Is a Binding Spell Right for You? Magic for Protection and Love
A Binding Spell is a powerful way to protect yourself or to strengthen the loving bond between you and your romantic partner(s). In this post, you’ll learn how Binding Spells work, how to break one, and the history behind these ancient magic rituals.
Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout AND at the bottom of this article.
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Table of Contents
What is a Binding Spell?
A Binding Spell restricts or influences the actions of an object, person, or spiritual energy. There are two different types of Binding Spells.
Most people think of a Protection Binding Spell when discussing binding spells. It’s used to stop someone from doing harm or being toxic. This may be emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
Always remember the mundane before the magical! If someone is in an unsafe situation, talk to the authorities. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can also help at 1-800-799-7233.
What is a Love Binding Spell?
The second type of Binding Spell is for Love. It’s meant to create or deepen a strong connection between two people. A great example is a Pagan hand-fasting ritual where a couple’s hands are tied together, symbolizing their bond and commitment to each other.
Spiritual practitioners will sometimes perform a Love Binding Spell to bring a partner closer to them emotionally or to ensure they’re faithful.
You can also bind an object, like a piece of jewelry, to channel or maintain a loving connection between two people.
History of Ancient Binding Spells
Binding Spells have been part of magical practices for thousands of years. People have used them to influence all kinds of intentions, including love, revenge, and sporting events.
The earliest binding spells found in the form of lead tablets date to the beginning of the fifth century BCE. They are found throughout Greek and Roman antiquity for the next thousand years, from areas such as Roman Britain to Sicily, Greece, North Africa, Egypt, the Levant, and Antioch.
Derek Collins – Magic in the Ancient Greek World
In ancient Egypt, bound figurines of men and women were substituted for the intended target in ritual sacrifices, intended to deny the target an afterlife.
Ancient Greeks also performed magic on small carved dolls or figures by binding their hands and feet (check out the image below).
Magic rituals sometimes involved the use of clay or metal figurines, representing the person to be bound or cursed. The limbs were often symbolically tied or broken, or the body pierced with nails (ideally taken from a shipwreck).
The figurine was then palced in a miniature lead coffin (see below). Inscribed with the victim’s name and the curse, and buried in a place of magical power such as at a crossroads.
A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and The Occult
Is a Binding Spell Ethical?
Casting a Binding Spell to control someone’s behavior may feel like you’re trying to hurt them, but it doesn’t harm someone unless you want it to.
This ritual’s goal is not necessarily to cause suffering but to prevent someone from hurting others or themselves.
Consider how you would feel if a friend or acquaintance cast a Binding Spell on you. Would you feel uneasy or betrayed? While binding spells are not evil, only you can choose if they are appropriate for your spiritual practice. Remember, no one can tell you how to practice your craft but you!
How to Do a Binding Spell for Protection
This step-by-step guide will walk you through a simple but effective Binding Spell to protect yourself from harm. Remember, the purpose of this spell is to keep the person from harming others or themselves.
Grab Your Supplies
- Black thread, string, or yarn: The spiritual meaning of the color black is associated with banishing magic and protection. It’s great at absorbing and releasing negative energy. However, this is not required; if another color resonates with you, feel free to use it.
- A small piece of paper and a pen
- Taglock of the person you’re Binding: A taglock helps focus a spell’s energy, and this item is connected to the person, such as a photograph, strand of hair, nail clippings, or personal item.
- Object you’ll be Binding: This is optional. You can choose to simply use a piece of paper. I’ll give you some options below for alternative ideas.
Prepare Your Sacred Space
Find a quiet place where you won’t be bothered during this ritual. Prepare your altar or sacred space with items that have meaning to you. Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need.
Cleanse and Set Your Intentions
If you have a favorite cleansing process, use it now to eliminate any bad energy. Intentions are the foundation of this spell, so you must take your time and stay focused.
Visualize who or what you’re binding and feel any emotions connected to this situation. Imagine what your desired results will look like when your Binding Spell is complete.
Raise Your Vibrations
In Witchcraft, vibrations are energy waves influencing and flowing through the Universe. These vibrations, along with your energy, are what powers spells.
You align yourself with this energy by raising your vibration to bring your consciousness to a higher vibrational frequency.
