Knot Magick: A Simple yet Effective Way to Practice Magick

Many different things are associated with knots, including secrets and love. Due to their powerful symbolism and rich history, knots are loved by witches. And although they can be complex, knot magick is practically effortless.

Knots help to tie objects together. Their complexity means that knots possess considerable power and can thus serve as an essential ingredient in magickal spells, albeit just symbolically.

Usually, knots are tied to keep something stationary, preventing it from moving around. Seeing this from the perspective of magick, we can see how knots are used in spells to obstruct or control the actions or behavior of other creatures, animals, or people.

Spells and Knots

As it turns out, the word ‘spellbound’ has its origins in this word – to bind someone or something as if by magick. By tying a knot and tying the person, thing, or action to one another, we can bind ourselves to a specific course of action. Upon untying the knot, the binding or obstruction ceases, and the subject goes free.

Knot magick is, more than anything, a way to focus our minds, and by focusing our energy on knots, we get to materialize our thoughts and wants.

In large part, knot magick’s popularity is because of its simplicity, speed, and power. Additionally, it’s discreet, another essential aspect. And we don’t have to go to a magickal supply store. We can shop at the grocery store or local hardware store for everything we need, i.e., a ball of string.

Even so, one can create knots out of almost anything, including ribbons, rags, and bandages. It is an easy substitute for candle magick or crystal magick as it requires very few items.

We will analyze everything there is to know about knot magick in this article.

Historical uses of Knots in Magick

The use of knot magick dates back to antiquity. Ancient culture and literature are rife with examples of knots, from ancient Mesopotamia to ancient Greece. Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Wind Knots

Witches in Finland, Lapland, and Scotland used to tie knots filled with wind and sell them to sailors. Many stories warned against dealing with such people during the early 1900s.

There’s a story about fishers in Portessie who received a twine tied with three knots. The seller told them to untie the first knot when raising the sail and the second knot to call for more wind.

But she did not mention anything about the third knot. Having become impatient at sea, the sailors untied the rope, and all hell broke loose, unleashing a mad storm in their path.

In her book Forbidden Rites (Aff.link), Jeannette Ellis states: “There are legends of Witches selling three knots in a rope or a lock of their hair to sailors, undo one for a breeze, undo two for good wind but three would cause a gale.”

Wedding knots

Innumerable wedding fables of the past feature knots as a common element. In the Dark Ages and the 18th century, people believed that tying a knot would prevent a happy union between marrying couples.

Wedding lore has the knot as a representation of the joining of two people in marriage. This is also called “tying the knot.”

Throughout the Dark Ages and the 18th century, many people feared the interference of a couple’s true union by witches who would tie a knot on their wedding day.

The bride also wears a net (veil today) over her head as a form of knot magick at weddings. Originally it was intended to protect them on their wedding day from evil spirits.

Pregnancy knots

Women traditionally undid all knots during childbirth in many cultures. Knots were used in black magick to kill a mother and her baby by hindering or ending their pregnancy. People also believed that an evil knot could cause a problematic and painful delivery.

Afterlife knots

The practice of untying all knots in a house when a person dies was also common. They would untie knots around the house to prevent ties to the Earth from binding the deceased’s spirit.

In religious aspects, the Egyptian deity of weaving was called “Anubis thread.” Anubis presided over mummification in the ancient world. It was considered the ultimate protective method against decay (Pinch 1994, 108)*. They believed that knots represented eternity because of their interweaving that never ends. They guarded the deceased in the form of a knot on their stomach (Kemp 1988, 216-217)**.

Prophet Mohamed bewitched

One tradition says that a Jewish magickian bewitched Mohamed with knots tied in a cord and then hid it in a well. After discovering the cord’s location with the help of Angel Gabriel and using incantations to loosen it, the Prophet finally recovered.

The Koran describes magickians’ work as being “the evil of [women who] are blowers on knots.” Magickians believed they could manipulate wind by using a rope tied with three knots or a handkerchief. A wind force was bound up in the three knots when the manner of their tying was correctly done.

The sorcerers would release the power of this spell on-demand or when called upon. They kept these knots in a sacred place that was pure and free from all blemishes.

West African Knots

In West African Witchcraft, the tier of the knot is given power over the named person just by tying a knot while saying their name. Until the knot is undone, the power persists.

