Occult lore
Spell
Direct answer
Spell is a word for a ritualized magical act or formula believed to influence events, people, luck, protection, love, or harm.
Spell means a magical formula or action, explained here as history and vocabulary only.
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At a glance
- Also called
- incantation, ritual formula
- Found in
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Related
- Curse, Sigil, Discernment, Grimoire
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The story behind Spell
Anthropology and religious history study spells as ritual speech or action intended to affect hidden powers or outcomes.
The spiritual meaning of Spell
Spiritually, Spell asks where desire for control is replacing trust, consent, and wisdom.
Spell in the Bible
Christian framing treats manipulative magic and attempts at spiritual control with caution, pointing instead to prayer, wisdom, and trust in God.
Why Spell matters
Spell matters because the word appears everywhere in folklore, fantasy, witchcraft, pop culture, and fearful spiritual searches.
Sources and editorial method
This entry summarizes the tradition in the Almanac's own words; where no source is listed, it is an editorial summary rather than a primary text, and symbolic readings are named as the tradition's, not as fact.
No spell-casting, summoning, binding, coercion, manipulation, or harmful ritual instructions are provided or supported.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Aliases
- magic spell, incantation, ritual formula
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Related terms
More in Spells & Occult Terms
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Common questions
What is a spell?
Spell is a word for a ritualized magical act or formula believed to influence events, people, luck, protection, love, or harm.
Where does a spell come from?
Anthropology and religious history study spells as ritual speech or action intended to affect hidden powers or outcomes.
What does a spell mean spiritually?
Spiritually, Spell asks where desire for control is replacing trust, consent, and wisdom.
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