My favourite magical protection methods

I always have rosemary on hand 🛡

Something I find frustrating is that people always say “you need to cast protection/warding!” But then they never give good methods. Especially when you’re trying to protect/ward a room.

Anyone have good methods for a beginner?

I got you, friend!

Here are some posts I've made previously that talk about the process of cleansing and warding your space:

If you like podcasts, I also addressed the subject of household wards in December 2021 episode of my monthly show, Hex Positive (Ep. 24 - Warding A Witchy Home).

Hope this helps!

Witchcraft: Herb Protection and Rituals for the Home

Credit: animamundiherbals

Spirit Work Foundations - Warding Basics

Warding is one of the most important skills that one can learn when starting spirit work, if not the most important. There are spirits all around us, no matter where we are, and not all of them have our best intentions at heart. Most will leave humans alone who aren't aware of them, but when the door cracks open, it becomes a possibility for them to see you as a target.

It can seem difficult at first, but there are many different and easy ways to build wards that will last a long time. Once you get into a good rhythm, it's easy to make it part of your regular routine. They can be as simple as asking a deity you worship to help protect you, or as complicated as an involved crystal grid for which the research and building of can take months.

One of the most important things to remember is that you should never settle for just one ward. There are many different kinds of energy, and many different forms of attack. Having only one layer of protections leaves you vulnerable. There is almost always going to be someone stronger than you, more powerful, more involved. If they can pop your single protection, or find a loophole in it, you're completely exposed.

The hardest part of setting wards is writing out your intentions, and anchoring them in an external energy source. Some of your wards can build on your own energy, but you don't want all, or even most, of your protections to rely solely on you. If your energy drops for any reason, your wards will be compromised, and if they're wiped out at once, it will leave you exhausted and completely unable to defend yourself. However, having them rooted in your own energy can also protect them from being manipulated if the outside energy is affected. Having the wards that rely solely on your energy closest to your skin and personal body can be a great way to balance the pros and cons of this.

There are a lot of things to consider when setting wards:

It might sound overwhelming, but keep in mind that not every ward you place needs to do everything.

Specific intentions are stronger than general ones, and can keep you from being locked out of forming friendly connections.

Ward setting can be a lot like the story of Goldilocks. Too strong, and nothing can come in or out and you can't sense anything outside of the wards. Too weak, and you're vulnerable. Figuring out this balance can take trial and error.

There are many ways you can set wards:

These are just some suggestions, but really the sky is the limit.

Using sigils in gifs or images, or even charging a VPN is a way you can use wards to protect your technology as well!

If you're new to warding, I encourage you to try at little bit of everything, and see what works best.

While you're getting set up, learning, and experimenting with wards, there's no shame in relying heavily on your deities and companions to help you with your basic protections. While I don't recommend this as a long term strategy, we all have to start somewhere, and it can help your peace of mind to know that someone has your back as you build on your own abilities.

Start small, and build from there. If you don't get it right the first time, keep trying!

Learn. Build. Grow.

It's how we all begin.

If you're overwhelmed and don't even know how to start, I've included instructions for a basic warded bracelet below. The gemstones listed are not an exhaustive list, but rather stones that are both associated in some way with different kinds of protection, and also easy to get. Feel free to use whatever other materials you're called to.

Happy Warding!

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Instructions on a DIY warded bracelet:

Get some elastic. Elastic will break eventually but until then it's strong and easy to get. Clear elastic will work fine, but there's also the colored sort that is made of many different strands. That kind will fray before it snaps, so you'll have a warning. Either will work, as it's not the elastic itself that's important.

Make sure you make it a few inches longer than it takes for you to tie it around your wrist before you trim it. Make sure you have glue.

Get some beads of the following sorts (I recommend 4mm so you can string more on):

- rainbow moonstone

- black tourmaline

- Amethyst

- Smoky Quartz

- Clear quartz

- Tigers eye (tiger iron also works)

- obsidian

- And another stone you feel called to that will represent you. Can be anything.

This is not a definitive list. If you want to make it most of one but not another, or want to add more kinds of gemstones, then do so. Whatever you feel called to.

String them on the elastic until its a comfortable length. Tie it off and glue the knot before trimming the ends.

Cleanse by lighting a candle and trailing the bracelet above it enough that the fire doesn't touch it.