Babylonian knots

A Babylonian tablet depicting a healing spell in the British Museum using cedar bark braided into a knot. Also, Roman author Pliny the Elder stressed the healing powers of the Hercules knot.

British knots

Witches in Britain used knots made with red thread to stop nosebleeds or cure headaches. Anglo-Saxon medical records show that clove-wort would cure lunacy if tied around a man’s neck on a waning moon in April or October.

According to a trial report from 1718, the Bordeaux parliament sentenced a witch for using magick knotted rope to ruin a family.

The early church criticized a harmful form of knot magick known as Ligatura as far back as the 6th century. Those practicing it were attacked or executed.

The Duchess of Gloucester, Eleanor Cobham, was tried as a witch in England in the 15th century. The allegation against Eleanor was that she conspired with Margery Jourden to use magick on King Henry VI.

Related Reading: “Medieval Persecution of Magic – The Inquisition and the inquisitor’s profile“– Opens in new tab

Christian Knots

Using cords is not exclusive to magickal traditions. In Christianity, cords are tied with knots and beads for prayer purposes. As you move upward along the cord, one sinks deeply in meditative or prayer states.

Buddhist knots

For years Buddhists have been using different cords for different things. One of their uses is for good luck and health. The cords are blessed by a Lama, meaning he just says some particular words over them, but that’s not all!

They would then tie them together to form a bracelet or necklace, depending on the length. If you’re wondering why these prayers are so important, it’s because they harness the properties of many positive thoughts together, making this tool even more powerful than it already is!

Who are the Patrons of Knot Magick?

Besides Moirae (and Norns), Athena is also a Patron of knot magick. Athena (Latin Minerva) is the greatest weaver of all time. We can invoke the Owl or the Spider as Totem archetypes as a way of guiding ourselves through knot magick.

Use the Guides of the Angels of Magick, the Totem Spirits, or Goddess Athena to use the Art of Knotting magick in the best way possible. You should never forget that a bright spirit will never lead you to misuse magick or interfere with the free will of others.

To increase magickal abilities, one should always remember never to mess around with powers of sorcery or use them against another’s free will. If you do, you might see your power turned against yourself!

Type of Threads to Be Used for Magickal Knots

The use of knots in spells is incredibly versatile. It doesn’t matter what material you are using, so long as the knot can be tied. You can use materials such as:

• Rope	• Thread	• Copper wire
• Cord	• Hair	• Thin Chains
• Chord	• Floss	• Scarves
• Laces	• Ribbons	• Twine
• Bandages	• Leather	• Etc..

Naturally occurring threads like cotton and silk are preferable. Natural threads are considered pure and uncontaminated. Do not use nylon, rayon, or polyester cords that are stiff, tightly woven, coarse, or plastic-based.

Typically, 30-60 cm should be sufficient (*1-2 ft) for most spells. But if there are several knots, the cord should be long enough since knots eat away at it.

Cords should be kept out of sight, don’t use them for other purposes. Weaving, braiding, and spinning your own cord is fine. You can dedicate your own time and effort to making anything with your own hands: it’s like magick to create with your own hands.

Using colors in Knot magick

A knot’s color often relates to the type of magick it will conjure. We have below listed all the Color Correspondences that are both applicable to Knot Magick.

