Most people are familiar with Holy Water made by Christian priests which is used in some rituals for cleansing or healing. However, it is not a strictly Christian concept. There are many religions/spiritual practices around the world that use blessed water in their practices. Practitioners or Buddhism, Shintoism, Sikhism, Hinduism, and Mandaeism (just to name a few) also include sacred waters in their practices. As you probably already know, this list also includes witches.
Some things that all these practices have in common is that these Holy or Sacred Waters are made when practitioners (usually a priest or priestess of some sort) chants over the water, infusing it with energy and intent. Sometimes the type of water is important, like moon or solar water, or water from a particular kind of source like a river or stream, or even a specific river or well could be considered important. In some cases it is all about the ritual involved which purifies and sanctifies the water for ritual use. Some sacred waters include things like herbs, oils, crystals, or salts, though some are simply infused with energy/prayer. Some religions/spiritual practices require that only an initiated member of that religion like a priest/priestess has the ability to bless water in this way. As a witch, this is not necessarily true. While some practices require initiation into their inner circles, self-initiation or dedication is also possible (and quite common these days). As a witch, I believe in the power within all of us to do great things and make great change. We are born with it, and only need to claim it to live it. Thus, I believe anyone can bless water (or any other tool) for their own purpose. Regardless of how it is made, and by whom, sacred or “holy” water is used in rituals and practices to purify, cleanse, bless, and banish anything; from people, to objects, and even places. The objective is to call on deity, Spirit, your God/Goddess, the Universe, or whatever spiritual entity you call upon, to bless the water for your intended purpose, thus creating a powerful tool for your work. Regardless of your spiritual practice/religious inclination, this kind of magic provides a connection to our world, the elements, and to each other. It is no coincidence that varying cultures created similar practices around the natural elements we all need to live. Personally, I don’t believe you have to be initiated into particular religion to make effective sacred water. As Dr. Masaru Emoto pointed out, water is the “blueprint of our reality”, a reality we can change with our own thoughts and emotions. What are your thoughts? Do you make your own sacred waters, or do you prefer they come from another source? Do you even use them at all?
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Different cultures around the world use knots in magical workings for different reasons. Chinese and Buddhist tradition has the Mystic Know (or Pan Chang Knot) that symbolizes prosperity, longevity, as well as representing the cycles of nature. Knots in Celtic cultures reflected their belief in the soul’s eternal journey with endless loops representing life, death, and rebirth. The Egyptian’s used the Knot of Isis (the tit or tyet symbol) for protection in the afterlife, and possibly as a symbol of fertility, menstruation, and the female anatomy. (Its exact interpretation is uncertain). Odin’s Valknut , sometimes called the “knot of the slain”, which is similar in style to the Celtic triskele, is thought to symbolize the god’s power to bind and unbind. As a god of death, this could mean the fate or soul of men. Each of its 9 points are said to represent one of the 9 worlds.
Today, many witches use knots to either bind, banish, or manifest. There are many already established spells one can use. The Witches Ladder and the 0 Knot Spell are often used to manifest dreams or wishes. Charms can be made of knots that are then unknotted during ritual/spell work (either all at once or over time)to banish something or someone. Knots have even been used to protect against possession, to heal the sick, and to confuse the devil. One old superstition had nurses tying knots in bedsheets to protect their patients. Another common use for knots us during a handfasting ritual, which can be done by a couple to “tie the knot” (get married), but also by a coven to bind its members together in solidarity and secrecy. We can buy any number of already made knots for magical workings or every day wear. Celtic, Norse, and Egyptian jewelry is quite popular online, and Buddhist and Chinese good luck/prosperity charms can be bought just about anywhere these days. That said, I doubt many of us even think about knots as magical things when we tie our shoe laces, or our ties for work, but these could be used in every day magic to manifest a good day, that promotion at work, a good workout, or whatever else we can think of. Not all magic requires ritual or a lot of preparation. Maybe next time you leave the house for a walk/run you say out loud, while tying your shoes, that you will have a safe and fun run/walk. Perhaps the next time you tie your tie, or that bow in your hair, or whatever other knot you can incorporate into your outfit for the day, that you will get that job, that promotion, or recognition for your work, or maybe you just want to have a good or not so stressful day. Just remember to talk in positives and fill that knot with your intent (really mean it). Do you use knots in your every day magic? Do you wear knot symbolic jewelry? Have you used knots to cast spells before? Are you thinking about it now? I am sure you have seen the pretty little resin pyramids filled with crystals and other things in metaphysical stores, online, and other places. These are called Orgonite pyramids. While it may seem like a newer “new age” idea, it was actually an idea brought about by a man named Wilhelm Reich in the 1930’s. He proposed a kind of energy called orgone energy, much like life energy known as prana, chi, or qi, that derived from the “purest expressions of love such as orgasms”*. His initial “discovery” (in the sense that he first realized it) of this energy was within the body, but eventually he realized it also existed out side the body, everywhere. This realization caused him to experiment with building mechanisms capable of accumulating and manipulating this energy. One of the first of these inventions was called the Bacquet of Mesmer. It was a crude first draft, but it did effectively accumulate orgone energy. His inventions were described as “an enclosure formed of a layered arrangement of metallic and non-metallic materials which result in a concentration of energy within the enclosure”*. When the materials used were layered properly they would act as a magnet for the orgone energy, which he claimed could heal a person of various diseases, including cancer. The medical community, including the FDA took exception to this, “investigated” him and his claims, and he was subsequently imprisoned, which is where he died.
