Blood is the connective element, both figuratively and literally that allows the blood sorcerer to tightly focus spells upon their target, adapt without difficulty, and always have a magical “angle of approach”. The fact that this angle can be found in either the physicality of blood rites or the associations of energy is what gives this system a great deal of its power.
Blood, when used as the crux of a magical paradigm, becomes a renewable resource. The proper harvesting and usage of this substance is crucial. Mindless carnage robs blood of its potency by devaluing its significance. Obsessive application of self-mutilation replaces the deeper meanings of blood with the frantic instability of mental illness. Carelessness with the blood of others puts the sorcerer at risk for poisoning and disease.  There are many dangers in blood magick, these are but a few. The sorcerer must be mindful of the source of the blood, maintain awareness of its potency, and keep vigilant against being distracted by the spilling of it.
It is possible that during one’s career as a blood sorcerer there may come a time when sacrifice is necessary. Always remember that the sacrifice of a living being is nothing short of murder. If you pursue this course of action understand that responsibility must be taken, accept that the sacrifice is a murder, even if a necessary one.  To believe any other way is to invite excessive callousness and a disconnection from the inherent power of blood, not to mention that sacrifice is illegal in the eyes of most temporal governments.

              There are many ways in which to gather shed blood, what follows are a few guidelines to aid the aspirant in developing a personal framework for the harvesting of it.
              The first, and most common, is the act of cutting. The most potent choice would be to perform the cutting upon oneself, thus benefiting from the clarity that controlled pain can often bring. Also, the blood of a sorcerer who is actually involved in the casting of the spell has much more potency and significance than any other blood source. Though blood is blood, so any source will serve the sorcerer’s purpose.
              It is suggested that the cutting instrument be as sharp as possible, like a scalpel or razor, so as to prevent excessive scarring. Though scars can be used to store power or as magical focusing tools, much like any tattoo or body paint, it is best not to cause a scar when the only intention of the cutting is to draw blood. If one intends to draw blood, then do so, only scar when the scar is the desired product of the act.
              The forearms, thighs, and biceps are the most efficient locations for extraction via cutting. These areas of the body bleed well when wounded, but do not incapacitate or cause mortal danger to the recipient should the cuts be made too deep.  The chest is a good location when a more potent source is needed, as is the abdomen. Though great care must be taken for these areas, cutting too deeply into the chest or abdomen can cause severe damage and possibly death. The lips are more sensitive, requiring a more skilled application of the blade, but yield potent blood, given the symbolic connection most humans make with the soul and the face.
              The second method of blood harvesting is the use of the needle. While the act of cutting provides a more dramatic, dangerous, and ultimately more potent magical result, a discerning sorcerer would do well to develop skill with the needle. Using a needle to draw blood is far less invasive, requires less skill, and produces just as much blood for the effort. The benefit of pain is not as present in this technique, but it is far more discreet and easily hidden from outsiders. A gash on one’s forearm is much more difficult to hide or explain than a pinpricked fingertip concealed by a band-aid.
              The most effective harvest points are the lips and fingertips. Both areas bleed profusely when wounded, and are quick to heal, depending upon the size of the needle. If a large sieve-like needle, such as those used for donating blood, are used, then one must be very cautious. Puncture wounds take time to heal and the blood flow from such wounds can be difficult to stop. Thus, it is recommended that smaller needles be used, once again pointing out that the act of drawing blood must lend itself to the act of magic, not supercede it.
              Also, always have the proper medical supplies present should any significant bloodletting be desired.