White	For cleansing, Clarity, Protection, Purity, Truth, Sincerity, Improve spirituality, Peace, Connection with the higher self, For protection, and used generally when not sure which color to use.
Black	To absorb and remove negativity, Banishing, Release, Binding, Law & justice, Evil, Loss, Discord, Confusion, Protection, Unblocking, Uncrossing, Get rid of bad habits.
Red	For strength, Health, Vigor, Sexual love and passion, Courage, Action, Willpower, Element of fire, Career goals, Speed, Lust, Vibrancy, Driving force, Survival, Summon the element of Fire.
Green	For abundance, Prosperity, Healing, Money, Success, Fertility, Luck, Earth Mother, Herbal magick, Growth, Summon the element of Earth.
Yellow	For new beginnings, Intellectual work, Creativity, The Sun, Mental clarity, Breaking mental blocks, Contact spirits and other realms, Summon the element of Air.
Blue	For protection, Blessings, Understanding, Peace, Calm, Renewal, Healing, Law and justice, Wisdom, Good fortune, Spiritual work, Meditation, Summon the element of Water.
Orange	For Encouragement, Adaptability, Creativity, Attraction, Healing, Vitality, Business goals, Good luck, Ambition, Positivity, General success, Justice, Meditation, Legal matters, Selling, Action.
Brown	Stability, Home, Safety, Work concerning animals, Hesitation, Neutrality, Influence friendships, Special favors.
Pink	For love, Honor, Morality, for both Physical and Mental health, Peace, Romance, Caring, Nurturing, Family relations.
Purple	For Divination, Tension, Ambition, Business progress, Power, Third eye, To empower your Psychic abilities, Spiritual power, Self-assurance, Hidden knowledge.
Violet	Spiritual work, Creativity, Power, Law and Justice.
Gold	For Success, Wealth, Good Health, Charm, Confidence, Good Luck, Happiness, Playful humor, Masculine aspects of the Divine.
Silver/Grey	For manifestation, Cancellation, Neutrality, Stalemate, Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Intuition, Clairaudience, for connection with the Lunar forces, Dreams, Astral energies, Female Power, Communication, The Goddess.
Copper	Passion, Money goals, Professional growth, Career.

Using Numbers in Knot Magick Spells                                            

You can use numerology for your cord magick to enhance the symbolism beyond color. There are differences in the way numbers represent energies per culture; here are a few starting points:

Number	Tarot Card	Symbolism
One	The Magician	The Source, Skill, Creation, Wholeness, Willpower, The Sacred Masculine, The Individual.
Two	The High Priestess	Mystery, Devotion, Secrets, Creative thought, The Sacred Feminine, Partnership, Reconciliation, Sensuality, Kindness, Duality.
Three	The Empress Card	Transformation, Prudence, Rich fertility, Discretion, Dreaming, Joy, Humor, Vision, Playfulness, Action.
Four	The Emperor	Will, Stability, Firm, Positivism, Executive power, Dependability, Grounding, Ethics and Morals, Truthfulness, Money, Caution.
Five	The Hierophant	Advice, Conscience, Morality, Inspiration, Revelation, Adventure, Adaptability, Courage, Light-Hearted, Thinking Globally.
Six	The Lovers	Feelings, Love, Equality, Freewill, Testing, Union, Duality, Empathy, Dedication, True Love, Encouragement, Support.
Seven	The Chariot	Triumph, Command, Superiority, Control, Willpower, Success, Spiritual Matters, Wisdom, Perception, Civility.
Eight	The Strength	Courage, Authority, Leadership, Calm, Mastery of one’s self, Good Judgment, Virtue.
Nine	The Hermit	Inner Guidance, Introspection, Generosity, Nobility, Soul-searching, Search for Truth, Benevolence.

What Kinds of Knots Can Be Used in Cord Magick?

You can cast a spell with any knot you choose. For example, you could start with a single knot or maybe a figure 8.

Below you will find simple knots demonstrated in videos.

Simple Overhand Knot

Figure 8 Knot

If your spell is more complex, you might want to pick an ornate knot or even a set of knots to design jewelry. You can search for any knot on www.animatedknots.com and learn the steps to tie it.

Needlework such as knitting and crocheting works in the very same way. The multiple stitches and patterns used with this type of knot magick can become very elaborate.

How to Practice Knot Magick

Knot magick is a technique that can help you focus and then project your wishes onto the universe through meditation. Concentration and visualization are the key components.

Knots and the cord form points of focus that bind thought-forms to individuals or situations and thus hold them firmly in place. When you tie knots over and over again in strings, you are essentially tying your intention to that object.

With a knot, you can create any spell, whether it’s a curse, binding spell, healing spell, protective spell, or prosperity or luck spell.

The instruments in magick are neutral, which leaves the consequences and outcomes to the individual doing the work. Because the cord is a magickal tool, you should never let anyone else use it.

Magick-users can cast knot magick spells in several ways. At least one knot should be tied during the period. It will serve both as a representation of the magick as well as its container.

The simplest form of knot magick takes the form of one strand being drawn through a similarly tied strand until a knot is formed. A more elaborate knot can be created by twining each part of the connecting thread around itself and then re-tying the newly formed knot to the string at the other end.

