Witchcraft spells play a central role in the modern day Wiccan religion and have been present throughout history as integral parts of pagan religions and ceremonies around the world.  The goal of a spell is generally to manipulate something in the natural world by calling on the power of a god or other being through potions, ritual incantations, rune inscription, or one of any number of other methods.  Spells are often tied to lunar cycles, and may only be used during different phases of the moon.  Others are location specific or may require the presence of specific objects at the time of their casting.  In each society and religion where witchcraft spells are featured, different rules and mores surrounding their use have been present.

Modern Wiccan religion focuses on the use of white, or benevolent, magic.  Spells intended to cause harm are generally frowned upon in the Wiccan community.  The most common witchcraft spells in modern usage or those associated with physical or emotional purification.  Candles are often used in conjunction with these ceremonies, and their various colors and shapes are symbolic of different powers or ends to which the spell is appealing.  Many of these services are conducted in groups and center on a solstice or other celestial event.

Runes have been associated with magic and the divine throughout history, playing a major part in Roman, Greek and Norse religion.  Runic symbols may have direct correlation to letters of the alphabet and be used to spell out a specific set of words or incantations, or they may act more like hieroglyphs, conveying stories or general ideas.  While many of the symbols used in modern runic divination or spell casting are grounded in inscriptions of ancient cultures, there have been updated works by leaders of Neo-pagan religions published in recent years.

Those who practice witchcraft have been alternately accepted and rejected by the mainstream in various points of world history.  Ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse religions relied heavily on the casting of spells and other acts of divination.  In cultures where pagan religions are most prominent, witchcraft typically holds an important ceremonial place in both state and private events.  As Christianity and Judaism became more widespread, witchcraft was confined to the margins of society and was given the brunt of the blame in periods of famine or depressing.  The Salem Witch Trials are a prime and well known example of witchcraft being cast as the starting point for all of a society’s ills, but this is far from the only historical example.

Witchcraft spells may be personalized to reflect the beliefs and ends of those using them and often, different covens will use different variations on the same spells.  As are most other religions, Wicca and other pagan sects are often practiced socially with fellow like minded believers.  Many believers will choose natural gods or goddesses to whom they feel most connected and call upon them in incantations.  It is important to note that though witchcraft has been generally looked upon with fear, most of those practicing it consider the primary aim to be connecting with positive forces of energy.