Categories: baneful magic + pop culture magic
Purpose: to punish a thief
I don't talk about my academic life here much, so for those who aren't in the know: I'm an undergrad in the US working towards an English degree (going part-time because I also have to work to earn my daily bread like the wage slave that I am). Last semester was... incredibly stressful, but I ended up really enjoying a class about romances written in medieval Europe. We started with eight of the lais (long poems) of Marie de France, a woman writer of the time period, and one of those lais was titled Bisclavret
If you aren't aware, Bisclavret is an Old French word for werewolf
AND the name of the main character... since songwriters in the Middle Ages were't exactly subtle much of the time.
The spell I created—and am now sharing with you—was inspired by the character Bisclavret and his story, and draws upon the power of this knightly werewolf of yore.
If you want to read a translation of Marie de France's Bisclavret,
you can do so here. This isn't a translation that I'm fond of (I think the rhyming is unnecessary), but it's free to access and gets the gist across just fine. On the off chance you want to read the translation that I actually recommend, which includes the Old French source text alongside the modern English, then check out The Lais of Marie de France: Text and Translation by Claire M. Waters.
If you don't want to read a good many lines of poetry, here's the summary: in his story, the knight Bisclavret is tricked by his scheming, adulterous wife into revealing his wolf form to her, whereupon she becomes frightened and hides his clothes. Therefore, Bisclavret cannot change back into his human form, and so lived in the wilderness as a wolf until found by King Arthur and brought to Camelot. There, in the court, he behaves so courteously that everyone remarks at how noble and regal the wolf is... until Bisclavret sees his former wife and her new husband, whom he attacks. Arthur, who believes that the wolf would not attack without reason, interrogates the human couple and learns the truth about Bisclavret. The werewolf's clothes are returned, and he transforms back into a man as Arthur orders the exile of Bisclavret's ex-wife and her husband from the realm.
This spell, titled Garwolf
after another old word for werewolf,
is designed to punish a thief who has stolen something from the caster.
You will need:
Method:
Think of a time where something was stolen from you. The stolen thing doesn't need to be a physical item; maybe an abusive parent stole a happy childhood from you, for example. This spell assumes that the stolen thing has been permanently lost in spite of your best efforts to retrieve it, and that you cannot find peace through mundane methods. If the only option left is magical retribution for the hurt you've undergone, then this spell is for you.
Take the paper and write a letter about the person who stole from you. (if you can't write easily or struggle to read your own handwriting, you are absolutely allowed to type the letter on a computer/phone and then print it out). Pour out all the hate in your heart onto the page. Describe how you were hurt, and how it made you feel, and how you want the target of this baneful working to feel and what they should suffer as recourse for the pain they've caused you. You are an entire human being who deserves respect, dignity, and safety; don't minimize your own feelings here. Let it out and hold nothing back. (This step focuses your intention).
When the letter is finished, fold it up as small as you can and carry it on your person for three days and three nights (approximately 72 hours). Shortly after each time you wake up during this period, read the letter aloud to yourself and ruminate on your feelings towards the target. Do the same thing before going to sleep. Remember that you are worthy and that nobody has the right to make you feel lesser. (This step charges the spell).
When the three days and nights are finished, read the letter aloud a final time and then destroy it with all the rage and hatred you can muster. Tear it to pieces! Burn it! Shred it! Render your words unrecognizable as you release your energy into the universe to carry out your will of bringing misfortune, hardship, and/or suffering upon the spell's target. (This step casts the spell).
(If destroying the letter via fire, remember to follow all applicable fire safety procedures and don't burn down your surroundings in the process).
To cool down from casting this piece of emotionally intensive baneful magic, practice some self-care. Make yourself a cozy beverage and/or take a luxurious bath or shower, for example, and remember that you have an innate worthiness that can never be stolen from you.