Pull the bracelet close to you, holding in both hands. Concentrate on the fire of the candle, and keep your intention for the bracelet (in this case, protecting you physically and mentally from spiritual entities and magic) at the forefront of your mind. Feel the energy of the candle, and envision it surrounding the bracelet and charging it with your intentions. Keep in mind that specific intentions are more likely to be stronger.

If this is all too complicated to keep in your mind at one time, you can write down a list of what you want the bracelet to do, and how. You can include the names of deities or companions you want to help strengthen it. When it's written down, put it under the candle before you burn it. You can also use flash or wish paper, which is made to be burned, and then waft the bracelet through the smoke.

(Note: paper is usually full of chemicals, and so is ink. Be mindful of what materials you use when you intend to burn a piece of spellwork. Make sure that you are in a well ventilated area, and do not set off any fire alarms, or choke on the smoke. Do not leave an open flame unattended. Have a glass or bucket of water nearby in case things get out of control).

When you feel you are done, blow out the candle. Put the bracelet on. Leave it on as much as possible, unless cleansing or recharging it.

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Warding is the method of casting a shield or barrier to defend and protect a space, person, portal, or item or to deflect potential negative energies and dangers. This is a remarkably important intention to consider and practice. Warding where you sleep, shower, rest, eat, and preform rituals along with yourself and prevent you from many unwanted experiences and encounters.

Warding Correspondences:

Colors: Black and Red. Tools: Coffin Nails, Crystals, Graveyard Dirt, Horseshoes, Iron Pikes, Talismans, and Wands. Symbols: Hamsa, Evil Eye, Pentacles, Ankh, Eye of Horus, Mars, Aries, Celtic Knot, Celtic Cross, Algiz Rune, Pentagrams, and Sigils.

Warding Methods:

Warding Instruments:

Crystals:

Black Jasper, Black Jet, Black Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Obsidian, Nuumite, Shungite, Smokey Quartz, Sugilite, and Tigers Eye.

Herbs:

Basil, Cinnamon, Clove, Dill, Dragons Blood, Garlic, High John the Conqueror, Rosemary, Rue, St John’s Wort, Valerian, and Vervain.

Plants:

Aloe Vera, Bamboo, Cactus, Heather, Roses, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, and the Venus Fly Trap.

A Hearth Witch's Security System - Boundaries and Entrances

A Disclaimer: I am one person and my opinions (which I have in abundance) may not reflect the opinions of other witches, in general, or other people who call themselves hearth witches. In fact, they probably won’t, because I’m an asshole. I have a bizarre sense of humor that doesn’t convey well in text and I rant about shit I don’t like. A lot. If you don’t think you can handle that, maybe don’t read anything I write. Ever.

Protecting the Home, Protecting the Family 

Let me preface this post by saying, I am exhausted, so probably nothing I write here is going to make sense to anyone but me. Also, that has just been my luck lately, but we’ll see how it goes anyway. 

If you read my blog, you’ll know that I do a lot of stuff to protect my railroad cottage. Not just because I live here, but because I literally use my house as a symbol of my household and family. So, in a witchcraft sense, protecting my home is protecting my family. And, because that’s the witchcraft I write about most on my blog, that’s what I get a lot of questions about (spirit work aside, because that’s what I get the most questions about). 

So, this post is going to be about various ways to protect your home and (hopefully) prevent nasties from creeping inside. 

Rule Number One: Keep a Clean House

I know that sounds really boring. I know you’re like, “Emma, that is not witchcraft. Those are chores and I hate you. Did my mom put you up to this?” But, actually, there are two good reasons that’s Rule No. 1: 

Obviously, I’m not saying you’re house has to look like something from Good Housekeeping. My own cottage has four rooms and is home to more than four people. It’ll never be as neat as we want it to be. But’s it’s clean. And that’s what matters. 

Rule Number Two: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors 

I’m not talking about real fences—but those too. I’m talking more about magical boundaries. Like a witch fence. This can be set up in or outside of ritual, using a real fence, other objects, or using visualization. 

So, let’s talk about putting up this fence, huh? The method I use  is, of course, the “Gross Method”—and, by gross, I mean no one wants to do it or talk to me they’ve found out I’ve done it. It uses a pre-existing fence to create the boundary, which means that what you’re actually doing with this method is enchanting or reinforcing your standing fence. It’s supa supa easy. Like really, children could do if you let them. Only probably don’t let them because it’s probably a health hazard. 

