She also refuses to perform 'love spells' as she calls them. 'It is wrong to force someone to love you. My husband is with me because he wants to be with me, not because I have put a spell on him.'
I run across witches and spellcasters on a daily basis who refuse to perform love spells. This seems to be a rather modern development in magical ethics; witches and magicians of all types have practiced love spells throughout history. Our witch, whose name according to the article is Suky Burton, seems to be under the influence that love spells "force" individuals to love you, although this isn't always the case.
The method of action for love spells (i.e. how love spells work) will vary depending on the witch, the spell type, the caster's experience, and a number of other factors. While some spells do force an individual to love you, those tend to be crude spells cast by inexperienced witches. Love spells with more finesse can bring an individual to his or her senses, bringing them to unity with their true love. This is why it's important to seek out an experienced witch when you're looking for a love spell.
Our suburban witch, Suky Burton, also was quoted as saying:
No true witch would take a penny. It makes me very cross that everything we represent has been hijacked by these New Age types. That isn't what we are about.
I also have to take exception here. Historically and culturally speaking, it is more "New Age" to refuse payment for spells or refuse to perform certain types of spells (e.g. love spells or curses). The idea of charitable, non-profit witchery is exclusively New Age, with shamans, witches, and witch doctors throughout history accepting payment for their work. When you have an individual in a community (e.g. shamans in South America, witch doctors in Africa, and bokurs in Haiti) who is a dedicated magical professional his or her livelihood depends on accepting payment. Payment is a symbolic and actual part of an individual's energy, as well as a necessary function to cover the expenses of the spell itself (i.e. ingredients).
This is one way you can spot traditional spellcasters from their newer, softer counterparts. Traditional spellcasters will require payment, although not excessive payment, for their services; they also will cast all types of spells, rather than excluding certain spells due to contemporary moral or ethical issues. Traditional, authentic spellcasters will cast your love spells for you without stumbling over the misunderstood principle of free will.
Our Suky Barton deserves three cheers for illustrating the realities of a magical life in the suburban world, however she unfortunately misconstrued the nature of magic as well as the historical roles of magical professionals - witches - in their communities. Remember - there are experienced, authentic witches out there who will cast real spells for you. Don't balk at the chance to find happiness and love for yourself.