a guide on protecting yourself and your home. [very long post]
personal protection
wear an amulet on your person - can be made from man-made or natural materials so long as its intent is to protect
keep a protective crystal in your pocket
craft a small protective spell jar and keep on your person
anoint yourself with a protective oil
place an energetic shield around yourself
place a glamour on yourself to go unnoticed in the presence of harmful or negative energies
carry a piece of iron on your person
bathe with a wash made with protective herbs
sleep with a sachet of herbs under your pillow or hanging above your bed to prevent nightmares
prayers and offerings to your chosen deity
hang a protective amulet from the rearview mirror in your vehicle for safe travels
home & hearth protection
hang rose stems with thorns intact above the entrance of your home
hang an upside down horseshoe above the entrance of your home (some lore states you should hang the horseshoe right-side-up)
hang wind chimes or bells outside of your home
plant rosemary near your front door
create a “witch bottle” and bury in your front yard, or in a potted plant on your porch
create a “witch’s ladder” or “witch ball” and hang it either inside or outside of your home
hang imagery of protective symbols outside or around your home
burn protective incense or candles in your home with scents that are associated with protection
create a room spray made from protective oils and spray around your home
create a protective wash and use it to clean your windows, door frames, and tile/wooden floors
use the wash mentioned above to “paint” symbols of protection on the outside of your front door, on your porch, etc.
place a protective crystal or small glass of salt at each corner inside your home
hammer 3 iron nails into your front door
create a protective powder and sprinkle around the perimeter of your home; alternately, sprinkle outside of your front and back door (be wary of sprinkling salt on grass!)
create a sachet filled with protective herbs and crystals - keep inside or outside of your home, in your vehicle, etc.
hang mirrors inside of your home to trap negative energy, entities, or spirits (not facing each other)
place a crystal grid at the center of your home using protective crystals
call upon your chosen deity to protect your home and those who reside in it
protective symbols & items
pentacle
triquetra
witch’s knot
algiz (elhaz) rune
vegvisir
helm of awe
mjolnir
glyph of the moon, mars, or saturn
eye of horus
ankh
crossed swords
iron nails
railroad spikes
thorns
mars water / oil
third & fifth pentacle of saturn; third & sixth pentacle of jupiter; sixth pentacle of mars; second, third, & fifth pentacle of the moon
crystals
agate, amethyst (protection against psychic attacks and while traveling), angel aura quartz (spiritual protection), apophyllite, aqua aura quartz (protection against psychic attacks), aquamarine (protection while traveling via water), astrophyllite, aventurine
beryl (protection while traveling) blue goldstone, bowenite, bronzite, bustamite
catlinite (spiritual protection), carnelian (protection from negative emotions), celestite (emotional protection), chalcopyrite, chrysoberyl, citrine (protection from nightmares), clear quartz
diamond, dravite
eudialyte
fire agate, fluorite (protection against psychic attacks)
galaxite, garnet
indicolite, infinite stone
jade, jasper, jet
lapis lazuli, lepidolite (protection from manic depression)
malachite (protection during pregnancy and childbirth), moonstone (protection during pregnancy, childbirth, and while traveling via water), mother of pearl (protection for children)
nuumite
obsidian, onyx
peridot, pyrite
rose quartz (protection during pregnancy and childbirth), ruby (protection of the home and hearth)
acacia, aconite, acorn (protection from lightning), african violet, ague, alder (protection for the deceased), alfalfa (protection from hunger and poverty), alkanet (protection from snakebites and the fear of snakes), aloe (protection from household accidents), amaranth (protection from bullets), amber, angelica, anise seeds, ash (protection from drowning and while traveling), aspen (protection against thieves)
bamboo, barley, basil, bay laurel (protection from lightning), bay leaf (protection for your home and family; protection against baneful magic), belladonna, bergamot (protection from illness), bilberry bark, birch (protection from lightning and infertility), black cohosh (protection from accidents and sudden death), black haw, black pepper, blackberry, bladderwrack (protection while traveling), blessed thistle, bloodroot, blue violet, blueberry, boneset, brimstone, buckeye (protection against arthritis), buckwheat
cactus, calamus, calendula, carnation, caraway, cascara sagrada (protection against baneful magic), catnip (protection while sleeping), cedar (protection from lightning), celandine, chia, chives, chrysanthemum, cilantro (protection for gardeners), cinnamon, cinquefoil (protection for loved ones on a journey), clove (protection for babies), clover, coconut, comfrey (protection while traveling), coriander, corn, cotton, cramp bark, cranberry, cumin, curry, cypress
daisy (protection for babies), dandelion root (protection while sleeping), datura, devil’s bit, devil’s claw, dill, dogwood, dragon’s blood, ebony, elder (protection for the deceased), elm (protection from lightning), eucalyptus
