Birch Grove

Binding energy or will is not a simple matter and, like all magick, can have its own unique dangers. It can be as simple as tying a square knot or plaiting a braid. It can be as complex as knotting a band (like a friendship bracelet, remember?) , knitting mittens, or weaving a shawl. The traditional Viking/Scandinavian version is card weaving.

Knot magick is simple, portable, and unobtrusive. Braids and knotted cords can be worn as bracelets or necklaces, carried in pockets, tucked under a pillow, or hung over a door. They can be burned or buried with little mess. And best of all, they are not immediately noticed by non-Pagans, and you can find information on new/old styles and forms without having to visit an esoteric shop.

Start with your intent. What do you want to accomplish? Binding a person to you or something else is a very bad idea and will likely backfire (for instance, binding you to them) or work to the letter of your intent (which can be twisted). At any rate, it is dangerous and unethical. Binding objects to yourself is not quite as dangerous, and can protect from theft or ensure the return of something (say, a book), but may bind you to it if worked too strongly, not specifically enough, or left for too long a period. Binding energy for use in a ritual to be released later is a much better idea (braiding hair is perfect for this). So is tying up your troubles and burning them. So is tying knots to bind bad dreams. Using knot magick as a physical manifestation of a prayer or request is perhaps the best, because it is not an inflexible exercise in will. Before you start, remember that not all knots can be untied, either physically or otherwise. So if you intend to undo your knot later, tie it loosely. Same goes for braiding.

Now that you’ve got your intent, select your medium. Which do you like best? Cotton thread? Wool? Silk? Linen? Even strips of leather might work. It is best to go with natural materials, as synthetics likely won’t hold a charge, though they may work in a time of extreme need. You can even match the material with your intent, if you feel the need.Some really hardcore knot workers spin and dye their own thread. For a lesson in patience and perseverance, try carding wool or spinning with a drop spindle. Otherwise, you can buy your thread/yarn at your local fabric or crafts store. I like cotton embroidery thread best because it’s very smooth, comes in every color of the rainbow (and then some) and is thin enough for more complex knotwork. If you’re a weaver or knitter, you might want to try the thicker wool yarn.

Now pick your color. You might want to choose a color that corresponds to your intent. I recommend finding your own correspondences that fit you, instead of using someone else’s list. If you don’t feel as though the color matches your intent, even if a book says it does, your intent might get twisted or backfire. For some, undyed “natural” or red are best for general knot magick. Black is also generally accepted as a binding color, especially when binding negativity.

The act: which way of knot magick suits you best? Plain old square knots are perhaps the best and oldest version. Three-strand braids are easiest for temporary knot magick. Weaving and knitting are good for warding. For instance, you could tie up your worries in a few knots on a black thread, pull them tight, and burn or bury the cord. Or, you could knit yourself a pair of protective mittens, to wear often; when they wear out, the magick will too. Or, you could weave yourself a shawl of energy, taken (sparingly!) from yourself and the elements to buoy you when you are low.

I find that chants or songs work best for working this sort of magick, as it can be time consuming. A simple knotted cord might need only a few seconds of impromptu chanting of words of intent. Knitting a pair of mittens might require a song. I suggest writing your own chants or songs and that you tailor them to each project. Or, you might have a general song/chant with something along the lines of, “Give this object power to do what is intended” once you identify your intent. Or, tailoring a song/chant to a certain intent you intend to use on a regular basis (ex: hair chant for binding energy into a braid for rituals).

For longer projects, I recommend taking old weaving and spinning songs (there are many) and changing/rewriting the lyrics to fit you and your project. When you are finished, whatever project you choose to do, pull the end knot tight. In a sharp movement, this releases the energy/intent to the universe. A gentler one (especially good for temporary workings) keeps it closer.