By Rust of Nail & Prick of Thorn by Althaea Sebastiani

Author:Althaea Sebastiani
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: occult, witchcraft, magick, practical magick, magickal arts, folk magic, spiritual protection, magickal charms, protection magick, warding
Publisher: Althaea Sebastiani

Metal

Using bits of metal and/or metal objects is a traditional method of warding and safeguarding the home. It is iron, in particular, that is of the most use to the witch, as it has a long history of use protecting the home from spirits -especially the fey. It can also work to serve as an energy sink, much like a lightning rod, gathering undesired energy to it and dissipating it into the earth. Railroad spikes (collect the discarded spikes along the edges of the railroad tracks, not the spikes in use; the rustier the better,) are perfect for this as they are easily driven into the ground, their tops barely noticeable amongst growing grass and plants. They can also be discreetly placed within your home, either in the corner behind doors or laid across windowsills. Two spikes crossed (to make an X not a +) and nailed above a door makes a stark but implacable ward.

The familiar old iron horseshoe is a perfect example of the use of iron as a ward. The folklore and proper means of use do vary by location, with the horseshoe being hung above a doorway points up to “keep the luck in” or points down. Either way, an old iron horseshoe can not just keep the luck from fleeing your household, but it can also serve as a gatekeeping ward that determines what is and is not allowed into your home (such as specifically allowing good fortune and luck within, while keeping bad luck and misfortune out.)

Small, square topped nails can be substituted for railroad spikes and make for more easily hidden wards (perfect for binding with red string, sealing with your own fluids, and tucking atop the frame of the entrance to an apartment where it cannot be seen nor messed with.)

There is a lot of room for creativity and improvising in using metal. You could construct a ward using specific types of metal, based upon their planetary correspondence (not to suggest forging a ward, rather, that one could be assembled from bits of this or that. See the Chimes and Mobiles section above.) Scrap bits of metal, such as the cut tops of food cans, can be etched or engraved with sigils and glyphs and tucked about the home. This can be done with a rotary tool, acid, or even just a nail sharp enough to scratch the metal. It really doesn’t have to be complicated or pretty to be effective. It’s the doing that is important. It is the making of something with your hands and breathing life into it so that it may offer practical aid and create change in your everyday life that is important. That point -making changes in one’s everyday life- is one of the fundamental aims of witchcraft. While other magickal systems may concern themselves with using magick to attain godhead, witchcraft aims to make your life better. So, don’t get hung up on the details. Action and doing are what make you an effective witch. Don’t be a lazy witch.

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