Keep Your Aura on Do Not Disturb: Protection Magic for Dummies
Protection magic isn’t glamorous, but it’s the difference between thriving and constantly cleaning up energetic messes. It’s THE most important skill for a beginner Mystic to master. Without the knowledge of proper magical cloaking, you leave yourself susceptible to anything that wanders in, and the more you wield your wand, the more attractive you become.
There is also an ethical side to using magic, and to perform spellwork or try to connect with the higher planes without proper protection could affect those around you, without their consent.
Before you go freaking out and throwing salt everywhere, we’re gonna talk about a few very simple and accessible ways to protect yourself and your home from anything unwelcome. And please, god, stay away from “I think I am being haunted” forums online.
So anoint your condom with florida water and let’s get started. (please don't actually do this)
Protect the self:
Protecting yourself and your energy is paramount. In the same way that you wouldn’t go to the beach without sunscreen (I’m looking at you), you should also never leave the house without some sort of sigil, ritual, crystal or veil on your head. Let’s go over the different ways you might choose to protect yourself on a day to day basis:
Visualization:
Affirmation or visualization before you leave the house or start your day is a great material-free way to protect yourself. My favorite protective visualization consists of white light and calling upon Archangel Michael for his guidance. You can use light and color visualization or ask your guides/ancestors to protect you throughout the day.
Carry a protection stone
If you’re the type to keep that thang on her 🔫, then you might like this better. Any protection stone is great for this, but you might also call upon a power stone in the same way. Black tourmaline, obsidian and amethyst are most popular. Make sure to cleanse and recharge it weekly. If it breaks, cracks or goes missing, understand that the stone is spent, and acquire a new one.
Wear protective oils or infusions:
For the witch in the broom closet, essential oils, florida water, or your own concoction of anointments can be infused with protective energies. Some oils and plants already exude a frequency of protection, like frankincense, lavender and rosemary. Please do your research before applying oils directly to the skin; protection won’t matter when you’ve got a gnarly rash.
Veil yourself.
Depending on your location, belief system and local fashion, you might get away with a costume change. Some witches choose to cover their heads for a multitude of reasons, such as veneration, increased psychic focus, and protection. They typically use a scarf or large bandana but you can use whatever material feels comfortable and spiritually relevant for you.
Once you’ve sealed yourself, turn your attention to your space - your second skin.
Protect the home:
Protecting the home is equally important. Especially when you perform rituals in your house, you want to ensure that only welcome energies and spirits are able to enter the home. Warding and cleansing your house regularly (I recommend once a month) will keep not only “bad” things away, but also promote the flow of prosperity as you are constantly moving out stagnancy.
Infuse your cleaning materials
Peppermint oil is a personal favorite, not only for its delicious scent but the properties of peppermint: renewal, protection and purification. I use this to wash my front door, baseboards and floors. I also sprinkle it directly on doorways and windows to discourage bugs. Rosemary is also a common plant or oil to infuse into your cleaning materials, and both herbs smell a-MAZING!
If you want to get really fancy, you can spell your tools as well, either with affirmations or anointments, to further set the intention of cleansing, protection and abundance.
Draw sigils
If you want them invisible to visitors and housemates, I draw mine in moon water or other infused water; I will mix a tablespoon of moon water and a tablespoon of florida water and use my finger to draw a sigil above every door and window in the house. Doors are portals, so even my pantry gets a protective mark.
If you aren’t in the broom closet, you can draw them in chalk or get creative with decor to make protective shapes.
Stones and/or salt in the corners
Once again, cool rocks might be an easy fix (albeit not the cheapest option). Common protection stones include black tourmaline, obsidian and amethyst, but other witches find it more powerful to use a “power stone” that resonates to them specifically. I use hematite but trust your own intuition and resources.
Another common practice is to sprinkle salt in corners and exterior thresholds- some witches sweep it up after, and others leave it until their monthly refresh. Remember babe, its YOUR mojo dojo casa house.
Hang a broom over/near your front door
Brooms have a long history in witchcraft, but their role here is relatively obvious: as a cleaning tool, it can “sweep” away bad energy, gossip, and unwanted visitors (physical and metaphysical alike). Place it handle-up if you are open to guests and bristle-up if you want to discourage visitors.
Selenite at entrances and exits
Back to the rock thing, but this one is a tad more inconspicuous (especially if you have white walls and door trim). Anyone walking in or out of your home passes through the crystal’s energies, removing negative energy and amplifying their moods.
Sound and smoke cleansing
Sage or other herbs and incense can be burned, and as the smoke reaches all corners of your home it lifts it up and away. Open all your windows and doors (if possible) to let the smokey air escape and tag anything unwanted with it. Don’t worry-the yummy smell will still stick around!
Similarly, bells, clapping and singing can purify a space, as sound travels places that physical things cannot. The powerful vibrations in music or chimes can wiggle things out of unsavory places.
Affirm that shit
As powerful as windchimes can be, nothing beats your personal power! Shit can’t be in your house if you don't want it there. My favorite ghost story finished with me literally telling it to “get the fuck out. Come back later, I don't care but right now I am trying to sleep.” And it left. Just like that.
Any of these methods can be used to protect other areas, like your car or workplace. For jobs, I’d generally stick to crystals, visualization and affirmation. Typically corporate doesn't approve burning herbs on the clock…
As always, you can mix and match or create your own protective ritual. Regardless of the modality, it's vital that you and your domicile have the right protections in place. Call it insurance.
When your energy is protected, your magic becomes louder. Your manifestations land faster. Your intuition sharpens. Don yourself with that metaphysical handgun (or a real one), and let’s get that cauldron bubbling. Protection isn’t paranoia- its power!
<3 Ryan
