Knot Magick Basics

Cord magick, string magick, knot magick, witches' rosaries, witches' ladders: these are all related terms for a similar set of practices involving casting spells by using string, twine, ribbon, thread, etc. and working an intention to each knot, stitch, or weave.

Part of what I personally find so empowering about knot magick is the amount of weavers in mythology who literally wove magick and destiny: The Moirai, The Norns, Arachne, Athena, Calypso, Circe, Freya, and so on. In joining this practice, we get to touch upon that magick.

In practice, witches' ladders date back to at least the Middle Ages. Ribbon or string with pieces of feather, bone, twigs, etc. were found hidden in the walls of homes. Nowadays, this is a difficult practice to even do an introductory article on because it is so varied in both use and execution. However, in every incarnation of this practice, at least one thing stays the same: each knot or stitch holds an intention and holds power.

If you prefer video format, look no further. Otherwise, keep scrolling.

Various Forms

Single String Witches' Ladder

One of the most popular ways of working with knot magick--or at least the one I most commonly see pop up on the internet--is a single string witches' ladder with a series of knots. These usually instruct the caster to perform an incantation with each knot that will culminate in the ultimate intention. For instance, if one was performing an attraction spell, it may go something like this:

By knot of one, my spell's begun. By knot of two, I call to you. By knot of three, you think of me.

And so on.

Sometimes, with or without the spoken incantation, a practitioner may knot corresponding items to their cord such as beads, charms, feathers, leaves, twigs, slips of paper, etc.

Braided Witches' Ladder

Another common form of a witches' ladder is a braid. This type may only have two knots: one at the top and one to tie it off at the bottom. Commonly, these knots are highly intentional and the braiding process is used to achieve a trance or gnosis state.

Just a Few More...

Those are just two common forms of witches' ladders/cord magick, and even those vary widely in how they are done. The above are just introductory examples. However, knot magick is not limited to ladders and simple strings or cords. Here are some other ways to practice:

• Hair braiding

• Friendship bracelets, other jewelry

• Weaving

• Knitting

• Crochet

• Macramé

• Handsewing

• Machine sewing

• Cross stitch

• Needlepoint

• Bondage and ropework in sex magick

Various Uses

Just as there are dozens of ways to practice knot magick, there are just as many ways to use it in your craft. Here are some of the main ways:

• As a spell in itself - If the creation or use is the spell, afterward, the string, ladder, etc. may be tucked away, burned, given away, etc.

• To enchant an item - The purpose of knot magick is often to create a whole item for use such as protective jewelry or a house blessing quilt.

• For ritual use - Cords are often made an blessed in advance for use in an initiation or a handfasting.

• Meditational - Typically a meditational cords is made and used in devotion to a particular deity but can be used to assist in trance work in general.

Basics of Making Your Own

In creating your own knot magick item, cord, or witches' ladder, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

Choosing Materials

Whether you want to work with cotton, silk, wool, leather, or any other type of material may be based on what you're making or an association. It's good to think about whether you want to use natural vs. synthetic materials, what you're trying to make (knit sweater will use different material than a needlepoint, for example), and what associations come to mind (satin ribbon may feel elegant while twine is more earthy).

Choosing Other Associations

The most obvious one to consider is which colors you want to use to represent your intentions. But you may also want t think about numbers too in regards to length, how many strings you're using, how many knots you want to make, and distance between each knot. Some of these apply more to witches' ladders where you can control the numbers and lengths versus following a sewing pattern, but it is something to consider while you plan out your spell.

Plan Ahead, with Intention

Again, if you're practicing something like crochet or needlepoint, this will be much more structured prior to when you sit down to begin, but even then you should know in advance what your intention is and be ready to focus that energy into each knot or stitch. So whether you're knitting a baby blanket or braiding a ladder, every action and movement should be done with purpose.

Do you practice knot magick? Tell me which style you prefer in the comments below!