Music is easily my go-to method when getting in the right vibrational headspace for spellwork and rituals. I rarely perform spells without headphones because they help me stay focused in the moment. Learn other methods to raise your vibrations.
Begin the Binding Spell
Grab your pen and paper. Create a petition paper by writing down the person’s full name if you know it. If not, the first name, social handle, or nickname is fine. If you’re using a taglock, place it on this side too.
On the other side, write down what harm you’re Binding and stopping this person from doing. For example, in the movie The Craft, she says, “I Bind you Nancy from doing harm, harm against other people and harm against yourself.“
Try to be more specific than that, but you get the idea. Get angry! Channel all your rage, frustration, and annoyance about this situation into your pen. Feel these emotions of energy flow down your arm, into your hand, and merge into the words you’re putting on paper. Doing this step properly will make the spell very powerful.
Fold the Paper
When you finish writing, fold the paper with their name and taglock inside. You want to fold the paper in half away from you, which represents pushing away this person or object’s negative energy. Then, roll it up tightly into a small tube shape.
Wrap the Binding
Now, wrap it using the black thread. Speaking out loud during this step makes the spell even more powerful. I typically chant a simplified version of what I wrote on the paper and include the person’s name. Using a shortened example from the one above, “I Bind you, Nancy, from harming yourself and anyone else.”
Wrap it as many times as you like. Some spiritual practitioners like to incorporate Numerology or knot magic. The choice is yours!
Store or Bury the Binding
When the Binding Spell is complete, place it somewhere dark and safe where no one can see it, maybe in the back of a closet. No one must disturb it. Leave it in there until you’re ready to release them.
If you want to keep this binding spell in effect permanently and don’t want to store it, feel free to bury it if it’s biodegradable and won’t harm the environment. Bury it somewhere it won’t be disturbed.
Once the object is stored or buried, take a few moments to release the energy. At this point, I like to cleanse the space again. Bring your energy back into balance by meditating, eating, or going for a walk outside.
Alternatives for Binding Objects
Some witches and spiritual practitioners prefer to zhuzh it up with a bit more intention. Here are some options for adding more symbolism to your spell.
If You’ll Be Storing it:
- Barbie/Ken Doll: This is a more modern take on a Binding Spell that I came across in the book Utterly Wicked. You could easily customize it to make it look like your spell’s target.
- Human-shaped candle: You could use a human-shaped candle like this one to represent the receiver of the spell. Store it in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to release it, burn the candle (with your petition paper) and discard the wax.
- Wooden doll or Figurine: Wooden dolls or figurines are durable and can be stored. Wrap them in black binding with petition paper.
For Burying:
- Corn husk doll: Corn husks are biodegradable and can be molded into human shapes, perfect for burying spells.
- Clay figurines: Homemade clay figurines are great for Binding Spells you want to bury. Mold yours to represent the person being bound. Plus, they naturally decompose!
- Handcrafted paper doll: You can DIY your own with natural or recycled paper and materials. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly solution.
Best Herbs for a Binding Spell
Adding herbs isn’t required in a Binding Spell, but I like that it adds some extra layers of intention to the ritual. Herbs have been used in magic for centuries because of their spiritual properties.
Below are some herbs you can add and their spiritual energies:
Herbs for Protection
- Rosemary: known for its protection and purification abilities. Use a sprig of rosemary by wrapping it within the petition paper to shield you from the target’s harmful intentions. Rosemary will purify any negative energy being sent your way.
- Cinnamon Stick: Cinnamon brings the protective energy of the fire element to your binding spell. Place it in your petition paper to boost and strengthen the barrier between you and the target.
- Black Salt: Although not technically an herb, black salt absorbs negative energy. Sprinkle a pinch inside the folded paper for enhanced protection.
Herbs for Love
- Lavender: Lavender adds a peaceful and joyful energy to the spell. Lavender is perfect for enhancing connection and adding emotional balance. Tie fresh lavender sprigs in bundles to the binding.
- Mint: Mint brings the fresh and vibrant spiritual energy of lust to your spell. It is perfect for love and attracts prosperity and protection. Fresh mint leaves can be tied into the binding to encourage lustful intentions.
