Your Tarot Card for August 16th isThe Chariot

The Chariot

Friday, Aug 16th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card usually entitled the Chariot points to a triumphal feeling of freedom, as if the charioteer is being paraded through the streets as a hero (or heroine). The card reflects congratulations for high achievement, and serves as a sign of empowerment.

Huge wheels and frisky steeds speed the rate at which the driver’s willpower can be realized. This kind of charge makes more of the world accessible to anyone ambitious enough to seize the Chariot’s reins. But there is danger in this feeling of freedom, because of the increased rate of change and its power to magnify mistakes in judgment. As a seasoned warrior, the Charioteer is called upon to be extra attentive to the way ahead.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, August 16th

Our hopes are high today, but reality won’t let us get away with excessive fantasy. The upbeat Sagittarius Moon harmonizes with the proud Leo Sun, raising our expectations while romantic Venus shifts into relationship-oriented Libra, emphasizing our desires. But powerful solar aspects to strict Saturn and relentless Pluto can prompt power struggles. The erratic energy begins to settle down once the Moon enters steady Capricorn at 11:25 pm EDT.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You feel as if you can make progress on projects that are stalled now, but there’s still a complicated cocktail of cosmic disturbance to manage. You might not be able to actually put your plans into action yet, but you’re in a forward-thinking mode, nonetheless. Watch the signs carefully today; paying attention to your relationship dynamics ultimately helps you get to where you want to go.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

It may seem out of character if you overreact, but everything feels extremely important today. You want to be sure that you aren’t missing anything that could negatively impact your progress. But it’s possible to overcompensate in your attempt to achieve perfection. If you find your emotions growing intense, taking a few steps back enables you to maintain a healthy perspective on your life.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Relationships are emphasized now, but the energy between you and others probably won’t be all that warm and fuzzy today. The connections can, however, be exciting and even adventurous, but the emotional aspects of your interactions might be temporarily relegated to the back burner. What’s more important now are the activities that you undertake together. Being a good companion allows you to have your fair share of fun at work or at play.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might bring a rather unrealistic idea into your workplace today and your solutions could be more grandiose than the problems they seek to remedy. The good news is that, although you may be stressing over finding the right amount of passion to bring to the job, you still have a solid chance to strike the balance you need. Don’t give up; small steps in the right direction are better than none at all.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re feeling as if you’re on the top of the world today and it seems as if accomplishing anything should be as easy as just visualizing it and making a wish. Unfortunately, all your problems are not magically solved by simply thinking about them. Nevertheless, you can make progress on many fronts as long as you take a creative approach and apply your energy in a balanced manner.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s nearly impossible for you to gauge how much is enough today. You are pretty sure that your best strategy is to narrow your focus of vision, yet a loud inner voice tells you to widen your scope to get the largest possible view. It’s as if you are experiencing reality simultaneously through two different camera lenses. Instead of attempting to favor one perspective over the other, keep your options open for a while longer.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may stress about what to say and what to keep secret now. Although your fantasies are more vivid than usual, it’s been easier to keep them to yourself. However, your key planet Venus makes her yearly return to your sign today, encouraging you to relax and share more of your inner world with those you trust. There are still some things that should be left unsaid, but don’t waste too much energy worrying about it. If it feels right, smile and say what’s in your heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Unfortunately, others might not understand the depth of your feelings now, so it’s better to keep them private. You may be cleansing the wounds of an emotional battle scar, whether it is quite recent or from your childhood. Thankfully, establishing boundaries and creating safe space gives you the room you need to honor your process. Heal quietly on your own or in the company of a trusted friend.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your words pack more of an emotional punch now that the evocative Moon is back in your sign. But you might also notice that your feelings are in a state of flux. It’s as if your heart is attached to a kite, getting tossed around by the changing breezes. Controlling the sky is out of the question; you cannot harness the wind. Thankfully, going with the flow allows you to gain power and take charge when the turbulence settles down.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you’re unlikely to show all your cards today, you’re more motivated than anyone realizes. It’s not that you are specifically attempting to be secretive; it’s just that you know more than others think you do. Your knowledge is your secret weapon and you’ll be better off if you hold onto this advantage for a little while longer. The future will arrive sooner than you think.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The call of far-away places and great adventures beckons, but you may need more time to make your great escape happen. On one hand, this is a magical and dreamy phase when you can put your creative nature to good use. On the other hand, you need to monitor your daydreams or they could lure you down the wrong track. Ultimately, acknowledging your long-term desires is healthy as long as you remember to also be appreciative of your current set of circumstances.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re expected to do something at work that draws your energy away from what you prefer to be doing for yourself. Although it might be frustrating if you cannot find the time to attend to your personal needs, don’t panic. It’s all a matter of perspective. A change of attitude is all that’s required to make your present moment more enjoyable. Instead of putting your energy into unrealized dreams, find the magic in the here and now.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for Aug. 16 – 18

Weekend Love Horoscopes

August 16-18: The Business of Love

Maria DeSimone

Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

Although love planet Venus sails into relationship-oriented Libra on Friday and opens up greater harmony potential in partnership matters, this weekend the Moon will be in sober Capricorn, reminding us that romance isn’t exclusively what true love is made up of. Nope, with Capricorn, love is about sticking with each other through thick and thin. During the good times, it’s easy to be in love, but when the going gets rough … only true love will last.

