Witchcraft cord trinkets, also commonly known as witch cords, are a type of magical tool used in various traditions of witchcraft and paganism. These cords are typically made by hand, often using natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or hemp, and are braided or knotted in specific patterns or designs. Witch cords are often used for various purposes in magical workings and rituals. They can be used as a wearable accessory, worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist, or they can be used as a decorative item on an altar or sacred space. The specific purpose and intention of the cord can vary depending on the individual practitioner or tradition. One common use of witch cords is for spellwork and manifestation.
Modern Wiccans and Neopagans use witch's ladders primarily in healing, binding and wish-granting rituals. They can also be used to "bind the thirteen moons of the year" (to allow the witch to better work weather and nature magic), and to open the doorway to the faery realm. Knot spells may be created for such diverse purposes as reducing pain, binding love, ensuring safe travel or creating a peaceful environment in the home. The string or cord can be made out of almost any material, but natural fibres (such as hair, wool, hemp and cotton) are preferred. Although ladders are often created as part of a specific spell, many Wiccans may keep a personal ladder, and use the knots or beads to keep track of repetitions in a spell or prayer, similar to Rosary beads.
These modern versions are more reminiscent of the worry beads or komboloi that you often see in Greece, where all men carry these beads to fiddle with as they sit and sip their coffee in the coffee houses. A Greek superstition is that a husband to be should perform a worry bead ritual on his wedding night that involves rapid back and forth movement of all the beads.
One common use of witch cords is for spellwork and manifestation. The cords can be infused with specific intentions and energies, and then worn or carried as a way to attract or manifest desired outcomes. For example, a witch might create a cord with knots representing abundance and prosperity, and then wear it to enhance their financial success.
Witchcraft cord trinkets
In most games witches and wizards seriously lack anything like melee skills and protection. This actually does not make much sense. I see the logic in not allowing them to wear armor; there is the training needed to wear it properly and the interference with movements, but if you are going into a situation where arrows, claws and swords are all around you and often pointing at you then I think you would come up with some ways to better protect yourself.
Well the witches in my books typically do. They create a variety of magic items that look like regular bits of clothing that can provide protection of one form or another. I have taken a lot of these from fairytales, legends and other places.
I am releasing these under the OGL, but they should be fine for any version of the "world's oldest fantasy role-playing game". All content is open and is copyright 2011 Timothy S. Brannan. Art copyrights are retained by their owners and are used here by permission (the broom) or public domain (hand of glory).
Broom of Protection: This broom appears to be an ordinary witch’s besom or other mundane broom. It’s magic is revealed when the witch uses it to sweep.
This broom provided protection as a Sanctuary spell when the witch sweeps a clockwise circle around herself and others. The effects last five rounds and may be repeated 3d6 times.
Broom of Protection, Threshold: This broom also appears as a normal broom. It’s magic is evident when placed across a door as a bar or propped up against a door to hold it closed. Once so placed the door cannot be opened save via magic. If placed across a threshold where there is no door then no one can pass through also save via magic or by making a save vs. Rods, Staves and Wands (or a Will save).
Charm Bracelet: This silver chain is worn on the wrist and has a number of metal charms attached. The number of charms, 1 to 4, indicates the level of protection the bracelet will provide. So 1 charm is +1 to AC and Saves, 2 charms are +2 to AC and Saves and so on.
Charm Bracelet, Luck: This silver chain appears to be a charm bracelet, but instead of providing protection directly it provides a +1 to any one roll. The number of times it can be used in a day is indicated by the number of charms, 1d6. The luck bonus must be announced before the roll is made. It may only provide a single +1 bonus per use.
Cingulum: This nine-foot long cord in often wrapped many times around the waist as a belt. Magical varieties confer +1 to +5 bonuses to AC. The material to make this cord maybe anything the witch has on hand (leather, hemp rope, cotton, silk) but the manufacture must be of high quality. The cingulum typically has a number of knots equal to its bonuses. The magic does not become active till it is wrapped around the waist and knotted.
Garters
Garters are bits of clothing, usually cloth or leather, but can be made of more exotic materials such as snake skin, used to hold up a pair of stockings or socks. Some garters are also worn without supporting any other item of clothing or on the arm. Only one garter may be worn per appendage.
Garter of Protection, Red: This garter is almost always red. It confers a natural armor protection of +1 to +5. Normally worn on the upper arm this garter is made of the finest leather available.
Garter, Snakeskin: This garter is made of the recently shed skin of a large snake (less than 24 hours old). The skin is treated and infused with the witch’s magic. The end product is a bright snakeskin garter that allows the wear to escape any bonds as if they had escape of the snake cast on them.
Hand of Glory: This was a right hand of a murderer that was severed while the corpse was still hanging from the gallows. This mummified human hand hangs by a leather cord around a character’s neck (taking up space as a magic necklace would). When the hand was ready, candles were fitted on it between the fingers. These were called the “dead man’s candles” were made from another murderer’s fat, with the wick being made from his hair. Another method of curing the severed and dried hand was to dip it in wax. After this process the fingers themselves could be lit. If a magic ring is placed on one of the fingers of the hand, the wearer benefits from the ring as if wearing it him or herself, and it does not count against the wearer’s two-ring limit. The hand can wear only one ring at a time.
