Wards
This page will be going through available exercises and crafts you can use to make your own wards. Read through for a variety of different wards including specific recipes.
Firstly, wards and shields can be produced in a variety of ways. Wards are protective measures in a physical form that create a non-physical force to repel negativity or unwanted energy. Physical wards are sigils, herbs, crystals, an object, totems, sachets, charms, potions, incense etc.
Shields, are a variety of non-physical measure produced and manifest from a person's mental, and spiritual power without a physical object.
Sigils
Sigils are symbols used in magick craft. There is great depth to their power and origin, but for a brief overview we will talk mostly about creating your own personal sigils versus pre-existing sigils I personally use or have created. This is a very easy process and very self-sufficient for warding your home. These can be used to influence anything desired, not just protection.
- Take a piece of paper and write down the desired effect and outcome you are seeking, such as:
"Divine protection" "Banish all evil" "God/Goddess blessing" "Evil repellent" "Negate evil magick" "Destroy enemies" - Now take this statement you come up with and remove all vowels.
For "Divine Protection" you would get: "DVN PRTCTN". You my also use symbolism you relate to the statement, like what could resemble angel wings, a cross, a sword, etc, that you can include in the drawing of the sigil - Begin to create and shape, a symbol, that you can perhaps see easier with all vowels removed. The ward's statement looks a bit peculiar with all vowels removed. Flip it upside down or vertically. Merge the letters, let your creativity flow. Make the sigil easy to replicate and simple enough to potentially carve. Use pictures or symbolism like mentioned prior that you also relate to the statement. Morph this in to your sigil for added effect.
- This sigil will now be activated by burning a piece of paper with the symbol drawn on it, the ashes will be tossed outside - preferably on a full moon. I also always, personally, call upon Higher Power, and spirits to assist me. Simply ask them to be present and charge the sigil.
- If you want a discrete sigil, I would use lime juice or salt water to draw these sigils on walls and/or doors. Limes and/or salt water are powerful repellents of black magick, evil, and Evil Eye. I also recommend a combination of lemon and lime juice. You may also use different oils in this mixture too.
- Charge and cleanse these sigils when you sense them weak or feel unwanted energy hanging around. Cleanse and charge them with white sage. I suggest redrawing them monthly when doing home clearings especially if you practice Craft and work with spirits.
- You may also use these carved in candles, wood, or visibly drawn in locations you feel you wish for the intent of the sigil to be present. I suggest locations such as above the bed, all doorways and windows, mirrors and even keeping a physical drawn copy in your car's glove box.
- Also powerful anointing oils - Rosemary, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Sage, Dragon's blood, Cedar can be included in a tincture you use when drawing the sigil on surfaces.. You can also anoint a sigil with these oils on adrawing or carving.
Sprinkling
Sprinkling different ground (as in grind) herbs and salts as well as flicking oils is a great warding technique for in your home. Many of these herbs below can be used in combination with each other should you wish to make a sachet. I recommend charging and working with your spirits when using herbs or oils for an intent. Selenite is a magnificent, white light charging crystal. It never needs charging and radiates its cleansing pure energy into any crystal or magick item. Just sit the mixture or single herbs with it for several hours or 24 hours for maximum potency.
Research more about magickal herbs and oils and expand your own library that may be more easily accessible for you or what you may be more drawn towards.
These are only to name a few:
Salt - Using salt to cover doorways, under windows, and in corners of the room are powerful repellents and protective walls against negative energies.
Black salt - this type of salt can be made on your own using ash from herbs, charcoal, or even incense. I suggest using kosher salt to make it easier. Black salt is special due to its infusion - especially if using specific types of incense. (Sometimes it's good to use ash or charcoal alongside incense ash to get the blacker color)
This salt is particularly absorbent, eating up negative energy hanging around rather than simply guarding. Black salt needs to be swept up or vacuumed soon after it is sprinkled to remove everything it has absorbed. If you are good with sensing when the black salt has done its job, trust that feeling. Otherwise, I suggest no more than 24hrs depending on the situation.
