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| Photo by Allan Spiers |
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Minoan Brotherhood: Resources
There's not that much out there about the Minoan Brotherhood, the tradition founded in the 1970s to give gay/bi men a place to experience traditional Wicca/Witchcraft. Here's a few links:
Quimbanda: Resources in English
The Brazilian sorcery cult of Quimbanda (or Kimbanda) is a complex spiritual path of the infernal night. Few resources are available in English. Here are some I recommend:
FAQ from The Starry Cave
Exu and the Quimbanda of Night and Fire by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold
Pomba Gira: Pomba Gira and the Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold
Serpent Shod
FAQ from The Starry Cave
Exu and the Quimbanda of Night and Fire by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold
Pomba Gira: Pomba Gira and the Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold
Serpent Shod
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| Photo by Steven Bragg |
Palo Mayombe: Resources in English
There isn't that much information about the secretive practices of Palo Mayombe and the other Ramas (branches) of Palo. But here are a few I find informative:
Mukanda Palo Nzila
Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
The Starry Cave
Society of the Dead: Quita Manaquita and Palo Praise in Cuba
Mukanda Palo Nzila
Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
The Starry Cave
Society of the Dead: Quita Manaquita and Palo Praise in Cuba
Haitian Vodou: Resources in English
I recommend the following as reliable resources for the fascinating world of Haitian Vodou:
Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn by Karen McCarthy Brown
Divine Horsemen by Maya Deren
Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti's Indigenous Spiritual Tradition by Mambo Chita Tann
Gade Nou Leve Society
Three Kings Vodou
Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn by Karen McCarthy Brown
Divine Horsemen by Maya Deren
Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti's Indigenous Spiritual Tradition by Mambo Chita Tann
Gade Nou Leve Society
Three Kings Vodou
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| Photo by Steven Bragg |
La Santisima Muerte: Resources in English
Reliable information in English about the Mexican folk saint, La Santisima Muerte can be difficult to find. So, here are some links to help someone get started.
http://www.santisimamuerteneworleans.org/
https://skeletonsaint.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NewOrleansChapelSantisimaMuerte/
La Santisima Muerte: A Mexican Folk Saint by E. Bryant Holman
Devoted to Death by Andrew Chesnut
My booklets available through The Vodou Store
http://www.santisimamuerteneworleans.org/
https://skeletonsaint.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NewOrleansChapelSantisimaMuerte/
La Santisima Muerte: A Mexican Folk Saint by E. Bryant Holman
Devoted to Death by Andrew Chesnut
My booklets available through The Vodou Store
A Ceremony of Sevis Ginen: Haitian Vodou
What is Sevis Ginen?
Sevis
Ginen, also known as Haitian Vodou, comes from Haiti and has many roots that extend
back to several parts of Western and Central Africa, including Benin, Nigeria,
and the Congo. It is an ancestral-based spiritual system of great beauty and
power and seeks to work with, or serve, the spirits called Lwa in exchange for healing, blessing, protection, and prosperity.
Those who serve the Lwa, the Vodouisants,
look first to God, then to the Ancestors, Saints, and the Lwa for assistance in
the daily hardships of life.
A
ceremony of Sevis Ginen seeks to bring together these forces so the Lwa can
speak directly to us through the vehicle of spirit possession. Far from an evil
act, as Vodou has nothing to do with the Christian Devil, being possessed, or
mounted, by a Lwa is the anticipated outcome of the ceremonial songs and
gestures of the faithful. One or more Lwa can then directly address the people
and sometimes assist them with their problems. The beginning part of a
possession can seem very distressing as the person and Lwa fight for control of
the body. Should the Lwa come through fully he or she is then given appropriate
offerings and/or items by the Vodouisants. After saluting members of the house,
the Lwa may then choose to address visitors before leaving. Or the Lwa may stay
an undetermined amount of time before departing, administering advice and
assisting the those present in various spiritual and physical matters.
The
order of a ceremony follows the Regleman
each house (Vodou congregation) has inherited over the many years of spiritual re-formation
following the forceful relocation of the Africans to the New World, mixing of the various African nations and tribes and
inter-mixing with the quickly disappearing Native population. The Regleman
determines how and when each Lwa is served in ceremony, along with many other
rules pertaining to Sevis Ginen. Houses within the same region of Haiti usually
have a very similar Regleman, although details can vary from house to house.
There is no central authority or organization that determines an ultimate
Regleman, and each house is considered autonomous, receiving its guidance from
its Elders and the Lwa themselves. A major ceremony can take many hours and
even days to complete, however, tonight’s ceremony will be much simplified due
to various factors. Regardless, many hours of preparation go into even the
shortest of ceremonies. In the following description of the Order, there are
many “can”s, “may”s, and “usually”s, and that is because no two Vodou
ceremonies are ever exactly the same, as far as the behavior of the Lwa is
concerned, and one never knows what’s going to happen until it’s actually
happening.
