How To Know If Your Spell Worked (And What To Do If It Didn’t)

So you’ve cast your spell; maybe you dressed a candle with herbs, lit it on fire, spoke your intention into the wind, and now… you're waiting. And wondering. Did it work?

This is one of the most common questions in witchcraft, especially if you're new to the craft (but even seasoned witches find themselves asking it from time to time). The truth is, magic doesn’t always show up how, or when, you expect. But that doesn’t mean it’s not working. Here’s a few ways to tell if your spell is working, plus what to do if things seem a little... stuck.

Signs Your Spell Is Working

There are many things that could be considered confirmation that your spell is working its magic. These are just a few things I’ve personally noticed happen after my spell that indicate to me that it is in fact working. But keep in mind this isn’t necessarily the only signs nor do you need to see any signs at all.

1. Synchronicities

You start seeing repeating numbers, symbols related to your intention, or hearing phrases that align with your spell. This could be as simple as seeing 11:11 on the clock a day or two after you did a money spell. Or you cast a love spell and suddenly keep seeing roses, hearts, or the name of a potential partner everywhere.

2. Shifts in Energy

You feel lighter, more focused, or more emotionally aligned with your intention. Sometimes your inner world shifts before the external catches up. When you feel this way let this energy naturally flow out of you because your inner world does affect your outer world and this will help your goals manifest.

3. Dreams & Messages

Pay attention to your dreams. Spirits, guides, or your higher self may be communicating results or next steps. You may want to keep a dream journal after spell work, it can reveal so much. If you’re curious to learn more about dream work check out this post next.

4. Subtle Manifestations

The results may be small at first such as a conversation, a new opportunity, a change in mood or attitude. Magic often unfolds in layers. Keep your eyes open and stay observant.

5. Gut Feeling

You just know. Your intuition tells you something is in motion. Trust that inner knowing. It’s one of your most powerful magical tools. If you struggle to tap into your intuition, check out my post on tips to strengthen your intuition.

What If Your Spell Doesn’t Seem to Be Working

Don’t panic, this is part of the process too. Every witch has had a spell that fizzled out, “backfired” (there’s nuance to this word and I can explain more in another post), or just didn’t land the way they hoped. Here’s are some things you may want to consider doing.

1. Give It Time

Magic doesn’t always operate on our schedule. Some results are instant, others need time to grow roots. Ask yourself, “did I set a realistic timeline for this spell?”

2. Check Your Intention

Was it clear and specific? Did it come from a place of truth, not fear or desperation? If your intention was scattered, your results might be too.

3. Examine Your Energy

Were you feeling aligned, grounded, and focused when you cast your spell? If your energy was off, the spell may need to be recast when you're in a better headspace. This does also depend on the type of spell. For example, you want to feel positive and confident when casting a spell for career success. But if you are doing a spell for justice then anger may be more suitable or even crying during an emotional healing spell can be extremely beneficial.

4. Consider External Blocks

Sometimes, the universe is protecting you from something not meant for you, or there’s a lesson to learn first. Ask yourself, “Is there shadow work I’ve been avoiding?” “Am I really ready to receive what I asked for?” or “Do I truly feel I deserve what I’m asking for?” Consider doing divination on these questions so that your guides/ higher self may give you some guidance. Take a moment to reflect and journal before trying again.

5. Recast or Rework

If it feels right, try the spell again but with tweaks. Sometimes it’s simply that your energy works best with a different type of spell style. Or sometimes our intentions require a lot more energy meaning you will need to elongate the work of that particular spell (i.e. use a seven day candle or continue charging a spell jar over the course of a whole month.) Try to use a different moon phase. Switch up your ingredients. Add divination before or after to get more insight (I personally like to divinate before spell work to see if I even need to do a spell or if there is a better one I could be doing first).

Bonus: When Not Getting What You Want Is the Magic

Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t aligned with what we truly need. Read that again if you need to. If your spell didn’t work, it might be a sign to look deeper. I’ve had this happen very recently. In fact, Venus encouraged me to do something that I thought was going to help my spell intention come to fruition when in reality it just showed me that spell wasn’t meant to be. It was a hard pill to swallow at first, but I let myself feel through the emotions that followed. I did shadow work/journaled, did a little self care routine, and after I was able to look at it from an outside perspective. I learned what I needed to from that situation and knew that in the end it was for the best.

Ask your guides, ancestors, or higher self: “What am I meant to learn here?” Your spiritual path is always unfolding, even in the no’s, delays, and dead ends.

Final Thoughts

Magic isn’t a vending machine. It’s a co-creative, intuitive, deeply spiritual practice that responds to your energy, your clarity, and your trust in the unseen. If a spell doesn’t work, it’s not a failure, it’s feedback. Use it to fine-tune your craft, deepen your connection, and align even more fully with your power. And remember: you are the magic. The spell is just the spark.