Sarah Bartlett - Knot Magic: A Handbook of Powerful Spells Using Witches Ladders and other Magical Knots

A Handbook of

POWERFUL SPELLS

using Witches Ladders and other

MAGICAL KNOTS

SARAH BARTLETT

Copyright 2020 Quarto Publishing plc, an imprint of The Quarto Group

This edition published in 2020 by Wellfleet, an imprint of The Quarto Group,

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First published in 2019 by New Burlington Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group The Old Brewery, 6 Blundell Street London N7 9BH

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Digital edition: 978-0-76036-822-0
Hardcover edition: 978-1-57715-214-9

For entertainment purposes only. Do not attempt any spell, recipe, procedure, or prescription in this book. The author, publisher, packager, manufacturer, distributor, and their collective agents waive all liability for the readers use or application of any of the text herein.

Previously published as Witches Ladders and Other Knot Spells.

Knot spells have been used for thousands of years to empower and sanction beneficial desires.

Along with special incantations, knot enchantments will seal your intentions and invoke positive success. Many of these knotting spells are based on traditional enchantments, but have been updated to include contemporary ingredients for you, the modern-day spell-caster.

This book also includes witches ladders, as well as knot-seeing spellsmagical ways to visualize knots without physically doing them. Yet the result is equally effective.

The act of knotting is a ritual whereby you are literally tying part of yourself into a spell along with the other ingredients. Its a way of proving and justifying your belief and faith in the magic you wish to happen.

HISTORY

Ancient Greek and Assyrian texts include a wide range of knotting rituals for binding the desired outcome into the spell. One Assyrian spell instructs how to tie a knot discreetly into your shawl as you recite the name of the solar god, so that when you enter to the kings chamber, he will favor you above all others.

A Greek love spell asks that you weave hemp and red wool, knot it 14 times, and at each knot recite a magic spell. Finally, the cord is tied around your waist to attract a lover or to incite desire. Knotting lapis lazuli-colored cord into the hem of your robe would also ensure princes and royalty would bless you with prosperity.

WITCHES LADDERS

According to folklore, in late 19th-century England, a witches ladder was found in an attic in Somerset along with a group of brooms and chairs. Believed to be the venue of a witches coven, the ladder was made up of a length of twine with birds feathers inserted along its length. Its purpose still remains a mystery, but the idea took hold as part of the popular revival of all things supernatural, and witches ladders became an essential tool in spell-making.

Earlier ladder spells can be found as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Talismans, amulets, feathers, coins, and personal items were woven into knots to reinforce specific desired outcomes. Egyptian fishermen knotted fish skins into a length of rope to promote favorable weather. When the skins dried out, new fish skins were inserted to invoke beneficial winds.

In ancient Eastern traditions, jade and other precious gemstones were knotted into womens knotted girdles to ensure sexual fertility and marriage.

UNKNOTTING SPELLS

Unknotting charms banish all forms of negativity and help you to move on from the past. Tying and then untying knots in this way was popular in Celtic traditions. This ritual was thought to bind and ensure protection or fulfil a request first, then later, untying the knots would release positive energy around you.

So, whether you want to tie the knot for mutual happiness or free yourself from a knotty problem, this spell book is the key to making magic work for you.

About This Book

This unique collection of spells explores the tradition, history, and modern-day practice of knot magic. With a length of string, ribbon, cord, or anything that can be knotted, you can quickly make magic work for you, whether to enchant new love into your life, change your fortune, or manifest your dreams.

THE SPELLS

There are six spell themesLove & Romance; Home, Family, & Friends; Career & Lifestyle; Prosperity & Abundance; Protection & Spiritual Healing; and Travel & Adventure. There are knots to enhance and reinforce your spells, as well as traditional rituals such as lighting candles, anointing with oils, and sealing intentions by placing them in containers.

VISUALIZATION SPELLS

Each of the six chapters contains a special knot-seeing spell whereby, instead of the practical work of tying a knot, you only visualize yourself doing it, while focusing and meditating on the illustrations.

KNOT DIRECTORY

Most of the knots are simple and quick to tie, but there will be a few for which you may need to follow instructions. The Knot Directory at the back of the book (see ) will help you with this. Although certain knots are recommended for specific spells, if you find any of them too difficult, simply use any knot that you feel is appropriate for the spell.