Using Powders
You’re probably thinking that you’ve seen articles similar to this all over the internet. However, you’ve probably seen articles relating to powders in the Hoodoo and African-American Conjure circles, as opposed to Native Traditional Witchcraft, Folk Magic and Canting Magic. In our own sacred tradition we use them in slightly different way, and create them in different ways compared to the traditions of Hoodoo.
Powders are not necessarily the same as dirts, ashes, salts and dusts. Powders don’t normally contain dirt, and have a higher herb and rock content than the ashes, salts and dusts. Sometimes the terms powders can refer to things such as Ashes, Salts and dusts, however for ease of use, I list them separately here on this website.
Powders are created from a various range of botanica, ashes, salts, minerals and materials for a specified purpose- created using guidance from various spirits, and combined in such a way that the plant spirits work together for the intention at hand.
Usage of powders is actually very simple and incredibly versatile.
-Powders can be used in the creation of sacred symbols, either using the herbs to form the sigil, or spreading a fine layer on to a dish and drawing a symbol into the powder. They can be a good alternative to ink, candles and incense.
-In much the same way, they can be used to form circles- around yourself, around your candle workings. They can also be placed on doorsteps, on the mantle place, above the door, on the windowsill- used as an enchantment for the location and for those who walk over them, or as barrier magic. They can also be used within wishtboard workings.
-They can be mixed with oils to create a dressing for candles, and other hard surfaces for more ‘sticking’ powers. Sometimes you may prefer to use them with oil to improve their flow or to reduce clean up.
- They can be blown over objects, such as paper, glass, mirrors to enchant and empower them. It’s a good way to enchant or protect mirrors. They can also be blown in the air or over people and poppets. They don’t stain in the same way some other washes, water or sprays do.
-These powders can be added to talismans, amulets, sachets, poppets, bottles and bags. This can be to aid in the original enchanting of the object, or to feed them once they have been ensouled. Similarly, they can be used as an offering to the spirit of the poppet.
-The powders can be added to water to create a very simple, low energy wash. They won’t pack as much of a punch as a ready made water, but they’ll do in a pinch.
-Powders can be used as an offering to spirits, in much the same way that other herbs, and plants can be. Simply place in a bowl upon the altar or shrine in front of your idols.
-Powders can also be sprinkled on to clothes, sprinkled into bags, shoes to enchant a person. Protective powders are often used in this way. Traditionally, protective powders were ground into the socks of a person before the socks were washed out in a fast flowing river or stream to protect the person wearing them.
To connect the powder to your location of working, you can mix in local botanicals or local or liminal dirt. To connect the powder to you own energy, add in something that belongs to you- dirt from around your home, your hair, tears etc.
Powder ingredients are traditionally made over time with experience with the spirits and herbs with ties to that intention, or they are passed down via lineages, from ancestors, or from the witchmaster himself.
One of the most famous powders used in Scottish witchcraft is Corpse powder, used to transfer gifts to and from the deceased, but many other powders are used in a variety of ways for different circumstances. The powders we sell on the store currently are more geared towards working with spirits and Gods, but we're planning to expand the range to include more powders from our tradition’s lineage.
