A Simple Binding Spell

Human connection is crucial to developing a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, all things artistic and/or spiritual. This post was conceptualized and written by a human.

BINDING 101

Binding magick falls under the category of apotropaic magick, or warding and protection magick. It is one of the more aggressive apotropaic magicks, because though it won’t harm or hex your target, it is still a form of attack, seeking to restrain their energies and disempower them. As such, it shouldn’t be used lightly. It is still, however, a justified and reasonable approach when someone is causing harm to you.

The iconic binding scene in the 1996 film The Craft is an example of a binding spell - and quite a good one, actually!

A SIMPLE BINDING SPELL

What you need:

1 x Black Candle

1 x Photo of the Target (you can substitute this for a piece of paper with their name written on it, and focus on visualizing the target throughout the spell)

1 x 3 foot Length of White Ribbon, Rope, Twine, String, etc. (even a long scrap of cloth works - just something you can use to wrap the photo)

1 x Spell Jar This jar can contain any magickal ingredients with binding properties. This can be a mix of herbs, stones, knicknacks, wax, and other objects. Protective ingredients will help maintain the binding and hexing ingredients will help drain and disempower your target. You can bulk out your ingredients with sand and dirt- just make sure you have enough to fill two thirds of the jar.

If you’re not sure what herbs to use for binding, check out our Herbal Grimoire (under the Learn section of the website). We also have pre-mixed blends of sustainably harvested herbs available in our store right here. For a binding spell, I recommend PROTECTION and HEX.

The Spell:

1. Tether your target to the photoLight the candle and take a deep breath in. While slowly breathing out, write the name of the target on the back of the photo (or on a slip of paper, if you don’t have a photo).
2. Exhale their influence. Breath out, picturing your exhale as a black smog - pushing out the influence that person has held over you. At the bottom of your exhale, hold your breath for three seconds, then take a deep inhale of fresh, clean air.
3. Bind the target. Take the length of white string and begin the process of binding their influence, wrapping it firmly around the photo. Let the paper crumple and crease under the pressure ofyour binding as you repeat the following:

1. Finish the spell. When you are out of length, tie the string tightly, knotting it thrice. Carefully singe the ends of the photo (always be safe when using flames - have a bowl of water on hand nearby in case it alights!), then bury the photo in your spell jar, packing in all of the binding ingredients. You do not have to fully cover it, but make sure it is at least two-thirds buried. Finally, extinguish the candle and place the spell jar somewhere dark..