What is a witch's ladder?

There are 2 types of witch ladder.

1. The 40-bead witch's ladder, a tool for prayer, meditation or concentration (rather like a rosary or mâlâ).

2. The witch's ladder, traditionally made of feathers and rope, which is used more for spells. It's the latter that I want to talk to you about today, but with a more artisanal touch, as in this photo.

The witch's ladder, as I make it, is a powerful (and very pretty!) tool for meeting a specific need according to its theme. For example, the image shows a witch's ladder dedicated to the world of fairies. This will enable the witch who owns it to attract fairies and work with them in her magical practice. Of course, you still have to believe in fairies! Everyone's beliefs are personal and varied.

In the example, the ladder dedicated to the world of fairies is made up of symbolic elements according to the theme:

• Pentacle of handcrafted branches for protection

• Decorative butterfly representing nature and the wings of fairies

• Bag of blue pea flowers (butterfly pea), one of the fairies' favourite flowers

• Selenite for serenity and harmonising the energy in a room

• Chain of semi-precious stones quartz, aquamarine and rose quartz

• Natural white feathers for lightness

• Pink Himalayan salt for purification

• 1 Fairy Tarot card - The Sun to represent the day

• Pouch containing lilac and violet hostas picked in my magic garden

• Clear quartz for energy

• 1 Fairy Tarot card - The moon to represent the night

• Palo Santo stick

• Sachet of almond offerings

• Decorative mushrooms

• Bell with insect charms to attract attention and confirm the presence of fairies.

• Also includes a cotton pouch soaked in rose geranium essential oil.

• Pink, blue, white and holographic ribbons.

The elements chosen are at the witch's discretion. In the case of this ladder, it was created by chanting in a meditative state, during a specific period and consecrated on my altar.

There is no standard method or recipe for making a witch's ladder in the context of witchcraft, as this will depend on the beliefs and practices of the witch making it. However, it is possible to use symbolic materials or specific rituals to create a witch's ladder, such as :

• using natural materials such as tree branches or stones

• engraving or painting symbols or inscriptions on the ladder

• perform rituals or prayers to consecrate or activate the ladder

• use herbs or essential oils to perfume or consecrate the ladder

• use objects representative of the chosen theme

Some people may feel it is important to make wishes to empower the witch ladder, while others may not. Some people may use rituals or prayers to consecrate or activate the ladder, but this will depend on each individual practice.

A witch's ladder can also be used as a tool to protect oneself or an environment. A witch's ladder can be charged with positive energy or magical protection while it's being made, or it can be used to repel evil spirits or negative forces.

So witches, get your ladders!

Be magic!,

Elysabel