On Saturday, the Moon will connect well to Saturn — the planet that naturally rules Capricorn. This link suggests a strong focus on the business side of partnership and marriage. Your practical side will be aroused and you may find yourself asking whether or not your mate is holding up his or her end of the bargain in your relationships as you’ve defined it. If the answer is no, then the good news is that this aspect will help you strategize effectively to ensure you and your mate are both getting what you want and what you need. In fact, by the time the Moon links up to Pluto on the same day, you’ll make sure of it!

On Sunday there might be a certain amount of tension — particularly if you find you or your mate is distracted by work. An argument is possible if you’ve been taking home too many of the problems at the office thanks to the volatile opposition between the Moon and Mars. Remember to separate work and home life on your days off as much as possible. No days off? Hmmm … maybe it’s time for a change.

 

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 16th

[All times are calculated for the Pacific Daylight Zone. If you are living in a different time zone, add or subtract the necessary hours so that any timed alignment will be exact where you live.]  You may want to get going with key errands and plans early today as Mercury forms a subtle and yet still supportive, 30-degree link to Pallas (5:51AM) while Venus enters one of its two home signs — Libra (8:38AM). The Mercury-Pallas rapport is a boost for problem-solving, strategy sessions and research. Venus in Libra — until September 10 — is great for artists, musicians, dancers, fashion designers and anyone desiring to put their creative stamp within their societal niche.  A flowing trine in fire signs between the Moon in Sagittarius and the Sun in Leo (10:33AM) is a vitality-producer in the couple of hours before it happens. However, once it becomes exact, this Moon-Sun connection becomes a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 8:26PM.  During the void lunar dispensation, you can raise your productivity I.Q. via a Moon-Ceres trine (11:41AM) while serious research can bear fruit due to the Sun making an inspirational, 72-degree tie with Saturn (12:04PM).  An additional psychic monkey-wrench comes in the form of an abrasive, 135-degree contact from the Sun to Pluto (5:19PM). Treat dear ones and friends with respect. Use words to heal — not harm and critique.  Once the Moon leaves void status in Sagittarius by entering Capricorn at 8:26PM, think more about novel ways to reach important career milestones. Remember that hard work and perseverance are the dynamic duo that will eventually bring about huge professional rewards down the road.

Calendar of the Moon for August 16th

Calendar of the Moon

 

16 Coll/Metageitnion
Day of the Apple Tree

Color: Apple-green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon an apple-green cloth set a vase of apple branches, a bowl of apples, a single green candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, a jug of cider, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Feed people outside the home.
Daily Meal: Vegan, with apples, applesauce, and cider.

Invocation to the Green Man of the Apple Tree

Hail, Green Man of the Autumn!
Apple tree of immortality
Whose branches hide the white hind,
Whose fruit nourishes all,
Whose juice gives gladness
To those who work your Earth,
Whose seeds show the pentad
Of the eternal Goddess,
Tool of Eris which shows
How the mighty may fall
Beneath your spreading branches,
Equal to the lowest in their folly
And fate; this is your gift,
Love-fruit, merry one,
Brightest star in the harvest
With the universal star at your core.
Teach us that this joy
Belongs to everyone,
As does your gift of health,
So may we all be hale!
We hail you, sacred apple tree,
Green Man of the Autumn,
On this your day of greatest nourishment.

Song: Here’s To Thee, Old Apple Tree

(Each comes forward and plants a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Pass the cider and apples around for everyone to share, and pour out the last as another libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for August 16th

Calendar of the Sun

Carista – Day of Peace in the Family

Color: Lavender
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a lavender cloth set a tray of cakes shaped like clasping hands, and many cups full of hot tea.
Offerings: Promise to attempt to be more considerate of those you live with.
Daily Meal: Any food, but it must be served from one great plate for every table, and it should not be in separate portions.

Carista Invocation

May there be Peace in this house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Peace can be a hard mistress.
The daily round of the ordinary,
The simple turn of day and night and day
The presence of the same souls
Can come to be like a shadow on the sun,
And yet Peace still demands
That we find a way to move past
That ordinariness
And all the thousand thorns and briars
And bring Peace into the house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Take the hand of your sister, your brother,
The one who shares your roof, your table,
The ground you walk on,
Whose feet know the boards as well as your own,
And swear to find a way
To bring peace into the space between you.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)

Chant:
My brother, my heart, my sister, my soul;
My family, my life, come in from the cold;
My sister, my heart, my brother, my soul;
My family, my life, that makes this life whole.

(Instead of a ritual, this period of time should be used to mediate and address problems between members of the community, with emphasis on peacemaking and compromise and useful solutions. At the end of the meeting, all share cakes and tea.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Witches Moon for August 16th – First Quarter Moon

First Quarter Moon

(waxing/68% illumination)

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “sixth sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

The Witches Spell For Aug. 16th – 3 Folk Magick Spell To Increase Your Power

goth114

The Witches Spell for August 16th

3 Folk Magick Spells to Enhance  Your Power

 

Power Spell

Ingredients:   Dragon’s Blood Powder or Resin

If you would like to add a little extra power to your spell, incantation, incense, or other magic, you should add a little pinch of Dragon’s Blood powder or resin to the incense blend, sachet, or herb offering.   This should NOT be used with ANY internal or external healing applications, teas, or compresses, and should only be used in spells which do not require the digesting of the herbs.

