Time to talk about the darker side of Magick; Malevolent Workings, known as such because they are spells or ritual workings conducted to bring about malicious or unpleasant ends. They are most effective when charged with spite and ill-feelings, and may be lauded by certain people or communitues as a form of catharsis or release for those emotions; and while they may be an outlet, the implications of these workings are more complex than this, and should be taken into consideration.
THIS IS NOT A POST ABOUT THE ETHICS OF CURSING.
While I am not an advocate of Malevolent Workings, I also acknowledge that there is a time and a place for such things, and using them or not is a personal choice, which is none of my business; I aim to inform people about the types of Malevolent Workings and their repercussions, so that they can make an informed decision or protect against these spells.
I see a lot of misleading information on malevolent workings, especially around the internet, despite an increasing number of curse advocates, and endless websites displaying curses rituals. But the information about curses themselves is extremely limited, including a lack of discussion on exactly what a curse entails. Frequently, the words Curse, Hex and Jinx are thrown around, yet their only difference is their duration and severity, as I will explain.
JINXES
A Jinx is the one of the weakest categories of Malevolent Working, lasting for the shortest definite duration. The effects are not dangerous, but merely unpleasant to the tune of humiliation, emotional upset, or inconvenience. Often, the effects are similar to a mean-spirited practical joke, or a deliberate obstruction. They are fast-acting, fast-dissipating, and do not require an anti-jinx, or counter spell; due to the low levels of negative energy required to cast them, they can be performed quickly, and without many ingredients to boost their effects (they can be cast without a Taglock/Spell Anchor). As often they are cast with small ceremonies or intentions alone, they also have limited energy, which can be absorbed or dispelled by most simplistic wards, shields or talismans. As the spell is not cast in multiple stages, or with multiple repetitions, they produce one burst of negative energy; Jinxes radiate limited negative energies into the Caster’s space, which can be easily removed via ordinary cleansing methods.
HEXES
Hexes are stronger than Jinxes, and somewhat longer, having a medium duration; they produce somewhat unpleasant effects, such as causing minor injuries, damage to property and even damage to reputation or credibility. The effects dissipate in time, however the duration is dependent on the amount of negative energy and effort put in; usually they are cast with a ritual or ceremony, and will often make use of a taglock or representation of the intended target.
To increase effect, week days, planetary transits, weather or other external conditions may be harnessed, although it is not required to do so. In addition, certain types of Hexes can be recharged after a period, without being recast, but require some components of the original spell to do so (for example, a poppet or taglock). The result is that whilst they may not be necessary in all cases, use of an anti-hex, counter-spell or banishing ritual can be very helpful in getting rid of them; methods such as energy shields, mid-level wards and talismans are also ways to protect against them in advance.
Most Hexes are not cast in stages, but their effects can be amplified by continual charging with energy or intent; a Caster should prepare and shield/ward their space when casting such a spell, and should perform a few repetitions of cleansing to ensure the negative energy does not cling to the space.
CURSES
Curse is often used as a generic term for Malevolent Workings, however this is actually inaccurate; they are a specific type of working, and denote duration and severity, much like Jinxes and Hexes.
Curses are extremely powerful, long term workings, which depending on the spell can be potentially permanent without taking measures to reverse or break them. Once cast, they may have dangerous side-effects, such as serious injuries, health problems, loss of job or security, permanent damage to relationships or reputation; due to their severity, a Caster should always be able to reverse the spell and break the curse, in order to maintain control over the circumstances.
Curses cannot be performed by intentions alone, and require rituals or ceremonies that need to be performed in stages; they require advanced preparation, and may also take a specific duration to carry out. In order to be powerful enough to be classified as curses, they always use a mixture of ritual items, ingredients and taglocks, and may be further amplified by being cast under certain moonphases, planetary transits or other conditions.
Protecting against Curses can be difficult, because of the powerful intent required to cast them; strong energy shields, talismans, high-level wards, banishing and cleansing, and anti-curses or counter-spells or even ritual decoys are effective in riding of curses, however multiple repetitions may be required to fully clear the energy.
A Caster should always take precautions to avoid drawing the energy back to them, and should perform a ritual to put the feelings to rest; they should also perform ritual cleansing both of the area and the self. Multiple cleansings and banishings may be necessary to entirely clear the energy, and a Caster may wish to protect themselves prior to casting the ritual, especially in case the Curse is rebounded.
MALEDICTIONS
Maledictions are cast in day to day life, by almost everyone, regardless of their state as a Magickal Practioner. They are cast by things we often don’t feel in control of, such as directing negative thoughts and wishes against somebody, or speaking ill of them; even directing profanity against someone or something is an example.
These events are similar to jinxes, in that they are cast by burst of intention and energy, yet unlike Jinxes, Maledictions are often cast subconsciously, more from emotion than meaning. The outcome is sending negative emotions to latch onto the target, causing an oppressive atmosphere and negative patterns of thought and emotion in them. Additional complications include tiredness, apathy, difficulty sleeping, and increased stress, meaning that over time they can cause health issues.
Fortunately, this kind of working is a very mild assault, which are only effective when built up over time; energy shields, talismans, programming the aura to repel negativity, aura cleansing and mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness activities are also very useful in controlling the impulses that drive Maledictions.
This covers the most basic and obvious forms of Malevolent Workings; these are the most commonly seen and used types, and are the most easily used.
Join me next time for a discussion on the more obscure categories of Malevolent Workings. See you soon, and stay safe out there.
∞ LIBER ORTUS ∞ 