false unicorn root (protection during pregnancy and childbirth), fennel, fern, feverfew (protection against accidents and cold/flu), figwort (protection for your home), flaxseed (protection for your home, protection against baneful magic), fleabane, foxglove (protection for your home and garden), frankincense
gardenia, garlic, geranium, ginger, ginseng, gorse (protection against baneful magic), hawthorn (protection from lightning), heather (protection against violent crimes), heliotrope, henna (protection from illness), hickory, high john the conqueror, holly, horseradish, hyssop (protection for property against burglars and trespassers)
irish moss (protection while traveling), ivy, juniper, kava kava, lady slipper (protection against baneful magic), larch (protection against theft), larkspur, laurel, lavender, leek, lemon, lemon verbena (protection of your home, protection from lightning and storms), lettuce, lime, lotus, lucky hand root (protection while traveling)
mandrake, marigold (protection while sleeping), marjoram, marshmallow root, mimosa, mint, mistletoe (protection from lightning and fire), mullein (protection from nightmares and baneful magic), nutmeg
oak moss, olive leaf, onion, papyrus, parsley (protection for your home), peat moss, peony, periwinkle (protection against snakes and poison), pimpernel, pine, pineapple, plantain (protection from snakebites and jealousy), quince, radish, raspberry leaf, red clover (protection for pets), rhubarb, rice, rosemary, rowan, rue
sage, sandalwood, saw palmetto, sea salt, sheep sorrel (protection from heart disease), slippery elm, snapdragon, solomon’s seal, spanish moss, spearmint, st. john’s wort (protection from baneful magic, lightning, and fire), straw flower, sunflower
tangerine, thistle, toadflax, tonka bean (protection from disease), true unicorn root (protection from baneful magic), valerian, venus fly trap, violet, willow, witch hazel, wood aloe, wood betony, woodruff, wormwood (protection against dangerous roads while traveling), yerba santa, yew, yucca (protection of your home)
waxing - to attract protective energy and positivity
full - generalized protection
waning - to banish negativity, thus protecting the caster
planets / days of the week
moon / monday
mars / tuesday
saturn / saturday
as always, don't steal from other cultures, don't put salt on your grass, don't handle or ingest toxic metals or plants, and don't burn your house down! it's up to you to discern how to practice safely and ethically.
💫 Why Protection Magic Is Useful (even if you have no enemies)
A lot of witches will tell new witches (baby witches) that they should start by learning and using protection magic. However, I've started to see a lot of witches say that protection magic is not as important as other witches claim it to be. Saying that they don't have anyone coming after them or an enemy in real life to warrant a spell of protection.
I think this may also be due to how I've not personally come across anyone really explaining why a witch may want to use protection magic all the time.
Now, it is true that there's no need to be paranoid all the time and have protection up 24/7. But here's a list where you may use it, find it useful, or haven't thought protection magic could be included.
An actual person -- This one is obvious, you have an enemy in real life or on the internet and you need protection magic to protect you from their curses.
A malevolant spirit -- They can come from your windows, mirrors (including tv screens, computer screens, and other reflective surfaces maybe), they seep through floor cracks, hanging onto your coats from outside, etc. Just like how you'd use garden gloves to avoid dirt up your nails being trapped there. Protection magic is just like putting on those gloves.
An energy -- Say you have a neighbour who's arguing with someone. They're yelling and screaming and it can be heard through the apartment walls. That negative energy is seeping into your home and your energy. So it may be worth protecting your home and energy from that sour neighbour's energy. (ever been scolded by your mother and your mood is sour? it's kind of like the same here.)
Your own spell -- Now a self-love spell is probably not something you should protect yourself from. But let's say you're doing a curse. It would be a smart idea to make sure you're protected before beginning such a spell. Much like how you'd wear an apron to protect your clothes from stains when cooking food. You may not always spill your food when cooking, but damn it is it annoying when you do and the stain won't wash off. It's the same with a spell.
Unintentionally -- Sometimes things can happen that's out of our control and it's a good idea to be a little prepared. A black cat suddenly running across the street? Bad luck. Someone got jealous when you told them something good? Evil Eye. Think of it as going to the store with an extra bag for your groceries. You may not need it, but isn't it handy when you at one point do need it?
Protection magic doesn't have to be elaborate or grand or be convoluted. Protection magic is powerful but also extremely simple. All you need is a horseshoe above the door, a little talisman in your pocket, a sigil for your car, etc.
So don't dismiss the importance of protection magic. It may help to improve your spellwork and your energy.
