Witchy Craft
Make An Herb Broom
[Note: source unknown]

Collect handfuls of plants to use ,such as:

Yarrow
Cedar
Juniper
Fruit tree sprigs
Oak tree sprigs
Birch or ash sprigs

Bundle plants together and tie, cut ends together. The bundle may be Tied to A Branch if a longer handle is desired. Use the broom to sweep away Negativity And to sweep your magic circle clean.

A SACRED SALT JAR
source unknown

This is not only great to have for oneself, but it makes a nice gift to someone special if you happen to know what scents they like or stones they like. Since what you put into it is "yours", it is like giving a part of yourself, too. This mixture is excellent to charge stones in and to "simmer energies". I've had mine blended for years now and it has actually become quite powerful in itself. Once it has blended for a few months, a pinch can be added to rituals, etc., bath water or as a gift to Mother Earth. You can also make a "starter salt" as a gift for a friend. You can also give of your own sacred salt mixture to a special friend to help blend powers and energies when they make their own sacred salt mixture. The mixture should be made and kept in a covered stone or Earthen jar, but can be made and kept in a covered glass jar until you find one that is suitable. I actually discovered that I like the glass jar as I can see the stones and all in it every time I walk past it. There are thoughts on what kind of salt to use. Some use rock salt, some Earth salt and some sea salt, some even use normal table salt. I used sea salt in mine. Whatever salt you use, make sure that it is "natural" and not iodized. You blend the salt with chopped or ground herbs, tiny crystals, small stones, nuts seeds, jewelry, locks of hair, ground incense and a few drops of your favorite oils.....anything that you wish. Even rose petals and other flowers. It so happens that I saved a lock of my son's hair from his first haircut. A bit of that is in my sacred salt mixture also. When I have cleansed and charged stones and crystals by sun and Moon, I place them in this mixture to store until I wish to use them or give them as gifts. Often, I will simply take the top off and inhale the fragrance and feel much the better for doing so. Of course, the larger the jar, the more things you can continue to add.

Spell Boxes
from Hearth & Home Witchery
Spells are cast by constructing a spell box, which are enclosed altars or tableaux. In general, a spell box is filled with power items necessary to achieve a goal, although you should follow directions given for specific spells. It may be a cumulative spell done in increments: items are gathered one by one and added to enhance the power of the box. Sometimes a special box lends itself to a magical or spiritual goal. The box itself can become an intrinsic part of the
spell.

Attach and incorporate the power items to the box itself, such as charms, beads, shells and feathers. Paint images on the outside or inside of the box to correspond with the spells goals. Embellish with sigils or other symbols using magic ink, henna or other natural dyes.

Witching your Home
By Tirgereh

Hang a set of chimes outside your door or a bell. Ringing bells and chimes are said to ward off and dismiss negative energies.(Which is why we do so at the end of rituals, in some traditions) This will also dismiss any mischievous fairies, I'm told!

Place an upright(bristles up) broom near the entry to your home. Any Spirits intent on harm will have to pass through the bristles in order to get to you and yours.

Place a bowl of magnetic oil charged water in your room to soak up the negativity. Float candles in it to make it a little less obvious and use black stones or black glass marbles to purify.

Place a witch's bottle filled with tacks, broken glass and ceramic, etc, behind your door where nobody can really see it. You can use a ceramic or colored glass bottle to make it less conspicuous.

Place amethyst near your door, or use something decorative with a bit of amethyst on it. Hanging an amethyst ring or cluster on a wreath or similar seasonal item makes your home more festive and helps keep things focused and clear for you, as well.

Place a small guardian totem such as a dragon or gargoyle and explain it's duties. People will just think you like statues of animals, usually.

You can inscribe a rune of protection into your doorway, or place a rune somewhere behind something, if you want to be secretive. Talismans such as the SATOR Square work well for this.

Place a dream catcher in your window to catch bad dreams before they come to you. Also try a broom under your bed, if you can't find a dreamcatcher. An athame placed between your mattresses will 'cut' the ties between yourself and old bad dreams so they cannot come again.

If you can, buy a small goldfish bowl and a small fish. Fish are lucky in Asian mythology and bring wishes. It can never hurt to pamper a small animal for good karma!

Place a small element altar(make sure to use weather proof items) outside; a bowl to collect rain water for the birds, a chime to catch the breeze, a bird feeder and a candle to light in the evenings. (Catholic candles work well for this). An outdoor God or goddess statue will complete your altar.

Never allow a mirror to face or reflect a doorway or window. If yours does, move it if possible. If you cannot move it, use a SATOR square or similar protective talisman. Mirrors are doorways and should not be taken lightly in a witch's room.