The Order of the Ceremony
The Priye Ginen and the
Opening
Once
everything is in place, everyone will take a seat, and Mambo Marie will lead
the Priye Ginen, the opening prayer, which is a lengthy set of spoken and
chanted Catholic prayers, followed by many African and Haitian prayers for the
Lwa. When the Priye is finished, Mambo Marie will stand, followed by the
people, and the opening songs are sung. Everyone is encouraged to clap along
with the rhythm of the Asson, the sacred rattle used by the Hougans (priests)
and Mambos (priestesses), and to follow the dance steps. The Vodouisants will
salute each other, the Hougans and Mambos, the Hounsis (those who have gone
through some form of initiation into Sevis Ginen), and those who are
non-initiated members of the house. Throughout the ceremony, it is not
necessary for everyone to do the turns when ritual salutations are being done,
only those who are actively saluting need to do these.
The First Five Lwa:
Legba, Marassa, Loko, Ayizan, Danballah/Ayida
The
first Lwa to be saluted is always Legba, the gatekeeper, as he opens the gate
between our world and the Lwa. Those saluting him will go out to the main
entrance and ritually process back into the main ceremonial area. It is not
necessary for the people to follow. Following Legba, the Marassa, or cosmic
twins, are saluted, opening the doors for all children spirits. Candy may be
thrown in your general direction (watch out!) and handed out to the people.
Then we salute Papa Loko, who is the Lwa of the Priesthood; all Hougans and
Mambos pay special attention to Papa Loko, as he gives the Asson, the symbol of
the Priesthood. After Papa Loko, we salute Mambo Ayizan, the mother of
Initiation. All who have undergone the Kanzo or Sevis Tet rites serve her. The
final, but most important, of the first five Lwa served is Danballah/Ayida
Wedo. Danballah is the serpentine King of the Lwa, and Ayida is his rainbow
serpent wife/companion (and some say sister.) All must stand in respect, and no
one can smoke or drink alcohol during this time. When Danballah comes, he is
covered by a white sheet to preserve his purity and keep him cool. Sometimes
there is a short break after Danballah leaves or passes through.
The Rada
The
Rada nation of the Lwa are the cool spirits, most of whom come from the old
Kingdom of Dahomey, present day Benin. They include Sobo and Bade (thunder and
the wind that announces the storm), and Agasou and Silibo (the leopard king and
his wife). Agwe and LaSiren are the Master and Mistress of the ocean, Agwe the
sea admiral who sails in his ship, Immamou, and LaSiren the mermaid who swims
below the surface. Should they come, Agwe will mount his “ship” (a chair turned
backwards), and LaSiren will “swim” on a white sheet on the floor. The Ezilis
are the famous river spirits of femininity, luxury, wealth, the most well-known
being Ezili Freda. If Ezili Freda comes, all must be sprinkled with perfume,
and she usually only addresses men. Again, the white sheet will be brought out
so she doesn’t soil her feet. Following the water spirits are Bosou, the bull,
and Agaou Wedo, the winged serpent.
The Djouba
The
Lwa of the Djouba nation include Azaka, Kouzen, and Kouzin. These are the
hard-working peasants who toil the fields (Kouzen) and sale their wares in the
marketplace (Kouzin). They can be distrustful of city dwellers. Kouzen may ask
for money, then turn around and give it to someone who needs it more. Kouzin
may give everyone a piece of fruit, then go back around and collect her
payment. Have some money in your pockets, just in case.
The Nago: Papa Ogou!
The
Nago nation is comprised of the protective, paternal, masculine Lwa of war and
fire. Many of them originate from Yoruba land, present day Nigeria, and have
“Ogou” in their names, such as Ogou Badagris and Ogou Ferray. These spirits are
very forceful and stern, yet caring as a father, grandfather, or uncle. They
are usually all addressed as “Papa.” Cigars, rum, and machetes are their
signature offerings. Sometimes food is passed out to the people by Papa Ogou
himself before he leaves. Regardless, after Papa Ogou leaves there is a break,
and this usually signals the transition into a different type of Rite within
Sevis Ginen.
Ibo/Kongo/Petwo
Should
time allow, we may salute the Ibo, Kongo, and Petwo spirits. Many of these Lwa
are very hot and aggressive compared to the Rada, and the salutes, songs, and
dances reflect this intensified energy. The Ibo and Kongo spirits originate
from their respective origins in Africa, while the Pewto spirits were born from
the fires and anguish of slave times. The famous Ezili Dantor is part of the
Petwo nation. If there is not enough time, then one large salute, called a
Milokan, may be given to these Lwa.
