What exactly is a spell?

Sagehood, I have to say your words are a bit misguided. Spirits are not a necessity for practicing magic. Many do not believe in the supernatural and have a very successful practice.

You may believe whatever you want.

But according to this and another thread, you also speak as if you believe casting spells is magic. It is not! As someone with your history of study, you know this already!

And yet when asked questions about your sources, you claim to be a humble and quiet person, typing pages about yourself rather than the topic at hand.

Sumply reading about the history of magic, and its roots tangked with mysticism and religion, will easily explain how this mistaken connection was made.

I'm quoting this next time I'm asked for citations on my papers.