Intro

The tradition of knot magic is at least 4000 years old. Knot magic exists all about us whether we are aware of it or not. More than anything it is a way for us to focus our thoughts, and by our focus of our energy bring our thoughts into being. Perhaps the idea of knot magic seems a bit odd to you, maybe even unbelievable? But then, why were there so many laws and statutes against binding images or performing knot magic several hundred years ago if there were not some reality to this simple task? At one time any ornaments twisted, knotted or plaited in any way were considered heathen and idolatrous in Germany , while magical knots were frequently carved into churches to guard against the entry of pagan magic or 'spirits'.

The action of making the knot itself isn't as important as the need behind the knot. You must think hard and deep on your need as you tie your knot, sending your energy and emotion into the knot. The reason why knot magic has been popular for such a long time is that the technique is simple, fast, fairly discrete but also very powerful.

In the creation of our healing bags we use knot magic and a powerful natural fiber (hemp) to tie the cotton bags shut. We twist the cord around the bag 3 times (3 being a number for healing), then we tie 3 knots, then we twist 3 times again, tie 3 knots again, and a 3rd and final time we twist 3 times, then tie 3 knots - 3 x 3 - all the while focusing on the need and visualizing the knots strengthening the energy vibrations of the items in the bag to help with the need as requested.

To further strengthen the power of a knot it could be tied from specially braided colored cording instead of the hemp. The colors would be chosen according to the need. Braid nine colored threads, three by three. Then you braid the three braids together. Knot spells are often placed close to the target of the spell to get the maximum effect. For the best possible result, it should be worn by the person.

The majority of modern witches know of one or two ways to use knots in magic. There are many kinds of knot magic that are used to protect or help, for example the midwives of yester year. If the birth was difficult, all types of knots in the home were untied and all the women let their hair down. This was supposed to make the body of the mother loosen its knots as well, and make the birth easier.

As soon as the baby was born, the umbilical cord was cut and tied. At the same time the midwife said a small prayer or blessing, so that the future health and happiness of the baby would be secured.

In England witches tied new wool in a criss cross pattern over a mirror, as a spirit catcher to catch the evil eye or bad spirits, that were sent after them. The spirits were attracted by the reflection of light in the mirror, and then got caught in the wool. The next full moon, the wool was taken off the mirror and burnt. Then they threaded new wool onto the mirror again. Elemental spirits do like strings, wool and knots, and are easily enticed by them.

Unfortunately most of the knot spells that have been preserved are of a less than nice kind. There are a few pieces that can be used with a clear conscience. When you work with regular magic, it's best to let the hair hang loose if it's long. The symbolism is obvious, knots or braids can obstruct the power. But when you work with protective magic, braided, knotted hair plus knitted or crochet clothes (a warm sweater is nice to have in the winter) is a big advantage. A net is for the same reason very protective. Many sea witches and magicians have a net in their home. Not only because it fits into the environment, but also because it's very powerful. By the way, the same goes for macramé decorations.

If you wake up with knots in your hair, it's said that the fairies have played with your hair while you slept, that's why there are knots in it. The association between fairies and knots is old and dates back to the ancient Greeks when magic was science.

If you one day need to perform a knot spell, and don't have any string or thread (or you're in a situation where you can't use it), you can go through the motions of picking up a string and tying the knot (without actually doing it) while you visualize your need, like in a regular knot spell. It will be just as powerful as a spell done the ordinary way.