You can dance, drum, chant, and sing to build energy when you tie the knots. The energy cone reaches its maximum height as soon as you tie the last knot.

Use our “Spellcaster” app and explore the magical world of spellcasting. Try it now!

These are guidelines to help you get started.

Knot Magick Ritual in Summary

1.) Select your material

2.) Perform any pre-ritual practices you wish to do (such as casting a circle or meditation).

3.) You should focus on your spell intention while holding the cord.

4.) As for the knot spell, there are several versions. In general, if you borrow a spell from another witch, modify it so that it’s uniquely yours.

In The Goodly Spellbook (Aff.link) by Lady Passion and Diuvei, there is a Traditional Spell of Nine Knots. As you read the following spell, keep your intention in mind.

First tie a knot, saying,

• “By knot of one, my spell’s begun
• “By Knot of two, it cometh true”
• “By Knot of three, so mote it be” (You can stop here at three, or continue for 9 Knots, Tie the fourth knot saying)
• “By Knot of four, this power I store.”
• “By Knot of five, this spell’s alive.”
• “By Knot of six, this spell I fix.”
• “By Knot of seven, events I” leaven.”
• “By Knot of eight, it will be fate.”
• “By Knot of nine, what’s done, is mine.”

5) You can close the spell anyway you like (by grounding, clearing, etc.)

6) You can keep the tied cord near your altar, or keep it in your pocket, or near your bed.

When the knots remain tied firmly, the spell stands – when you untie the knots, the period ends. You can opt to bury the string after the spell succeeds. The string may also be burned (especially if it isn’t biodegradable).

Let’s see more particular uses of Knot Magick

A simple knot spell

• You may choose any color cord, ribbon, or thread (as per your intent).
• Hold on to it.
• Relax and close your eyes.
• Concentrate on your goal or need. Imagine that what you desire has come to pass. Feel every positive emotion.
• Knot it up! Pull the cord’s ends until they are taut, and this will allow your bidding to be done. A knot does not hold power; the power gets released to attract your desire into reality.
• The cord should be hidden away (or placed on a sacred altar) until your intention materializes. Knotted cords are physical representations of your needs, just like images.

The cord can either be burned once the wish has been achieved, buried where it will disintegrate, or left in a safe place where it will not be touched.

You can use this spell for any purpose. The spell can be undone or reversed if desired by untying the knot. Be aware that this doesn’t always work. Please, keep in mind that you cannot reverse the spell after you burn or bury it. However, when your need is authentic, that should never change, even with time.

Witches’ Ladder

The Witches Ladder is the most common knot magick spell. It is used a lot in the manifestation.

Nine knots are bound to specific positions on the rope. Below is a demonstration of how you would use a rope in this case. In some cases, it can be helpful to indicate which end you started with in some way.

How to use the Witches Ladder

Sit down and relax, then clear your mind of all thoughts.

Place your cord in front of you.

You can purify and cleanse your cord by making three Tuathail (counter-clockwise ) circles above it. Envision the cord being surrounded with golden light as you do this. Let it shine brightly for a moment, then let it fade.

Consecrate the cord for your purpose by making three Deosil (clockwise) circles above it. Visualize a bright blue-white light surrounding the cord. After a moment, allow it to fade.

Hold the cord and focus on the goal you would like to attain with this spell. For several minutes, keep your mind focused on the goal.

Picture how you want your goal to look when it has already been accomplished. Imagine yourself already being proficient in a skill if you’re aiming to acquire it.  Remind yourself that you already possess this goal and need only to bring it into physical reality.

Holding the cord in your hand, tie knots on it while you concentrate on your goal. While saying each line of the following spell (or something similar), tie the first knot near the end of the cord.

• “By knot of one, my spell’s begun
• “By Knot of two, it cometh true”
• “By Knot of three, so mote it be.” 
• “By Knot of four, this power I store.”
• “By Knot of five, this spell’s alive.”
• “By Knot of six, this spell I fix.”
•  “By Knot of seven, events I” leaven.”
• “By Knot of eight, it will be fate.”
• “By Knot of nine, what’s done, is mine.”

You are closer to reaching your goal with each knot, so imagine it vividly and remember that it is truly yours.

You should focus all of your attention directly on the cord. Picture light flowing out from you.

