What language bases do Wiccan spells use?

Question

I got into an argument with a friend (yes, I know it's stupid) about whether the spells are in Harry Potter were real spells or not. It was part of a "HP is evil" debate. I say they are just the Latin roots of the original words, so I was wondering if Wiccan spells use Latin? Because then, in a way, we'd both be right.

Answer 1

I've never known a Wiccan to use Latin. Normally English-speaking Wiccans use English. In writing, a minority use the Theban alphabet, but the pronounciation remains the same. (it's a simple letter substitution cypher) However, there are plenty of people who use magic that are not Wiccans or witches. People who tend toward ceremonial magic may use Hebrew. I wouldn't be surprised if Latin was used as well by some of them.

From a Wiccan perspective, there is no such thing as a "real spell" versus as "fake spell." If it works, it's real. A particular phrasing may work for one person but not another, but never do we say "you can't work that spell unless you know the secret magic words."

Most of the stuff that happens in Harry Potter can't be done in the real world anyway, so regardless what language they are in, they are fake. (You can't fly, regardless what words you use, for example.)

So I would say that most HP spells are fake (because they are impossible), and HP in no way teaches you how to work real magic (because just having some words doesn't make it more likely for you to succeed at magic).

Answer 2

The language of a spell makes no difference. It is the honesty of intent that makes a spell successful. As to Latin, there is tradition of using Latin by both religious and scientific groups because it is a "dead" language. A dead language does not have its word base changing in meaning--like the word gay has changed in meaning over the last fifty years and new words are added to English at the rate of 100 a year, and about 20 a year disappear. Latin and Kone (Greek) have been used for years in fiction to make the words of a hero or villain appear more mysterious.

An aside: I do wonder if the HP of Ms. Rowlins might have been brought to her mind for her Hero by a habit of reading H.P. Lovecraft.

Answer 3

Most of the Wiccans I've encountered use English spells. You're thinking of Barbarous names, which aren't usually Latin, though I guess some could be. Although the whole point of how these words work sometimes depends upon the user not knowing their original meaning.

Wiccans don't usually use Barbarous names. I've used them in Chaos magic, and I think there are some other High magic traditions (like Thelema) that use those sort of words. Remember - not all magic users are Wiccan.

Answer 4

A wiccan and/or witch can use whatever language they want to in spells, so long as they know what the words mean. You don't want to speak in a language you don't know and end up saying you want your sister to turn into a telephone instead of saying you want your sister to be healed from an illness. The spells in Harry Potter are made up incantations for dramatic effect. If you actually listen to the words being spoken, they are actually english words with "us" placed at the end of it. Anyone can come up with words that sound like latin. My dog is named Brutus. I call him "Brutus Muttus". Sounds like Latin, doesn't it? This is the results of misconceptions. People actually believe "if witches are real, then they say spells in latin or other languages in order for them to work". As an experienced witch, I can assure you I DO NOT say spells in other languages. English is perfectly fine for me. If I see spells that include words in other languages, I would steer clear of them. I have no idea what they say. They could be saying "I'm a big fat idiot and stupid for saying this", and you could believe they are an invocation to a deity.

So, if one wants to say spells in another language, then go ahead, just make sure you know what you are saying.

Answer 5

Harry Potter is a fantasy. Wiccans use their own language in spells. Some Catholics use Latin in their mass.

Answer 6

Spells can be many things- from simply affirmations to prayers to full-fledged rituals.

They do not follow a particular language. They come from you. This is why books of spells should only be used as a reference for constructing your own.

And no, Harry Potter spells aren't real. It's a story, hon. Nothing more, nothing less. J.K. Rowling does not associate herself with Wicca, Paganism, or magick- she's simply an author- a brilliant author, but an author, nonetheless. (and the debate about whether or not Harry Potter is evil leads to one thing: fear of fantasy and of the unknown. Tell your friend to put a sock in it and grow up...)

Answer 7

Actually (I know, 2008, but just for the benefit of anyone who stumbled across here) I use some Italian in my ancestral magick, since most of my maternal genealogy is Italian. And I use Latin sometimes as a mantra (solem et lunam, etc.) just because it's a beautiful language.

Answer 8

Harry Potter spells aren't real. they sound latin, but aren't really. I use English when I cast a spell or do a ritual. you can use any language you want. it's the emotion and energy you put into it that makes it succeed or fail. Harry Potter has as much to do with magik as Headless Nick.

Answer 9

We use Latin at times, and sometimes other languages.
Its not a normal things for every Wiccan though, although some Traditions use it more than others.

Answer 10

I always thought it was Middle English with a little Slavic thrown in. Latin, maybe, for the more serious work.