In movies we see witches and wizards casting spells for grandiose goals. In real life, however, the aim of our magic tends to be much more mundane. Most spells I do are within the realm of practical magic. Occult practices tend to be shrouded in mystery but today I want to move back the veil just a bit and show you how I add another layer of protection to my home with a simple witchy craft and intention.
It is so boring to have to start off a post with a disclaimer but, alas, I must. Before I go on to share about enchantment and spirituality I need to say that the physical actions of making your home safe by doing routine repairs and (if possible) choosing a secure place to live are the first steps to having a protected home. Prayer, spells, and other forms of spiritual actions are great for layering on top of those actions.
That said, let us move on to the magick!
In mainstream culture wreaths are most often used to decorate the home during Christmas time. In reality the tradition of making wreaths during the months of December seem to go back even farther than the advent of Christianity and were originally a common practice during the Pagan celebrations of Saturnalia.
I love to take part in these long standing traditions and love even more to make these traditions my own. So, instead of keeping my wreath making to December I make them as needed and this day I wanted to make some wreaths to protect my home, hubby, and pets while I am away.
There are so many plants that hold associations with protection. That day I chose fresh willow branches and rose vines which grow in my backyard. Weeping willow's branches make a shelter from sunshine and rain and rose's thorns are a wonderful symbol of safety.
I clipped of a few vines of young branches of each plant and set up a impromptu altar space on my front patio. Surrounded by my herbs and potted plants I lit a candle to initiate the ceremony, calling in the household spirits and those of the land too.
I asked them to protect my partner and our pets while I am away for a few weeks.
Alongside the three wreaths I also created a smaller wreath of just willow that I can bring in my travel bag with me. When I feel the need to pray for my family's protection I will hold this mini-wreath which is a link back to my home and the protective crafts I have left there.
In a way these wreaths are much like wards which are magical amulets meant to keep away negativity and protect the home. I am asking for protection but, instead of focusing on keeping things away I am working on cultivating abundance and positive vibes inside our home and around the yard. The idea being that there will be a bubble of magical protection and such positivity around our home that danger will have no place there.
I hung two of the wreaths outside our front door, each on either side. Throughout the entire process I said little prayers and petitioned for safety, abundance, and protection. The third wreath I hung in a pine tree in the side yard while other wreaths have been woven in the rose bush and willow tree in the backyard.
Lastly I hung the rose wreath around the bell that is just to the left of the front (and only) door to and from the house. I did a few rounds walking the perimeter of our yard, casting out any negative spirits and reinforcing all past protection spells I have ever cast. And on the day of my departure I left a small ward on the front and side gate forbidding any foe from crossing. And as I stepped onto the road to head to town and catch my bus I knew that my enchantments will do their work, which is, of course, the most important part of any spell.
