The Magic Of Knots

Susan Leybourne

The use of knots in magic has been widely practised throughout the World in former times, for many reasons. It is quick, simple, quite discreet, but very powerful. Especially in Celtic lands where, it was believed, the Faerie folk could not be held in any knot, the skill of tying knots was a faerie gift. A very sacred and holy thing.

As soon as I could tie my shoes I would tie up spells in my laces. I was drawn to the peculiarity of cords and string and different types of spirit magic to be worked, which all depended upon the twist and turn of the knot used and the amount of knotting done.

Although the majority of modern Witches are familiar with only one or two styles of knotting as a magical device, many other forms of Knot magic were used to ward off or attract beneficial conditions.

The tying of knots has been practiced for magical purposes for as long as mankind has needed to secure things, whether securing an object or the favour of the Gods, knots have been employed. In ancient Egypt seven was the preferred number, as the seven Hathors were invoked, the Equivalent of the Faerie folk, Seven knots were tied in cloth, while suitable incantations were muttered over them invoking the power of the Gods. Isis, Sekhmet, Amun and Thoth were often called upon during magical rituals as knots were tied.

Tying up an illness, binding a demon, securing someone's love - for all these things and more, knots were used. In older times illness or misfortune was regarded as an evil Spirit to be bound up in cloth or rope, therefore inhibiting its progress.

We can take another look at knot work, in the specialized skills of old fashioned midwifery. As soon as a child is born, and the umbilical cord is cut and tied, this is the first act of magic practiced upon the new born infant, and in older times, the midwife would have been responsible for giving the child his future good fortune, by saying a little prayer or blessing as the cord is cut and tied, securing his future health and happiness.

In olden times Witches were known to tie up the wind in a piece of string, with three knots which would be given or sold to sailors, so that they would have good weather for sailing, and would have the added benefit of bringing them home safely at the end of the day. All around the world knots have been used for magical purposes. In England tying new wool in a crisscross fashion across a mirror was used by witches as a Spirit trap, meant to capture the evil eye or bad spirits sent at us. The spirit would be attracted by the light's reflection in the mirror, and then would get trapped in the wool. At the full moon the wool would be taken off and burnt, and the mirror re-threaded with new wool.

Elemental spirits do like string, wool and knots, and are easily attracted to them. The same could be said of the more wider known Native American Dream catcher, very well known in almost every esoteric shop in the west. You can even buy them in the craft markets in many large cities. Basically this is another Spirit trap devise, meant to catch bad dreams, but in most Shamanic earth centered cultures bad dreams are believed to be caused by evil spirits.

When we say knots we don't just mean any old knot, as different types of knots were and are still used by different sorts of people, like farmers, sailors, climbers etc. and each knot is used according to its purpose. Similar purposes can be discovered by applying like to like in a magical way.

One of my favorites for a short term solution which can be easily undone is the chain sinnet. This is a sort of running piece of knotwork, fashioned into a bracelet and worn around the wrist, for an instant result. The chain sinnet, is quite decorative, I would suggest doing this when you need an outcome right now, but might not need it in a weeks time, for example 'I need another client to replace the client who just cancelled' or 'I need to find information on Lithuanian folk magic by Friday' or 'I need enough money to pay the phone bill next week'. Such repeating knots as the chain sinnet are easy to make, and one can easily enter an altered state while creating this chain with colored string or cord. When the goal has been achieved, simply tug one end, and the whole thing will unravel in seconds. Knot spells are incredibly quick and very simple once you know how to tie a few basic knots. The idea is twofold: you put a lot of concentration into doing the turns and loops correctly, and on another level, once you become very familiar with a certain knot, you no longer need to worry about it's sequence, so you put an equal amount of concentration into visualizing the outcome or chanting over the knots as you tie them. Either way I find this kind of magic incredibly quick and it works almost immediately.