Using black salt initially, then laying down regular salt afterward to create barriers against anything else entering is a great effective measure when warding. Black salt is a good weapon to combat anything you feel is hanging around, especially malicious entities. It is also often used in banishing rituals.
If you are using black salt in a sealed potion or sachet, I recommend cleansing it with sage smoke or selenite to clear the salt consistently (provided you do not use ingredients to keep the black salt life cycle full). Do not try to recharge black salt you just sprinkle.
Agrimony - An amazing herb and very powerful. A jack of all trades in protection. It reverses spells back on the sender, banishes, removes hexes, blockages, fears, creates deflective shields, and protects against evil entities. A very good protection herb for sprinkling and smudging. Be sure to sweep it up every week. (Also, side note: used with Mugwort in a sachet under pillow is a powerful dreamwork amplifier)
Rosemary - It should be known as an obvious powerful protection and cleansing herb. Known to be connected to angels and divinity, it casts out and protects against evil, as well as helps nightmares when near the bedside.
White Sage - White sage is the default protector, warder and cleanser. It is powerful, pure, and smelly. Crushing up sage and sprinkling for barriers, especially alongside salt, is a great combination to keep away negativity and evil.
Black Sage - This type of sage I find isn't widely recognized or very prominently used, but it is one of the most powerful banishing tools for evil spirits (but we will get to banishing later). It also prevents evil spirits from snooping around your home. It's a harsh and frightening herb for entities with malicious intent.
Sandalwood - Resin or oil, is an extremely powerful divine wood. It is one of the sacred trinity oils. Sandalwood is used to protect against all evil and spellwork no matter how mighty. A little can go along way and anointing any type of ward, sachet, candle, etc is a great amplifier and bonus.
Be sure you are getting authentic santalum album sandalwood, as there are different varieties and they do not have the same fragrance either. Santalum album is a bit on the expensive side - which is a good identifier for authenticity. The trees are a vulnerable species and exploited heavily causing their product price to be high.
Tar Water - This water is a very extreme method that can be used around the property line and in the corners of rooms. Should you use the method it is to be noted that all spiritual activity and spirits passing in the home will be shoved out and kept out. This means everyone - bad and positive. It is a very potent barrier to get rid of the worst threats.
Research more about magickal herbs and oils and expand your own library that may be more easily accessible for you or what you may be more drawn towards.
These are only to name a few:
Salt - Using salt to cover doorways, under windows, and in corners of the room are powerful repellents and protective walls against negative energies.
Black salt - this type of salt can be made on your own using ash from herbs, charcoal, or even incense. I suggest using kosher salt to make it easier. Black salt is special due to its infusion - especially if using specific types of incense. (Sometimes it's good to use ash or charcoal alongside incense ash to get the blacker color)
This salt is particularly absorbent, eating up negative energy hanging around rather than simply guarding. Black salt needs to be swept up or vacuumed soon after it is sprinkled to remove everything it has absorbed. If you are good with sensing when the black salt has done its job, trust that feeling. Otherwise, I suggest no more than 24hrs depending on the situation.
Using black salt initially, then laying down regular salt afterward to create barriers against anything else entering is a great effective measure when warding. Black salt is a good weapon to combat anything you feel is hanging around, especially malicious entities. It is also often used in banishing rituals.
If you are using black salt in a sealed potion or sachet, I recommend cleansing it with sage smoke or selenite to clear the salt consistently (provided you do not use ingredients to keep the black salt life cycle full). Do not try to recharge black salt you just sprinkle.
Agrimony - An amazing herb and very powerful. A jack of all trades in protection. It reverses spells back on the sender, banishes, removes hexes, blockages, fears, creates deflective shields, and protects against evil entities. A very good protection herb for sprinkling and smudging. Be sure to sweep it up every week. (Also, side note: used with Mugwort in a sachet under pillow is a powerful dreamwork amplifier)
Rosemary - It should be known as an obvious powerful protection and cleansing herb. Known to be connected to angels and divinity, it casts out and protects against evil, as well as helps nightmares when near the bedside.
