Think of it as your own group of friends (with supernatural benefits): you take care of them with offerings and respect, and in return they watch out for you and advance your interests in their respective spheres.

This is an all-inclusive definition, btw: your ancestor spirits, local spirits of place (aka genius loci), elemental spirits, goetic kings, fairies, angels, hungry dead, future and past versions of you (yeah, there's a thing for that), planetary angels/spirits/intelligences, saints ... the list goes on, but you get what I mean.

Ideally, you'll need a mix of spirits who are close to you (like the genius loci of your friendly crossroads), mid-level spirits (such as the four cardinal kings, the seven planetary angels, etc.) and divine-level spirits (godforms, deities, et al.) with some crossing the levels here and there. This allows you much more leverage and power with your spellwork overall, plus protects you on more fronts for what is arguably a low cost.

Speaking of costs and friendships, let me be clear: about 75% of the spirit world is amenable to civil discussion of one sort or the other in my experience. The remaining 25% either want us out of their domains (old genius loci, guardian spirits, etc) or don't want us around in principle. Exercise common sense, people.

Introductions are pretty straightforward - most grimoires will have a set system for calling and introducing yourself to a particular set of spirits, and rituals/prayers for the more general kinds (elementals, ancestors) can be found online. Do your homework or I will be disappoint.

If you need an introduction ritual, you'll need:
- one (preferably) clean, anxiety-free, focused and relaxed you.
- if possible, clean set of clothes
- some nice incense (and, optionally, a little liquor)

Get yourself relaxed and focused. Forget the world for a second and take a deep breath. Then another. And another. When you feel you're ready (don't rush!), recite the following.

"I, <your name>, come in friendship and peace, to seek those here who wish to be friends with me. I come bearing gifts to honor you, if you are willing."

Wait. If any bad feelings arise, thank the spirits, pack up and leave. Don't force it, and trust your gut.

Otherwise, proceed. Light the incense (making sure that you're not actually starting a wildfire) and allow it to arise, filling the space. Try not to inhale it.

Slowly extend your senses into the area, keeping your mind relaxed yet guarded, friendly and open. Think of yourself at a party, eager to strike up a conversation but ready to politely fend off a creep.

Someone may respond, in images or words. Note them down, and ask them if they are willing to give a symbol for you to call them by in the future.

Whether you get a response or not, finish your incense & clean up afterwards. Thank the spirits too.

Keep in mind that getting contact is not important - opening the situation to a polite, respectful introduction, even if (or especially, in some cases) is the greater goal.

Close out, thank the world for having permitted the ritual without incident, and leave.

What a long one! But we still have a few things to cover:

Friendship demands respect - if a spirit says it wont work with you, ask why and (again) do not force it. Chances are its for your own good.

Friendship requires maintenance - once you have a thing going, feed your newfound allies with incense and appropriate offerings. Be reasonable, however, and don't let them push you around.

Friendship demands direction - tell your allies what you want them to do and what timeframe it has to be done, if only to avoid having them lounge around like some bum.

Friendship is respected - do your homework, be polite, and don't be afraid to pull in a bigger authority if an ally gets uppity.

Congratulations, and get ready to build your own magical posse! Remember, friendship is magic!

I mentioned liquor in the greeting rite because a lot of earthbound spirits (goetics, spirits of the land, etc.) appreciate a good round of alcohol offered to them in their name. That said, its not a requirement, and some spirits may find it offensive. If in doubt, ask away.

And that's it for this week's #witchcraftfriday! I'm opening the floor to questions about the topic, so ask (sensible) queries.

Thanks for listening, and remember to boost the toots if you found them useful!