How To Make A Witchs Ladder

A witch's ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes
hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of

there's no hard and fast rule that says you must. Tie the
ends of the three pieces of yarn together in a knot.

a rosary - it's basically a tool for meditation and ritual,
in which different colors are used as symbols for one's

3. Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers

intent. It's also used as a counting tool, because in some
spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a

or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a
sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they

particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep
track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as

braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say
something like this variation on the traditional chant:

you do so. Traditionally, the witch's ladder is made with
red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored

By knot of one, the spell's begun.

feathers woven in.

By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.

By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.

1. Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use
yarn colors that have a significance to you and your

By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.

working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can
be tricky if you're looking for them out in the wild -- you

By knot of eight, my will be fate.
By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

can't just go plucking feathers from local endangered
species -- and that means a trip to the craft store and some

4. As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent

oddly tinted feathers. I'd recommend using either found
feathers of any color, or something else entirely -- beads,

and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your
energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the

buttons (see our discussion on the magical uses of buttons),
bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your

feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of
the witch's ladder. When you've completed the string and

home.

added all nine feathers or beads, you can either knot the
end and hang the ladder up, or you can tie the two ends

together forming a circle.

* Yarn or cord in three different colors
* Nine items that are similar in property but in

If you'd like your ladder to be more like a rosary
string, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan

different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons,
etc)

Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.

Cut the yarn so that you have three different pieces

in a workable length - usually a yard or so is good.
Although you can use the traditional red, white and black,

* Yarn or cord in three different colors
* 9 Feathers or other items to braid into your ladder