So, if you are a part of the occult, witchcraft, or pagan community, you are probably familiar with the site Spells of Magic. People who have experienced the site have a wide range of opinions on it, from it being rubbish to it actually being helpful. I have been on the site for almost a year now, so I decided to share my opinions on it. |
The forums on the other hand, aren't half bad. If you ask a question, you will get a wide array of answers from both people who know what they are talking about, and people that don't. Generally, though, the public forums are helpful, and if anything, you will get led in the right direction. That is the same with the public chatting service on the site (called the chatter). Asking a question on the chatter will probably gain you a few decent answers. You do have to be careful in the public chatter though. The rules there are strictly enforced. Breaking the rules will very quickly land you with a gag, meaning you cannot post anything anywhere on site anymore.
Personally, I find the most helpful part of the site the groups or covens. The two largest covens, Spell Casters and Black Cross don't foster a good family environment, and in joining Spell Casters you are automatically promoted to council (this means that anyone who joins Spell Casters is automatically put in the coven and automatically given the ability to post Spells and Articles). The other covens are, as long as they are active, wonderful places to learn and grow. Most of them have some sort of application process, which means that you are not instantly allowed into the group; you have to show that you are serious about your path and studies. Also, you have to work your way up to being in council, meaning that only people deemed worthy by the leaders of the coven are able to post spells and articles.
With the groups, the coven forums and chatter (which are separate from the public access forums and chatter) allow for more learning and they foster a wonderful family environment. With a close nit group sharing similar interests, it is much easier to learn, and have a place where you feel like you belong.
So, in general, what does that say about Spells of Magic?
On the surface, the site isn't all that great. You will come across member claiming impossible things, spells that are ridiculous, and a seemingly dysfunctional group of people. But if you can get past the surface, the site shows you some of it's true potential. With the right kind of navigating and attitude, Spells of Magic can be a great place to learn and create great friendships.