Blood in Magick Rituals
The use of blood in magick had been a popular practice for ages. Every culture it seems has had a [metaphysical] representation for blood. Mostly blood represents the life force, and energy. This seems to be a natural association from many cultures.
Blood is the essence of life, the essential component of our being. This was realized as early peoples observed when they watched a man’s life, and his living energy drain from him as he lost blood. The connection between blood and life-force is not entirely based on physical evidence; it has a metaphysical comparison as well.
According to popular legend, a person’s life experiences characteristics and qualities are contained in his blood; i.e. it represents the essence or soul of who he is. An ancient cure for epilepsy was to drink the blood of a slaughtered gladiator, which would give the person the strengths of the warrior who had fallen. Within the book, Pliny's Natural History it suggests that the epileptic should reach the warrior before he has fallen in battle and drink of his blood as it fell from his wounds! Another example of blood containing the essence of life force is the historical vampire, Countess Bathory who bathed in the blood women and noble women to preserve her age and beauty!
Spectators of hangings and executions, like the hanging of Charles 1 of England and Louis XVI of France, dipped their handkerchiefs into the blood of the executed, to gain the vigor of their dying energy. During the 17th century, It was said that the blood carries the life force of the executed criminal and that it was a strong protection from disease and misfortune. This is because it carried the "vigorous energy" of a man cut off in full health and during the expression of the powerful force of his resentment and anger, because of this.
However, in this day and age it is not appropriate or acceptable nor is it even necessary to sacrifice animals or draw blood for magick or worship. Alternatives to practices like these are used today. The times have long since changed, despite popular belief about satanic [and even pagan] practices. What the general public believes about satanism is usually misunderstood.
Cutting
I cant say enough about the danger and idiocy of cutting one's self for blood. This is totally unnecessary, and unsanitary and unsafe. Not only that, the fear of cutting one's self prohibits the true will from coming forth because [the self] is ultimately more focused on pain and cutting than the spell or act of magick itself. In essence this is a waste of energy that is better well spent. Bloodletting is not necessary. Suffering from pain or infection is not necessary either. This is all I can say on this matter. So for those who have the need to know and learn, here is an article on the acceptable alternatives to blood that work very well..and how you can use them in magick.
The Ancient names of herbs
There are old names for herbs which were common folk names. An example of this is the ingredient called "Eye of Newt" which is really just Mustard Seed. There are many folk names for common herbs and roots, and contrary to what some [wiccans and/or pagans] may claim, these herbs were not given secret names to hide their uses. They were just the commonly known names of plants. This practice was ancient and even the Egyptians used their own names for herbs, such as "the heart of a baboon" which only means Oil of lily.
The use of alternative "blood" is really just the use of a special red ink, which is made for the use of magick. The [magick] associations of these inks, are something which has become common knowledge in the practice of witchcraft and magick.
Dragon's Blood Ink
The first and most pure form of ink "blood" is called Dragon's Blood. This is made from the resin of Dragon's Blood which is derived from a plant. Dragons blood has been used for centuries as an incense, ink and dye. Dragons blood is also used in voodoo rituals to create sigils. Dragons blood is best used to sign pacts, or papers, and for the creation of sigils. The properties of Dragon's Blood are power, protection, and spirituality.
There are other inks that you can successfully use for magick as well. Dove's blood ink is a good type of ink to use in spells that are for love, and peace. And Bat's blood ink has quite the opposite association. It is perfect for using in black magick spells and vengeance, and curses. I use Bat's blood for many spells and sigils with much success.
How to use the Ink
When you first get your ink, you should take a moment to consider its importance to you. This will be the means by which you will create magick through writing or drawing. To use the ink, it is best to use a writing stylus or a long feather so that you can write with your ink. I like to use a crow's feather which has been cut on one side at an angle [like the picture above] which holds ink to write or draw with. Then, to use the ink, simply dip it in your jar and create your sigil or whatever else you are using it for. I prefer to use virgin parchment paper to write or draw on with my special ink. It is helpful to focus on your work while you draw or write and let the ink dry for a moment.
Where to purchase Specialty inks and Writing Instruments
Here are some illustrations and explanations of some of the many different writing instruments that you can and should use while working with magick. When your endeavors require sigil drawing or writing, its important to have good tools to work with. Each link takes you to the Earth Spirit Emporium section for magick writing instruments.[link opens in a new window]. Earth Spirit has just about every tool you need to do the magick that your heart desires. You can visit the store front here at this link - Earth Spirit Emporium
Quill Feather
These are Turkey feathers which are dyed. Simply trim the end at an angle to make your own old-fashioned ink pen. Approx. 12" long. You can choose from many colors, but I prefer to just use black instead.
Using a feather to write your words is very symbolic of the element of air [the planet Venus and the god Lucifer]. Air is one of the best mediums to use when trying to create a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
Bat's Blood Ink
This is Anna Riva's Bats Blood ink. It is a special mixture made just for the purpose of magick. This is the same stuff that I use for my projects. It lasts a long time and it has a deep red color. It's a truly special ink. It lasts a long time, and I've had my jar for years.
I like to relate ink, to the element of water - as it is fluid and any liquid is considered to be related to the elemental properties of water. In magick, water represents the deep unknown and the realm of potential. As you write your words or draw your sigil you are releasing yourself to accept potential.
The Inkwell
The inkwell is a great accessory to have. By using the inkwell, you are ceremoniously setting the scene to use the magick ink. This also keeps you from having to use the ink from the jar, so the alcohol in the ink wont dry. Also, the inkwell is good to use because it keeps you from wasting your ink, so you only use as much as you need.
This is a crystal Inkwell with a silver cap. I have a similar inkwell that I use, except I prefer to use a cork to cap it off.
Real Parchment Paper
This is parchment paper which is made especially for the use in magick. This paper, sized at 8 1/2 x 11 is perfect for anything that you want to do. Parchment is one of the best materials to use for spell work, although you really could just use any kind of paper.
Parchment, and paper relates to the element of Earth. It is created from plant material that comes from the earth and it provides a foundation for you to apply yourself using magick sigil work, pacts, spells, Goetia and summoning and even art.
Pentagram Seal
This is a nice brass pentagram seal to use with sealing wax. This is used for pacts and similar things. Once you have written your work on paper, it is also a good idea to seal the document so it can not be opened, and it remains private. Stamps should be used with sealing wax.
Sealing Wax
This sealing wax comes in several different colors.This is old-fashioned quality sealing wax that comes in several different colors. Use a flame to lighten up one end and carefully drip wax onto a surface. Each stick will last about 15-20 imprints.
As you light the flame to melt your wax, you are using the element of fire. Fire represents desire and will and as you seal your spell or document, your will is done. In using all of these tools you are also using the [metaphysical] representatives of the elements.[Air, Water, Earth and Fire] Therefore you are making the essential connection to nature through which magick works and exists.