War Water (also called Iron Water) is a powerful tool in witchcraft used for protection, hexing, banishing, and warding off enemies. It originates from Hoodoo, Appalachian folk magic, and other mystical traditions.
Uses of War Water:
• Protection – Sprinkle around your home to create a spiritual barrier.
• Banishing – Throw it where unwanted people have walked to remove their influence.
• Cursing – Toss onto an enemy’s property to bring discord and bad luck.
• Warding Off Negativity – Add to floor washes or sprinkle near entrances.
• In Spellwork - Use in rituals for breaking curses, creating wards, or calling upon warrior spirits.
Needed:
• Rusty nails (or iron shavings or railroad spikes)
• Water (preferably storm or river water for extra potency)
• Salt (black salt for cursing, sea salt for protection)
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (for aggression and strength)
• Vinegar – Used to sour relationships in cursing spells.
• Mugwort or Rue – For added spiritual power.
Instructions:
Place the rusty nails or iron in a jar. If your nails aren’t rusty, leave them in water for a few weeks to oxidize. Fill the jar with water. Use stormwater for aggressive energy, river water for powerful flow, or tap water if necessary. Add salt and herbs and let it sit for at least a week. The longer it sits, the stronger it becomes. Some witches let it develop for months. Shake or stir when using, the rust, herbs, and salt should be well mixed before application.
Hi everyone! After a much longer wait than I initially intended, I have finally finished my book on herb associations, and have uploaded a PDF version to both ko-fi and Google Drive. Furthermore, if you're interested in a fully formatted version that is suitable for book-binding, I have added a $2 listing for that as well. If you're not into that, no worries! I am absolutely fine just providing it for free.
I decided to create this project after finding myself largely dissatisfied by the information available on the mass market--often being Wicca leaning or at least heavily influenced. I decided I wanted to create a (mostly) non-denominational, secular, baneful magic friendly resource guide. Because I largely sourced from other practitioners or the internet, I wanted to provide this for free, as the information is not inherently my intellectual property. The reason why I do have a paid version is purely for the effort I went through, and only if you feel like supporting me.
Again, this book is NOT my intellectual property, and this information is readily available online, I just decided to put all of it in one place.
KO-FI (FREE)
KO-FI (PRINTABLE)
GOOGLE DRIVE
If there are ANY issues with obtaining the file, please reach out to me here or at [email protected] and I will fix it ASAP
Sprinkle sea salt or black salt along windowsills, thresholds, or in corners of rooms. Salt absorbs and repels negative energy. You can also place bowls of salt in corners for ongoing protection (just replace regularly).
🌿 2. Protective herbs in corners or jars
Use rosemary, bay leaf, clove, cinnamon, or sage. Place dried herbs in small jars, sachets, or dishes in each corner of the room to absorb and ward off negativity.
🪞 3. Visualize mirrored or glowing barriers
Close your eyes and see a glowing, mirrored dome around your space that reflects all negativity away. Say:
“No harm may enter. Only light and truth remain.”
🧿 4. Charge and place protective items
Use crystals like black tourmaline, obsidian, or amethyst at entry points. Enchant them with your intention by saying:
“I charge this stone to guard this space.”
🕯 5. Seal doors & windows
Mix olive oil with rosemary or clove essential oil. Trace sigils, crosses, or protective runes on doors and windows. You can whisper affirmations or blessings as you seal each point.
🧼 6. Cleanse before you ward
Always cleanse your space with smoke (rosemary, incense), sound (bells, claps), or sprays (saltwater, moon water) before warding. Think of it like sweeping before locking the door.
🕰 7. Refresh your wards monthly
Energy shifts. Full moons, new months, or after heavy emotional events are great times to reset and reinforce your wards.
Practical Magic: Everday Items You Can Use in Witchcraft; Part 1
by Keziah Zibelmann | Support on Ko-fi
One common misconception about witchcraft is that it requires tools, plants, and magical allies that are difficult to come by. This certainly is the case in some works, but it needn't be. Witchcraft should be both accessible and adaptable to meet the needs of the practitioner, and the witch's toolset should be the same.
There are countless everyday tools and allies that one can put to good use in magical craft, with such items laying around the house or readily available at your local grocery store, hardware store, or even dollar store, and not enough witchcraft resources take the time to show these types of tools love. This piece, though, aims to remedy that, because, as I've previously written in Simple Methods of Magical Protection, —
'...witchcraft shouldn’t be locked away behind a paywall, doled out by practitioners convincing others that magic can only be accessed via a pay-to-play system...'
To add to this, one's magical toolset or arsenal of allies need not consist of expensive, difficult to access items or plants. Consider instead incorporating some of the tools and herbal allies included in this piece, a dedicated exploration of commonly accessible goods that provide a wealth of magical aid; or take inspiration from this piece and consider your own readily available alternatives in similar items.
