Love Spells and the Basics of Love Magic

In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust gives the basics in love magic and love spells. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.

Love magic is an extremely controversial topic in spell work. There are many perspectives about the ethics of bending another’s will for their admiration. Luckily, there are rules that apply when casting such spells. So if you want to fall in love but don't want things to get dark, you're in the right place.

Before we dig in to what love magic is, it's important to try and take back your power. True love starts within. You don’t need validation from someone else, and if a relationship has become toxic it’s time to cut it out of your life. These spells are about love, which doesn't always involve another person, so feel free to use them to bathe yourself in the TLC you deserve.

Now, let's get to the fun stuff:

In this article:

• What is love magic?
• Origins of love magic
• When does love magic not work?
• Can love magic backfire?
• Love magic spells for beginners

Love magic is the act of attracting, well, love! Don't be fooled, though: It won't make someone fall in love with you. Love magic only works if the energy is there and already headed in a certain direction. Meaning, if you and your crush have mutual feelings for each other, magic can help accelerate the energy between you two. It will act like a magnetic force drawing you both together. Rather than making someone fall in love with you, love magic is about attracting love that already exists — and that can come in many forms. Keep an open mind and an open heart.

In order to be successful in your love spells, it’s important to be clear and honest with your intention. This requires a proper petition to be drawn up by the spell caster. In this letter, clearly state what you want from a particular person or what you want to attract in your own life. A letter of intention must be to the point and kept private. After the letter is created, burn it so the energy from the ashes is released into the universe.

When writing a letter of intention or even starting a spell, it’s essential to take note of what is best for you. If you are only seeking to attract a boo who is emotionally unavailable, then they won’t appear in your life as a result. If you are conjuring someone who appeals to your higher mindset, then you’ll attract that person and energy.

One of the most important parts of learning something new is understanding where it came from—if anything, it can help you form your own answer around the question we’ve all wondered: Are love spells real? You may not find a singular science-based answer, but you will find many people practicing their own spells throughout history. This tradition is something ancient Greeks, medieval English, kingdoms across Africa, early Jewish cultures, and many more communities have in common. In fact, love magic has been around just as long as, well, the act of loving someone has. It’s easy to associate any kind of spell or magic with the overgeneralized world of witchcraft—but it’s far from that simple.

According to “Ancient Greek Love Magic” by Christopher A. Faraone, Egyptian burial sites have been uncovered containing relics of what is believed to be love spells. More often than not, history books lean heavily on the feminine energy behind these spells. But author Stephen Mitchell wrote a book called “Can Love Last?: The Fate of Romance over Time” that digs into the masculine side of love spells and magic. His findings: in medieval Nordic communities, there was a divide between the intent of love spells that could be tied to gender. Women would veer toward using the magic to break up relationships, while men would use it to arouse desire or seduce others. It poses an interesting angle to the question “Are love spells bad?” It’s less about the spell and more about the intent behind it. The person behind the effort is the one who decides the love spell meaning.

Sometimes spells don’t work because we desire people for the wrong reasons. Simply put: You can’t make a person fall in love with you. As stated above, the feelings in the relationship must be mutual. If they are not, then the magic will fall flat.

Additionally, magic only works if you are putting yourself out there. As in non-magical love, if you're sitting at home and not interacting with others, you're not super likely to find your true love. You get what you give.

Spells might also fail if there’s information missing, or the witch conducting the spell isn’t being completely honest with themselves about the situation — or the person they lust for isn’t being truthful with them. Love magic will rip all of these dynamics open for us to see the real story. This is why it’s recommended not to conduct love magic on a particular person, but to open the gates of happiness toward a healthy relationship.

So, do love spells work? Like we said, don't think of this as bringing someone specific to you. Instead, it can create the best possible path for us to find love.

Yes! This can happen when your guides (your ancestors and spirits) have a different path for you. Usually, they will steer you in the right place — but only if you listen to them. For instance, if you’re firing up a love candle and the wick stops burning, chances are your spirits are telling you it’s a moot point. Conversely, if the wick is cracking and popping, then it’s a matter that requires extra work.

Also, being aware of your own energy when casting love spells is very important. If you’re anxious, then the energy will become erratic. It’s important to meditate before and to conduct spells with a calm mind.

Lastly, be positive that you’re using the right spell. Be aware that spells aimed to trap another person or manipulate their will won’t work. Magic can turn around on you if it’s not the right avenue for you to take.

Now that you're properly prepared, let's talk spells.

All love magic must be done on Friday, which is Venus’s Day. Venus is the goddess of love. Before you do these simple love spells, mediate and write your letter of intention (your objective). Luckily, Valentine's Day falls on a Friday this year.

If you’re looking for an easy love spell to start out with, stating your own personal mantra every morning and evening while looking in the mirror will help bring in love. It will attract a partner who’s on your level. Let the universe know that you are worthy and deserving of love every day.

With Himalayan salt, a dash of cinnamon, a drop of honey, hibiscus, and rose petals you can create the ultimate bath to open your heart to love. Place a rose quartz over your heart chakra to heal and invigorate your vibe. Meditate for 15 minutes about the ideal partner or relationship you want to bring in during the bath. Also, play some romantic tunes to bring out the magical mood.

Using a pink candle, carve your name and astrological sign on one side. Then, on the other, the name and astrological sign of your crush. Add rose oil to the outside of the candle with some rose petals. Also, add a drop of jasmine, honeysuckle, gardenia, ginger, and orris-root oils. You can add pink or red glitter to the candle for decoration, which Venus will love. Then, light the candle and let it burn until the fire goes out.

Write the name of your crush on a piece of paper and place their name into a jar of honey. Within a week or two, they may be sweet on you as a result.

Make a sachet with sage, rose petals, lavender, pomegranate seeds, and pink or clear quartz crystal. Place them all in a sachet bag and put underneath your bed or pillow while you sleep for two weeks. You’ll draw in your ideal “dream” lover IRL as a result.