- Cloves: Cloves are protective but also full of loving energy. Tie cloves within the string as you do your binding.
Honey-Infused Apple Binding Spell for Love
This spell uses the natural sweetness of honey with the powerful symbolism of the apple to bring you and your partner(s) closer together. This Binding Spell will add mutual love, harmony, and affection to your relationship. I recommend doing this with your partner(s).
Supplies
- A Fresh Apple (for love, healing, and keeping your spiritual connection immortal)
- Honey (for sweetening the relationship)
- Red Thread (to bind romance and seduction)
- A small piece of paper and pen (for the petition)
- A knife (for carving and slicing)
- A quiet space (for focusing your intentions)
Prepare Your Space
Cleanse and prepare your ritual space. Take a few moments to calm your mind and center your thoughts.
Write the Petition
Write both your full names on the petition paper. Around the names, write the loving intentions you want to bind into the relationship. Some ideas are trust, passion, understanding, and empathy.
Feel free to get creative with this part! Fold the paper towards you to symbolize this loving energy coming to you.
Slice and Infuse the Apple
Slice the apple in half vertically to create two equal pieces. Drizzle the honey on the inside of both apple halves. Visualize sweet, loving energy flowing between you and your partner(s). As you do this, take turns saying what sweetness means to you both.
Place the folded petition paper between the two apple halves and repeat this chant to each other. “May the sweetness of this honey fill our hearts with love and bring us closer together.” Use your intuition to know when to stop.
Bind and Bury the Apple
Use the red thread to bind the two apple halves back together. Tie a few knots to secure it in place. Then speak these intentions, “I bind our hearts in love, understanding, and joy. May our bond grow stronger every day.“
Once you’re finished, take the apple outside and bury it in the earth. You are planting a symbolic seed of love that will allow your relationship to grow and thrive over time.
Take a moment to express your gratitude to your partner(s). This Honey-Infused Apple Binding Spell is a physical manifestation of your intentions of love. Burying the apple lets your love take root and grow.
How to Break a Binding Spell
You may want to break the Binding Spell if you believe the person has learned their lesson, is no longer in your life, or for any other reason. Breaking the spell involves undoing the magical intentions you previously placed into it.
Grab the Binding Spell from wherever you stored it. Unwind the thread and simply repeat, I unbind you (name). Do a cleansing in the method of your choice. Then, discard the spell in the trash or burn it if it’s safe to do so.
Most Binding Spells lose their strength over time and need to be refreshed. Some spiritual practitioners like to update their Binding Spells during certain moon cycles. I prefer the waning moon because it’s good for banishing and releasing, while others do it annually.
Use your intuition to know what’s right for you and your spell. If you misplaced your binding spell, don’t worry; it will eventually lose its strength and wear off.
How to Know if a Binding Spell is Working
After casting the Binding Spell, you’ll probably notice subtle changes to indicate it’s working. Pay attention to any strange actions or behavior changes. You know it worked if they stop causing harm or you feel an increased loving bond with them (depending on the spell you did).
Binding Spells shouldn’t take too long to manifest, so if you aren’t noticing any changes, it’s time to try the spell again. Be patient and trust yourself. A common mistake is not properly infusing your energy and intentions into the Binding, so that may be a great place to begin troubleshooting what went wrong.
What’s the Difference Between Binding and Freezer Spells?
Honestly, they’re kind of the same thing. Freezer Spell magic binds and freezes someone’s hurtful energy to stop them from harming you. The main difference is Freezer Spells freeze your adversary and can sometimes be used to pause or delay situations.
What’s the Difference Between Binding Spells and Hexes?
Binding Spells are typically used to stop someone from causing harm to themselves or others without necessarily causing the target harm. Although I know plenty of witches who have no problem adding negative attachments or curses to Binding Spells. The goal of a Binding Spell is protection and preventing negative actions.
However, hexes are typically cast to cause harm or misfortune to the target. This magic is focused on punishment or seeking revenge.
I hope this article about Binding Spells was helpful! Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…
Sources
A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult. DK Publishing. 18 August 2020.
Collins, Derek. Magic in the Ancient Greek World. 17 March 2008. Wily-Blackwell.
Further Suggested Reading