! I can’t wait to see how you’ll take on the theme this week- have fun with it!

@Phoenix_Fire Hooray for rainbows and color magick! It sounds like rainbows have been a theme in your life lately- definitely worth pursuing it and enjoying the magick that comes from those discoveries Hope you have fun with it, Phoenix!