Another favorite is the Monkey's fist. While working this knot, you can enclose a personal item inside the knot, which acts as a protection for the person whose item it is. This knot is also quite decorative and is sometimes called a Button knot, and it works mostly for protection, either from Spiritual or physical enemies. The knot itself cushions the person from all harm, if kept on the person. This knot is quite heavy when wet, and will act at a distance. So as well as a personal talisman, it can be worked with heavier cord to send any sort of spell at a distance. This is done by standing outdoors with the loose end of cord in one hand while circling the knotted end above the head whipping up the wind, and muttering to the spirits in a low voice, exactly who it is for, or the result you need to affect at a distance. Then, when you feel the power is with you and you are ready to go, let go of the whole thing in the direction it is needed. It might only travel a few feet, but it will hit it's mark. You then pick it up and hang it in the branches of the nearest tree, only taking it down after the result has come or one month has gone by.

Another style of knot I like is the Water knot, which can be used to bring two people together. It acts very quickly. This knot was only invented in the 19th century and it is done by tying two separate pieces of cord together with two separate knots, but when the two cords are pulled in opposite directions the knots come together. If a coloured bead or crystal is worked into each knot, representing the two people, when the cord is tugged the beaded knots make a rather satisfying clatter as they bang

together. This can be used for many purposes, from romance to meeting a new business contact, being at the right place at the right time or getting off on a good start with the mother in law or new boss.

Looking at the whole subject of knot magic could cause a few problems for modern practitioners as so many of the most lovely knots can be used for the darkest of curses. Our forebears would not have had such a problem with this, the older philosophy of 'You hurt me and I will hurt you back' seems to have been replaced by such notions as 'send it back with love' and the oh so popular 'an it harm none'. These modern concepts would not have been so popular in a dog eat dog world, so some of the best knots are used for binding an enemy, symbolically tying up the enemies intestines, shortening someone's life, or sending them to the gallows, and other such lovelies from the horror hit parade. Obviously these would not be so popular nowadays, as the general thought is defence not offence. Most people may regard this as an interesting piece of folklore, but the early Muslims had a great fear of magic and sorcery, and offered prayers to Allah, to be protected from all those who blow on knots.

It is highly likely that the knots utilised by magicians of the Ancient Middle East were simple overhand knots, as these can be done in a series while looping rope or cord around the hand several times, while incantations are sung or chanted over the hand holding the cord, a quick blow into the palm and a string of knots are revealed at equal intervals along the line, the length of the hand is the measure, which gives the number of turns, which relates to the number of knots, which for an average person will usually be around seven. When my own students are initiated I ask them to make their own measure beforehand with natural wool, and a bobbin with four nails in it. As the length is made charms and incantations are muttered into the thing which will be their initiation cord, and symbol of their Magical journey. Such a measure, if done correctly can take months to finish, but upon completion acts as a powerful personal amulet. During the initiation, time is set aside for the dyeing of the measure with the leaves of one's sacred tree, which acts as a fixative for all the magic incantations done over it during the previous months.

Knot magic is something which appears to have become nothing more than an added extra in the Witches tool kit these days, but in times gone by, it would have been one of those basic skills all Witches would have known. With families or areas having their preferred style of knot, used for both mundane as well as magical purposes.

 

 

Reed Moon

 

October 26 - November 24

 

The celebration of Samhain now known as Halloween, occurs during the Reed Moon. To the Celts this month hailed the end of the year, a time to cull the livestock and to connect with the ancestors. All around the world festivals that honor the dead are celebrated. During the Reed Moon, light a candle for loved ones who have died and you may receive a message from the spirit world.

 

The Reed Moon is a good time to use divination to gain insights into the year that has passed. Perform spells that will release old energy and burn symbols of illness and negativity in your bonfire on Halloween. Remember the Celtic year does not begin until the Winter Solstice, so use this interval to dream, not to make plans for the future.

 

The Haunting Sound Of Reed

 

In the past, the reed was used to make swift-flying arrow shafts that slew both enemies and game. In this way the plant was linked to the season of death and sacrifice, in which trees shed their leaves and the energy of nature became more introspective. Many early musical instruments also used the reed to create a haunting sound that has been connected to rites for the dead and the summoning of spirits.

