witchcraft: regarding spellcasting, what do I need to do to make this work?

My first few attempts at casting spells have failed, or I think they have anyway. What should I do differently? I go into casting a spell with as much hope as I possibly can, very enthusiastic about it actually. I write what I'm going to say down on a piece of paper, then I put a lit candle on a platter in front of me, then ask for the God and Goddess to assist me. I say what I've written down, which is what I intend to make happen, and the words I use to make that happen, I tie it up with an amen or so mode it be, something along those lines, then I thank the lord and lady and try not to think about my spell again for at least another day (but usually I end up thinking about it anyway) I start doubting it a couple days later if I've seen no change, which can kill It according to what I've read but I can't help it, I try to swat my doubt away and say "no, it'll happen". what do I need to change?

careful with this . . check yo self

Well, you've answered your own question; doubt is killing your magic. Don't give up, the more you wrap your head around it, the more it will come to you. The first time you see results that can't be explained away, your faith will be secure. Talk to people who have already experienced that, they can help assure you that there really is real power out there for you to tap in to, if you beckon it without restraint.

Stop doubting.

Also, really think about what you are attempting. The statement of intent is very important in forming into coherency what you are attempting to do.

A form of divination, such as pendulum or Tarot or whatever works for you is also useful in order to form a more concrete image in your mind of what you are attempting.

Don't shoot too big. Crawl before you walk.

Something that might help is looking up Sigil magi ck.

I would also recommend some of the stuff by Phil Hines for you to read. Very down to earth works on magi ck.

Who knows why some things work and some things don't? Sounds like you understand the problem of releasing the spell, but not fully releasing it. You keep it bound to yourself every time you think about it.

Kind of like the trick of someone telling you not to think about a polar bear in a snow storm.

??A man or woman who is a medium or spirits among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.?? ~ Leviticus 20:27

"Let no one be found among you who . . . CASTS SPELLS or who is a medium or spirits or who consults the dead" ~ Deuteronomy 18:10,11

The details of the spell actions are just tools. You're right that doubt really does undo a lot of work. Confidence and assurance or major tools and, in fact, all the actions of a spell may be part of building that confidence. Doing a spell "correctly" in action helps dispel our doubts.

What you don't specify in your description of your ritual is how you felt during it or what you were thinking about during it. You say "hope" but is that really all? Hope is a lot... just as saying "I wish, I wish, I wish!" can be powerful, but there is more that can be added to that energy. Are you able to clearly visualize and FEEL your goal and desire? How much time do you spend on really feeling what it might be like to have your desire manifest?

Also, you needn't just forget about the spell once it's done... you can think about it all you like... in fact, some say that thinking about it often after the fact adds to its power, as long as the thoughts reinforce the spell rather then doubt it.

Another (completely obvious) thing is this... what are you doing in the "real world" to support your goal? Let's say it's a prosperity spell for more money... are you going to your boss and asking for a raise or are you just hoping she'll notice what a great worker you are and spontaneously offer you one? The latter is ineffective while the former will get you a lot farther in your goal. The magi ck can help, but you need to do the ground-work.

IT takes time but the more success you have from spell work, the more confidence you can build and the less trouble you should have in the future. Don't give up!
-Scarlet