It has been said that if today’s so-called “modern” witches knew how witchcraft was practiced in the old days, they would probably be shocked. Many witches today would never consider using bodily fluids as a component in their magical workings. They likely view such practices as “dark” or “baneful” magic, which, of course they can be. One might even say there are times when such magic would be necessary, but that is a different article altogether.

When used in an ethical and responsible manner, introducing body fluids into your spellwork adds a massive boost of power to your magic. It is nothing to be fearful of as long as your intentions are benevolent ones. Bodily fluids have been used in witchcraft for centuries. It is not a new concept, but it is not widely embraced in the modern pagan and witch communities. In this article, we will look at the three primary fluids: blood, saliva and semen.

Blood

Blood is believed to carry our life force. Blood can be used to consecrate ritual tools or magical objects. It can be used to forge a magical bond between people, or between people and familiar spirits. In our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, three drops of blood are placed into the wooden wands we make for ourselves every Spring. I know of another tradition in which a few drops of blood are mixed with chlorophyll, and then poured around the base of a plant. This forges a connection between the witch and the plant. Chlorophyll (not to be confused with chloroform) is basically “plant blood” and is widely available. Blood is symbolic of life and the connection to one’s ancestors, and to humanity. Using blood in a magical working calls upon these symbolic meanings. Blood can be used to evoke the spirits of the departed dead, to seek their wisdom, guidance and presence. Presenting a few drops of your blood as an offering to deity is viewed as a form of sacrifice, and a way to gain favor and protection.

Saliva

Saliva is used in some forms of protection magic, as well as for healing and cleansing. Like blood, it is believed to carry your personal essence or energy. It can be used to establish authority and to magically “mark one’s territory”. Saliva can be used to seal your energy into divination tools such as tarot cards, runes or ogham staves. It is viewed as the “lubricant of life”, and can be used when making sacred agreements, or when acknowledging rites of passage. Saliva is also often used in spells to invoke love or lust, as well as in some forms of candle magic. It is a powerful ingredient in healing spells, particularly those involving the use of poppets. When constructing a healing poppet, simply include some of your saliva along with other healing ingredients on the inside of the poppet before it is sealed shut.

Semen

Semen is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various forms of magic. Energetically it can be used as part of a binding spell to influence someone’s actions or emotions. It is often used in sex magic, to enhance sexual attraction. Mixing semen with blood is a powerful blend that helps to “seal” a spell and sort of expedite the results more quickly. As with saliva, ritual candles can be dressed with semen to increase their power and effectiveness. Semen can be placed in magical talismans, particularly those made with clay, which will increase their potency. For those who make their own candles, semen can be added to the wax before it is poured, which will make them much more powerful. Semen is viewed as a creative force, which makes it’s use in spells and magical workings undeniably strong. Gay men in particular will find the use of semen to greatly enhance their spells and rituals.

Using bodily fluids in witchcraft is not a universally accepted practice in all magical traditions. It involves ethical considerations related to consent and manipulation. Each witch must decide for him or herself how they will use these ingredients. Additionally, each witch must be willing to take responsibility according to his or her own personal ethics and moral standards.