White Sage - White sage is the default protector, warder and cleanser. It is powerful, pure, and smelly. Crushing up sage and sprinkling for barriers, especially alongside salt, is a great combination to keep away negativity and evil.
Black Sage - This type of sage I find isn't widely recognized or very prominently used, but it is one of the most powerful banishing tools for evil spirits (but we will get to banishing later). It also prevents evil spirits from snooping around your home. It's a harsh and frightening herb for entities with malicious intent.
Sandalwood - Resin or oil, is an extremely powerful divine wood. It is one of the sacred trinity oils. Sandalwood is used to protect against all evil and spellwork no matter how mighty. A little can go along way and anointing any type of ward, sachet, candle, etc is a great amplifier and bonus.
Be sure you are getting authentic santalum album sandalwood, as there are different varieties and they do not have the same fragrance either. Santalum album is a bit on the expensive side - which is a good identifier for authenticity. The trees are a vulnerable species and exploited heavily causing their product price to be high.
Tar Water - This water is a very extreme method that can be used around the property line and in the corners of rooms. Should you use the method it is to be noted that all spiritual activity and spirits passing in the home will be shoved out and kept out. This means everyone - bad and positive. It is a very potent barrier to get rid of the worst threats.
Sachets & Crafting Wards:
Here I'll give some examples of items you can craft yourself alongside your spirit's assistance. Simply call upon them, as well Higher Power (God/Gods, Universe, Goddesses) if you feel comfortable, to amplify and help make the desired item powerful and focused. You may also use crystals or incense smoke to help charge specific intent.
Warding Sachet
What you'll need:
- A small bag/pouch/organza bag
- Salt
- Rosemary
- Mugwort
- Agrimony
- Vervain
- Angelica
- Anise seed
- White sage
- Sandalwood oil or Dragon's blood (optional for anointing the outside of the bag)
Take this dry mixture of herbs and ask it to be blessed by your spirits and higher powers. Hold it in your hands and take a moment to breathe and relax, eyes closed. Visualize a beam of light going straight through your crown to your feet. Keep your feet flat on the floor and feel the light root into the ground - connecting you to divinity and the Earth. Let this light fill your body, visualize it filling you and shooting out of the palms of your hands into the sachet. Even if you are unsure of yourself "fake it til you make it" and know it is happening. Because it is. You are also always allowed to ask your spirits to help you connect and visualize easier, let them assist!
This light fuses with your own soul's light, and your own birthright in clairvoyant and holy magick power. Our souls are only of light, and connecting by these means heals ourselves and overflows in the world around us. Connected to the most positive of consciousness enables the most powerful feats possible.
Afterward, breathe and come down from this state of mind, ask spirits to help you return to your body.
I always use crystals to charge my physical wards for 24 hours. I often ask for any specific crystals my spirits recommend to set with the ward - if you are unsure about specifics and hearing your spirits - I recommend Selenite, a protection stone like smoky quartz/Jet/Black tourmaline/Hematite, Rose quartz, and Amethyst. (These are easier, more accessible crystals for beginners)
Devil's Shoestring Cross Talisman
What you'll need:
- Devil's Shoestring (It is a type of plant root)
- Thin twine
- Black candle
- Rosemary oil and/or Sandalwood oil
- Specified crystals (below)
Devil's shoestring is a root is used regularly in hoodoo magick. It is a protective measure that "trips up the devil". It keeps evil away from entering your home.
There are different ways to create devil's shoestring wards, however, I use this ward specifically like a Christian cross. Now, you do not need to be Christian (I do not identify as such specifically by that definition) to find benefit from this shape you are creating. The cross is still a powerful warding symbol due to its relation to divine definition. It is a powerful tool against evil, demonic, and negative forces. You can find benefit from it either way, all you need to do is believe it does in fact hold this power - because it does.
I suggest following some of the same general guidelines after creating the talisman as stated above when holding it in your hands with visualization. (read above).
Take some roots that will easily shape into the cross and begin using your twine to tie them together.
