spirituality

The Ancient Art of Cord Magic

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Cord Magic, or what some refer to as a “Witch’s Ladder”, is a very old practice of witchcraft that consists of knotted cords. As each knot is tied into the cord, an incantation is spoken to seal the spell into the cord. Many witches will tie feathers, bones, charms or magical trinkets into the knots. At the tying of the last knot, all the energy is directed into the cord and it’s knots. The power has been raised and is now stored in these knots in the cord. Different traditions of witchcraft use varying numbers of knots, and for various kinds of magic. Cords are usually made of string, yarn, twine, and sometimes animal or human hair. The oldest documented witch’s ladder was recorded in the year 1878, when one was found in a hidden room of an old house in Shropshire, England. It had been knotted with black hen feathers and was believed to have been used with malevolent intentions. Further investigations found that this was a common practice among local witches. As a reminder, witchcraft is neutral, being neither good nor evil, and it is the intention of the witch that is key. In this tradition of Old Ways Witchery, we use the witch’s ladder for healing, protection and other beneficial purposes. Evidence of sacred knotted cords exists from the Stone Age. See below the diagram of a witch’s ladder consisting of nine knots, along with an incantation for each knot. This can be applied to any spell you wish to cast. Choose the color according to your goal-example: red for relationships, green for prosperity, black for protection, white for healing. Examine your motives and intentions, as the final knot will set the spell in motion. Place the completed cord where it will not be disturbed.

You will notice in the preceding diagram that the knots are not tied in a straight line down the cord. The first knot is tied at one end, the second knot at the other, the third knot in the center, and then alternately according to the diagram below until the last knot is tied. In many witch shops you may see witch’s ladders that have crystals, plants and other items knotted within the cord. These are all quite beautiful and effective, however, in our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, simple knots with incantations are all that is necessary.

Magic of the In-Between

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There are certain times of the day and night, certain times of the year, certain celestial events, and certain places that carry their own special magic. Those who are sensitive can feel the energies that exist in these liminal spaces, and work their magic accordingly. When we find ourselves in these “in-between” places, we are neither in one place or the other, and we stand on a threshold in a place of separateness. Within these spaces, anything is possible for the skilled magical practitioner.

Dusk and Dawn: During these times, it is neither day nor night, and the energy feels almost electric. Dusk is a perfect time for magic that removes something harmful, while Dawn is good for magic that involves healing and illumination.

Midnight: As night shifts into early morning, it is a time to release whatever does not serve your highest good.

Noon: At midday when the Sun is at it’s peak, it is a great time for deity worship, and for setting in motion those spells that involve dreams, goals and desires.

Witching Hours: Between 3am-5am when most people are sleeping, interference in the astral realms are at their lowest ebb. This means your spells and magical workings can flow unhindered and uninterrupted by the usual chaotic energies that exist during busy daytime hours.

Full Moon: While a true Full Moon only lasts for an instant, the moon will appear full for a period of two to three days before and after the actual Full Moon. Use this energy for spell workings that bring beneficial things into your life, such as healing and prosperity.

Dark of the Moon: This is an often overlooked period that occurs during the two to three days before a “New Moon”. The moon appears completely dark during this time, and the waxing crescent has not yet become visible. Magic during the Dark of the Moon is focused on introspective work, banishing and binding, and removing things that are harmful from your life.

New Moon: The actual New Moon occurs very quickly, but takes place when the Dark of the Moon has ended. This is a time for magic involving new projects and setting new ideas into motion.

Lunar Eclipse: This occurs during a Full Moon, when the moon passes directly behind the Earth into it’s shadow. It is a time of increased awareness and growth on an inner, spiritual level.

Solar Eclipse: This occurs during the New Moon, when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. It presents a powerful potential for change on an outward, visible level.

Samhain: On this the most magical of holidays, it is believed that the veil that separates the worlds of the living and the dead is at it’s thinnest, and spirits of departed loved ones can walk among us and communicate with us.

Winter Solstice: The longest night of the year is a time to acknowledge our own darker aspects, while embracing the coming light.

Spring Equinox: On this day of equal daylight and darkness, we celebrate the newness of life and the re-awakening of the earth.

Beltane: Another in-between day when the doors to the faery realm have opened, and we celebrate sexuality, passion and desire.

