aira-of-the-circle:

Grammarye is, simply stated, the art of using words for magic. The word is mine, mostly, although it’s been used before, it seems the most historically appropriate, if annoyingly archaic, term.

This type of magic goes back to the dawn of worlds. It ties into my other posts on virtue and names, if you want to check them out!         

 The myth and history

 In many ancient religions, of which the most commonly cited is Christianity, the universe was believed to have been created by a creator who made everything by simply saying what they were. He would just name those things – not in our language, obviously, but saying the name that encapsulated everything those objects were. So good so far, that’s he myth.  We are supposed to be able to use this magic because, according to one of the oldest known magical laws, first written on the mythical Emerald Tablet, that which is above is like that which is below.And because of Hermes’s First Law (as above, so below) we are all things in existence little reflections of the Creator, who is a mystical metaphor for the universe, and have a little bit of his ability to make words. Some say we actually have the ability to make our own universes, but that’s probably taking it too far.                                                                           The Japanese Shinto have a word I really like to describe this sort of magic – ‘Kotodama’. It variously translates as ‘soul of words’, ‘power of language’, or ‘sacred sound’ and is the power of words to have effect on the world. They have special kinds of poetry they believe help amplify this power. (NOTE: Shinto is a closed culture and just here as an example)!  A similar belief is found among Hindu and Buddhist people, exemplified in their use of mantras. (These are actually quite complex concepts, which I do not have space to explain fully. They are, however, legitimate examples and I would advise you to research them fully -and respectfully- if you would like to learn more). They have been known to use this power to levitate, hypnotize and mostly meditate.                 

Language                                                                                                  

 So let us magically define language as ‘the little guys communicating with each other’ (not just humans, also planets, rocks, forks). To do this we use names, which encapsulate some the innate essence of the thing. Names of things, and people. Because of this inherent power of names, and our ability to use them, language is a sort of magic. 

Languages are constantly changing, of course, and have been for several million years. This produces a conundrum. How can the same word work in multiple languages? All I can say is, it does. I am not bilingual, though I do know something of philology, Latin, Old English and French, and I have found that different languages do tend to serve different purposes. Native language is always best for beginners, however.

Branches of grammarye

So grammarye is the use of words for magic. Branches of grammarye include: 

• Spellcraft – the art of using spells or pieces of writing for magic
• Charming -the art of using music for magic
• Some cursing (though there are non-grammarye bits of curses, a lot are wholly verbal
• Laying geasa or doom-laying – making unbreakable conditions or prohibitions
• Incanatation – the art of using chanting for magic
• Soothsaying -using grammarye for divination. 

If this post attracts interest I may go into some of these kinds of magic with future posts.  

  The power of these magic does not just rely on speaking the words, however. It has a lot to do with the power that goes in it, and that requires concentration and a feel for the energy of each word. Used in this way, quite ordinary sentences can be used to convince, deceive, manipulate, fascinate, or allure, and can be a large part of what is called animal magnetism. ‘Performative speech’ (a phrase stolen from the inimitable Diana Wynne Jones) is a way of saying things so that they become true as you say them. The normal rules apply hear (practice, ability, realism).

 Politicians and public speakers often use this magic, knowingly or unknowingly, with chaotic and sometimes tragic results. 

  Pointers for practical use 

• First off, as you may or may not guess, good grammar is an essential element of grammarie. I would recommend taking a course if you get serious about it. Practical English Usage, by Michael Swan is an invaluable reference.
•  It is good to research the etymology (origin) of words as their early uses may have very different connotations than you’re used to. If you know Old English or Latin this helps. That said, dialect constantly changes since those languages were spoken and before so don’t worry too much. 
• Try to pronounce the words as well as you can.
•  Research the many uses of language, put spells into poetical metres, experiment with new methods.
• Telling the truth is important in grammarie and many spirits, such as fae, live by it. 
• Riddle and rhyme contests are very old and have a noble history, and other word games (e.g.anagrams, acrostics) have very interesting magical connotations when in spells.
• Oh and the word grimoire comes from grammar. Make of that what you will. 

themanicnami:

A kiss is a very powerful thing, even in fairytales and lore of the past the power of kisses are told of (true love’s kiss, siren/mermaid kiss, first kiss, etc). a kiss can be a powerful tool for any witch. Here are a few suggestions for using kisses and the power they hold.

• Use a kiss to charge objects: crystals, tarot cards, charms, amulets, etc etc. Use it to send your emotions and energy into the object. Love is a good emotion, but any positive energies you wish to charge the object with can be transferred this way. Adding your love to something can really give it a boost as well! Especially if it is for another to use. (Note: do not kiss toxic stones please! Be safe and smart)
• Spell Sealing: Use a kiss to magically seal spells such as jar and bottle spells or use it to strengthen a (cooled!) wax seal. Imagine placing the kiss its like placing an invisible seal upon it, stamping in energy to lock th spell inside. 
• For Air and Wind spells: For all of my fellow witches who use air and wind spells, blowing a kiss after a chant or spell to summon a wind in the direction you wish it to blow is a good way to guide the wind but also show it positive reinforcement. Use it to show your gratitude for the wind’s cooperation. It is best for gentler wind spells.
• Glamour and Beauty spells: Kiss the mirror after a beauty or glamour spell. Thank the mirror for its aid and seal any negativity into it. It also a wonderful way to reflect love back at yourself!
• Love Spells: Kisses are great for powering up love spells! Kiss a candle before lighting it (careful if you are using essential oils be sure not to kiss where they are), kiss the written name of the one you desire, kiss a charm or amulet to help bring love into your life, and finally blow a kiss when finishing the the spell to close it.
• Kitchen Magic: blow a kiss to finish a dish (don’t be too close though, don’t want to spread germs) to put a final charge of love into it before serving it to others. Good for with tea and coffee spells too!
• Public Magic: Want to remain discrete while casting a spell in public? Blow a kiss! Its much subtler than pointing or hand motions, especially if it is a positive spell you are casting on another or a friend but it is also good for curses, either way its a wonderful way to send your intentions. Whisper the words or chant needed for the spell (if any) under your breath, imagine them them gathering in an orb of energy at your lips as you do so. Then do a subtle kiss motion on your lips (no hands and no ‘fish lips’, you are trying to be subtle). Then release the energy and words towards the target with a gentle blow of breath, sending the ball of energy in that direction.
• Mourning/Remembrance Rituals: Ending such a ritual with a blown kiss to close it can help release your feelings in a positive manner and close the ritual with love and sincerity. 
• Thanking tools: As someone who uses tarot cards and many other divination tools, I like to place gentle kisses to the sides of the decks after using them to help bond with them. To show them my gratitude for assisting me in not only readings but also in my spell work. I also before days where I know i will be doing a lot of divination work, I will kiss them to help charge them up (as said above). It is an excellent way to bond with your tools!