As you tie it, repeat the following incantation:
"Bound by light, light unbroken
Bound by light, light unbroken
Blessed be, none shall refute
Blessed be, none shall weaken"
Take your black candle - I specifically use a black candle that is infused with sandalwood and frankincense. (This does influence power, however, black candles are powerful banishers and protectors either way.)
Pour the wax on the twine to seal it, and repeat the following:
"Sealed in light, none shall pass
Sealed in light, none shall pass
Blessed be, power unmatched
Blessed be, power in light"
Take your rosemary oil, and dab the oil with your finger on the top of the cross, the bottom, the right, the left, and the center.
Repeat as you do this:
Top: "Bless the light in this home"
Bottom: "Bless the violet flame"
Right: "Protect with your sword"
Left: "Cleanse with your hand"
Center: "Amplify this soul"
I recommend letting this cross sit 24hrs with Selenite, Celestite/Angelite, and Black Tourmaline/Hematite/Smoky Quartz.
You can also get more specific based on what your spirits tell you.
For other "less common" crystals that you might have to go out of your way to purchase: Chiastolite Cross stone, Danburite, Phenakite, Petalite, Mangano Calcite, and Apophyllite.
This ward is extremely power in protecting the home in doorways, windows, etc. It can be placed by the bedside to protect against attack and nightmares as well.
This item never needs cleansed or charged - It is a divine talisman. I use them all around my home, they do not weaken.
(But only if you do as stated above and work with divinity to create the talisman - important)
GIVE THANKS FOR THE BLESSING.
Crystals
There are a great deal of crystals you can choose to ward with. There are many combinations as well as many places around the home you can place them to provide different influences into your life.
For warding I recommend - Hematite, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Jet, Hematite, Tiger's Eye, Obsidian, and Amethyst, to name a few.
Be sure all crystals are cleansed and charged regularly!
Charging and Cleansing
Selenite - This crystal provides charging and cleansing abilities for all crystals. It is a divine, high-vibrating stone that never needs charged or cleansed.
Saltwater - Putting stones in salt water directly inside a bowl can be a way to purify and charge. HOWEVER, Some crystals erode in salt water, especially raw crystals. Research if a crystal is safe to submerge.
For those that erode, I suggest taking a tall clear glass and putting it in the salt water bowl, fill it with the crystals but be sure the water line is above the crystals in the glass. This gives the same results.
DO NOT touch the water after 24hrs of sitting. It has absorbed all the negative energy. Carefully pour the water and allow any crystals in the bowl to slowly roll out. Rinse them in the sink with clean water before removing them to dry off.
Sunlight/Moonlight - You can also use sunlight and moonlight to cleanse and charge without saltwater. But I also enjoying putting the bowl of saltwater in the sun/moon light for an extra boost and happy crystals.
Smoke/Fire - Incense, resin and herbs can be used to cleanse and charge stones. White sage clears crystals very effectively, as well as frankincense and myrrh, dragon's blood, sandalwood, copal resin, cedar, etc. Keep a window open or go outside while doing this so all negative energy dissipates outside effectively.
Locations for Wards
Black tourmaline - An extremely powerful protective crystal, especially raw. A must have for protection warding. It is a great protective stone against evil, negativity, as well as an absorbent. It repels and restores. The Deva of this crystal is very important to converse with. (however all crystals should be spoken to when programming your intent - stating what you want it to help it with and giving thanks)
You can place these crystals in many places. Once more, in doorways, bedside, windowsills, or a car. You can also place it near divination tools, altars, mirrors, high traffic areas (like in a livingroom), and plants.
Hematite - The magnetic hematite stone is notoriously known for its abilities in repelling negative and evil attacks, absorbing lingering negative energy, as well as changing the vibrations of negative to positive. It is a crystal that does a lot of labor on your behalf - including keeping you grounded. Wearing a hematite ring or a type of jewelry is a very effective way to keep you safe and protected, I highly recommend it. As well, the benefits of magnets alone are incredibly beneficial to the health.