Even without a ring, lighting the hand itself allows its wearer to use daylight and see invisibility each once per day.
The following phrase is spoken to invoke the hand:
“Let those who rest, more deeply sleep;
Let those awake their vigils keep.
Oh, Hand of Glory, shed thy light
And guide us to our spoil tonight.”
Mantel of Protection: This leather mantle can be worn over cloaks, coats or armor. It provides +1 protection to AC and a -1 bonus to saving throws.
Oil of Death Armor: This oil is rubbed onto the user’s body. Anyone touching the user with bare skin must save vs. Death or take 2d4 points of damage (save negates). This spell lasts a number of rounds equal to 2d6. Many Patrons could consider use of this potion evil.
Sky Clad Oil: This oil is rubbed on the body to protect the user from the elements while sky-clad (nude). The oil is only effective on bare skin. The user can survive temperatures of -60 degrees to +200 degrees Fahrenheit, but only when uncovered. Any part of her body covered by clothes will not receive the magical protection.
Any other class can use this oil, but witches are very secretive about its nature (reflected in the price). This oil can also be safely used with any other type of body potion or oil, in particular Flying Ointment.
The oil’s effects last 6 hours, typically midnight till dawn.
Talismans
Talismans are small items that can have any spell of third level or lower. The talisman can be made of paper, wood, clay or even metal. Often they are worn and kept till evoked. To evoke a talisman takes only an instant and the effects are instant. The command word or gesture to evoke the talisman is often inscribed on the talisman itself.
Unless otherwise noted a talisman can only be used once.
Hand of Fatima: A small brass talisman in the shape of a hand. Provides protection against any evil spell or spell like effect directed at the wearer, in particular the evil eye. These talismans may only be used once per day.
Isis’ Talisman of Protection: This talisman confers a +1 protection bonus to saves and AC. Effects last as per level of creator. This talisman is usually in the form of a fine crafted gold ahnk. These talismans may only be used once per day.
Talisman of Good Luck: This talisman is one of the most often found. This minor magic item provides +1 to any single roll. The talisman must be invoked before the action is taken (before the roll is made).
Typically luck talismans are in the form of a four-leaf clover, a rabbit’s foot, a horseshoe or a copper coin. Any other small item maybe use. The item is not consumed in the invocation, but it useless after the first use.
Talisman of Protection Against Conception: Even in historical times there were means of birth control practiced, this is one of the magical ones. Worn by tantric witches during their worship practices, witches during the rites of Beltane or any woman that wishes to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
The talisman provides protection for one full lunar month (one moon phase to the next) then it becomes inert. This is if the talisman is used or not.
Mundane (non magical) pregnancies are completely blocked and magical ones (via a fertility spell) give a +1 to any saves.
Since they only last one month regardless of if it is used or not the materials are often not the highest quality. Also an owner can return to the witch to have the talisman “recharged” at the same price.
Note: A lot of these talismans are sold that are completely useless. Only the witch’s reputation, or the ability to detect magic, can one be sure. In places where witchcraft. is outlawed possession of these talismans is also considered a crime.
"Witch Protection Items", Copyright 2011 Timothy S. Brannan
Witch cords can also be used for protection and shielding. By incorporating specific protective symbols or charms into the cord, it can be worn as a talisman against negative energies or entities. Some practitioners may also use cords in binding spells or rituals to create energetic boundaries or to bind and banish unwanted influences. In addition to their practical uses, witch cords can also have symbolic meanings within different witchcraft traditions. The colors, patterns, and materials used in the cord can hold symbolic significance and represent different aspects of the natural world or elemental energies. For example, a cord made with green fibers might be associated with fertility and growth, while a cord made with red fibers might symbolize passion and courage. Overall, witchcraft cord trinkets are versatile tools that can be used in a variety of magical practices. Whether used for spellwork, protection, symbolism, or personal adornment, they offer a tangible and portable way for witches to connect with their craft and harness specific energies or intentions..
Reviews for "Unleashing the magic of witchcraft cord trinkets in love spells"
1. John - 1/5
I was extremely disappointed with the Witchcraft cord trinkets. The quality was extremely poor and the design looked nothing like what was advertised. The cords were frayed and felt like they would break any second. I also found that the charms were not securely attached to the cords and easily fell off. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing these trinkets as they were a complete waste of money.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for the Witchcraft cord trinkets, but unfortunately, they did not live up to my expectations. The cords were too short for my liking and felt uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, the charms were much smaller than they appeared in the product photos and lacked detail. I was also disappointed with the variety of charms available as they were limited and not as exciting as I had hoped. I would advise looking for alternative options if you're looking for high-quality cord trinkets.
3. Michael - 1/5
I regret purchasing the Witchcraft cord trinkets. The cords were poorly knotted and kept unraveling, making it impossible to wear them for more than a few minutes. The overall appearance of the trinkets was cheap and tacky. The charms lacked the intricate details advertised, and some of them even arrived damaged. Save your money and invest in better quality cord trinkets from a different brand.