Rule Number Three: Gardening = Ammo 

While we’re still outdoors, let’s talk about ‘defensive gardening’. One of my favorite things to do with my garden is to reinforce my boundaries by planting protective herbs. Not only does it add punch to your enchanted fence, but it provides ammunition should you need to banish something later. 

This can be done directly in the ground, in hanging planters at/on your stake-points, in windowboxes, in planters by the door, etc. 

Some good protective herbs to start are:

You may also want to include banishing plants

As well as flowers, trees, and shrubs to the same effect (like holly, cedar, etc). 

Rule Number Four: Wards/Wardings Aren’t As Hard As They Sound

Come with me to the porch and let’s talk about wards! *runs to the porch, points at wards* Wards are awesome! There are so many different kinds and they can range anywhere from decorative to practical to invisible! 

When you’re warding your doorway, like a lot of witchcraft, intent is super important. Really, it doesn’t matter what kind of ward you use as long as you have the intent. And, with the bucket load of types of warding, you should be able to find one to fit your needs.

My favorite way to ward a door or window is with a decorative ward, which was something we did in my family for years and then I finally saw it outside of our house in an Ellen Dugan book (which I bought JUST for that reason). This one isn’t mine, but it’s a good example of one:

These hang above doors and windows to ward off evil, ill will, etc. and can be made out of dried flowers and herbs (like above), fabric (such as a warding banner), carved into the wood above a door, or any other way you prefer. 

I usually go with the pictured method. Typically I

Of course, there are a lot of other ways to ward your doors and windows. 

The most important thing is that you make your intent clear. Whether you want to ward off evil spirits or unwelcome mortal visitors, make your intent clear. If you need to do this by putting your warding into a big ritual, do so. If you need to activate your wards out loud, go ahead. 

Rule Number Five: Everything You Need to Strengthen Your Protection is On/In You

These are all totally useful supplies for witchcraft in general and for protection in specific. A touch of one of these on a window, door, doorknob, etc is fantastic for strengthening a boundary and clearly marking your territory to anyone who might wander inside. Surface cleaning with remove germs, but not the intent or the warning.

Rule Number Six: Never Let an Outsider Make Your Forget Whose House This Is

The conviction of ownership is pretty important to home protection. Don’t let an intruder scare you into believing that they own your home. They don’t. It’s yours. The people inside it are yours. 

I’ve been getting a lot of requests for home protection lately — this ought to help some people out, thank you!

^^Wow, this is amazing! Thank you!

Must print out immediately. :3

Phrasing of a protection spell, that might be helpful to others - or perhaps useful as template.

“This [item] is for protection. It will protect this space. It will protect this property. It will protect the people who live here. It will protect the people who are welcome here. It will protect the animals that live here. It will protect the animals that exist here. It will protect.”

Wards: Protection for the home

There are many ways to protect your home.

– Sources: “Cunning Murrell. A Study of a Nineteenth-Century Cunning Man in Hadleigh, Essex” by Eric Maple “Cunning-Folk: Popular Magic in English History” by Owen Davies http://www.cornishwitchcraft.co.uk/ http://darianowitch.tripod.com/darianoswitchywordsofwisdom/id20.html http://www.conjurefolk.com/ http://www.cornishwitchcraft.co.uk/ —Sean M… ☽☿♀☉♂♃ ♄