The Cemetery:
Baron/Brijit/Ghede
The
last salutes are given to the Lwa of the cemetery and the dead. Death itself is
embodied in the trinity of Baron Samedi/LaKwa/Simitye, as the gatekeeper of the
cemetery. Mama Brijit is his wife and lives in the cemetery with all the Ghede,
who are the elevated spirits of the forgotten dead. Ghede very much embodies
the cycle of life, death, sex, and rebirth. He can be very sexual and vulgar,
as he stands beyond the norms of polite society, and because of that he’s
usually the life of the party! Ghede can sometimes follow other Lwa, but will
be politely asked to leave and come back when it is his time—you never know
with this Lwa!
Considerations during
the Ceremony
A
Vodou ceremony is a complex weaving of life situations: family, community,
spirit, ritual, and much more. In some respects it may resemble a serious
religious ritual, and in other respects it may seem more like a family reunion,
complete with arguments and tears of joy. Just remember to be open, courteous,
and patient. The Lwa have a very special bond to those who already serve them,
and so are considered more important than people they’ve never met. Thus, not
every Lwa will address everyone present, so please don’t be offended if you
don’t get to talk to a certain Lwa. Also, many of the Lwa speak (if they speak
at all) in Haitian Kreyol. There are very few Kreyol speakers at tonight’s
ceremony, so expect some awkward translations and interpretations of the Lwa’s
messages. Above all, approach tonight’s ceremony with love, honor, and respect.
Ayibobo!
Home Protections and Wards
One of the more important aspects of my personal practice
is keeping my living and ritual space free of anything that prevents me from
reaching my goals and succeeding in my spiritual work.
Protecting one’s self and one’s home against so-called evil spirits and influences is some of the most ancient practices known to humans. Those of us of a darker flavor tend to view these “evil spirits” through a different lens, and most of us are quite intimate with those “evil influences” as we always get the blame for sending them (which may or may not be true—I’m not telling). However, when you strip away the hypocritical layers of moral ambiguity, most techniques of protection and warding have nothing to do with “good” or “the light,” and everything to do with good ole’ magical techniques and calling upon the spirits with which one has aligned oneself to fend off the spirits and influences of an attacker.
During a Witch War or magical attack of any kind, the already-existing home protections and wards are the first line of defense. Once such an attack has begun, it’s too late to simply put up wards, as you must go through the laborious process of cleansing your home of the spirit or work before warding or re-warding. So, it’s very important to have several layers of strong wards in place at all times.
As much as I like spirits and forces of a darker nature, unfortunately, I simply can’t have most of them hanging around all the time. It’s like having a bunch of rough gang members living with you. They’d eventually eat you out of house and home, run up your phone bill, break all your furniture, invite unwanted guests, and drive you crazy. They’d never clean up after themselves, and they’d never help with the laundry! You’d spend all your time and energy trying to keep your life and home together that you wouldn’t have time for yourself or your goals. Don’t get me wrong, they’re VERY good at what they do, and I certainly employ them when needed; but as far as I’m concerned, they have to either be working on a task I’ve negotiated with them, or they have to go back to their own space and stay there until called—or at least stay out of my space. That being said, there are a few of them that I like to keep around me at all times, and I’ll talk about them later on.
The following techniques are by no means an exhaustive list but those that I’ve personally found effective that I’ve gathered throughout my own journey. They originate from Traditional Craft, Haitian Vodou, New Orleans Hoodoo, Espiritismo, Palo, and a few other sources. I usually don’t make distinctions about where each of them comes from; I simply do them because they’ve melded together in my personal practice, and because they work for me.
Many writers have spoken about psychic shields, protective energy, and astral work when it comes to protection and defense. The majority of the methods I employ require a physical anchor for these energies in order to keep them in place for a longer period of time. Re-charging wards on a regular basis, such as once a month or once a season, is always a good idea. So, please feel free to incorporate any psychic or astral techniques in which you are skilled into these methods below as most witches and sorcerers realize charms, mojos, and other physical objects are much less effective (if not completely ineffective) without the power of the witch or sorcerer to activate and direct them.
Thresholds, Doors, and Windows
First and foremost in home protection is securing the main threshold, whether that be to your house, apartment, or bedroom/dorm room. Next in line are additional doorways, including cellar or basement doors that lead outside, and finally there are windows and other small openings that open directly to the outside. Any of these openings are susceptible to spiritual and magical attack and should be warded in some way.
