The Witch's Cord

Disclaimer: The following is for general informational purposes only. This information is not meant to be a substitute for education regarding the use of a Witch's Cord in traditional formal paths.

The Witch's Cord or Cingulum is used in some traditions of Wicca (in particular, forms of British Traditional Wicca) but some non-Wiccans choose to incorporate the cord in their practice. The word cingulum means "girdle" or "belt". In many traditions it's generally worn around the waist as a symbol of initiation, and is given to a Wiccan on their initiation. The color indicates level and rank. Other traditions use it in ritual and spell work.

Uses of the Witch's Cord

INITIATION:

Initiation and Elevation are important events for of initiatory witchcraft traditions of which cords play an important role.

The length, color and any decorations they may have, represents something about the tradition and the initiate. The initiate is to carry it to each ritual they attend and it is presented upon each initiation and elevation.

The expected length of the cord is 9 feet (3×3), as it is often used to establish the magical circle ahead of ritual. Because of this, some traditions believe the cord should NOT be worn. More often though, the cord is worn as a belt.

SYMBOLISM:

:loop: Knotting of the Cord is also a practice with some traditions, though the number of knots used and what they represent will vary. It could be the number of rituals attended in the first year since initiation or maybe the number that are supposed to be attended between elevation. Regardless, the knot shouldn't be tied untill the event takes place. Knots can also represent life cycles, deities or station within the Coven. Several numbers bear particular significance:

8 – five and three, representing the five stages of life and the triple Goddess; or four and four, representing the Lesser and Greater Sabbats

9 – 3×3 The number of the Goddess

13 – traditional number of a Witches Coven; or, the number of full moons within a lunar cycle

:loop: The cord can also be symbolic of the ties that bond people, the link between our pre-birth existence and birth, or the link between life and death. Cord cutting can be used to symbolize the transition from one life state to another or the freeing of ourselves from unhealthy connections.

CORD MAGICK:

One magickal practice not seen as often is cord magick. Cords or ribbons of various colors are braided together while concentrating on an intention. The cord is then consecrated, blessed, and worn.

:loop: Knots can be tied in order to focus power when performing magick or spells. They can also be used as a meditation tool, similar to a Rosary, or in a Witch’s Ladder.

:loop: One basic use of Cord magick is for protection. A cord can be made with the intent to protect the wearer from harm from psychic or magickal energies. They work well when sleeping in an unfamiliar place, or visiting somewhere the wearer is uncertain about.

:loop: Weave the Cords with whatever intent, then wear them under your clothes. You could wear them every day or just in specific occasions, depending on the intent.

:loop: Cord magick adapts well to helping others. You can weave the intent into the Cords, and the person wears them knowing what spell you used and what the desired outcome is. It is important they know what it is about and be a willing participant in the magickal intent.

:loop: For spell work, be sure to use a new piece for your Cord and try to avoid using synthetic material. If incorporating color magick, of course use the color that corresponds with the intent. Otherwise, use a natural or neutral color.

RITUAL USE:

:loop: Some people use cords to invoke divine energies. A Cord can be used to symbolize a certain aspect of deity or other divine entity, and when woven with that in mind it can act as a link to that manifestation. They can also be used to invoke protection from that deity or entity.

:loop: A cord can also be used as a portable magickal circle. If planning to use the Cord in this fashion, cast a circle and then weave the Cord inside the circle with that intent in mind. When you put the cord on, you are now in that circle. This is a great idea for travel or when pressed for time. Just to recharge it every so often to retain its potency and effectiveness.

CRAFTING A PERMANENT TRADITIONAL WITCH'S CORD:

The traditional Witches’ cord is easy to make and, bonus, it provides protection around the altar! The traditional length is nine feet (as in 3 times 3). To make this particular cord, you'll need nine pieces of ribbon or other natural material, just over nine feet in length.  You can coat the ends with melted wax to seal them and prevent fraying. Each ribbon will be a different color to correspond to the Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year. If you don't follow the Wheel, simply incorporate whatever celebrations you do follow.

1. SAMHAIN:          black

2. YULE:                   red

3. IMBOLC:             white

4. OSTARA:             purple

5. BELTANE:           green

6. LITHA:                yellow

7. LUGHNASADH: gold

8. MABON:             orange

9. Color of choice - your personal color

During spell work at each Sabbat or celebration of choice, cleanse and charge the appropriate cord. You can also use anointing oils. Tie the Cord around your waist during rituals.

Continue to do this at each Sabbat/celebration until you have three prepared cords. Now you can braid them together while chanting.  When the next three are complete, braid them together.  After you have prepared the last two cords, add your personal color cord so you will have three more to braid together.

Finally, take all three braided cord sets and braid them together at the next full moon. Focus your intent onto the finished cord while chanting, then bless and consecrate. You now have both a beautiful and magickal tool with all the symbolism and energy of the Sabbats/celebrations.

You can wear the finished Witches’ cord for protection during ritual and store it as you would any other magickal tool.

:wavy_dash: ☸☸☸ :wavy_dash: ☸☸☸ :wavy_dash: ☸☸☸ :wavy_dash: ☸☸☸ :wavy_dash:

Resources and Image Sources:

1. How to Make a Witch's Cord

2. Cingulum

3. What Are the Witch's Cord and Garter

4. Cord Magic Basics

First image and background image from Giphy