Winter is always a difficult period before the festivities begin. The days are short, the nights are long, and I for one spend a lot more time indoors. Winter is often seen as the season of reflection, transformation, and protection, alongside more traditional wishes and invocations for abundance and prosperity.

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The Significance of Protection Spells in November

November serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death, especially as its beginning is marked with Samhain celebrations. I think that this period can also mark a point to prepare for transformation. As we spend time reflecting on the past – in many ways – we may feel compelled to purify or protect our spaces and selves. This could be against the bitterness of winter, to ward off negativity as the nights grow colder, and establish a sense of safety and wellbeing in general.

Casting protective spells or making protective charms can be done for many reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Warding off negative energies: Spells and rituals of this nature are often used to create a barrier against harmful and negative influences. These may come from other people, situations, or even our own thoughts and mindsets.

• Enhance personal safety: Tying into warding off energies, many find spells and charms with protective qualities helpful in enhancing their sense of security.
• Support emotional wellbeing: Protecting your energy can help to maintain emotional balance, allowing you to connect more deeply with your inner self and the energies around you.

My own version of modern eclectic witchcraft views these spells and rituals as largely symbolic; I don’t necessarily believe that having a protective talisman is going to shield me from any harm I may come to, especially from external influences. However, I do find that utilising protective rituals can be extremely supportive in helping improve my mindset and making me feel prepared to face challenges and dispel negativity from my life.

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Traditional Ingredients for Protection Spells

There are many ingredients associated with protection in various forms. I’m a fan of making things accessible, so I’ve tried to largely limit this list to accessible ingredients and things you probably already have lying around:

1. Acorns: Although it might be a little late to find these now, acorns are associated with luck, protection, and accessing your personal power.
2. Basil: A common and fragrant herb, basil can be used in wealth, protection, and positivity spells.
3. Bay leaf: Another common kitchen ingredient, bay leaves are great for strength, healing, and protection.
4. Black pepper: This kitchen staple is used when you need to be protected from evil and to banish negative energy.
5. Cinnamon: One of my most-used ingredients, cinnamon is known for manifesting success, power, and strength, as well as having protective properties.
6. Garlic: A delicious kitchen stalwart, garlic is great for healing, protection and purification.
7. Nutmeg: Common in kitchens, especially around Christmas, this spice is renowned for its prosperous benefits, power in breaking hexes, and improving luck.
8. Rice: Rice is a common altar offering. Although common in fertility magic, it also offers protection.
9. Rosemary: A versatile herb, rosemary can be used to ward off nightmares or to purify and protect spaces.
10. Sea salt: Also known as a purifier, it is often combined with garlic and rosemary to assist in banishing evil.

Of course, I don’t think we could discuss witchcraft without mentioning crystals! Black tourmaline, amethyst, carnelian, jade, red jasper, and tiger’s eye are all revered for their protective properties. If you’re going to add these to water, make sure you research the safety – some crystals lose their colour or can explode when exposed to heat! I don’t advocate for adding them to candles or simmer pots due to safety concerns, although this is a common practice.

Rituals Using These Ingredients

Incorporating rituals into your protection work can amplify your intentions, and I personally think this is the more important aspect of practicing witchcraft. Here are some rituals that can utilise the above ingredients:

1. Simmer Pot Protection Ritual
   Create a protective simmer pot blend using any of the ingredients. Simply add ingredients to a pot with plenty of water as you recite an incantation. As the pot simmers, visualize a protective barrier surrounding your home. Allow the aromas to fill your space, cleansing it of negativity. If you’re not sure where to start with combining ingredients, I have some simmer pot blends available in my Etsy store, each with a different intention in mind – including protection and purification!
2. Adorn Your Altar
   Simply add ingredients to your altar, whilst visualising being protected. Thank the Earth or your deities for their protection, ask for it – verbalise it! You could accompany the herbs with black candles (be careful, and never leave a burning candle unattended), or an intention on some paper.
3. Craft a Spell Jar
   If you’re like me, your house is full of random jars. I’m awful for not throwing out anything that might have a use later. Add ingredients to a jar, pop in a rune or sigil, add your intention, close up the jar, then seal it with black wax. These jars can be as big or small as you like, depending on how you want to use them. You can display them, carry them with you, or place near entryways.
   If you’re not like me and don’t have lots of containers to hand, I have some very cute pre-made spell jars on my Etsy store (pictured).
4. Make a Soup
   I genuinely cannot think of a more magical food than soup, especially during winter. Picture making a soup – is it really any different to making a potion over a cauldron? Use your favourite herbs from the list, add them to your favourite vegetables and/or meat, and simmer away! Stir away whilst reciting your incantations. The most delicious form of witchcraft, truly.
5. Make a Charm
   Combine crystals, herbs and intentions in a small bag – I love jute, personally. Carry the bag with you as a reminder to keep going through the day. If you’re crafty, you might even consider wire wrapping one of your crystals to wear. Not a fan of all the fuss? Just carry a crystal with you – simply hold it, run it through your hands – whatever helps – whilst reciting something that feels protective and empowering to you.

Cultivating a Safe and Sacred Space

As winter unfolds, consider incorporating these protection spells and rituals into your practice. There’s not really a right or wrong way to practice – you need to do what feels right. They not only serve to protect you but also connect you with the wisdom of the season. I’d love to hear about your protective rituals in the comments!

As always, it should be noted that many people view witchcraft as a largely symbolic and metaphorical practice. Please don’t use witchcraft as a replacement for the mundane – you won’t be protected from someone entering your home if you don’t lock the door and put a charm there instead!