Now, without further ado, allow me to present to you a collection of everyday items for working craft. May it serve those in need of it.
AROUND THE HOUSE
This section focuses on items one can typically find around their house, things that are commonly kept in stock in one's home or are easy enough to come by at a local hardware store, dollar store, or shop.
[NOTE: You can catch even more items, ingredients, and allies in the upcoming Part 2 of this series.]
NAILS & THUMBTACKS
Nails are a versatile and potent tool to keep in your magical arsenal. While iron nails and coffin nails are believed to be especially powerful and are a common feature in various magical crafts around the world, nails in general (yes, even the pack you picked up at the hardware store or dollar shop) can be used in numerous works. We'll focus on the common nails (typically steel) one can access nowadays, but you can find information on the use of pure iron nails in some of my other works — Protection Work in Folk Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Charms for Protecting Yourself & Others; Home Protection in Folk Magic: Charms, Wards, & Work to Magically Protect One's Home.
PROTECTION: Nails can be used in various protective works. This is most especially true of iron nails, but the work can also be done with your run of the mill steel nails, as steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, so iron's magical associations are still there in the nail. Some may feel that acquiring wholly iron nails would provide stronger, more reliable magical workings, but many spells, wards, and such have proven to be lasting and effective using the common steel nails more easily accessed these days. That being said, there are still those who would rather work with nails of pure iron but may not have immediate or easy access to such tools, in which case common steel nails are a great alternative in the meantime.
Here are some examples of how nails can be used in protective work:
Nails are used across various forms of folk magic and systems of witchcraft around the world to form protective barriers and wards. Hammered into thresholds, in doorframes and window frames, into porch rails or fence posts, and even into bedposts or crib legs, they can be used to protect against spirits of various ilk (be they fae, haints, demons, etc.) and to protect against witchcraft or malevolent magic worked against you.
For those who live in an apartment or house in which they cannot hammer anything into a wall, floor, doorframe, or such, nails can be tied to string, yarn, twine, or even rope, preferably of a color that bears association with protection in your practice, and strung over doors and windows in a renter-friendly way (using tape or command strips, for example).
Nails have long been used as protective amulets to carry or wear on one's person. One can fashion a nail as a pendant, carry a nail in their pocket, purse, or wallet, or include nails in a protection pouch to carry with them or wear.
Nails can also be featured in knotwork protection, pierced through knots as an added means of protection from spirits. When one runs out of nails, thumbtacks can be used as an alternative for this same purpose.
CURSING: Nails are a fairly common feature in curses in some cultures and regions, particularly in folk magical practices. When it comes to baneful magic, thumbtacks can be used in place of nails in essentially any working.
Nails can be included in curse bags, curse jars, any curse container spells.
Nails are commonly used in curses that are worked through sympathetic magic to pierce the target's likeness, which can be a photograph, drawing, doll, or even fruit, root, or vegetable that has been identified as a representation of whomever is the recipient of the curse.
Nails can also be hammered into items (planks of wood, the ground, etc.) when working spells meant to curse someone by fixing them in place (meaning to prevent them from moving forward with something or from finding growth, success, or prosperity in a particular area).
THREAD, STRING, YARN, TWINE, & RIBBON
Not only featured along with other tools in a wide variety of spells, items such as string, yarn, ribbon, thread, and twine can be used on their own to perform various magical acts, particularly in crafts that feature knot magic.
Here are some ways in which one can utilize thread, string, yarn, twine, and ribbon in their witchcraft:
CURSING: Cursing works can be extremely simple, some even needing nothing more than string (or the like) and maybe one or two other items.
String and the like play a prominent role in cursing and baneful works across a wide array of practices. Some curse work involves winding string (or the like) around an object, image, paper featuring a name, etc.; some involves tying knots in thread and piercing those knots with glass, thorns, tacks, or nails; some involves forming a ball of knots, knot on top of knot on top of knot; and some involves cutting thread, yarn, twine, or such.
In curses utilizing sympathetic magic, it is not uncommon to use yarn or thread (usually red or black in color) to tie around or tie up images and likenesses.
Yarn is also frequently put to use when working container spells (be they jar spells, box spells, or any other container). The yarn, thread, twine, or string is used to further secure the container both physically and secure the work symbolically by repeatedly and tightly wrapping and tying the opening of the container with said yarn or the like.
PROTECTION, WARDING, & LUCK: Yarn and such is plenty useful in protection magic, especially for those who use knot magic to bring protection.
