Happy new year! Let’s do some first-quarter protection work! Last time I sent out witch’s whisks, we just created a liminal space. This time we’re going to put up some walls. 

These whisks are made of blackberry brambles cut by our very own Faoladh. They are working to clear their neighborhood, yard, and parks of invasive blackberry brambles, and this is a way to get use from the plants they cut. They dried the brambles and cut them to length, then tied them with twine they created from nettle and dyed with blackberries. These “witch’s whisks” were used by witches on the British Isles for smoke cleansing and clearing. We will use this to help move the incense smoke around to form the “walls” of protection. You can also use it as an actual whisk, and in this case it helps impart the protective qualities of the thorns. I also made a protective incense to use for the ritual we’re going to do. It has dragon’s blood, cinnamon, star anise, mugwort, rosemary, copal resin, and cornflower petals. I included a roll of charcoal discs to burn the incense. The Mexican onyx worry stones I found in my local lapidary supply shop. Based on the “made in” stickers I know they didn’t cut all of them, but they did cut some. I mainly got them because they feel really nice, and I’m a fidgety person and these are helpful in keeping me grounded, calm, and giving my body something to do while I try to focus my mind.

This year I am also sending two new “build as we go” items each month. First is the divination set. In this shipment you get a storage box and two glass gems- “fire” and the pentacle symbol. This is going to be a kind of “throwing lots” situation, and you can assign each gem meaning as you go. Maybe I’ll do some kind of demo with it in a facebook live- let me know if that’s something you’d like! I’m also sending the large drilled capiz shell discs, because we’re making wind chimes! I haven’t decided yet if I’ll do them in a line or a circle. Stay tuned for that, or vote, or something. Finally, you get pumpkin spice Tea Drops (high caffeine) and stroopwafel because well… yum. 

Now for the spellwork!

First, find something that will let you carry a lit charcoal disc around. I use my mini cauldron because it has a handle, but you could also use an old frying pan or pot with a handle. Light the charcoal disc and put it into the carrying container, then sprinkle incense over it. It should start  smoking up nicely. Then grab the whisk. If you want to use it again, skip this part- just use it as a fan instead of lighting it. If you are okay using it as a consumable, hold the tied end of your whisk, and light the other end (I recommend a butane micro torch- you can get them at Harbor Freight, Lowes, or Amazon for about fifteen to twenty bucks. Also you can use them to make crème brulee and to toast marshmallows indoors), then when it’s burning, blow it out. It should continue to smolder and smoke.

Starting at the northernmost point, walk the circle counter clockwise around the area you’re protecting. Use the whisk to move the incense smoke around you as you go. First I walk counterclockwise to drop anything remaining from the previous warding. Then add more incense to the charcoal disk as you need, and start walking clockwise- this time you’re raising a wall. I usually have some kind of phrase I chant without stopping or pausing as I do this. I usually say something along the lines of “In Hekate’s name and that of my ancestors I ask them, and the spirits of the land, to help me  protect this place and all who dwell within it.” I just say it continuously until I’m finished. I walk around the house 3 times to complete this, because 3 is a magical number for me. You can use any number you want if it has importance to you; this is just the one I use. 

While I’m walking around the property, in my mind’s eye I see a little network of plants growing branches, leaves, and roots connecting along the path I’m walking. They grow thicker and taller as I walk around the circle. Upon finishing the third time around, they finally make a protective bubble of woven branches, leaves, and roots all the way around the place I’m working to protect. Sometimes I envision bamboo, sometimes it’s ocotillo or pine or tulip poplar. Think about what plant beings make you feel safe and protected, and ask for their help- that’s who you will see in your mental image while you’re doing this. When you’re finished, thank the beings you called on for help- deity, ancestors, land spirits, spirit team, guides, whoever. Say thank you because courtesy is free.

Then stub out the whisk if it’s still smoldering, and put the charcoal container somewhere it can burn out safely (keep an eye on it until it does). 

You can also do the same thing around your vehicles to help protect them, even going inside and letting the smoke fill them a bit (only if you don’t have to drive it any time soon). 

The Tucson gem show is at the end of this month. If you want me to do any personal shopping, let me know asap- I won’t have very many slots this year. For Bees I charge $10 a day plus shipping on top of the cost of the items, and I will need the money in advance since most of the sellers prefer cash. That also helps you figure out and stay within your budget. I will obviously refund anything left over. I also need you to be able to respond to me quickly since I’ll be marcoing you from the show to show you your choices, so you’ll kind of have to be “on call”. I need you to be able to respond and let me know if you want me to buy it or whatever. We can discuss which days/times I’m going so you will know if you’re able to do this, or you can just trust me to intuitively choose the pieces based on the parameters you give me (color, size, shape, whatever). I am shopping for myself/monthly boxes before I do this, so I’ll have a better idea of what I can find at which shows so you are getting the best deals.

Happy 2025!