Thoughtforms are, basically, thoughts that have taken a shape or form. They can be made to do specific tasks, or they can be made into their own person and allowed to have free will. Some people can make them simply by thinking about them and willing them into existence. Others make an object to symbolize the thoughtform, and pour energy into it.
There is a specific practice for making thoughtforms as companions with their own free will, emotions, and thoughts, called Tulpamancy. I do not know much about this, and cannot say much about other than that it sounds slightly similar to what I do.
What Should I Have in Mind While Making a Thoughtform?
Try to have a design already in mind
Many people name the thoughtform based on the thoughtform’s purpose
Make a name sigil. It will give you something to funnel the energy towards
Remember, the thoughtform can evolve and become something else. If you don’t want this to happen, set limits
Research, research, research!
Why Even Make One?
Some people prefer thoughtforms over spirits for a number of reasons. They could simply be wary of working with spirits, or it’s just easier for them. I like the idea of having a thoughtform as a friend. That’s the whole reason I created my shop, Rowan and Sage.
It seems that in tulpamancy, tulpas are created to be companions. They spend most of their time in the person’s head instead of the outside world, which is what some thoughtforms do.
Note: Tulpa is an appropriated term, and was used only because of how it is used in tulpamancy. Neither of us condone the appropriation of terms and cultures. Please, only use the term thoughtform.
Bottom Line: Either way, it’s slightly like “Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends”. You are creating a friend or whatever, and they are real. Some will have emotions and their own ideas, and others will simply do what you say. How they look and act is all up to you.
Candlelight-magick 