Using thread, yarn, or ribbons (of any color that bears association with protection in your practice), knots can be tied down the length of the strand (the number of knots varies from practice to practice). These knots are believed to confuse spirits who could harm you or bring unwanted mischief or pain into your home. Some practices see the more knots as bettering the work; other practices also call for piercing the knots with sharp things like needles, tacks, glass, or thorns to further deter the spirits, while some prefer the use of bells, the sound of which when rung is believed to both warn of the presence of evil and repel such forces. Such cords of knots are typically strung from doorframes, window frames, or porches around one's home as a protective charm.
Protective work using string can be extremely simple. Even just wearing thread or ribbons of certain colors is believed to grant the keeper protection from spirits, curses, evil eye, bad luck, illness, and such. Preferred colors will vary from practice to practice, but an especially well-known custom of both Buddhist peoples and Jewish peoples (both within kabbalist circles and by Jewish people who do not study or practice kabbalah, do not practice or believe in witchcraft, and across all levels of practice within Judaism) calls for the wearing of red cord bracelets (often featuring knots, twists, braids, or added charms).
SEVERING SPELLS: Thread, ribbon, and string featuring in severing spells is kind of a given, but for those who have never worked a severing spell before, here's how a very common method seen across many different practices typically involves string or the like:
There are generally two items (often candles, but sometimes other items like tarot cards representing those the spell involves, personal items of those involved, rocks representing those involved, photographs, etc.) and a thread is tied between them, tied to each item. At some point in the spell, the cord can be cut with scissors or a knife, and some candle spells call for letting the candles burn down and the flames to sever the tie (though this should be practiced on a fire safe surface, in an environment where no children or animals can access it, and under supervision, not left to burn on its own; so, basically, please practice commonsense fire safety if you choose to use such a method).
COINS
Coins are great little helpers when it comes to charms, wards, and divination tools. Different coins (or rather the metals they are made from and the imagery they feature) are called for in different works, but here's a quick run-down of the works I'm most familiar with:
PROTECTION:
Silver coins (silver dimes are used where I'm from) can be kept on one's person to repel and protect from curses, hexes, and other baneful works sent one's way. Where I'm from, the coin is specifically kept in the heel of one's shoe or worn in one's sock, but this isn't the case everywhere and some traditions call for keeping the coin in one's pocket or wallet, or for wearing the coin as a pendant on a necklace.
Pennies (particularly the pre-1982 US pennies, which have higher copper content, as opposed to the post-1982 mainly zinc pennies) and other copper coins can be used to protect one's home and person from police and law enforcement. Lining pennies under one's doormat, nailing pennies in the threshold of one's home, or nailing or gluing pennies above a door is believed to deter law enforcement officers from entering or coming to the home. [CAUTION: Pennies should not be left laying loose where children or animals can access them, especially if you're leaving them under your welcome mat or at your threshold. Coins are a commonly ingested foreign object, and pennies bearing higher levels of zinc can potentially lead to zinc toxicity, especially in children and animals, if ingested.]
LUCK & MONEY:
Coins are commonly used in money jars (or similar money container spells) along with other items and imagery that symbolizes wealth, abundance, and luck to attract money one's way.
DIVINATION: Coins have long been used in divination. It is as easy as simply flipping a coin in search of an affirmative or negative answer; but there are a few other methods of divination your pocket change can play part in.
Penny pendulums are pendulums made with yarn or twine and a coin, in which the coin is tied to the end of the string and used in the same way as a pendulum. This is the method taught me by my grandmother and is the type of pendulum I first learned with.
If you've a variety of coin types or colors, you can take one coin of each and assign associations and/or meanings to each coin. Then place the coins in a bag, ask your question, or think on the situation you seek guidance about. Draw one coin from the bag and interpret it according to the meanings you've determined.
One of the simplest ways of using a coin in divination is by flipping or tossing a coin, seeking a yes or no answer. Usually, heads would mean yes and tails would mean no.
PLAYING CARDS
Playing cards can be used in spells in many ways — as significator cards representing whomever the spell involves, as charms for luck, protection, and the like, and as bases for spells themselves.
Playing cards can be carried as charms (often in one's wallet, pocket, or shoe), seeking to attract that which the card represents or is associated with. Charms can use either a specific card to serve a specific end, or one can, instead, carry any card from the house associated with whatever their charm pertains to, with court cards, aces, or tens being the most commonly used cards for such purposes. Meanings and associations of cards and suits vary from one practice/culture to the next, but some common general associations of suits are as follows — hearts: relationships of all sorts, matters of the heart, matters of the home; clubs: creative pursuits, travel, communication, education or scholarly pursuits, mental matters; diamonds: matters pertaining to money, wealth, careers and businesses; spades: trials and challenges, loss, conflict, but also endings and/or beginnings, sudden changes and turns of fate. Again, there are countless other associations for cards and suits, and it entirely depends upon the reader and their custom; the above are simply common examples.