Orgone pyramids are a pretty and portable way to harness this energy for oneself. Not just a decoration, these little pyramids (and other forms) are made from metals, gemstones, and crystals inside a resin form, and are used to harness, harmonize, and amplify this energy. The materials used would change the focus of the healing, as different metals, gemstones, and crystals have different healing properties. They are said to have a healing affect on all levels (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual), and that they transmute lower vibrational energy (negative) to a higher vibration (positive), and promote balance by helping the subtle energy bodies become whole/align with the physical body. While just having them around in your home or office can be helpful, purposeful meditation or healing sessions with them would also be quite beneficial. Depending on who is making them, the resin used can be either polyester, epoxy, or tree sap. I have found no information about which one (if any) is more effective, but this may boil down to personal preference. I have heard people question about whether the resin encasing the crystals and other materials would hinder their energetic properties (and therefore diminish if not negate their healing abilities). I would like to point out here that resin actually has electric and thermal conductivity properties. I would say that this information should allay any such concerns. Have you used orgonite before? Do you have one of these little energy powerhouses? Did you know what it could do? Would you buy one now, after reading this? *All quotes were taken from crystaldreamsworld.com Keys may seem like rather uninteresting things, but like many other “everyday” objects they can have greater meaning, and are useful in witchcraft. As a magical object used in spells its symbolism is two-fold. It can either help one open the door/path to something they want/need, or it can be used to close and lock a door to something they wish to leave behind. This makes it great for spells for new beginnings or for letting go. While it doesn’t really matter what kind of key is used, antique skeleton keys give off mysterious/witchy vibes which make for a good visual and set a nice tone for the work. Being more visually pleasing can make them easier to carry or wear out in the open if the spell caster feels it is necessary, without calling a lot of attention other than maybe some “how cute” comments.
In dreams, keys can represent the solution or needed “thing” to solve a problem, overcome an obstacle, or attain a desire (represented by the lock). On a more personal level, keys can represent one’s thought, feelings, or new attitudes needed to “unlock” hidden knowledge or memories/experiences that could lead us to opening up our true selves not only to the world, but to own self as well. In the realm of Gods and Goddesses there are few who are related to keys. Portunus (Roman) and his counterpart Janus (Greek) are considered the Gods of keys. They are both the God of doors and keys in their respective cultures and are both often depicted with two opposing faces. In Rome, keys also were a symbol used to show a traveler he or she had found safe harbor. Possibly more well-known today is Hecate. She has her own special association with keys. As the goddess associated with the underworld and the key-holder to the gates of Hades, death itself, and possibly to the cosmos, it is no wonder she is often depicted with keys. She is also associated with boundaries, which can also suggest the need for a key; though maybe not always a physical one. Beautiful antique looking skeleton keys can be found pretty much anywhere these days, from occult shops to Amazon, but your average house, bike lock, or handcuff key can be used just as effectively. Like any other spell work material, you don’t have to spend much, if an, money to work your magic. So, do you use keys in your magic? Have you considered the magical potential of this simple object you carry every day? Are you carrying a spelled key as you read this? |
AuthorNot just a writer, I am also an eclectic solitary practitioner, Reiki Master, and Shadow Worker. Archives
February 2025
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