Define magick. Explain when it is appropriate to use it, and for what purposes. Explain when, and for what purposes, it should NOT be used.

Magick -- real magick -- has been defined as "the art of changing consciousness at will." It is first of all something you do inside yourself, though it can have effects in the outside world. You may want to discuss this and other definitions with your counselor and parents, and read some good books on magick.

You have probably heard the Wiccan Rede, which says, "An ye harm none, do as ye will." So when you learn to work magick, you will use it only for good purposes, like healing yourself, or protection, or helping people who ask you for help. Talk about this with your counselor and parents.

Then design and perform a ritual for some positive purpose. It should be visually, aurally, and kinesthetically effective, and include the following elements:

A. Self-preparation

B. Creation of sacred space

C. Invocation of the elements and God/dess

D. Raising, channelling, and grounding energy

E. Celebration

F. Closure

Hopefully, you have participated in sabbats, esbats ("Moons"), and other rituals with your family and coven, so you have some idea what one is like. Now it's your turn to design one, with your counselor's help. You can make it a solitary ritual, with your counselor observing, or invite your family, Pagan friends, or coven to be involved.

Your purpose could be to heal, to protect, to bless, or to draw something positive like wisdom, self-confidence, or prosperity.

Remember, your ritual should appeal to all the senses. For the ears, include music, singing, and chanting. For the nose, flowers and incense. For the eyes, bright colors and beautiful things on the walls and altar. For the tongue, "cakes and wine" or a feast. For your whole body, dance and movement, and nice things to touch.

As part of the preparation, or during the ritual itself, create a talisman or ritual tool appropriate to your purpose, and consecrate it.

You can create a talisman of wood, stone, ceramic, or metal for some special purpose, or you can make a ritual tool, such as an athame, wand, chalice, pentacle, staff, special candles, runestones, or a cord.

There is not room here to explain how to make or use these, so you will need to read about them in books and talk to your counselor.

When your project is done, consecrate it in your ritual: bless it and dedicate it to its special purpose and to the service of the Goddess and God, or Their appropriate aspect.

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