Playing cards can feature in spells as symbols of the worker's intention or as a tool to boost and draw in the results one hopes for. This is usually done by using cards associated with the goal of your spell.
One can also use cards as the foundation of a spell itself, such as in the spell I will include now.
Using the 10 of Diamonds to Attract Money:
There are various methods of using the 10 of Diamonds playing card to attract money your way.
The simplest way is to carry the 10 of Diamonds card in your wallet, purse, or pocket.
Another method, common in the Southeastern US and Southern Appalachia, is to write your name horizontally across the 10 of Diamonds three times. Where I’m from, we then turn it clockwise and write your name again, three times. The lines of names from the first three and the lines of names from the second three should crisscross over each other, as demonstrated in the images below. Another variation includes you writing your date of birth within the squares formed between the written names (where the 'x’ marks are on the rightmost image below); I have also, though, known of people writing the amount of money they seek (or simply writing dollar signs) in the place of 'x.'
[You can find the above spell and more in 'Spring Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Chamrs for Cleaning & Prosperity' by Keziah Zibelmann.]
Similar spells can be crafted using other cards. One can use the 9 of Diamonds, for example, for a spell pertaining to starting a new business, getting a promotion, getting a new job, or the like; or one can write the names of two parties on the 6 of hearts to bring peace between two people or promote a harmonious, understanding relationship or partnership between them. It all depends entirely upon the crafter's own meanings assigned to each card, but it really can be as simple as using a playing card and a marker or pen to craft a spell or charm.
MIRRORS
Mirrors can be used a variety of ways in magic — in divination and in spells and baneful works.
DIVINATION: Perhaps the best-known way of using mirrors in magic is for divination purposes, using such methods as these —
Mirrors can be used to scry. Scrying is a divinatory practice that involves the reading, viewing, or receiving of symbols, visions, or messages using a reflective surface. While many prefer to scry using a specific scrying mirror, often made of black painted glass or obsidian, one does not need a black mirror to scry with. Indeed, scrying can be carried out with any mirror of any size, shape, or color, or with any other reflective surface, such as water, ice, windowpanes, etc.
Many folk divination methods involve standing before a mirror in the dark, usually at a particular time of night, and waiting to receive a glimpse of a specific person, most often one's soulmate or the object of their affections. This is usually preceded by some sort of folk spell, such as the carrying of a candle whilst walking backwards in complete silence until one reaches the mirror, or peeling/slicing/eating from an apple and tossing some piece of the apple over one's shoulder (there are a great many variations of the apple and mirror spell), or reciting (or using your finger to write) the name of the person you wish to see as you stand before the mirror. There truly are countless spells across magical traditions that use these or similar methods, but the common tie between them is that they seek to bring about a vision of a specific individual in the mirror. This can also be done when seeking the identity of one who has wronged you or worked against you, and I can personally attest to its effectiveness.
SPELLS: Mirrors can be used across a variety of spells, in such ways as listed below (and more) —
One can use a mirror to work spells in seeking reflection (either for one's self or for someone else) by keeping either the name or image of someone in a compact mirror, forced to face their own reflection or, if one doesn't have a compact mirror available, by sticking the name or image on the mirror, with the name/image facing the mirror.
Compact mirrors can be used in return to sender spells when one knows or suspects someone has worked baneful magic against them or sent harmful wishes or energies their way. To do so, simply fix the name or image of the sender (or one can simply write 'those who work against me' or something along those lines instead of a specific name) on one of the mirrors. One can then either leave the other mirror clean or fix it with a symbol, sigil, or the written intent to return energy/magic/etc. to the sender. Then close the compact, effectively creating a spell that both works as a return to sender and as a mirror trap for baneful magic or negative energy sent one's way.
Compact mirrors can also be used to bring about positive changes, to strengthen and reinforce our resolve to better ourselves, or to help one quit harmful or bad habits that they wish to leave behind, such as in the easy mirror spell that follows —
An Easy Mirror Spell (from Diary of a Jewitch: Spells for the Days of Awe by Keziah Zibelmann):
What you’ll need:
A compact mirror (it needs to be one containing two mirrors that will face each other when the compact is closed);
Lipstick.
What to do:
-Using the lipstick, write on just one of the mirrors in the compact mirror the attributes or traits you wish to strengthen in yourself or to introduce into your behavior. Alternatively, you can write down specific wishes for bettering yourself — ’I want to be more patient.’ ’I want to be more in control of my temper.’ 'I want to be honest.’ 'I want to judge less.’
-Write your name on the second mirror with the lipstick.