Summer Solstice: The longest day of the year is a time for powerful magic, harvesting herbs and plants, and celebrating friendship and fun.

Autumn Equinox: Another day of equal light and darkness, and celebrating our personal harvests. After today, the nights begin to grow longer and we enter the dark half of the year.

Beach: When we stand on the beach by the water, we stand on the literal boundary of Land, Sea and Sky.

Thresholds: Doorways, windows and gates are places that exist “in-between” and represent liminality, places that exist “neither here nor there”. They provide safety and protection, and there are spells that involve using a doorway or a window.

Edge of the Forest: There is a special kind of energy at the forest’s edge. As we walk into the woods, it is as though we enter another world. Suddenly we are surrounded by nature, trees and wildlife. The energy feels primal and ancient, and the spirits of the land are strongly present.

Crossroads: There are many spells that involve burying items or leaving offerings at a crossroads.

Natural Portals: The landscape often provides natural portals. Bushes, branches and trees can form a “doorways” or a passages that one can walk through. We have several such portals on our property that are frequently used by the local wildlife.

Hearth: This liminal place exists within the home. It is a place of warmth, family and magic. A cauldron in the hearth can be used for spell workings that bring abundance and protection for the family.

Witches’ Circle: The witches’ circle is a ‘world between worlds’, keeping out what is harmful and keeping in what is needed for successful magical workings.

Graveyards: Another liminal place where we can honor the departed dead, particularly during Samhain and the Day of the Dead.

Each of these ‘in-between’ places have their own magical energy that we can tap into. Can you think of any others?

The Elemental Year

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In magical terms, the year can be divided into four segments, each corresponding to a different element. As we examine these different times of the year, we can see how the energies present during seasonal shifts can be associated with the elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

EARTH: March/April/May

It is during this time that the earth is beginning to awaken. Flowers are blooming, leaves are forming on the trees, and the creatures of the earth are arising from their slumber. Winter is but a memory, and the Earth is coming alive once again. In March, we celebrate the Spring Equinox with symbols of fertility and the newness of life. It is a time to start fresh and welcome new beginnings. Many magical traditions begin training new students at this time. In May, we celebrate Beltane, a joining together of energies to create something new, whether that be a creative project, a new relationship or the manifestation of a spell. The seeds have been planted, literally and figuratively, and now is the time to watch them grow. Beltane also brings with it the intensity and passion that carries over into the next few months.

FIRE: June/July/August

The Summer brings heat and warmth, and a powerful time of creative energy. The Summer Solstice is a recognition of that powerful force, but also a reminder that the days will soon grow shorter. Although Summer has just begun, the growing cornfields remind us it will soon pass. We spend these days enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, with lively cookouts and trips to the beach. It is a time to revel in the sunlight and enjoy all that life has to offer. Magically it is a time of fruition, of watching the plans we set in motion months ago finally coming to pass. Embrace the fire within, embrace your desires and passions, and visualize them manifesting in your life. On August 1st, we celebrate Lughnasadh, the First Harvest. Summer is nearly over, the corn has grown tall in the fields. Now is the time to begin preparing, for darker days are soon to come. Examine what has been harvested in your own life, and gather those things that will help you remain strong as the colder months arrive.

AIR: September/October/November

As Fall approaches, the winds begin to blow, reminding us again of the darkness ahead. In September, we celebrate the Autumn Equinox. The day and night are of equal length, but now the days will grow shorter. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance in our lives, for the food on our tables and the many good things that have come to us in the past year. As the mythical figure Mabon was rescued from darkness into light, we now transition from light into darkness. During these three months, many sense an increase in their intuitive and psychic abilities. As the wind blows, it seems to awaken the senses. Magic can be felt and sensed everywhere. This is the power of Air: enlightening, awakening, inspiring. In October, we celebrate Samhain as we remember our beloved dead. They draw near and whisper to us. As we enter the dark half of the year, we examine our own dark nature. We learn to embrace both the Dark and the Light. We recognize that both are necessary to us to be balanced and whole.

WATER: December/January/February

As the colder months arrive, they bring snow and sleet and freezing rain. Although the glistening white snow can be beautiful, this is still the darkest time of the year. The earth goes to sleep, and many of it’s creatures go into hibernation. The leaves have all fallen from the trees, leaving bare branches that sway in the winter rains. On the Winter Solstice, we acknowledge the darkness on the longest night of the year, but this brings with it the promise that light will soon return. The days will soon begin to grow longer. In February, we celebrate Imbolc in honor of the Celtic Goddess/Saint Brigid.

