How to Do a Binding Spell for Protection
Today, I want to talk about binding spells for protection and how to do them. First, I want to say that binding spells are not beginner magic. You should have some experience with witchcraft and should have cast a few spells yourself. If you find yourself in danger and need to do a binding, please try to find someone who’s a little more advanced to help you, if you can.
What is a Binding?
A binding is when you create a spell to override someone’s will to prevent them from doing something that harms people. It uses paper and cord.
Why Do a Binding Spell?
My number one reason for doing a binding is because someone is in physical danger or some kind of abuse situation and has no options to leave, and it can’t be resolved any other way. You, as a person and as a witch, have every right to be safe. Just like you have the right to defend yourself if someone comes after you.
A good gauge for deciding whether you need to do a binding is this. If a year down the road, this won’t be impacting you in any way, and it will have totally blown over, you probably don’t need to do a binding. Or if you can remove this person from your life in some other way, or avoid them.
When I have done bindings for others, they have been agreed upon by a group of my peers, who worked the binding with me in cases of physical attack or threats of death. I also believe that if it’s safe and could be resolved by talking, then do so. Most of us, especially in the U.S., are taught to avoid conflict at all costs. And I’ve seen way too many bindings on beginner websites by teenagers who are upset by something pretty small. But my theory is also to try things and see how they work out for you. You can learn a lot from trial and error.
Magical Timing for Binding Spells
Binding borders on baneful magic. Some witches would consider it to be baneful. Let’s be clear on this. You are trying to control someone else’s behavior. To do that you need:
Strength of will
Clarity of purpose
Surety that you are taking the right action at the right time
A lot of magical fuel
You can do a binding at any time, but some times are stronger.
Midnight, which some consider a liminal time
At night, when the Moon or Sun is not present in the sky
During a waning moon
Closest to the Dark Moon, which I think is strongest
My preference is to do them outside if you safely can. I have done them indoors and it’s been fine, but I feel you need to do a lot of clearing afterwards so the energy doesn’t stick around.
Some people like to do them somewhere they can take a different route home afterwards. Symbolically, this tells the spirit world I’m done, no more of this, I’m starting a new path, the cycle is broken.
What You Need for a Simple Binding Spell
This is a simple binding that many people use. You don’t need a lot of magical objects.
You’ll need:
Paper and pen, any kind you have on hand
Black string or yarn
Scissors
A black candle (optional)
If you want, you can use paper overlaid with Dark Moon water and let it dry before you draw and write.
I personally like to have clearing herbs available, or salt for a shower scrub or bath when I’m done. That’s up to you.
Creating a Binding Spell
To start:
Draw a picture of the person on the paper
Or draw something that represents them
Or write their name
Add anything that helps identify them
If you have personal items like hair or fingernail clippings, you can use them, but you don’t really need them in my experience, and it can be unsafe to get them.
At this point, I would cast a circle and call in helpful beings to give the magic a little more oomph. Or do whatever you do to start a magical working.
You can also write down the purpose of the binding to read it as you work if you need to. (see below)
A lot of witches use anger and emotion to fuel this kind of spell. That’s very common advice in books on hexes, curses, and bindings. It works well.
The only caveat is this. Depending on how much personal work you’ve done, it can be easy to move from justified anger into wanting revenge. Revenge might feel warranted, but it’s tricky magic to navigate.
I prefer to fuel spells with the power of Earth and Sky, drawing that into my body and running it. I find I’m less depleted afterwards. If you have those skills, try it and see if it makes a difference. I also have found it to be long lasting.
The Actual Binding
Once you have drawn the image with whatever additions you choose then:
· Fold the paper in on itself
· Folding it away from you to symbolize moving the energy away
· Or roll it up, rolling away from you
As you do this, repeat your purpose, which is a short chant or a few sentences that will be your intention. It could include:
· That this is a binding
· Why you are doing it.
· If you know the person’s name, state it.
· Asking a spirit for help if you are working with them
Then wrap the string tightly around the folded or rolled paper. Continue wrapping until it is covered as much as you can, and tie at least one knot. Here are a few more things you can add if you want:
Dripping candle wax over the string and folds, like sealing a letter to the spirit world
Drawing a pentacle over it in the air
Drawing a circle with a wand or knife
Using numerology for the number of knots you tie at the end
I’ve even seen someone use spiderwebs around an image of an assailant instead of a cord. Make sure you have a relationship with spiders.
Keep repeating your intention until you are done.
Finishing a Binding Spell Properly
Having a spell feel complete and defined will help it last longer and help keep the energy from lingering. I like to do something simple, like burning a small candle while I’m working and letting it burn all the way out.
When I’m done, I usually bury it, often fairly far away. You can bury it in your backyard, but elsewhere is better. Crossroads are traditional, and I’ve seen graveyards used for burials of bindings. A few times, I’ve seen it burned in a fire.
When I’m done I clear the space and all my tools.
If outdoors, I walk home by a different route.
Once home I:
Put up protective charms with protective herbs
Use a charm bag or square of cloth
Hang them in doorways
Then I shower.
How Long Do Bindings Last
I have generally not renewed bindings. They have worked fine without that. I’ve seen some last a very long time, even past the death of the person who was bound, and then we needed to release that person from the binding.
If a binding seems to be fading, create a new binding, adding anything that has changed in the situation.
People usually keep bindings at home if they are going to be a temporary binding. I can imagine situations where that might be nessecary, but I’ve never done a temporary binding.
Places to keep them:
In a container
In a dark place where others won’t run across them.
Buried somewhere you can access again
I have undone spells and bindings even without the original objects. It’s just harder.
Alternatives to Binding Spells
Binding is a more advanced form of magic and you may not feel up to it. You still have every right to magically protect yourself, just as you would physically protect yourself or those you love if you were in danger.
Some alternatives to consider:
Can you safely remove yourself from their sphere of influence
Can protective charms or warding your home work just as well
Is there a being you could call on to intervene on your behalf
I have some real bad ass ancestors who are eager to intervene when myself or my family members are in danger. Sometimes they’re a little too eager, and I have to keep them in check.
Also, remember to take physical action when needed. Change locks if someone has keys. Do what you need to do physically. That tells both the physical and magical world that you are serious.
Do Bindings Come Back on You?
This idea comes from the Wiccan Law of Return: "Mind the Threefold Law ye should, Three times bad and three times good". My personal belief is (and it doesn’t have to be yours) everything we do in life has consequences. If you are doing it out of spite or for petty reasons, it has the same consequences as when you do petty or spiteful things in your life. These are just my personal opinions. You have the right to make these decisions for yourself and work out your own ethics around bindings.
Everyone has the right to be safe!
May you be protected on your Path
Colette Gardiner
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