🛡 Warding 🛡

Disclaimer: This is all based on my research, path, opinion & experiences! Intro: I really was holding out on doing this post because it’s such a big, important topic to cover and I really don’t want to mess it up or get anything wrong. This post needs to be done though, people have asked if I have such a post and an anon suggested it. So finally, here it is.  - What Is Warding?: Warding is a type of magick, it is the act of creating an energetic barrier around you, your home, an object, ect. They can be temporary or permanent, although typically they are cast with the long term in mind. They can banish or turn away whatever you choose. Warding is an excellent skill to have because it can keep you, and even others safe and with practice you can do it anytime with just about whatever you have on hand.  When Should I Ward?: Whenever you want an energetic barrier around you, most people consistently ward their home, themselves or their place of practice. Some people even ward their space every time they prepare for a spell. It should be done consistently in any area you want protected, but exactly where and how often is entirely up to the practitioner.  What Should I Do Before?: Cleanse, a ward is a barrier of energy and in the same way that it keeps things out it also keeps things in. You don’t want to trap anything inside of it. Cleanse yourself before you ward yourself. Cleanse your space before you ward your space!  Tips Before You Ward: Phrasing:  Keep the phrasing in mind! You don’t want to keep anything out that you want in, or let something in that you want out. If you’re chanting or using sigils ect keep in mind exactly what you want to keep out both in your methods and in your mind. Covering everything:  Make sure to cover everything, a ward is useless if there’s a weakness in it or if the ceiling & floor aren’t probably covered. Be super thorough!  Layering Your Wards: One small little wimpy barrier? Ha, the spirits say as they scramble into your home to wreak havoc! You need to layer your wards, don’t just use one method one time, there’s no such thing as too much warding.  What Are Some Ways That I Can Ward?: Now we’ll get right down to the methods you can use to ward yourself and your space! Remember that warding is important and needs to be effective, don’t try anything that you don’t have experience with for warding. At first, focus on the stuff you know. If you like sigils, use sigils at first and slowly work your way into using other more complex methods or methods that solely rely on your abilities. • Circle Casting:  You cast a circle by summoning the four elements to protect & energize what is in the circle.  - Here’s my post about circles & how to cast them  • Chanting/Speaking: Come up with a protective chant you can use to ward your space. This chant could be someone else’s or your own as long as you feel it’s effective. Speak it aloud and visualize a layer of energy protecting your space.  • Incense: Burn a protective incense in the space you’d like to ward and visualize a barrier protecting your space. • Athame:  Draw out the line of your ward with your athame, visualize the wall appearing, covering everything with a thick layer of energy.  • Spraying: Spray a mix of blessed/magickal waters and or herbs with protective properties in the space you want to ward.  • Sigils: Create a sigil using your favorite method with the intent to “ward” or “protect/protection.” Then charge and activate it as a layer of protection! Here’s my post on sigils if you’re interested in that: - Sigil Post • Jar Spells: You could mix up a jar spell for warding, set it in your house and forget it as a layer of warding.  - My protective jar spell post • Anointment: Anoint the doorways of your space, you could also anoint the ceiling, floor, walls, corners, honestly go for it.  • Salt: Sprinkle salt all around the edge of your home or space. Make sure to sprinkle salt on the INSIDE of your harm as salt can harm plants & wildlife if used outside. If you’d like to make a barrier on the outside of your home, you can use dried & crushed eggshells in place of salt. - Post on how to make eggshell powder here -  • Hag stones: Hag stones are stones with holes in them that have been corroded into the stone because of rushing water. It is believed rushing water is protective & cleansing so if you wear a stone that sat in it long enough to have parts corroded away, that the stone will maintain and keep those properties with it. It’s a great way to personally ward yourself, and an excuse to go out in nature.  They look like this! 

• Energy Manipulation: If you’ve got a knack for manipulating energy, you can create a barrier through work and visualization that surrounds yourself or your space. This isn’t recommended for beginners though! Links: - Horse Warding Charm By @anothersusurrus - House Warding Spritz Mixture By @seleneblackwell Both of these are great if you’re looking for specific spells, types of magick, correspondences, sigils, ect! - Protection Magic Masterpost Part 1 By @auricwitch - Protection Magic Masterpost Part 2 By @auricwitch Personal Wards: Also remember not just to ward your space but yourself, if you layer your home with wards, what happens when you leave? Exactly. Keep yourself safe too! Circle casting & hag stones are great methods I mentioned above that are good for personal warding.  Can I Ward Specific Things And Not Others?: Absolutely! I mentioned this in the phrasing section of this post, keep in mind exactly what you want to keep out when you’re warding. I like words like “negative” or “harmful” or “with ill intent” because they don’t necessarily keep out the Fae or positive/neutral spirits but it does keep out anything that wants to harm you in general. Just think about it ahead of time, find wording or a phrase you like and keep that in mind as you ward.  What If I Live With People?: If you’re out of the broom closet, explain to your family/roommates what you’re doing and why you’re doing it and make sure they’re cool with it and are aware of what’s going on. If you’re not out of the broom closet, you may have to resort to only warding yourself/your room, & that’s okay!  I hope this helps someone or teaches them something new! Enjoy! Have a lovely day 💖

Keeping Yourself Protected

Ways to provide protection from spiritual and physical beings:

Sources: Charissascaulderon.com, scribol.com                                  

Stay safe and have a Happy New Year!

==Moonlight Academy==