Witch Notes: Knot Magick

I really like using knot spells. I prefer soft leather to anything else, otherwise I use hemp cord that’s been braided to create a cord of more substance. The number of cords I use ranges from one for something simple to more if I need to influence something more complex, weaving each together with the other cords. A simple knot can be used or something more complex. I prefer using figure eight knots unless I really need to focus, in which case I tie more complicated knots. The casting can be carried on your person as a talisman or charm. Or it can be burned or buried if the working requires it.

There are many versions of the chant that’s recited while tying the knots. A witch can use any order or pattern she likes as well as the type of knot she uses. Knot spells can be worked at any time but they have special significance and power for me if performed when the Moon is either Dark or Full. As with any spell, correspondences regarding day, hour, and time should be observed whenever possible as well as any other correspondences that are appropriate. Specific colors may be selected to enhance the casting.

The knots used…

Knots represent patterns to me. I like seeing how they’re constructed and the path the cord follows to its completion. The following are some of my favorite knots. The more complicated the knot, the more I use it for more involved intention and focus.

• Single Figure 8 and Figure 8 Tuck – I use the Single Figure 8 the most. The Figure 8 Tuck is more difficult and I need more practice with that one, but it will be useful when a longer, more intense focus is necessary.

 

• Celtic Button knot – Here is an example of a Celtic Button knot I’ve created. It takes a little longer than the Single Figure 8, so I use it when I really need a longer focus.

 

 

 

• Single Figure 8 using three cords – This creates a Witch’s Ladder of sorts and beads can be added as well for magickal intent. If cast for protection as an example, the knot casting can be hung by a door, or placed on the altar, or carried as a talisman.

 

 

• Oysterman knot – I like this simple knot. It looks more complicated than it really is.

 

 

 

• Stevedore knot – This one is similar to the figure 8 but can be used at the end of a cord to prevent unraveling.

 

 

•  Triangle knot – This knot can be tied in succession as shown in the picture or in an alternating fashion. 9 knots are tied in this casting.

 

 

• Josephine knot – I love this knot. It can be used as a talisman or altar piece or carried for whatever purpose for which it was cast.

 

 

The words spoken…

There are various renditions of the basic knot spell. The idea is, if you borrow another witch’s written spell, modify it to make it your own. This is the one I use.

• With the knot of one, my spell has begun
• With the knot of two, my spell is blessed true
• With the knot of three, my power flows free
• With the knot of four, my intention is stored
• With the knot of five, energy rising and alive
• With the knot of six, my intention fixed
• With the knot of seven, the spell has leavened
• With the knot of eight, coalesce into fate
• With the knot of nine, my desire, mine

Order matters..or not

Some witches use an order when tying knots. But if you don’t want to do that, you don’t have to. Some knot magick uses the typical 9 knots, but I also perform one that uses 13. Really, any number can be used because it’s all about the witch’s magickal will and intention. Knot magick can be used during Dark Moon ritual to set intentions for the Full Moon and untied at that time. That’s the best aspect of knot magick. You can truly make it your own. Adding beads or shells or other objects that have significance can also be part of the casting. It’s really all up to the witch how she uses knot magick in her craft. Below is the typical 9-knot order to use if you like.

—1——–6——–4———7——–3———8——–5——–9——–2—

∞

When my boys homeschooled, I didn’t teach as much as facilitate their learning. I hesitate telling any witch how she should perform her craft. It’s part of the reason I’ve always been Solitary. I’ve never been part of a coven so becoming an initiate where someone else confers this or that grade or degree seems counterintuitive. And I’m not trying to suggest that choosing to belong to a coven is a bad thing because it surely is not. It just wasn’t for me. I think it’s great to share ideas and receive advice from others but at the end of the day, a witch decides how she expresses herself and should own that. When I was awarded my Black Belt, there was no one that could tell me I wasn’t a Black Belt. I didn’t need anyone giving me the belt, but it’s part of dojo tradition that a student tests for and is then awarded rank by the instructor or by a panel of instructors. I accepted that because it was expected and I figured that I gave tacit approval when I began training. But for someone to tell me how to be a witch? Yeah, right.

So if you haven’t worked knot magick, give it a try! It might become your favorite magickal tool. Witches who are skilled at macrame should have no problem. For the rest of us, I recommend starting with a simple knot or maybe the figure 8. Your focus needs to be on your intention instead of getting the knots right. If you have to refer to a diagram, it breaks your focus, so work the knot until you’re comfortable tying it without thinking about it. And if you don’t happen to have your cords with you when you feel the need for some knot magick, don’t worry. You can visualize the cord(s) as well as the knots as they’re tied.

So have fun with it!

~Blessings!