What is Programming: Infusing an Object with Energy

The term programming in a magical context refers to infusing an object with energy toward a specific purpose.

Basically, just like a computer program, you are giving it instructions for how it’s supposed to act, that is, the sort of energy it is supposed to generate (see also charge).

Here I want to provide some basic points, because I’ve realized there’s a lot of confusion and that many of you don’t know how to spiritually charge objects and candles.

First of all, there’s a difference between the charge given by the operator as a means, and the charge imparted by the entities working for the purpose.

The charge given by the practictioner is, in short, the transfusion of the individual’s personal energy to the object, be it candles, talismans, or other tools.

The charge given by the entities with which one wishes to work is something quite different, obviously infinitely more important and effective.

When objects are charged with the essence of the entities, they become true, complete rituals (for example, oils) and, with their use, they release all the potential and peculiarities of the entity itself.

How do you proceed?

First, you must have an altar dedicated to the designated entity, with a tablecloth, candles, offerings, all according to the entity’s tastes and the tradition for which you are working (in Santeria, for example, colorful necklaces are widely used, placed around the necks of the entity statues).

But is a photograph of the entity enough? The answer is yes and no. For some entities, it’s enough, others, however, require a statue, even a small one. If we were to make a comparison, in 70% of cases, a photograph, well-framed and neat, is sufficient; for the remaining 30%, it isn’t enough, and the results will be poor or nonexistent.

That said, and given that an altar is needed, it’s not enough to simply place the objects to be chargedin front of the photograph or statue; a spiritual connection is essential; one must come into deep contact with the entity itself. A thin but indestructible thread must be created that connects one spirit to the other.

And as you’ll understand, this certainly isn’t an operation that can be done in ten minutes, or in a week. To have effectively charged objects, it takes time, it takes building a stable relationship with the entity itself, otherwise you’ll only have simple objects that contain nothing spiritual.

This obviously doesn’t apply to rituals performed with pre-ritualized oils and candles, for which only a photograph and offerings are sufficient.

So, if you want to start from scratch, know that the first step must be the construction of an altar, to be kept tidy and clean, and through which you can “dialogue” with the entity.

Remember that we all have the ability to communicate with these precious entities; the difference is made by the ability to concentrate, devotion, respect, and willpower. These prerogatives are not the same for everyone, especially for those in a hurry and wanting everything now and with minimal effort and commitment of resources.

As I often repeat, esotericism is a wonderful path, which must be protected and appreciated. It takes time, and is often expensive, because the offerings to the entities must be of high quality.

Fresh flowers, liqueurs, cigarettes, and cigars are all discriminating elements, depending on their quality and quantity. And remember that it takes patience, and consistent work. If you’re not willing to make some sacrifices, don’t even start.

How do I choose the tools?

A good way to choose your tools is to wait for someone to call you. Feeling unreasonably drawn to that wand, branch, or athame is generally a sign of the beginning of a relationship with that particular object.

You can even start using your finger as a wand or athame; it will work just as well, if not better, than any expensive tool. Often, consumerist necessity leads us to believe we need expensive objects to practice magic, but this isn’t the case. The magic is within us and in what we choose to use to accompany us.

It must always be remembered that witchcraft was originally practiced by rural people who didn’t have the time or money to purchase special tools for their spells. The knife they ate with was the same knife they used for the ritual.

They understood early on that it’s not the tool that carries the power, but the witch or sorcerer.

How to Consecrate Ritual Tools

The powerful emotional impact these tools offer for those who approach magical practices is also important, helping them to enter more deeply into the ritual mindset.

Symbolic tools, with special meanings, are very useful for magical practices.

This is why many people choose to create their own tools. For example, your wand with a tree branch.

Why should I consecrate my tools?

By consecrating an instrument, you are focusing energy toward and through it. For example, the act of decorating and carving the handle of a wand not only creates a bond, but the time spent crafting and the act of working on it helps focus and channel our energy into the wand.

When we create a tool ourselves, we are literally dedicating our inner strengths to a future purpose. We work physically and emotionally on its preparation for the sole purpose of using the object in question for rituals and our practices.

Therefore, it is necessary to construct but also treat our ritual objects with care and respect, as our tools reflect our attitude toward magical practices and life in general.

How to charge witchy items

• Charging something means transmitting our energy. We can give the object positive energy or charge it so that its energies are aligned with a specific purpose. For example, in candle magic, we can charge the candle to align it with the purpose of the spell.
• This process requires generating energy that must be directed toward the object. Again, the method chosen can largely depend on our preferences or the element we are charging. Here are some examples:
• Repeatedly rubbing candles with oil.
• Dance, sing, meditate, etc. to raise your energy and then pour that energy into the object with powerful visualization.
• Place the object under the sun all day to charge it with the sun’s energy.
• Place the object under the full moon all night to charge it with the moon’s power.
• Place the object on an energy crystal for a day or several days to absorb its energy.