All About History

Editor April Madden Designer Laurie Newman Editorial Director Jon White Senior Art Editor Andy Downes Briony Duguid, Madelene King, Daniel Peel Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove clare.dove@futurenet.com Head of Print

Have you ever wanted to make magic? Spellcraft is a mysterious and mystical art form, but with preparation and dedication, you can learn and experience it. To get started, you need to understand its history, from the beliefs and texts of its earliest

Paleolithic peoples create artwork based around the acknowledgement of prey animals and the ritual propitiation of their ancestors. Some paintings include strange, human-animal hybrids that are later theorised to be shamanistic figures. Paleolithic e

When the Moon is new, and waxing, its curved edge is on the right. It increases in size every night until it becomes the full Moon. Then it begins to shrink from the right – its curved side is now on the left, until it disappears from view to become

Small stone One thing lucky people seem to have is the confidence that good things will happen to them. Think of Julie Andrews singing, “I have confidence in me!” in The Sound of Music. To bring good luck for a job interview, an audition, promotion,

Green candle Herb/spice mix Get a green seven day candle, and place on your altar or table. Make a mixture in a small bowl using at least three of the following: basil, mint, cinnamon, clove, ginger, poppy seeds, chamomile. Light the candle, place yo

Green candle Three coins Pouch Cinnamon Bay leaf Many people dream of great riches, but this spell is aimed at increasing prosperity to assure stability. Money issues often cause feelings of stress and shame, and this spell also addresses these feeli

White candles Glass votive holders Coloured squares of paper or fabric Scarf The goddess Aphrodite/Venus is associated with many aspects of love, including beauty and attraction. Anyone can use this spell regardless of gender identity or relationship

Glass of wine Cake or biscuit All relationships need a boost from time to time. Magic is no substitute for counselling or mediation, but you can imbue your solid relationship with extra positivity. For this spell you will need a glass of wine (or jui

White votive candle Cup of herbal tea Mirror Magical spells are no substitute for medical care. But sometimes the mental boost can help us to turn a corner or find some relief. This is especially true if our ailment is stress-related, which can affec

Bowl of soil Seeds Votive candle The planet Venus rules the realm of all partnerships: love, domestic, business, creative. If you want to give extra support to the beginning of a new partnership, try this spell. You will need a small bowl of soil, so

Pink votive candle Apple Doing a spell to envision health can help us listen to our bodies. For this spell, all you need is a pink votive candle and an apple. Start by lighting the candle. Then cut the apple in half crosswise, exposing the pentagram

A photo of your loved one(s) Salt A white candle This spell allows us to bless our loved ones and visualise their safety and well being. You will need a photo of the person/people in question, some salt, and a white candle. Place the photo on your al

A fine day An outdoor space The world’s environmental and political problems seem insurmountable sometimes. But prayer, activism and magic all play a part in inspiring people to make positive changes and to work together. For this spell you need only

Pouch Dried basil Haematite crystal Blue/black candle Research shows that people who behave confidently are less likely to be victims of crime. Sometimes the way we hold ourselves can help us feel stronger and safer. This spell is also a charm of pro

Salt Dried rosemary Sprigs of rosemary Small mirrors If we don’t feel safe in our home, our lives can feel very unstable. But remember, magic is no substitute for practical actions we can take, like getting advice from a trusted friend, or replacing