Magic Boxes
Boxes are used for a variety of purposes.
Cache Boxes
Cache boxes are needed to secure ritual tools and/or small magical items. The size of the box depends upon its purpose: obviously, if you wish to store swords or wands, a full-sized chest may be required.
Among the most powerful boxes are the following, in descending order of power:
Iron boxes radiate protective power and serve as a battery, continually re-charging the box’s contents
Spice boxes, crafted from cinnamon and clove wood as originally made in Indonesia
Wooden or leather boxes embellished with magic designs drawn with alkanet, indigo, woad, or henna. (Although a temporary stain on skin and hair, henna is a permanent dye on objects.)
Spell Boxes
Spells are cast by constructing a spell box, which are enclosed altars or tableaux. In general, a spell box is filled with power items necessary to achieve a goal, although you should follow directions given for specific spells. It may be a cumulative spell done in increments: items are gathered one by one and added to enhance the power of the box. Sometimes a special box lends itself to a magical or spiritual goal. The box itself can become an intrinsic part of the spell:
Attach and incorporate the power items to the box itself, such as charms, shells, beads, and feathers
Decoupage images on the outside or inside of the box to correspond to the spell’s goals
Embellish with sigils or other fortuitous symbols using magic ink, henna, or another natural dye
Shadow Box Altars
An enclosed altar maintains the advantage of discretion and privacy. Certain spirits, such as dark moon goddesses or some protective spirits may prefer an enclosed altar. Open altars disperse their power through an area; an enclosed altar’s power is concentrated within. Each has its advantages; choose which suits you.
What is now called a “shadow box altar” has its roots in medieval Roman Catholic religious cabinets. Shadow boxes range in size from full-size cabinets to miniature altars contained in matchboxes.
(from The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes)