Witches Corner: Spell Sachets & Charm Bags

Welcome to the Spring edition of Witches Corner. This issue I thought we could look at Spell Sachets and Charm Bags, which is a great witch craft to incorporate into your magical workings; it's very versatile and has a deep rooted history. Before we begin though, please remember the views, opinions and magical workings in this article are my own. Some, all or none of this may apply to your own path and individual beliefs. 

To my dismay most of the records I can find relating to charm bags across the UK come from Christianised perspectives, particularly propaganda against innocent people during the witch trials so I’ll be relying on my personal, modern practice for this article.

Lets now look at how you can make your own Charm bag/ Spell Sachet. These can be made with any intentions that you wish. Spell Sachets are often viewed as a form of practical witchcraft that uses the collective energy of multiple ingredients and items put together with a specific intention. These little bags can also be hung in a car or doorway, or can be carried.

Items you could put in your charm bag include dried plants, herbs and flowers, crystals, and talismans. I'll provide you with some possible ideas you could try a little later on. For now though here are some basic instructions on how to put your charm bag together.

First you need to find your bag. This needs to be hand sized or smaller. I like to make mine from fabric bags so the items inside can ‘breathe’ out their magical energies. You could make your own bag from fabric scraps if you wanted, and this would add an extra layer of your own magical energy to the bag. For mine I use a fabric bag but I paint them using colour magic or add a coloured wax seal to the front. For example, oranges and yellows for a happiness & positivity bag. You could also add a magical symbol/sigil to the outside of the bag to enhance your intentions. I would however, take time to cleanse any unwanted energies from the bag before I add any decoration or start to fill it.

Once your bag is ready you can start to fill it with items that correspond with your intentions. While I'm doing this I keep my intentions in mind, so I'm adding my own energy into it too.  Some people like to say their intentions out loud but I like to quietly reflect my intentions in thought. When adding crystals these can be chips, small tumbles or raw chunks, as you don't want the bag to be too weighted. Once the bag is full it can be sealed with knots, confirming your intention with each knot you tie; or the bag could be stitched up whichever you prefer.

Finally I like to anoint the bag with one of my own corresponding anointing oils. If you don't have any anointing oil you could use essential oils or leave it without, it will still have the same intentions. 

Now you know how to make your own charm bags, here's a few ideas for you to try.

Happiness and positivity

Colours - Yellow and Oranges

Plants herbs and flowers -Daisies, Calendula, Minit, Lemon balm.

Charms/Talismans - Sun’s, stars, bees, anything that makes you feel happiness and positivity. 

Crystals - Citrine and Sunstone.

Oil - Bergamot or Sweet Orange.

Protection & Peace

Colours - Black and Purple

Plants herbs and flowers - rosemary, sage, rowan, mugwort, lavender.

Charms/Talismans - pentacle, pentagrams, doves, wolves Hand of fatima or any other charm that you feel would offer Protection and peace. 

Crystals - Clear Quartz, Black Obsidian & Selenite.

Oil - Lavender or Rosemary

Abundance and Prosperity

Colours - Green and Gold

Plants Herbs and Flowers - Mint, sunflower, basil, cinnamon and Peony. 

Charms/Talismans - Coins, charms of fish or frogs or any other charm you feel would offer Abundance and Prosperity. 

Crystals - Green Aventurine, Pyrite, Tigers eye, citrine and goldstone.

Oil- Mint or Peony 

Love including Self love

Colours - Red and Pink

Plants Herbs and Flowers - Rose, Hawthorn Blossom, Mugwort, Lavender and Rosemary.

Charms/Talismans - Heart and Rose charms, Swans, Wolves, Penguins or again any charm you feel would offer support the intention of Love.

Crystals - Rose Quartz, Aura Quartz, Clear Quartz and Moonstone.

Oil- Rose Geranium

In essence, your charm bags and spell sachets will be personal to you. I hope you enjoyed this issue’s Witches Corner. Until next time, stay magical.

Claire Keen - HedgeWitchery