Composing Magic

Book excerpt: “Like a modern Saraswati [the author] leads us through the brainstorming for a topic, rhythm, meter, poetic form, self-editing, and ritual literature.” —Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D., author of Pagan Every Day You’ve attended rituals that took your breath away. You’ve borrowed spells out of books. You’ve read splendid Pagan poetry in magazines. Now learn to compose all these types of magical writing yourself! Composing Magic guides you through the exciting realm of magical and spiritual writing. You’ll explore the process of writing, its tools and techniques, individual types of composition, and ways of sharing your work with other people. The book shows you how to write: • Basic and advanced forms of poetry • Spells • Chants and rounds • Prayers • Blessings • Solitary and group rituals Each type of writing includes its history and uses, which cover diverse traditions. Step-by-step instructions lead you through the creative process. Examples demonstrate finished compositions of each type, while exercises help you develop your skills by practicing what you’ve just read. You’ll discover that magical writing has more impact when it comes from the heart. Anyone can develop the skills needed to create effective compositions, but the most successful writers reveal their souls. Composing Magic will also show you ways of deepening your craft through performance and publication. Whether you practice solitary or in a group, this book will help you write with more power, more beauty, and less effort. “A smart, well-crafted book.” —Kenaz Filan, managing editor of newWitch “Composing Magic blends the craft of poetry and the Craft of magic in one dish.” —Chas S. Clifton, author of Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America