Put the knotted cord in a safe place after all your energy has been absorbed into it. Burying is also ideal, and in that case, you should bury it near a tree if possible. It symbolizes the realization of your goal.

If you want to keep The Witches’ Ladder inside your house and not buried outside, just place it in a pot filled with Earth and keep it in a special place. If you’re creative, you could even craft your own container and burry the ladder there.

You can also…

• Use several cords of varying colors to construct the Witches’ ladder
• When casting a prosperity spell, perhaps you would combine a green cord representing abundance with a yellow cord, representing success
• Make the knot more meaningful by tying something into it
• Beads, feathers, and twigs are some examples
• Once you have tied them into each knot, continue to work the spell

Use our “RitualWhisper“ app and create chants for magical rituals. Try it now!

Knot Magick for Release

Case 1

This spell helps to let go of emotions that are holding us back in life. These are the things that prevent us from moving forward in any aspect of our life, whether it be a career, personal relationship, or any other area where we want to change or progress to happen. Depending upon the person casting the spell, they can include emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and others.

Let as much of the emotion you wish to release go into the knot whenever you tie a knot on your cord. Move away, if possible, outside the room. Shower, eat, relax, do whatever you need to do to not think about the spell.

Return to the knot once your emotions have stabilized. Release the knot when you are calm and at peace. Allow the emotion to pass back into the universe and not into you. Your job is done.

Case 2

Let’s say you want to let go of a relationship. It may be helpful to visualize a cord connecting you, then cut the cord with your hand or athame, allowing the ends to curl back up to each of you.

Case 3

Once you untie the knot, its magick is released. When dealing with an annoying individual, this can be useful. The knot can be customized with the message ‘leave me alone.

Before you tighten the knot, though, think of the individual who causes your problems. Pull the string tight hard towards yourself so that the knot starts to form, while you imagine this individual leaving you in peace…Undo a knot secretly when this person gets on your nerves.

A warning about Releasing

If you are working on magick related to banishing bad habits, you mustn’t keep the cord or whatever other object you use after your spell is cast. Bury it away from you and burn it to destroy the power your object gained.

Your object will be powerful, and it could potentially backfire if kept around. The energy of the bad habits you banish typically seep into whatever objects get utilized in the service to its destruction.

Related reading: Common Mistakes People Make When Learning Magick – Opens in new tab

Knot Magick for Binding 

Knots can be thought of as anchor points for ideas you wish to manifest. When you tie a knot, you are tying down your intention.

The powers of knot magick can be easily applied to bindings. However, this kind of magick is controversial. Take time to consider your intentions and whether they are for the good of all and to prevent harm to none. 

Binding spells should never be done when angry. A binding spell can do one of the following:

1. Stop you from acting;  stop you from holding on to an addiction
2. Bind you with another individual (handfasting)
3. Put ideas like happiness, prosperity, and a goal in your thoughts
4. To keep people from harming others (for example, rapists, murderers, and arsonists)

A warning about binding.

Binding is a potent form of magick. Creating a connection between someone and you have both positive and negative effects. It will affect you just as much as the one you bind (even though not in the same way). Additionally, it’s impossible or tough to perform a binding break. Once you’ve bound something, it can never be undone.

It should be a last resort if a binding is necessary. Use it in times of need when everything else fails.

A Simple Example of Binding

Next time you are reluctant to give something away to a friend, use a binding spell when you have to let go of the thing. Tie the object physically to your body. Take a few minutes to visualize receiving the loaned object from the person you are lending it to.

Once you’ve cut the cord (don’t loosen the knot!), lend the object out, confident that you’ll be able to possess it again. You can also attach a piece of cord to a portion of the object (such as the steering wheel, antenna, etc.) if the object is too large, like a car. While waiting for the object to return, put the cord somewhere safe.

Power Storage

Magick cords are commonly used as “storage cells.”  But what is the purpose of storing power? The answer is simple: for the best power climax at the right time.

When making a cord to make something enter your life, a knot would be created at a New Moon. Keep the cord safe and nine days before the Full Moon, start releasing the knots one by one in the evenings, leading up to the last knot being released on the Full Moon.

Knots are tied around the after Full Moon (Waning Moon) when you are casting a spell to banish something from your life. Nine days before the Dark Moon, through the Waning Moon, the knots are released, culminating during the Darkness itself.