 

Wind Instruments

 

Modern-day wind instruments have developed from the same principle used by original reed instruments, whereby a current of air is vibrated to produce a melodic sound. Other traditional uses for reed include thatching. Rooftops were thatched with reeds, and as the Celts withdrew into their homes for the winter they honored the plant that gave them shelter, making the reed a symbol of royalty and protection.

 

Ancestor Spirit Altar

 

Use this ancestral ritual to connect with your ancestors and other loved ones who have crossed to the spirit world. You will need:

 

*Ancestral images

*Three white candles

*Flowers

 

First place the ancestral images on a table, with the flowers and candles. Light each candle in turn and offer a prayer in turn and offer a prayer after each in the following order:

 

Candle One -

 

"I honor the Ancestors of my blood."

 

Candle Two -

 

"I honor the Ancestors of my heart."

 

Candle Three -

 

"I honor the Ancestors of my tradition."

 

Meditate, letting images peacefully drift through your mind, and ask for a sign that your loved ones are still with you in spirit.

 

Protection Charm

 

Use this reed charm to protect yourself from negativity. You will need:

 

*Freshly cut reed

*A black ribbon

 

1) Visualize yourself within a circle of white light.

 

2) Tie a knot in a freshly cut reed, as it will be more flexible, and then say: "Royal reed, plant of my protection, keep me safe until the new year."

 

3) Suspend the knotted reed from the ceiling using the black ribbon.

 

4) At Christmas or Yule, take it down and burn it.

 

Samhain Reed Spell

 

If you need help in letting go of something from your past, use a little reed magic at Samhain (October 31st). You will need:

 

*Knife

*Pen

*Sea salt

*Matches

*Fireproof dish

 

1) Go to a spot along the river bank where reeds grow tall and strong.

 

2) Sprinkle sea salt on the surface of the water and say, "River of birth, river of death, I honor you. Please accept this offering."

 

3) Now choose a reed, cut it, and carefully draw a symbol, or write a word, to represent what you wish to release on the reed.

 

4) Light the reed in the fireproof dish and, as it burns, visualize the old energy being transformed into light and disappearing.

 

5) Once the reed has burned away, pour the ashes into the water and walk away, feeling fully cleansed of the past.

 

Traditional Magic

 

Try bringing some reed magic into your life with these traditional rituals.

 

*Leap over a small bonfire to leave behind the old year.

 

*Eat an apple on Samhain at midnight to dream of your spirit guide.

 

*Carve out a turnip or pumpkin as a lantern of protection.

 

*Bury an apple at a crossroads as an offering to the spirits of the dead.

 

*Use the runes for divination or to gain insight into your current situation.

"Bringing Ritual Into Your Everyday

By Lyon ©June 2004

Many people are drawn to the neoPagan paths because of the images of pop culture. TV shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and ‘Charmed' have put a new face on magic and witches. Gone are the days of ‘Bewitched' and ‘I Dream Of Jeannie' when magic was a wiggle of a nose or a blink of an eye. The new Hollywood witch actually has to work at her magic. While these new TV images are closer to real people than the characters from shows in the past, you and I both know we don't spend our days fighting demons and monsters. I doubt very much whether any of us has actually met a demon much less vanquished one.

After some study and conversations with more experienced witches, it becomes apparent that being Pagan isn't about casting love spells and warding off evil beings. Seeing beyond the Hollywood glamour, you begin to realize you've stumbled onto a way of life.

To many who choose a neoPagan path, it is their religion.

If you live in an area where there are other Pagans, you've been lucky and met some of them. You've attended public rituals. Many witches and Pagans frequent on-line forums, bulletin boards and chat rooms. The more experienced people that you've met generally take their chosen paths very seriously. They are full time Pagans. You've seen them at open ritual or on-line and you want what they have. The only problem is you're not sure how to get there.

You've read a few recommended books. Maybe you've even read a few books that weren't recommended. Through those books you've learned about the Sabbats and esbats. You've learned about circle casting and ritual tools. You feel great about your first Solstice celebration but that was ages ago. It's weeks yet until a Full Moon. You want more.

