The Wiccan symbol for shielding is an important tool used by practitioners of Wicca to protect themselves from negative energies and unwanted influences. It is often used during rituals, spellwork, and meditation to create a barrier of spiritual energy around the individual, providing a sense of safety and security. The symbol for shielding in Wicca is commonly known as the pentacle. It consists of a five-pointed star enclosed within a circle. Each point of the star represents one of the elements - earth, air, fire, water, and spirit - while the circle symbolizes the unity and interconnectedness of these elements and their energy. To use the symbol for shielding, Wiccans visualize the pentacle in their minds or draw it on physical surfaces like candles, amulets, or altar tools.
To use the symbol for shielding, Wiccans visualize the pentacle in their minds or draw it on physical surfaces like candles, amulets, or altar tools. They focus their intention on creating a strong and impenetrable shield around themselves, asking the elements for their protection and guidance. The main idea here is that the Wiccan symbol for shielding, the pentacle, is used to create a protective barrier against negative influences.
How to Make Your Very Own Fabulous Witch Hat
Going out with girlfriends to Witches Night Out at Granny’s Korner in Tomball, Texas for a little pre-Halloween fun calls for a special witches hat! Inspired by the “best hat” contest, exceeding craftiness and my lack of funds, I decided to go online and find a tutorial for making a witch’s hat. I didn’t think it would be very hard. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
[Related: Making My Loblolly Witch Hat (including downloadable witch hat pattern)]
I found this lovely YouTube video by Nightskylullaby. I love the video, but there were a few fundamental steps left out. It took me some trial and error before I got the right size brim/opening. I ended up using the old trick my mother taught me with the tape measure and a pencil (or protractor, in this case).
I cannot stress this enough: MAKE A PAPER PATTERN. After cutting the brim out of black and purple felt, I hand sewed them together with a blanket stitch, like the video said. If you’re in a hurry, this could easily be done with a sewing machine using the zig zag stitch. You could use a piece of bias binding tape for a nice finish too. I cut the hole for the head out here as well.
After the brims were together, I inserted the wire. This was a great idea from Sheila—if it wasn’t for the wire the hat would be a floppy mess! I cut the wire to match the circumference of the outer edge of the brim then looped the wire ends around each other to close a circle. Once that was in place, I used a running stitch and embroidery floss to create the “casing.” Basically, I stitched about a half inch from the edge of the brim to hold the wire as close to the edge as possible.
Returning to the video, I measured out the remaining felt for the rest of the hat. I didn’t have enough purple to make it the proper length, so I pieced it together using some black. Turned out well, I think.
I cut out the top pieces, used a zig zag stitch to sew the black to the purple, then sewed trim over it to cover the line and make it look like I meant to do that. I closed up the back and attached the cone to the brim, using the zig zag stitch.
Following the directions on the video, I also gathered/bunched the top so it looked crooked. I adjusted the wire rim to something I was happy with and played around with some different styles.
The hole is a little too big, so I need to add an interior hatband to adjust fit. For that I’ll just cut some felt that fits my head exactly and sew it in to the hat.
Finally, all that’s left is the fun part: embellishing! I created a feather medallion like the ones that used to be featured on cowboy hats in the 70s and 80s, appliquéd some gorgeous black lace up the back to cover the seam and couched a big black satin ribbon around the base using silver jump rings. Once things were positioned in a way I liked, I sewed it all down. The finishing touch was a black stone faceted bead sewed to the tip!
[Shopping list at the bottom of this post]
Quick Steps
1. Cut pattern- DO IT
2. Cut felt (video for using tape measure & soap to make a circle)
3. Hand stitch brim layers together
4. Insert wire (cut wire length to match brim circumference; join wire ends to form circle)
5. Running stitch “casing” for wire brim
6. Cut hat; attach trim (I had to piece it b/c not enough felt)
7. Sew hat to brim (I used zig zag stitch to finish edge as I sewed); sew folds/bends in tip of hat per video instructions
8. Apply lace, ribbons, beads, net, feathers as desired for effect (see shopping list below); cardboard or foam can be cut into a triangle, then wrapped in a cylinder (like a pope hat) and inserted to make the hat stand up more firmly
[Related: Making My Loblolly Witch Hat (including downloadable witch hat pattern)]
Sarah Evans, Guest Blogger
Sarah has been sewing for decades and even taught Sheila how to sew in 2015 (she’s pretty much Sheila’s sewing fairy godmother). She loves making doll clothes, vintage clothing, and her costume holy grail is an Elizabethan gown.
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Materials Shopping List
This project used wool remnants and leftover notions/materials from prior projects. You may already have these things in your supplies cabinet. But if not, here are some of the materials Sarah and I combined:
Edited by Sheila 9/2021: Since publishing this post, I drafted a pattern for myself to make a witch hat for each season. I’ve digitized that pattern and it is available for free download on any of the following season posts:
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It represents the elements and their unity, and is visualized or drawn during rituals and meditation to invoke protection and safety..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Power of the Wiccan Shielding Symbol for Positive Energy"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Wiccan symbol for shielding. I expected something bold and powerful, but this design is too simplistic and lacks depth. It looks like something a child would draw rather than a symbol that represents protection and strength. I was hoping for more intricate details and symbolism that would truly resonate with me as a practitioner. Overall, I find this symbol underwhelming and not worth the price.
2. John - 1 star - I do not recommend the Wiccan symbol for shielding. First of all, the quality of the product is subpar. The pendant feels cheap and flimsy, and the chain broke within a week of wearing it. Secondly, the symbol itself is confusing and unclear. I expected a well-defined and easily recognizable shape, but this design is too abstract and hard to interpret. It's not aesthetically pleasing either with its odd combination of lines and curves. Save your money and look for a better alternative.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - As a Wiccan practitioner, I was intrigued by the concept of a symbol for shielding, but unfortunately, this design missed the mark for me. The symbol lacks originality and creativity, appearing like a generic shape that holds no significance or deeper meaning. Additionally, the size of the pendant is too small, making it difficult to appreciate the intricacies of the design, which are already limited. Overall, I found this symbol unimpressive and not worth the investment for those seeking a meaningful representation of spiritual protection.