Doors and windows can be warded in several ways: on the door/window itself (outside and inside), over the door/window and incorporating any lintels, around it and incorporating the molding, across the threshold/sill, and sometimes under it, burying something outside in the ground below. Depending on the style and accessibility of locations around them, other creative methods can be employed, but these are the most common I’ve encountered and employed. What’s my rule of thumb for the amount of wards to use? More is more! Each layer of warding draws the overall net tighter and fills in gaps left by other layers (no one type of warding is ever 100%).
Before I list different techniques for warding doors and windows, I want to say something about inviting people into your space and, therefore, across or through any wards you have placed. (The old folk beliefs of needing to invite “evil” into one’s home spring to mind.) When you invite someone into your home or space, you are essentially opening up your home and de-activating your wards for the person and all they carry with them. That is, unless you make a split-second mental connection with your wards to allow in only the person and not any ill-meaning spirits or workings with them, temporarily changing them into filters rather than turning them off completely. Anyone who has come to your home with ill intent, who is also in any way sensitive, will realize after crossing your threshold and through those filters that not only do you know of their intent, but also that you’ve just disarmed them and placed them in great danger. They won’t stay long after that.
The following is a list of techniques in no particular order for warding doors and windows:
--Crosses are some of the oldest and most common wards. They have nothing to do with the Christian religion and everything to do with what the symbol of a cross represents. Two long, slender pieces of material crossed over one another is pretty much a universal symbol of “Stop! Halt! Do not pass! etc.” Sometimes consideration is given to the physical strength of the material, such as metal being stronger than wood, and sometimes the magical strength is given consideration, such as the magical warding properties of the herb St. John’s Wort. In any case, crosses can be made of anything that has some type of power, such as iron railroad spikes, wood of the Rowan tree, Mullein stalks, two knives, or even a spoon and fork. Most of the traditionally created crosses are tied together using red string or yarn; one of the oldest European warding crosses is two pieces of Rowan tree tied with red thread. It doesn’t matter magically if the cross is hung as a horizontal/vertical cross or as an “X”, but it may matter to some on a psychological level, which in turn affects their magical working. Folks of the African Diaspora use the Catholic crucifix for several reasons; however, for magical/spiritual purposes they rarely see the crucifix as “Jesus on the Cross” but as the man of the crossroads who stands at the gates between the worlds and either allows or denies entry to spiritual and magical forces. Crosses can be placed on the front or back of doors, hung over doors and windows, drawn in oil or cascarilla or even with paint (sometimes adding powders to the paint). Like many wards they can be cleverly hidden or disguised.
--Mirrors are wonderful wards in that they send back at the same time that they deny entry. Small mirrors of any shape found at craft or fabric stores can be placed (facing outward!) in windows and on the front or back of doors. Mirrors on the back of doors can be easily hidden by a picture. They can be mounted outside on the lintels over doors and windows, as well. Anoint the mirrors with protection oil or an active liquid or protection potion before placing them. This oil or liquid can be re-applied on a regular basis.
--Nails are used for their martial qualities of metallic strength and ability to puncture, and they can be employed in a variety of ways. One source suggests to take three nails to every door and window of your home and nail them straight into the lower two corners and into the top center of the moldings or borders. This creates a triangle, which is said to keep out unwanted influences. Another source says to place either one or three nails, pointing outward, on the sill of each window. Nails can also be made into small crosses and hung over small entrances, such as windows and fireplaces. They are also a main ingredient of the Witch’s Bottle (see below). The best metal is of course iron, but in a pinch any strong nail will do.
--Red cords, imbued with the witch’s or sorcerer’s power, can be hung along the lintels or top moldings over doors and windows in the most decorative and creative ways. Knot magic can be incorporated into this.
--Charms, amulets, saint/holy metals, and talismans of all varieties can be placed over doors and windows and on the back and front of doors.
--Protective herbs in dried, upside-down bunches or crushed and placed into sachets or gris-gris bags can be hung over or around doors and windows. One of the most decorative and innocuous-looking ward is a nicely dried bunch of protective herbs tied with an attractive ribbon hung over or on both sides of a door. Additional (and nastier) charms can be hidden inside the herbs. There are dozens of protective herbs, so consult your references; however, one of the strongest in European lore is St. John’s Wort that was gathered on Midsummer. Many people of a Latin and Mediterranean origin hang small bunches of Rue in doors and windows.
--Living plants and herbs can be placed on either side of doors and on window sills. A living plant produces its own energy without needing to be re-charged, and simply requesting the plant work for you in exchange for regular watering and proper care is usually all that is needed. Sometimes you can pay it with coins. Charged stones, small witch bottles, and other charms can be hidden within the soil at the base of the plant. Aloe Vera plants are a favorite amongst Latin and Caribbean people; some of them plant it in nothing but white sugar and it lives that way for years. Other plants I’ve used and seen used include Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Rosemary, Spider Plant (aka Airplane Plant), and anything with spikes, thorns, or strong smells. Outdoors, protective herbs and plants can be grown not only around entrances but around a home or along property lines.
