Knot Magic

​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?