There are 365 days in a year. Even if you celebrate all eight Sabbats and all 13 esbats, you're still left with 344 days that aren't holy days. Let's say you add in all the New Moons and the quarter moons as well. That would take care of a few more days. What about all the normal days which remain? Do you stop being Pagan just because it isn't a holiday? I don't think so.

Being a Pagan isn't something you take on and off with your ritual robes. Once you start to follow a Pagan path, it becomes part of you. It becomes part of your viewpoint into the world around you. I know for me, when I started to seriously follow my Pagan lifestyle, I started seeing things Pagan all around me. It was funny. Sometimes I would see a rune or a Pagan symbol in the most obscure places, like the corner Quickie Mart!

The purpose of ritual is to bring us closer to the Divine. Many religions and philosophies recommend daily prayer and meditation. There is no real reason why we cannot borrow the good ideas from other spiritual paths and make them our own. The idea of daily prayer and meditations are excellent places to start increasing your daily connection to the Goddess and God. After all, the very idea of having a spiritual life is to deepen that connection and understanding.

I think the best place to start is in the beginning. I begin my days every morning with a prayer to Goddess. I ask for Her care and protection throughout the day. I also ask that She help me to be the best me I can be for the day. Sometimes, I add to my morning prayer if I have something on my mind. I'll ask for guidance to help solve a problem that I have been struggling with. Or if I have an unusual activity like a job interview or a speech to give, I'll ask Goddess to give me the strength needed for that. I thank Her and get up and start my day.

Another way to reach out to the Divine is with gratitude. When was the last time you gave a prayer of thanks? Think how lucky you are to have three meals a day. What a perfect opportunity to connect with Goddess and God! You can make a blessing over each meal. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate. It doesn't even need to be out loud. In less than the time you need to prepare a meal, you can connect with your Gods on a regular basis during the day. It can be a simple as saying "Thank you for feeding me today, Goddess."

The act of giving back can also strengthen your connection to the Gods. There are many ways of giving back. If you have a yard you can create a compost pile. My daughter loves to do her special chore of ‘feeding Mother Nature'. Every evening she takes the vegetable trimmings and table scraps out to the compost pile. She enjoys her evening conversations with Goddess.

Other ways of giving back include putting out birdseed and recycling. Giving of your self to the community is another. These actions can include donating time or material possessions to local charities, participating in blood drives or becoming active in community organizations that promote a cause you care about. The list of options is as endless as your imagination. What makes these things Pagan is how you approach them. Make them special by adding a sense of ceremony to them. Bless them the same way you would the cakes and ale on a Full Moon. (You share those with the Goddess after circle, don't you?)

At the end of the day, an additional opportunity presents itself as bedtime prayers. Thank the Goddess for seeing you safely through another day. I use this time before sleep to review my day's activities. I make a note of where I am proud of my behavior and where I'd like to improve how I interact with my fellows. After years of doing this, I can happily say, I am becoming better at the things I can be proud of. There are fewer days where I feel like I caused harm to others with my words or actions.

Many Pagans keep a daily journal with their private thoughts and ideas. They use it as a kind of mini ritual each day. Personally, I have never been able to keep a daily log of conversations with the Goddess, after my morning prayer, I usually jump in to my day with both feet.

I have developed my daily ritual behaviors over years of trial and error. Some actions have been added and some taken away over that time. In the long run the result is that thoughts of Goddess and God are never far from my heart and mind. I am a Pagan all day, everyday. I don't need to wait until the next holy day or Full Moon to experience the joy being a child of the Gods brings to me. It is part of my every day.

***

Lyon is an Eclectic Pagan living in Eastern Missouri . She has been following a Pagan lifestyle since the mid 1980s. An accomplished watercolor artist, she wrote and illustrated "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"; a Pagan children's book for young readers, available soon. Lyon 's website http://www.handcraf tedpagan. com is geared toward unique handmade gifts and fine art for the Pagan home. She lives with her husband, her

10-year-old daughter and one old cat of undetermined ancestry."