Associative magick is very similar to the sympathetic magick. Poppets for success and health are one of the most common forms of associative magick. What happens to this, will happen to that. So, I create a poppet by sewing together two parts of a simple doll-like figure (looks a lot like a ginger bread man). I make the poppet of green for healing, I sew up the edges visualizing each stitch as cementing the spell's success and holding in all the energy we have for our friend in this doll for that person's healing. Then, I stuff it full of herbs that should help with the healing. Sometimes, we write on the doll all that we hope will come to pass - sports, freedom from pain, whatever seems appropriate. If it is more than one person, then the entire group can then charge the doll by focusing their energies into the poppet. After that, the poppet can be given to the person it was intended to assist. As you can see there are many forms of magic involved in even the simplest working. Other forms of association, I keep coins or cash on my altar, to encourage its development. One might put something spelled and gold in a new wallet to encourage wealth. You might put a picture of the house you have always wanted in a box with other items that represent success, to encourage success in that endeavor.
Creative Visualization - most spells are a complex form of creative visualization. This process works not only for those who are involved in the magickal world, but is a profound force in the day-to-day world of many within our culture. The trick here is to bring into focus not just that you want this to happen, but that is has happened and all is now accomplished. Again and again the human psychology has shown that we work best when we can visualize the process and the outcome. Our minds tend to fill in the blanks of what needs to be done when we have established a definite goal and outcome.
Shamanic - entering that other world, that space and bringing back knowledge of personal interaction and sharing it with social group. Shamanic magick is not typically performed by individuals new to the practice. Some magick associated with Shamanic practices, such as performing meditation or vision quest for totem or spirit guides, is common. Within the shamanic belief system, they focus on the attributes and lessons that each animal has to teach. Looking for a focus animal can show what studies or personal development would be appropriate with a spiritual path.
Elemental - calling on the basic powers associated with the elements and blending their gifts in with your needs to provide a solution. This magick can work in more than one way. You can simply work a meditation on the element itself, Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit and explore the depths of what the meditation brings. Or, you can use an element as a focus through which you examine a particular situation in order to provide insight. Thus, you might look at your life through Earth, and examine it for evidence of grounding, sensual aspects, success and growth. If you looked at it through the lens of Water, you might examine your emotions, your development, transitions and transformative experiences. Etc. You may simply want to weave one or more of these elements into another spell or working. If you are working on a spell for a new job, then the Earth for abundance, the Fire for success, etc.
Colors - actually a form of elemental magick. This one is also woven tightly with the Creative Visualization within the process of acting in accordance with your stated goals. Again, using colors within your rituals and spells will assist in showing that inner symbolic mind consistent and meaningful messages related to your goal.
Books You Might Enjoy:
Jarl Fossum - Seth In The Magical Texts
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Aristotle - Metaphysics
Aleister Crowley - Magick
