When only the best will do

A very frequently asked question is "What is the most powerful spell I can do for x situation?" I have been asked this question so many times by clients and I have seen it posted on multiple forums, so I decided to post my philosophy on the question here in the hope that it will be a useful resource. This is a difficult question to answer because the thing with magical work of any kind is that you have multiple variables that must be factored in. The following issues must be considered: the strength and ability of your magical worker, the strength of the client. the particular situation, the appropriate speed for results, and finally the cost of the work being done. Let us consider each of these in turn. The strength and ability of your magical worker is in some ways one of the easier things to qualify: are they a member of a professional organization? Do they have a history of dealing with cases like yours? Do they have good references and/or testimonials? Will other professional workers in the same field vouch for them? Are they charging a fair amount (not too little but not too much) for the work that they suggest? Have they done a reading or consultation on the situation before agreeing to work it? Does their stuff work? Have you seen results or have other folks seen results? On the other hand, stay away from anyone who "guarantees results or your money back" its a sure sign that you are dealing with someone who is not on the up and up. Of course I work within the tradition of Southern-style American Conjure, but these are the kinds of questions that a paying client should meditate on before hiring a magical worker in any tradition. However, it must be understood that your worker is not working in a vacuum. In traditional Conjure at least there is a special relationship between client and worker, in many ways the two individuals are working together for the desired outcome. This means that the client also bears some responsibility beyond simply hiring a root worker and paying for the work. Often the client will be advised to say certain prayers, do certain pieces of work on their own, and most importantly, have faith that the right outcome will prevail. The client who refuses to do these things, who does not have strong faith in the right outcome, or who misleads their worker by providing dishonest or erroneous information is not simply ignoring their part, they are actively working against themselves--often without even knowing it! Don't fall into that trap. A third consideration is the situation itself and the corollary to this is the appropriate speed of results. Different situations call for different measures.  We understand this intuitively in many areas of life.  We know for instance that some types of exercise work better than others for our particular body type.  We know that an Olympic athlete will require a different diet than a post-menopausal woman who is trying to lose weight.  This is just common sense and its true for magic as well.  Fast and immediate magical intervention looks and feels very different that slower, gradual work. A woman who desires to find a partner for a quick fling is looking for something very different from the woman who wants to find a man to marry. Their work will be different and will be worked according to the specific goals of each client. In my experience, lasting results typically take longer to manifest, results that happen quickly or overnight, will not last as long. There are exceptions, but so far for me they simply prove the rule. Different situations require different approaches. Everyone wants fast results but in many cases the fastest result is not the one that is most appropriate in order to achieve the client's ultimate goal. Finally cost must be considered. Root work is like anything else, sometimes its appropriate to splurge and sometimes it is not necessary. Of course hiring a worker to spend an hour on your case may give you that competitive advantage, but I have seen a lone $15 vigil light sincerely prayed over by both client and worker go a long way. Assess your situation, your mental and emotional state, and your budget. Choose your work (and worker) accordingly. And may you have success in all of your endeavors!