Of course you can! But what do I mean by spells anyway? I
guess I would use a definition something like "A spell is an appeal to forces
beyond the normal human consciousness, to affect or change an event, condition
or circumstance." The ways to 'appeal to forces' seem to vary from gathering
materials pleasing to them (recipe-like spells), to cajoling or placating
them (grovelling spells), to imprisoning them (talismans or invoking spells),
to impressing them (elaborate ritual spells), to honouring and smarming
to them (prayer-like spells) to name but a few. Do I sound a bit irreverent?
Yup, I expect I do. Can you tell I don't like the word "spell"? I guess
I don't like the impression that a formula can be used to which the powers
must respond, simply because... Do I believe in magic? Most certainly. Have
I performed rituals to appeal to forces beyond myself to change things?
A few times. Would I call them 'spells'? Not if I can help it. I guess the
problem I have with spells, is that not enough is written about intention,
when discussing spellcraft. If gathering a few specific items in a particular
sort of place at a particular phase of the moon, or planetary hour, were
all it took, given the balance of probability, spells would happen accidently
sometimes. Spells don't happen without the focussed intention or will of
the caster, and I guess for me, if the intention is there, who needs the
rest?!?!?