This stone can also be placed around altars, divination tools, when charging items, or around the home - especially near mirrors.
It is a hard working stone and should be charged and cleansed weekly to keep it at its best.
Smoky Quartz - An awesome protection and cleansing quartz. It dispels negativity, detoxes clogged energies, wipes away stagnation. It provides many more properties for other work alongside protection.
I find it most effective wearing jewelry or keeping a piece on you. I also often use it for magick items.
Tiger's Eye - A great asset in different type of talismans or when charging talismans. It also is a good stone to carry if you find yourself dealing with magick attacks as it protects against curses and hexes. Keeping a piece near a ward is always welcome.
Amethyst - Amethyst is a universal crystal for just about any property. Amethyst can do close to everything to a degree.. It is a high vibration crystal and very powerful. It is very protective and a guardian against attack, black magick, curses and beyond. This Deva is a very ancient consciousness and amazingly nurturing like a mother.
Amethyst can be placed anywhere for many benefits based on your intent. For protection, in the standard areas of entry, doors, windows, etc. You may also place it anywhere in a room to radiate throughout the home, at a bedside, or carry it on your person for great benefit as well. You may also place amethyst in the four corners of a room to form a barrier and attract many benefits of the crystal, it is also well known to do this for rose quartz as well to attract divine love and love in general.
For warding I recommend - Hematite, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Jet, Hematite, Tiger's Eye, Obsidian, and Amethyst, to name a few.
Be sure all crystals are cleansed and charged regularly!
Charging and Cleansing
Selenite - This crystal provides charging and cleansing abilities for all crystals. It is a divine, high-vibrating stone that never needs charged or cleansed.
Saltwater - Putting stones in salt water directly inside a bowl can be a way to purify and charge. HOWEVER, Some crystals erode in salt water, especially raw crystals. Research if a crystal is safe to submerge.
For those that erode, I suggest taking a tall clear glass and putting it in the salt water bowl, fill it with the crystals but be sure the water line is above the crystals in the glass. This gives the same results.
DO NOT touch the water after 24hrs of sitting. It has absorbed all the negative energy. Carefully pour the water and allow any crystals in the bowl to slowly roll out. Rinse them in the sink with clean water before removing them to dry off.
Sunlight/Moonlight - You can also use sunlight and moonlight to cleanse and charge without saltwater. But I also enjoying putting the bowl of saltwater in the sun/moon light for an extra boost and happy crystals.
Smoke/Fire - Incense, resin and herbs can be used to cleanse and charge stones. White sage clears crystals very effectively, as well as frankincense and myrrh, dragon's blood, sandalwood, copal resin, cedar, etc. Keep a window open or go outside while doing this so all negative energy dissipates outside effectively.
Locations for Wards
Black tourmaline - An extremely powerful protective crystal, especially raw. A must have for protection warding. It is a great protective stone against evil, negativity, as well as an absorbent. It repels and restores. The Deva of this crystal is very important to converse with. (however all crystals should be spoken to when programming your intent - stating what you want it to help it with and giving thanks)
You can place these crystals in many places. Once more, in doorways, bedside, windowsills, or a car. You can also place it near divination tools, altars, mirrors, high traffic areas (like in a livingroom), and plants.
Hematite - The magnetic hematite stone is notoriously known for its abilities in repelling negative and evil attacks, absorbing lingering negative energy, as well as changing the vibrations of negative to positive. It is a crystal that does a lot of labor on your behalf - including keeping you grounded. Wearing a hematite ring or a type of jewelry is a very effective way to keep you safe and protected, I highly recommend it. As well, the benefits of magnets alone are incredibly beneficial to the health.
This stone can also be placed around altars, divination tools, when charging items, or around the home - especially near mirrors.
It is a hard working stone and should be charged and cleansed weekly to keep it at its best.
Smoky Quartz - An awesome protection and cleansing quartz. It dispels negativity, detoxes clogged energies, wipes away stagnation. It provides many more properties for other work alongside protection.
I find it most effective wearing jewelry or keeping a piece on you. I also often use it for magick items.