--Salt that has been charged with protective magic can be sprinkled across the sill or threshold or a heavier line of line can be poured into a crevasse between the sill and the floor. I tend to use Kosher salt for this.
--Red Brick Dust is a common and powerful ward in New Orleans and throughout other places where Hoodoo is practiced. Red brick dust must be made from a red brick of an existing or formerly standing structure, because it gains its power from three major characteristics. 1) It was once a brick used to protect a structure from the elements, and so it “remembers” how to be a boundary or wall. 2) In its creation as a brick it underwent a process involving fire, giving it those qualities. 3) The color red is used widely in defensive magic, and the “redder” the brick, the better the dust. Red sand or ground up terra cotta pots are not substitutes as there is an element of time and function involved in the power of red brick dust. Making red brick dust is time consuming and requires some effort, but that is a good opportunity to imbue the substance with your energy, anger, and intent. It’s also a messy process, so do it outside on pavement or in a cellar or basement. Once you have your red brick dust, make a solid line of it across your main threshold and other door sills, and optionally it can be placed across window sills if you don’t mind the mess. Place it across the front and back steps and the beginnings of the walkway and driveway to your home. When all entry places have been warded with red brick dust, it sometimes feels as if your home has been surrounded by a solid brick wall. It needs to be replaced and reinforced over time as it wears or washes away, so make a large batch at one time to have on hand for emergencies.
There are many other ways to ward thresholds, doors, and windows, and the techniques and variations are almost limitless. Use the above as a guide and let your intuition and additional research be your guide.
Pentacles, Sigils, and other Images and Objects
A home or personal space can also be protected in other areas and ways. Creating objects with sigils, symbols, various planetary pentacles, and so on, and then placing them in strategic locations greatly enhances the overall protective energies and mood of your home.
Sigils and symbols are best placed on parchment or paper of corresponding color easily found at craft and hobby stores. If you have nothing else, disassemble a brown paper bag or use construction paper (and if you’re that poor, get your ass in gear and do some prosperity magic!).
The planetary pentacles from the Key of Solomon or other sources are good to use, especially if you are being attacked by someone using the Goetia or have an enemy that you know uses those spirits. The following technique is one I’ve used with very good results. Obtain seven discs of wood about six inches in diameter (usually pretty cheap at craft stores) and paint them with the corresponding colors, one for each of the seven planets. Next, on parchment, draw one pentacle for each of the planets from the Key of Solomon, usually the first pentacle for each planet, using a colored pen of corresponding color (or black for all if you don’t have colored pens). Make them about six inches in diameter. Cut them out, glue them to the front side of their discs, and once they’ve dried, if you want, you can coat them in a protective varnish or glaze. After they’re done, it’s time to charge them, and timing is important. Ideally this should be done during a waxing moon, but beginning on a Sunday night charge your Sun pentacle within the hour of the Sun. Cast your circle, or do whatever you usually do, and then sprinkle the pentacle with consecrated salt water, pass it through Sun incense, anoint it with Sun oil, and charge the pentacle using a Solar invocation and then telling it what its purpose is. Repeat this process for each night of the week within the planetary hour for the remaining six pentacles, ending with Saturn. Placement of your pentacles is also important. The Sun pentacle can be placed in the highest location in the eastern most point in your home or space, while the Moon pentacle can be placed in the opposite high and western location. The Mars pentacle can be placed over your main door for strong protection, and the Mercury pentacle can be placed near your phone and/or computer. The Jupiter pentacle can be placed in the room that represents your financial center or office, while the Venus pentacle can be placed over your bed or somewhere else in your bedroom. The Saturn Pentacle can be placed over the rear door or the lowest entrance, such as a cellar or basement door that opens to the outside.
Charged and blessed images and statues of the Deities and Spirits you work with can be placed near entrances and throughout the home.
The traditional Witch’s Bottle is an effective protection. Details for this can be found in numerous resources, but the gist is to fill a glass or earthen container with sharp objects, broken glass, your own urine, and so on. Seal it, and bury it. I usually add protective herbs and red brick dust, among other things, to mine. In the past I’ve made a set of five large bottles, burying four in the four corners of my property and hiding one inside my home. I’ve also made small witch bottles and placed them in strategic locations in my home.
