A container spell is a spell that involves the ritual creation of a spell object consisting of a container of some sort with several items placed within it in order to create a magically charged environment. A container spell may result in an amulet or a talisman designed to affect the immediate vicinity of the container or it may contain one or more taglocks in addition to other magical items in order to create an energetic environment that affects the person(s) represented by the taglock. Container spells are generally meant to continue acting for a long period of time.
Container spells are usually identified by the container involved, such as a jar spell, a bottle spell, a sugar bowl spell, a sachet, though any manner of container may be used- boxes, blown out eggs, envelopes, a folded bit of fabric, etc. While the choice of container may be restricted by the sort of objects it containers, most spells can be cast with alternative containers. Practical questions of availability of materials, portability- which informs size and sturdiness, the toxicity and degradability of materials of containers meant to be buried or thrown into water and appearance if the container is meant to be put on display should be considered when choosing a container.
The container itself may be decorated on the outside as well, it may be colored a corresponding color, or black to absorb surrounding energy or white to reflect it. Symbols may be painted on the surface of the container or it may be wrapped around with ribbons or wire for binding, or barbed wire for protection, bells may be affixed to warn the practitioner when the spell has been activated, as in the case of a protection spell, the bell is set to ring when the spell has worked to protect you from someone acting against you.
Some of the most well-known container spells used today include the Sugar Jar or Honey Jar (design to "sweeten" someone's attitude) and the Witches Bottle protection spell (designed to "break" any malicious spells aimed at the target). These are both sympathetic spells that involve placing one or more taglocks representing the target in a container and surrounding them with items representing the intent of the spell; sweetener of some sort in the case of the Sugar Jar and sharp and broken objects in the case of the Witches Bottle. Additional items may be added to enhance the energy of the main items. For example, cinnamon may be added to a Sugar Jar to speed up the process and a mirror might be added to a Witches Bottle to reflect malevolent energy back to the sender.
Another type of container spell creates a drawing magical object something like an amulet. In this a case, a taglock is generally not used as the container is meant to draw the energy or situation to its vicinity, rather than direct it toward a specific person. A Money Jar is a spell like this. Items, in this case, money, you wish to draw toward you are ceremonially placed within, perhaps with other objects symbolizing wealth and the container is then set in the home you wish to draw money to, or carried by the person to attract the desired situation.
Petitions may also be added to container spells.
The assembling of the spell container is generally done as part of a larger ritual. Many witches begin by sanctifying the space and Gods, ancestors or other spirits may be evoked for aid. The spell items and the container itself are generally cleansed and charged toward the work. The items are generally identified as to their purpose in the spell as they are added, or they may be prayed over or a special chant recalling the intention of the spell may be repeated as each item is added. After the spell container has been assembled, it is usually activated by lighting a candle and speaking an incantation or prayer. It is then placed in its final home, whether it be the mantle, buried in the backyard or in someone's pocket.
Spell containers generally continue to work indefinitely, but an occasional shake, touch, or "recharge' with a candle and a prayer will improve their efficacy. When they are no longer needed, the container should be destroyed and all parts of the spell cleansed and buried, preferably at a crossroad or beneath the roots of a significantly grown tree- unless the disposal of the container is prescribed within the spell, for example, some banishing spells suggest throwing the container into running water or down a privy or even in the garbage.
Container spells are ancient magick and "witch bottle"s and other containers containing spell objects have been found by archaeologists throughout the world, though Hoodoo and related traditions can be credited with most of our modern container spell practices.
Learn More Online
- Information About Container Spells from the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers
- 17th-Century Urine Filled Witch Bottle Found
See Also
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