I have been very fortunate in being able to give lectures on a variety of magickal topics all over the US and in Europe. In January I gave a workshop in Las Vegas, and right now I'm scheduled to give a workshop in Kona, Hawaii. One of the great things about these travels is that I'm able to meet such wonderful people.

And wherever I go, one of the most popular topics I'm asked about is about love spells and love magick. Considering that this is the season of romance, I wanted to talk a bit about this because some people are stridently against such magickal work; I am not. There are ethical ways to approach such magick.

As they say in "Spiderman," "with great power comes great responsibility." Magick is a great power, and those who learn it bear the responsibility of using it wisely. Simply casting a love spell on someone has three major drawbacks. First, you would be forcing someone to do something against his or her will. Second, you would always know that the only reason they were with you is because of the spell and not because of real love. And third, well, how would you like it if someone you detested made you fall in love with him or her? That's the way they will eventually feel about you.

The solution is not to bend others to your desire, but to make people aware that you are available for love while stressing your good points. If someone is looking for a person like you, they'll become aware that you are available. A partner will come because he or she will discover who you really are and that you match what they want. That is true love magick, and that is what you will really want.

One book that can really help you with this is Sexy Witch by LaSara FireFox. The first part gives you practical information and exercises on how to keep your body and mind in tip-top condition and overcome media manipulation that has encouraged you to falsely believe that you are not attractive or sexy. The second part is filled with rituals that can help bring more life to your magick and love into your life.

A really practical book is Richard Webster's Magical Symbols of Love & Romance. In it you'll learn about ancient and modern symbols and how to use them in rituals, spells, and as charms for love, romance, and even a bit of needed lust. You'll also discover how to use symbols magically to attract a partner, stimulate marriage, or resolve relationship issues. I like how easy this is to understand and use, and really enjoyed some of the amazing success stories that illustrate how the techniques are used.

I'd also like to mention Dr. Jonn Mumford's Ecstasy Through Tantra for a special group of readers: those who have found a lover but for whom the passion has faded. In this book there is a section entitled "A Tantric Weekend," which I authored. It's an ideal way to escape from the mundane and rediscover the love that brought you together. It turns an entire weekend into a ritual that is definitely magick!