-Now close the compact mirror, forcing the changes you wish to make to be there, staring your name in the face, forcing your name (symbolizing you) to face its own reflection along with the constant reminder of what you wish to improve or introduce.
-You can either leave the compact as it is or you can fix the compact closed with ribbon, yarn, or some other material. It’s up to you.
BANEFUL MAGIC: Compact mirrors can prove an effective and simple host, tool, and foundation for baneful work.
One excellent way of utilizing a compact mirror in baneful magic is to fix one's target in a mirror trap. A mirror trap is any work that uses two mirrors facing one another to trap a spirit, energy, individual, or spell between the two points. This can not only be done to render someone's ill intentions toward you or their baneful work against you powerless and/or to send those works and intentions back to someone, but it can also be done to constantly charge and renew your own baneful works against someone.
To do so, one need only take their compact mirror and place the name or likeness of their target either one one of the mirrors or between the mirrors. The name or likeness should be marked somehow with your intentions for this spell — words written or spoken onto/into the paper or image, symbols/sigils drawn upon the paper or image, or other symbolic works performed on the paper or image, such as piercing it with thorns or pins, tearing it, crumpling it, or whatever method you prefer. Then, place the paper or image, as said before, either on one of the mirrors or between the two mirrors. Close the compact and seal it with wax, tape, thread, glue, or any other preferred method of securely shutting the compact.
This is a form of sympathetic magic, in which the mirrors are used to constantly keep the intention of one's baneful work going. It's particularly useful for sewing chaos in someone's life, for using someone's own maliciousness against them in baneful works, or for hitting someone hard and fast with a baneful work. The compact can be kept, can be buried, or can be discarded; or, should you wish to release that person from your work at some point, the compact can be broken, preferably crushed, to break the cycle of the work.
This will conclude this first part of Sheydmade's series, 'Practical Magic: Everyday Items You Can Use in Witchcraft.' I leave you with this reminder — as I said in my introduction for this piece, magic should be both accessible and versatile, and our tools and allies should reflect the need for both. It is my hope that a practitioner never feels defeated because they can't afford expensive magical supplies, or because they have limited or no access to metaphysical or witchcraft shops, apothecaries, or the like. One's magical craft can, indeed, thrive without all of that. After all, magic and witchcraft has always existed, before drop shippers and international delivery services, before influencers, before bloggers, podcasters, and publishers. Magic was always there and could always be worked, and that has never changed and never will.
FURTHER READING & FURTHER INFORMATION: The contents of this article are entirely based on both my own personal experiences within years of experimenting within my practice, and on things which were taught and told to me over the years by my grandparents. You can find similar customs within British, Irish, and Southern US folk magical practices. Some recommended reading about similar customs can be found listed below. Readers are welcome and encouraged to do their own research on these or other similar practices. -K.Z.
[NOTE: Practical Magic: Everyday Items You Can Use in Witchcraft was originally written as one piece, which ended up being far too long to keep as just one post. The piece has now been divided up into parts and will become an ongoing series here on Sheydmade. Look forward to the following chapters in posts to come.]
Reading recommendations:
'Backwoods Witchcraft: Conjure and Folk Magic From Appalachia' - Richards, Jake
'The Black Toad — West Country Witchcraft and Magic' - Gary, Gemma
'Doctoring the Devil: Notebooks of an Appalachian Conjure Man' - Richards, Jake
'The Fortune Telling Book: Reading Crystal Balls, Playing Cards, and Everyday Omens of Love and Luck' - Kemp, Gillian
'The Good Spell Book: Love Charms, Cures, Magical Cures, and Other Practical Sorcery' - Kemp, Gillian
'Traditional Witchcraft — A Book of Cornish Ways' - Gary, Gemma
• Welcome Back, Seekers! Within my local coven, we’ve turned our focus to warding and protection magick as we prepare for the year ahead. I adore transmutation magick for warding! It’s one of my favorite ways to craft shields for myself, my work, my growth, and my success. Instead of constantly bracing for every hex, evil eye, or ill wish, this approach flips the narrative. Transmutation wards work proactively, taking any negativity sent your way and alchemizing it into fuel for your growth and power. Why waste energy defending against haters or uncovering their identities when you can let their spite feed your fire? Let them send their malice—it’ll only make you more powerful.
As always, take what resonates with your spirit and weave it into your own unique magick! My spells and workings are here to spark your creativity and inspire your craft. ✨
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Tools & Ingredients:
1 black candle (to absorb negativity)
1 purple candle (for transmutation and spiritual power)
Thread or Cord (any color)
A mirror (to summon your Fetch Spirit or reflect your essence)
1 clear quartz crystal or any charm you’re called to that can be left on your altar or within your space - As a subtle sentinel of the ward’s power, clear quartz is a cherished ally in magick. Its ability to be easily programmed makes it a perfect vessel for your intention, while its amplifying nature ensures the energy of your working radiates far and wide. To the untrained eye, it appears as nothing more than a beautiful crystal resting upon your altar or within your sacred space—a discreet guardian cloaked in plain sight, silently weaving its protective spell.