Sharing Space with Darker Spirits
Protecting one’s self and one’s home against so-called evil spirits and influences is some of the most ancient practices known to humans. Those of us of a darker flavor tend to view these “evil spirits” through a different lens, and most of us are quite intimate with those “evil influences” as we always get the blame for sending them (which may or may not be true—I’m not telling). However, when you strip away the hypocritical layers of moral ambiguity, most techniques of protection and warding have nothing to do with “good” or “the light,” and everything to do with good ole’ magical techniques and calling upon the spirits with which one has aligned oneself to fend off the spirits and influences of an attacker.
During a Witch War or magical attack of any kind, the already-existing home protections and wards are the first line of defense. Once such an attack has begun, it’s too late to simply put up wards, as you must go through the laborious process of cleansing your home of the spirit or work before warding or re-warding. So, it’s very important to have several layers of strong wards in place at all times.
As much as I like spirits and forces of a darker nature, unfortunately, I simply can’t have most of them hanging around all the time. It’s like having a bunch of rough gang members living with you. They’d eventually eat you out of house and home, run up your phone bill, break all your furniture, invite unwanted guests, and drive you crazy. They’d never clean up after themselves, and they’d never help with the laundry! You’d spend all your time and energy trying to keep your life and home together that you wouldn’t have time for yourself or your goals. Don’t get me wrong, they’re VERY good at what they do, and I certainly employ them when needed; but as far as I’m concerned, they have to either be working on a task I’ve negotiated with them, or they have to go back to their own space and stay there until called—or at least stay out of my space. That being said, there are a few of them that I like to keep around me at all times, and I’ll talk about them later on.
The following techniques are by no means an exhaustive list but those that I’ve personally found effective that I’ve gathered throughout my own journey. They originate from Traditional Craft, Haitian Vodou, New Orleans Hoodoo, Espiritismo, Palo, and a few other sources. I usually don’t make distinctions about where each of them comes from; I simply do them because they’ve melded together in my personal practice, and because they work for me.
Many writers have spoken about psychic shields, protective energy, and astral work when it comes to protection and defense. The majority of the methods I employ require a physical anchor for these energies in order to keep them in place for a longer period of time. Re-charging wards on a regular basis, such as once a month or once a season, is always a good idea. So, please feel free to incorporate any psychic or astral techniques in which you are skilled into these methods below as most witches and sorcerers realize charms, mojos, and other physical objects are much less effective (if not completely ineffective) without the power of the witch or sorcerer to activate and direct them.
Thresholds, Doors, and Windows
First and foremost in home protection is securing the main threshold, whether that be to your house, apartment, or bedroom/dorm room. Next in line are additional doorways, including cellar or basement doors that lead outside, and finally there are windows and other small openings that open directly to the outside. Any of these openings are susceptible to spiritual and magical attack and should be warded in some way.
Doors and windows can be warded in several ways: on the door/window itself (outside and inside), over the door/window and incorporating any lintels, around it and incorporating the molding, across the threshold/sill, and sometimes under it, burying something outside in the ground below. Depending on the style and accessibility of locations around them, other creative methods can be employed, but these are the most common I’ve encountered and employed. What’s my rule of thumb for the amount of wards to use? More is more! Each layer of warding draws the overall net tighter and fills in gaps left by other layers (no one type of warding is ever 100%).
Before I list different techniques for warding doors and windows, I want to say something about inviting people into your space and, therefore, across or through any wards you have placed. (The old folk beliefs of needing to invite “evil” into one’s home spring to mind.) When you invite someone into your home or space, you are essentially opening up your home and de-activating your wards for the person and all they carry with them. That is, unless you make a split-second mental connection with your wards to allow in only the person and not any ill-meaning spirits or workings with them, temporarily changing them into filters rather than turning them off completely. Anyone who has come to your home with ill intent, who is also in any way sensitive, will realize after crossing your threshold and through those filters that not only do you know of their intent, but also that you’ve just disarmed them and placed them in great danger. They won’t stay long after that.
The following is a list of techniques in no particular order for warding doors and windows:
--Crosses are some of the oldest and most common wards. They have nothing to do with the Christian religion and everything to do with what the symbol of a cross represents. Two long, slender pieces of material crossed over one another is pretty much a universal symbol of “Stop! Halt! Do not pass! etc.” Sometimes consideration is given to the physical strength of the material, such as metal being stronger than wood, and sometimes the magical strength is given consideration, such as the magical warding properties of the herb St. John’s Wort. In any case, crosses can be made of anything that has some type of power, such as iron railroad spikes, wood of the Rowan tree, Mullein stalks, two knives, or even a spoon and fork. Most of the traditionally created crosses are tied together using red string or yarn; one of the oldest European warding crosses is two pieces of Rowan tree tied with red thread. It doesn’t matter magically if the cross is hung as a horizontal/vertical cross or as an “X”, but it may matter to some on a psychological level, which in turn affects their magical working. Folks of the African Diaspora use the Catholic crucifix for several reasons; however, for magical/spiritual purposes they rarely see the crucifix as “Jesus on the Cross” but as the man of the crossroads who stands at the gates between the worlds and either allows or denies entry to spiritual and magical forces. Crosses can be placed on the front or back of doors, hung over doors and windows, drawn in oil or cascarilla or even with paint (sometimes adding powders to the paint). Like many wards they can be cleverly hidden or disguised.
