
As always I am going to suggest that we look at the definition of both words: need and want. I do this so that you can understand what I mean when I
A need is defined as a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful.
A want is defined as a desire to come, go, or be.
I have been told once or twice that wants originate within the ego while needs are rooted within the Authentic Self (Witch Self). I disagree. I believe that when this is so carefully explained (usually in a very judgmental way) the understanding of the difference between these two words is misunderstood or clouded. So it may be easier to understand when I break down the above definitions to simple key words, something I encourage my students to do when learning how to read Tarot.
Need = lack
Want = desire
A need is a lack. The ego is responsible for recognizing what the self lacks and what it possesses. It is focused on the requirements of survival on the physical plane of existence. The ego is constantly assuring the self that these requirements or needs are met. The ego is in constant fear of these needs not being met. Needs originate within the ego while wants are rooted within the Witch Self (Authentic Self) and does not fear, there is no concern about lacking, this part of the Witch understands the essence of Self, Nature, and Divinity and is in a constant state of abundance and power.
When the Witch focuses on a need there is a focus on what he or she is lacking in their life. The point of focus, the target of their intention is a void. The Witch is looking to fill a void and he or she perceives is the emptiness within his or herself or their life. The void is the target of the spell. The energetic frequency that the Witch is broadcasting out into the Ethers is lack even if the Witch pronounces that they need money, perhaps to pay the rent, the focus within the spell is a lack of money. There is none so they need some.
When that same Witch focuses on a want there is a focus on what he or she desires to manifest in their life. The point of focus, the target of their intention is a desire or a wish. The Witch is looking to bring that specific desire or thing into their life. That desire, that thing is the target of the spell. The energetic frequency that the Witch is broadcasting out into the Ethers is desire. So when the Witch pronounces that they want money, perhaps to pay the rent, the focus of the spell is a desire for money. There is no suggestion that he or she doesn’t have money, but rather that the Witch wants it, perhaps even MORE of what he or she already has!
With the clear understanding that the Witch casts for what he or she desires, there is a focus on the outcome of the spell not on the present circumstance, which in many cases is one of lack, but when casting a spell the Witch would benefit from perceiving their intention as a want with a focus on that desired outcome not with a focus on the present lacking condition of their situation. Do so is a great hindrance and is the primary way that the Witch sabotages his or herself. The momentum (strength or force) of a cast spell is driven by the intensity of the power that fuels the intention towards its designated target, so the more the Witch focuses on their need for money, the stronger the needing or lack will become, while the Witch that is focused on their want for money, the power of that desire for money will build momentum and ultimately manifest and money in their life experience.
I encourage any of my readers, who identify as Witch and practice Witchcraft or any individual who practices any of the many forms of magick to understand the distinct difference between needs and wants. It seems to me that in our modern society we are told that is it selfish to acknowledge and act on our desires or wants; instead we should only be identifying and perusing our needs. Perhaps it is the influence of Christianity that is prevalent throughout our society, which encourages us to be altruistic, and self-sacrificing, to deny our wants, and unapologetically condemns those of us who embrace and revel in our most natural desires, those of us who recognize our inherent power to manifest what we want.
Do not be afraid to want. You are here on this physical plane, living a physical life experience and you are expected to want. I shall never stop wanting. And Brothers and Sisters, neither should you.