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A spell is a spoken or written formula which, in the act of magic or divination, is intended to create or change a particular course of events. The belief in spells and their employment dates back to antiquity. Spells have become an integral part of various religious and magical practices. Their methods vary accordingly from culture to culture, but all spells function on ritual activity.
The spell itself consists of words or incantation (sometimes called charms or runes). The ritual is a prescribed set of actions performed while the spell is being recited. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed words were so powerful that speaking them would achieve the desired result. Certain words and Names on Power were essential in Egyptian magic and had to be pronounced correctly and with the proper intonation.
There are various types of spells. Some are beneficial while others are harmful. Some claim they may be worked on man and beast alike. Their purposes are limitless including healing, love, success, money, fertility, longevity, protection against disaster, illness, misfortune and evil, exorcism of ghosts and spirits, victory in war and over an enemy, truth in divination, weather control and accomplishment of supernatural feats. When casted against enemies spells may be used to bring about illness, destruction, loss of love, impotence, loss of property, failure and even death.
A person can cast a spell for himself, or direct it toward another person. A positive spell is called a blessing. A negative spell usually known as a hex or curse. Archaic terms for spells include bewitchment and enchantment.
A binding spell is on that is casted with the intention of preventing harm or disaster, or to stop someone from performing a particular act such as a murder or rape, or something as inoffensive as spreading gossip.
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