--Mirrors are wonderful wards in that they send back at the same time that they deny entry. Small mirrors of any shape found at craft or fabric stores can be placed (facing outward!) in windows and on the front or back of doors. Mirrors on the back of doors can be easily hidden by a picture. They can be mounted outside on the lintels over doors and windows, as well. Anoint the mirrors with protection oil or an active liquid or protection potion before placing them. This oil or liquid can be re-applied on a regular basis.
--Nails are used for their martial qualities of metallic strength and ability to puncture, and they can be employed in a variety of ways. One source suggests to take three nails to every door and window of your home and nail them straight into the lower two corners and into the top center of the moldings or borders. This creates a triangle, which is said to keep out unwanted influences. Another source says to place either one or three nails, pointing outward, on the sill of each window. Nails can also be made into small crosses and hung over small entrances, such as windows and fireplaces. They are also a main ingredient of the Witch’s Bottle (see below). The best metal is of course iron, but in a pinch any strong nail will do.
--Red cords, imbued with the witch’s or sorcerer’s power, can be hung along the lintels or top moldings over doors and windows in the most decorative and creative ways. Knot magic can be incorporated into this.
--Charms, amulets, saint/holy metals, and talismans of all varieties can be placed over doors and windows and on the back and front of doors.
--Protective herbs in dried, upside-down bunches or crushed and placed into sachets or gris-gris bags can be hung over or around doors and windows. One of the most decorative and innocuous-looking ward is a nicely dried bunch of protective herbs tied with an attractive ribbon hung over or on both sides of a door. Additional (and nastier) charms can be hidden inside the herbs. There are dozens of protective herbs, so consult your references; however, one of the strongest in European lore is St. John’s Wort that was gathered on Midsummer. Many people of a Latin and Mediterranean origin hang small bunches of Rue in doors and windows.
--Living plants and herbs can be placed on either side of doors and on window sills. A living plant produces its own energy without needing to be re-charged, and simply requesting the plant work for you in exchange for regular watering and proper care is usually all that is needed. Sometimes you can pay it with coins. Charged stones, small witch bottles, and other charms can be hidden within the soil at the base of the plant. Aloe Vera plants are a favorite amongst Latin and Caribbean people; some of them plant it in nothing but white sugar and it lives that way for years. Other plants I’ve used and seen used include Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Rosemary, Spider Plant (aka Airplane Plant), and anything with spikes, thorns, or strong smells. Outdoors, protective herbs and plants can be grown not only around entrances but around a home or along property lines.
--Salt that has been charged with protective magic can be sprinkled across the sill or threshold or a heavier line of line can be poured into a crevasse between the sill and the floor. I tend to use Kosher salt for this.
--Red Brick Dust is a common and powerful ward in New Orleans and throughout other places where Hoodoo is practiced. Red brick dust must be made from a red brick of an existing or formerly standing structure, because it gains its power from three major characteristics. 1) It was once a brick used to protect a structure from the elements, and so it “remembers” how to be a boundary or wall. 2) In its creation as a brick it underwent a process involving fire, giving it those qualities. 3) The color red is used widely in defensive magic, and the “redder” the brick, the better the dust. Red sand or ground up terra cotta pots are not substitutes as there is an element of time and function involved in the power of red brick dust. Making red brick dust is time consuming and requires some effort, but that is a good opportunity to imbue the substance with your energy, anger, and intent. It’s also a messy process, so do it outside on pavement or in a cellar or basement. Once you have your red brick dust, make a solid line of it across your main threshold and other door sills, and optionally it can be placed across window sills if you don’t mind the mess. Place it across the front and back steps and the beginnings of the walkway and driveway to your home. When all entry places have been warded with red brick dust, it sometimes feels as if your home has been surrounded by a solid brick wall. It needs to be replaced and reinforced over time as it wears or washes away, so make a large batch at one time to have on hand for emergencies.
There are many other ways to ward thresholds, doors, and windows, and the techniques and variations are almost limitless. Use the above as a guide and let your intuition and additional research be your guide.
Pentacles, Sigils, and other Images and Objects
A home or personal space can also be protected in other areas and ways. Creating objects with sigils, symbols, various planetary pentacles, and so on, and then placing them in strategic locations greatly enhances the overall protective energies and mood of your home.