Tiger's Eye - A great asset in different type of talismans or when charging talismans. It also is a good stone to carry if you find yourself dealing with magick attacks as it protects against curses and hexes. Keeping a piece near a ward is always welcome.
Amethyst - Amethyst is a universal crystal for just about any property. Amethyst can do close to everything to a degree.. It is a high vibration crystal and very powerful. It is very protective and a guardian against attack, black magick, curses and beyond. This Deva is a very ancient consciousness and amazingly nurturing like a mother.
Amethyst can be placed anywhere for many benefits based on your intent. For protection, in the standard areas of entry, doors, windows, etc. You may also place it anywhere in a room to radiate throughout the home, at a bedside, or carry it on your person for great benefit as well. You may also place amethyst in the four corners of a room to form a barrier and attract many benefits of the crystal, it is also well known to do this for rose quartz as well to attract divine love and love in general.
Washes
(technically a cleansing ritual too)
You can use washes on hard floors, walls, windows and mirrors.
Washes are both good for cleaning away bad energies and also laying down a foundation against unwanted energy. This mixture will do both at the same time. You can use this mix to wash the floor, spray the walls, windows and your mirrors. (Mirrors are another entry point for unwanted energy and magick attacks.
What you will need:
Boil all ingredients for 10-15 minutes and let simmer for 1 hour. Add vinegar or ammonia after simmering.
Hover your hands above mixture, on sides of pot, or on a container if you use one to store for later. Ask the contents to be blessed. Visualize a beam of light flowing down into your crown, all the way to your feet. Imagine roots of light traveling below your feet into your Earth Star Chakra. Let this light now permeate through your palms into the wash. When you feel this is sufficient, proceed forward.
If using a container for excess, anoint the bottle in a bit of rosemary, sandalwood, cedar, or frankincense oil. Ask it to be cleansed and protected at all times for future use.
Make as much as needed, and if any scents or aromas are too powerful for you, decrease as needed. Wash floors, spray windows, doors, mirrors, etc with intent of removing all negativity and evil. Use intent that this mixture will then become a protective barrier on all surfaces it is used on.
Let mixture dry, sweep up any dried debris of ingredients on the floor if used as a wash.
Washes are both good for cleaning away bad energies and also laying down a foundation against unwanted energy. This mixture will do both at the same time. You can use this mix to wash the floor, spray the walls, windows and your mirrors. (Mirrors are another entry point for unwanted energy and magick attacks.
What you will need:
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup Florida water (or another type of Spiritual Water)
- 1/3 cup white sage
- 1/4 cup rosemary
- 1/4 cup of rose petals or buds
- 1/4 cup cedar leaves
- 1/4 cup clove
- 1-2 drops of frankincense & myrrh or dragon's blood oil
- 1/2 cup vinegar
Boil all ingredients for 10-15 minutes and let simmer for 1 hour. Add vinegar or ammonia after simmering.
Hover your hands above mixture, on sides of pot, or on a container if you use one to store for later. Ask the contents to be blessed. Visualize a beam of light flowing down into your crown, all the way to your feet. Imagine roots of light traveling below your feet into your Earth Star Chakra. Let this light now permeate through your palms into the wash. When you feel this is sufficient, proceed forward.
If using a container for excess, anoint the bottle in a bit of rosemary, sandalwood, cedar, or frankincense oil. Ask it to be cleansed and protected at all times for future use.
Make as much as needed, and if any scents or aromas are too powerful for you, decrease as needed. Wash floors, spray windows, doors, mirrors, etc with intent of removing all negativity and evil. Use intent that this mixture will then become a protective barrier on all surfaces it is used on.
Let mixture dry, sweep up any dried debris of ingredients on the floor if used as a wash.
In closing, these are very brief and very few examples of wards you can do for yourself. Take time and care with your wards and with yourself. Establishing a safe magickal environment alongside protective spirits and guides is vital to your spiritual well-being, especially as a beginner who is just diving in.
I wish everyone blessings and a healthy home!