The knot must be released in the same manner as it was tied, NOT reversed.

To put it simply, start by untying the knot that was tied on day one. Make the cord with a small bead stitched into one end, so you always know which end to start with.

Untie the second knot the following day, and so on. It is the ninth knot that you are going to untie on the ninth day.  In the peak of ritual tying, this was the knot that was infused with the greatest power.

Before untying, meditate, visualize and build energy each day. Release the power as you release the knot.

These ropes are used as a belt by some traditions and worn around the robe. Due to its magickal nature, it should probably be reserved for magick use only. Be sure to wrap it in a clean cloth when not in use.

Knot Magick for Healing

In many cultures, knots serve to heal. The casting procedure works in an almost similar way to knots for releasing.

During the prescribed period, the patient wears the cord over the infected area to heal the infection. Imagine that the disease goes into the cord. A ceremonial cutting or releasing of the cord ensures that the patient’s illness or health issue will not recur.

Monkey’s Fist for Protection

There is also a knot called the monkey’s fist. The person whose item is enclosed in this knot is protected because the knot acts as a container for a personal item.

Often called the button knot, this knot is also decorative and works predominantly to protect you from both spiritual and physical enemies.

Here is a video with instructions and animation on how to tie the monkey’s fist knot.

When the knot is worn, it protects the wearer from all harm. The cord can also help send any spell at a distance. To do this, go outdoors and with the loose end of the cord in your hand, rotate the knotted end above your head, while mumbling to the spirits the purpose of your spell.

After enough energy is raised, let the cord go in the direction you have chosen. Despite the distance that it will travel, it will do its work. Pick it up and put it in the branches of the nearest tree and only take it down once your test results manifest or after a month since casting the spell.

More Tips and Tricks When Using Knot Magick

1. It is possible to prepare a cord throughout each phase of the moon, giving you access to each phase’s power.
2. It is often helpful to practice Pranic Breathing during your visualization. This process is known as “the breathe of life.” As you breathe, imagine different colors according to your intention.
3. How should you protect the integrity of the knot? For materials that fray, you can dip them in wax and twist them before cooling. This will solve the problem.
4. Stay focused. Many practitioners working with cord magick suggests finishing your piece in one session is the best option, if possible, so you don’t disrupt the energy you create.
5. Tying means fastening, restraining, connecting, forming, and restricting, all of which are perfect words for spell crafting.
6. Be creative with the spells. It is common for people to braid three strings, with the appropriate color scheme, for greater symbolism.
7. Beware of negative energy. A thread worn on our body tends to absorb negative energy with time, and we shouldn’t wear any of them for longer than a year. After every two months, we recommend changing the protection thread (black or red) worn.
8. Red and yellow strings retain potency for a long time. You can wear a red or yellow thread energized with a specific mantra for approximately one year. The black thread should be changed every 15 days by people who are more susceptible to the evil eye. You should change the  thread if any colors and fibers start to fade, wear out, or lose their strength. Do not wear used threads from others.
9. Avoid show- off.  Wearing multi-colored threads as fashion is a bad idea. It attracts negativity and the attention of many people, which can disrupt your energy.
10. Stick to your niche. Make bread knots or candy knots if you’re a Kitchen Witch. Earth witches should use leaves or bark strips when casting knot spells. Infuse each knot with your intent by dipping it in water before tying, or blow onto the cord if you are a Water witch.
11. Tie your intent. In addition to simply tying your knot, you may introduce, inside the knot, other items or ribbons to symbolize your intent.
12. You can string knots of love. Knots formed as friendship bracelets, for instance, can be worn to connect lovers and friends
13. You can create beauty. Several knot spells can be used to create valuable objects, such as quilting, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and weaving.

The idea of knot magick has existed for centuries, and we find evidence of it in many cultures. The most common interpretation of knot magick is that different powerful and transformative forces in the universe can be harnessed or disbanded with knots accompanied by words, symbols, actions, dances, gestures, or even objects.

This form of magick can be studied within a cultural, religious, or individual perspective by understanding how people thought about or experienced it in their lives.

Do you want to learn more about Magick? Check out our recommendations at “Magick Bookshelf” and many free resources at our “Free Magick Library“

Featured Image by Kranich17 from Pixabay