Sigils and symbols are best placed on parchment or paper of corresponding color easily found at craft and hobby stores. If you have nothing else, disassemble a brown paper bag or use construction paper (and if you’re that poor, get your ass in gear and do some prosperity magic!).
The planetary pentacles from the Key of Solomon or other sources are good to use, especially if you are being attacked by someone using the Goetia or have an enemy that you know uses those spirits. The following technique is one I’ve used with very good results. Obtain seven discs of wood about six inches in diameter (usually pretty cheap at craft stores) and paint them with the corresponding colors, one for each of the seven planets. Next, on parchment, draw one pentacle for each of the planets from the Key of Solomon, usually the first pentacle for each planet, using a colored pen of corresponding color (or black for all if you don’t have colored pens). Make them about six inches in diameter. Cut them out, glue them to the front side of their discs, and once they’ve dried, if you want, you can coat them in a protective varnish or glaze. After they’re done, it’s time to charge them, and timing is important. Ideally this should be done during a waxing moon, but beginning on a Sunday night charge your Sun pentacle within the hour of the Sun. Cast your circle, or do whatever you usually do, and then sprinkle the pentacle with consecrated salt water, pass it through Sun incense, anoint it with Sun oil, and charge the pentacle using a Solar invocation and then telling it what its purpose is. Repeat this process for each night of the week within the planetary hour for the remaining six pentacles, ending with Saturn. Placement of your pentacles is also important. The Sun pentacle can be placed in the highest location in the eastern most point in your home or space, while the Moon pentacle can be placed in the opposite high and western location. The Mars pentacle can be placed over your main door for strong protection, and the Mercury pentacle can be placed near your phone and/or computer. The Jupiter pentacle can be placed in the room that represents your financial center or office, while the Venus pentacle can be placed over your bed or somewhere else in your bedroom. The Saturn Pentacle can be placed over the rear door or the lowest entrance, such as a cellar or basement door that opens to the outside.
Charged and blessed images and statues of the Deities and Spirits you work with can be placed near entrances and throughout the home.
The traditional Witch’s Bottle is an effective protection. Details for this can be found in numerous resources, but the gist is to fill a glass or earthen container with sharp objects, broken glass, your own urine, and so on. Seal it, and bury it. I usually add protective herbs and red brick dust, among other things, to mine. In the past I’ve made a set of five large bottles, burying four in the four corners of my property and hiding one inside my home. I’ve also made small witch bottles and placed them in strategic locations in my home.
Sharing Space with Darker Spirits
I use the terms “dark” and “light” in relative terms, not
to be confused with “evil/bad” and “good,” and I realize the shortcomings of
these terms. However, for lack of better ones, these are the terms I’m
currently using.
The subject of sharing space with darker spirits and muertos (the dead, not including one’s Ancestors) can be a separate discussion unto itself. I only want to discuss this in regards to home protection. As I mentioned above, in my experience I have found dark spirits to be a bit more aggressive in nature than other spirits, and I prefer not to share space with most of them. That’s not to say that I like filling my house with a bunch of “light” spirits, either. As much as many dark spirits are aggressive, I’ve found that many light spirits can be whiny, needy, and lazy. Everyone works in my house. No exceptions. If you don’t work, you don’t get anything. If you expect me to lavish you with attention and candles and refreshment on a regular basis, and then a time comes to do something for me and you’re no where to be found—then you can just keep moving on past my house. I don’t have time for that. Therefore, I only like to share space with spirits who are loyal and hard-working and I couldn’t care less if they’re considered by others to be “good” or “evil” or whatever.
The only issue that arises for me is when I do a home cleansing I don’t want to risk banishing or insulting my hard-working, loyal dark spirits and muertos. Since most recipes and techniques I know for cleansing one’s home is usually unfairly tipped in the light spirits’ favor, I need to take extra steps for my dark spirits. So, I announce to my spirits that I’m about to cleanse my home and use substances that might drive them away or at least annoy them greatly. I then provide a “hiding place” for them to dwell in during the cleansing. This hiding place can be any type of object, but is most often a stone (many cultures profess how spirits can take up residence in stones and stone statues), which is then placed inside a protected container. The object and container can be of anything you wish, but it’s best to let your spirit decide what it likes. And for multiple spirits, you can have separate objects and the same container or both separate objects and containers. I usually wait until the next day after the cleansing to open everything back up, just to let it all settle.
Everything I’ve written above is my own opinion and the result of my own experiences, and none of it should be viewed as the one and only way home protection can be accomplished. I’ve purposely left some subjects untouched, such as home cleansings, as I could go on and on and never finish.
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| Photo by Steven Bragg |
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