Well you wont see one propped against a wall while a Witch repairs her cottage roof or repaints her hovels window frames !
Usually, its a length of cord tied with nine or thirteen knots.
In modern Wicca/Witchcraft they can be used to keep track of counting during chanting or meditation.
If, for example, a chant were to be repeated nine times, the Wiccan/Witch would use a cord with only nine knots and slide his or her fingers along the cord during the chant. Each time the chant is completed the Wiccan/Witch slides their fingers to the next knot until all nine knots have been encountered. Very much like a Catholic might use a rosary.
The Witch's ladder can also be used as a tool to focus one's intent for use in spell-work, especially those of protection and positivity.
The traditional form of the witch's ladder is made with red, white & black cord. But really, its up to you what you choose and colours can be chosen based upon your intent, the magick that you are working, or a variety of other reasons (including availability! ).
Many different cord types work; jute, embroidery thread/ floss, twine, string, raffia; and simply good old knitting wool . Pretty ribbons if you like!
Theyre great fun to make at Samhain – especially if you are a “Solitary” and are looking for something to do thats a bit different and leaves you with a permanent reminder of how you spent the time! Ive made these alone – or as part of a "Group working"
You will need nine items.
If you plan to use it as a meditation tool or for a specific intent, you may wish to choose 9 different (but similar size & weight) items.
Feathers are the traditional choice, but I've used small stones for mine. If you use feathers, , its best to gather them from outdoors . Go for a walk and pick up freely shed feathers from parks, beside the river, in open woodland .... The feathers, stones, or whatever objects you choose . I've seen Witches Ladders that have been made of old buttons. Someone I know used twigs carved with runes Anything may be chosen according to colour, gem or bird species (feathers or even bones) , or other correspondences.
Once you've chosen all that you wish to use you should have a selection something like this
3 pieces of cord/string/ribbon
9 small items
Any method of attachment you've elected to use –
(if you are using feathers, you may tie them into the braided cord, wire them in with thin-gauge jewellery wire or you could even purchase a package of jump rings from a craft shop. If you use the jump rings, you can pierce the shaft of the feather with the ring & thread the ring onto the cord. For stones, I'd suggest wire wrapping with jewellery wire, creating a loop to 'thread' onto the cord. I’ve tried glue but it doesn't feel “right” to me!
1. Prepare your items (feathers, stones, objects, etc.) for threading. Wire wrap your stones, or add jump rings to your feathers.
2. Place your 3 pieces of cord together so that the ends are lined up. Tie a knot at one end. It will be much easier to work with if you are able to secure this end. Try putting a safety pin through one end, then pinning the threads to something secure, so you can keep a regular tension.
3. Begin braiding together the 3 cords. At equal intervals (I usually practice by braiding the lengths that I'll be using and measuring the overall braided length, then dividing that length by 9 so that I know where to add my items.) NOTE: Keep your head in the game, here. Focus your intent clearly. Many people will chant or speak their spell while doing each step. I find it helpful to repeat my intent in a single mantra, over and over, during the making of the entire project. So for Samhain, maybe “To link me to my ancestors” or even “To keep me and mine safe this night”
You may like the “traditional” charm to use
By the knot of one, the spell’s begun…
by the knot of two, it cometh true…
by the knot of three, my will shall be…
by the knot of four, the power is more…
by the knot of five, my spell’s alive…
by the knot of six, the energies mix…
by the knot of seven, the future I leaven…
by the spell of eight, the power of fate…
by the power of nine, what’s done is mine!”
4. At intervals that you deem appropriate, begin threading 1 cord through the loop on your item, or tightly tying the item into the braid. Rotate the cord so that, if you begin with threading the first item onto the black cord, you’ll put the second onto the white, the third on the red, then start over again with the fourth. This way, no one cord is holding the bulk of the weight of the items. Rather; its distributed evenly. It looks better at the end, too
5. When you come to the end of your braiding, your last item should be added. Once that is done, knot the cords together.
6. You now have two choices. A) Some people tie their two ends together to make a loop. This would be helpful if you were going to use your ladder as a meditation tool. B) You can leave it long.
I most often add a hanging loop to one end & hang my witch's ladders in places around my home
7. Consecrate your item as you wish. Mine would probably spend the Samhain night on my altar after being spoken to, clearly, about my will for it.
8. Place as you will.
Enjoy!
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