We light candles to her as a symbolic gesture that gently awakens her from her slumber. She is a goddess of smithcraft, poetry and healing. Her creative force will soon coax the snowdrops out of the ground and into the sunlight. As each snowfall melts into the ground, it waters the seeds that will soon sprout in the coming Spring.

Blood, Saliva and Semen: Using Bodily Fluids in Witchcraft

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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.

The Three Realms

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Unlike many witchcraft traditions that call the Four Directions (North, East, South, West) when casting the circle, in our practice of Old Ways Witchery, it is the Three Realms (Land, Sea and Sky) that are called forth. Each of the three realms are associated with an animal that lends it’s energy to that realm for the duration of the circle. Land is associated with the Stag, Sea is linked to the Salmon, and Sky is associated with the Owl. The realms of land, sea and sky, along with these animals, are frequently represented throughout Celtic lore. In this article, we will explore each of these and why they are important to our practice.

Land and the Stag

The realm of land is the realm of the material world. It is the realm of living and working. It is the realm of finances and food, of existing on the earthly plane. It is the realm of flowers and plants, of trees, mountains and forests. The land is represented by the stag. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the north and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Great Stag who dwells in the forest, and we ask for the blessing of the Land”. The Great Stag is the guardian of the forest and all that dwell within it. Associated with the Celtic antlered god Cernunnos, he is pictured as a man with large antlers on his head as he roams among the trees. The antlers of the stag are compared to tree branches. When the moon is viewed between the antlers of a stag, it is a blending of active and receptive energies. Celtic lore tells us that the stag is a creature that walks between the worlds.

Sea and the Salmon

The realm of sea is the realm of emotion. It is the realm of adaptability and change. It can be calm one moment and rough the next. It can be boiling hot or freezing cold. It can both sustain life, or drown it. It is a powerful force, difficult to control. The sea is represented by the salmon. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the west and say, “We call upon the Salmon of Wisdom who dwells in the sacred waters, and we ask for the blessing of the Sea”. Salmon live in both freshwater and saltwater. They swim upstream, following a familiar scent that leads them back to the location of their birth, where they reproduce. For this reason, they are associated with persistence, strength and determination.In an ancient Welsh tale, the salmon assists Arthur in finding the lost child Mabon and returning him to his mother.

Sky and the Owl

The realm of sky is the realm of thought. It is the realm of intuition and psychic ability. It is the realm of creativity and wisdom. The sky is represented by the owl. The owl has long been associated with witches and witchcraft. Because it is a nocturnal animal with keen eyesight, magical lore tell us it has the ability to “see the unseen”. It can observe without being observed and it’s flight is completely silent. The owl is primarily a creature of the night, and can be called upon to reveal that which is hidden or kept secret. There are over 200 species of owls, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. A Gaelic name for owl is “Cailleach-oidhche”, meaning “crone of the night”. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the east and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Owl who dwells in the hidden realms and sees the unseen, and we ask for the blessing of the Sky”.

In our practice of Old Ways Witchery, the Stag, the Salmon and the Owl are called upon at the beginning and end of every ritual, to evoke and give thanks for the blessings of the Land, the Sea and the Sky. These are perfectly illustrated in the Celtic triskele symbol.

Some may notice the absence of fire in these evocations, and there is a reason. We carry the fire within us. We bring our own passion, our own life force, our own inner flame to the ritual. There is an old Welsh word, NWYFRE, that means “Life Force Energy”, and this energy is represented by the Dragon. This ‘dragon energy’ exists within all of us.

Are You A Dabbler?

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I recently read a post in one of the Facebook witchcraft groups I belong to, in which the admin of the group asked the members about their practices and how they identify. The majority of them identified as “Eclectic”, while others were more nebulous with their answers.

“I follow my own path”.

“I do my own thing”.

“I don’t want to be labeled”.

“Whatever I’m called to do at any given time”.

“A little of this, a little of that”.

“Whatever feels right”.

“Everything”.