Optional: Chalk or something to draw a circle (for creating a sacred boundary to hold the enchantment of your crystal or charm. If chalk is unavailable, let your finger become the wand. You can also use salt or any symbols you would like to use to draw out a circle.
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Preparation:
Cleanse your workspace and tools with smoke, salt water, or another method of your choosing.
Candle preparation, take your black candle and anoint it with a neutral oil, something simple like canola oil—or any oil you feel connected to for protection. Once it’s dressed in oil, sprinkle it with herbs known for protection, such as basil, bay, black pepper, cinnamon, or clove—or any protection herbs that resonate with your magick. For the purple candle, I like to use a neutral oil as well, then dress it with herbs that are perfect for transmutation, like lady’s mantle and yucca. Along with those, I often add a pinch of herbs that represent success and abundance—and don’t forget to include a bit of your hair, fingernail clippings, or something from your person to taglock the magick, connecting the work directly to your energy. Then bind the candles together with some thread or cord.
Binding the Candles:
Take the black and purple candles and begin winding the thread around them, chanting this, or create your own:
"I bind these flames, black and purple entwined,
Protection and transmutation, powers combined.
Through thread and flame, my will takes hold,
To guard my essence, fierce and bold."
You don't have to go all out like I did with those massive candles. Honestly, a couple of chime candles will do the trick if you're short on time.
3. Place your mirror above the center of your altar or working space, positioning it to reflect either yourself or the flickering flames of your candles (refer to the caption below the next picture for more context). Let it serve as a portal, amplifying the energy of your work. Arrange your candles in a fire-safe dish at the center—I often favor a trusty aluminum pie pan for this purpose.
4. Hold your crystal or charm in your hands, letting your energy flow into it. Visualize your purpose, your will, and your desire imprinting itself upon the object. Once your intention feels vibrant and alive within the crystal or charm, move it in a clockwise circle around the candles, envisioning it connecting to the fiery energy of your working—like a thread weaving them together.
5. When the circuit feels complete, place the charged crystal or charm before the candles. Now, cast a circle around the entire space, sealing in the energy. You can do this energetically, feeling the boundary forming with your will, or use chalk, salt, or symbols drawn ahead of time to anchor the space. This sacred boundary holds the power of your work, ensuring that your charm becomes fully and beautifully enchanted. And now, it's time to spark the flame on them candles.
I used a selenite tower in this picture as a stand-in to show where your crystal or charm should be placed. This isn’t the actual charm I used, but it gives you an idea of the setup. You’ll also notice my altar mirror hanging just above the space, perfectly positioned for the energy work. If hanging a mirror isn’t an option for you, no worries—simply place one in front of your working area instead. The reflection is what matters most!
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Casting The Ward:
Lighting the Candles:
With the bound candles before the mirror. Light them, starting with the black candle, then the purple, and then chant this, or create your own:
"Black flame of shadow, guard and protect,
Purple flame of spirit, energy redirect.
Before this mirror, realms align,
My (Fetch Spirit/Reflection) carries this spell through time."
Incantation of The Ward:
Face the mirror and focus on your reflection, summoning your Fetch Spirit or the reflection of your empowered self. Chant this incantation, or create your own:
"Anyone who cannot honor my essence,
Respect my growth, or stand in my presence,
Be it through disdain, envy, or intent,
Their fate is sealed, their malice spent.
Their energy flows to me, transformed,
Into strength, abundance, success reborn.
As I feed upon their misguided spite,
They are drained by their own blight.
Across all realms, my shield is spun,
Now and forever, this spell is done."
Seal the Energy:
Visualize the mirror reflecting the power of your spell into the cosmos, spreading the ward across all realms. Allow the candles to burn fully if possible, or snuff them out respectfully.
I love this picture! The flames intertwine perfectly, mirroring the energy I was aiming for in this ward of protective transmutation.
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Aftercare:
Charging your crystal or charm: Leave your charm on your altar or in your space as a representation of the ward. Each full moon, place it under the moonlight to recharge its energy, visualizing the ward growing stronger with every cycle.
Mirror Care: Cleanse the mirror after the spellwork with smoke or moon water to ensure it remains a neutral tool for future workings.
Final Words:
Maintain your crystal or charm as a talisman of your protective transmutation ward and remember that this ward will work continuously as long as you charge it and feed it with belief and intention.