All of this translates as “I have no clue what I’m doing”. It was interesting to see how few of the members had any real structure or discipline to their practice. Most of them were just winging it, without any rhyme or reason for what they were doing. I also noticed that many had a strong aversion to any kind of formal training. It was simply “whatever I feel like today”. I would hesitate to call this a meaningful or even a real practice. I would go even further to say that most of them were not even witches at all. I am not an eclectic witch, but I imagine it is much easier to call yourself one than it is to actually be one. Many will use the word ‘eclectic’ because for them it represents a kind of freedom. The expression “fly by the seat of your pants” comes to mind. I know very few self-described eclectic witches who have an established meaningful practice.

I have said this many times before, but witchcraft is not “whatever you want it to be”. There are things that it is and things that it is not. There are lots of people who are attracted to the idea of witches and witchcraft, and the aesthetics that along with it, so they like to think of themselves as witches. It has become trendy and popular. They read the books, wear the crystals, light the candles and burn the incense, but they are not really witches. They are merely dabblers.

What is a dabbler? A dabbler is someone who participates in an activity only as a hobby or pastime. They may have a casual interest in the subject or only try the activity for a short time. Dabblers may pretend to have knowledge of the subject, but they don’t attain proficiency or professional status. There are many people who call themselves witches, who are really only dabblers. They see witchcraft as something fun to do every now and then, and have no real practice to speak of.

So, what makes a witch?

First off, you do not have to be initiated by another witch in order to be one. You do not have to be a woman, and you do not have to belong to a specific tradition in order to be a witch. These are all myths. In our quest to discover what makes a real witch, let us look at the writings of two well-respected witches and teachers in the magical community. The first comes from the late Raven Grimassi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person and taking classes with before he passed. In his book, Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways For Modern Days, he states a number of things that make someone a witch.

  • A “mystical alignment” and “enchanted worldview”, believing in “a consciousness that inhabits all things”.
  • A “rapport with spirits and other non-material beings”.
  • “The art of magic” which is “lunar in nature and is associated with the night”.
  • A connection to “the forest or woodlands”, which are the “primordial home of the witch”.

For a second look at what makes a witch, we delve into the works of Christopher Penczak, author of “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magic, Meditation and Psychic Development”. In this definitive work, he gives us more insight into who witches are.

  • A witch is one who “lives the art, science and religion of witchcraft”.
  • Witchcraft as an Art:“Even though two witches can say the same exact words of a spell, each does it differently, each brings his or her own personal nuances, intentions and inflections”.
  • Witchcraft as a Science: Understanding “the theories behind spells and psychic powers”, “quantum physics” and the “corollaries between ancient philosophies and modern, cutting-edge science”.
  • Witchcraft as a Religion and Spirituality. “It is a nature-based spiritual practice…Divinity in all things is recognized…Witches are polytheistic”, communing with gods, goddesses, the forces of nature and the universe.
  • Healer: Witches are “involved in the healing arts, traditional or otherwise”.
  • A witch is a “walker between the worlds”, believing in “the physical and a multitude of spiritual dimensions”, and traversing among them.

What separates the serious practitioners from the dabblers? A structured and disciplined practice. Such a practice would include consistent ritual and spellcraft, divination, healing and spirit communication….at the very least. Real witches live as witches twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are witches at the job, at home, at the supermarket and in the community. It is not a hobby or pastime. For the witch, it is their life and identity.

Here are a several ways to begin adding some structure and discipline to your practice:

  • As each Full Moon approaches, do a simple ritual to bring or attract something you desire into your life.
  • As each Dark Moon approaches, do a ritual to banish and remove something that is causing you harm.
  • Do rituals or have celebrations to honor the changing seasons, particularly the magical holidays of Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh and the Autumn Equinox.
  • Do weekly tarot readings for yourself to get insight for the coming days.
  • Meditate for fifteen minutes, three days a week.
  • Grow your own herbs and plants to use in spells.
  • Learn an alternative healing modality and use it regularly on yourself and others.
  • Learn and practice the art of spellcasting. The book, The Casting of Spells, by Christopher Penczak is a good place to start.
  • If you feel connected to certain gods, goddesses or spirit guides, make it a regular practice of honoring them with rituals and devotions at least once a week.
  • Read, study and put what you learn into practice.

A structured and disciplined practice is what separates serious witches from those who only dabble in witchcraft. The more you practice, the stronger you become and the more developed your skills will be. Consistency is paramount. If you take your practice seriously, then the natural and the spirit worlds will as well.