 

Enhanced Spell Power #1

Ingredients:   Ginger

If you are trying to increase your magical abilities, ceremonies, or spell power, eat Ginger before performing   your Magic.   You can eat the Ginger before you perform any divination, meditation, ceremonial magic, summoning, or any other magical act you may want to encourage the results of.

 

 

Enhanced Spell Power #2

Ingredients:   Doll, White Feathers, & Dragon’s Blood

One particular method used to enhance one’s power and abilities is to create a Voodoo Doll, or Poppet made from black material or cloth.   Fill the doll with white feathers, and a dash of Dragon’s Blood Resin.   Put the doll where it will not be found by anyone else.

 

The Spell Book of Wiccan Shadows
Flowers, Dawn

Let's Talk Witch – Ethical Spell-Casting

3

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Ethical Spell-Casting

Whether simple or complex, all spells involve focusing the power of intention to produce outcomes. Your intention not only provides the fuel that energizes a spell, it also colors the spell. Your motive for doing a spell determines whether it’s “white” or “black” magick, or somewhere in between.

There’s nothing wrong with doing “gray” spells—most spells, in fact, fit into this category. It’s not incorrect or selfish to use your magickal talents to improve your lot in life. However, a wise witch always examines her reasons for casting a spell before she takes any action. Sometimes the only difference between a gray and black spell is your intention. Let’s say, for example, you want a certain job. It’s logical to do a spell to improve your chances of landing the position you desire. But if your spell intentionally causes someone else to lose the job so you can take over, that’s black magick.

It’s also important to feel good about the spells you do. Witches have different opinions and preferences when it comes to working magick, and although certain practices you may not be wrong, they might not be right for you. For instance, some witches engage in sex magick, but it’s not for everyone. Stay within your own comfort zone.

Witches subscribe to a few general guidelines that constitute morally responsible spells. Here are the basic spellcraft “don’ts.”

Don’t design a spell that might harm another person or interfere with his free will.

Don’t cast a spell that includes components or methods that violate your own personal taboos or ethics.

Don’t work with languages or symbolic items that you don’t fully understand.

Don’t do spells if you are ill, angry, or otherwise off-center, as this can affect the outcome dramatically.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll avoid the problems, pitfalls, and unpleasant ramifications that can sometimes accompany spell-casting.

 

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book (Everything®)
Alexander, Skye (2008-07-01).

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, August 16th

SC004-2T

 

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, August 16th

 

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, August 16th

links

The Witches Almanac for Friday, August 16th

Friday (Venus):  Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Festival of Minstrels (European)

 

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

Sagittarius:  Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.

Moon enters Capricorn 11:25 pm

Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Incense: Orchid

Color: Purple

Raffle for a Cause

*I copied this post from the original page. In case something doesn’t show up or the raffle button don’t work, there is a permanent link in the menu above. This raffle will run till August 25th. I hope you like the merchandise. Have fun and Enjoy!

 

I promised and I hope I delivered for you. In this raffle, it contains a choice of one of the three Book of Shadows below. The BOS have not been blessed or concentrated. They have been made under the best possible conditions. You are guaranteed to get a clean, ready to use, just for you BOS. All the BOS’s include paper also.

Remember a minimum of $5.00 can make one of these beautiful BOS’s yours. I would also like to take a quick moment to remind you of our cause. We are trying to raise enough money to purchase a push lawn mower to mow the office, around the refuge, pond and field. Our riding lawn mower blow up. Someone called the county because our grass is about mid-calf high. The county gave us so long to get it mowed till they are going to start fining us. The fine will be $100 a day till we get it mowed.  So please help keep us out of a pickle and me out of jail, lol!

Now let’s look at those beautiful Book of Shadows……

small-pentagram-leather-blank-book-of-shadows

Small Pentagram Leather Blank Book of Shadows

Made of hand tooled leather, the Pentagram leather blank book is a  beautiful book for the creation of your new Book of Shadows, dream  diary, or any other such magical journal or grimoire that you are  putting to pen. With an embossed border that lend the impression of  verdant foliage, both its front and back covers have been worked to  depict an intricate, interwoven pentagram, entangled within a blossom of knotwork. The result is a beautiful image that lends to impression a  sense of occult mysticism alongside the natural mysteries of life.

Sandwiched between the book’s leather covers are approximately 240  pages of high quality, acid-free paper, made of recycled biomass. They  are perfectly suited for accepting charcoal, pen, pencil, or even paint. The book measures approximately 5″ by 7″.

wiccan-blank-book-of-shadows

Wiccan Blank Book of Shadows

This hardbound journal presents and an ornate cover that gives the  impression that is crafted of a rich, brown leather, immediately  providing the impression of classical journal or Book of Shadows. This  is only enhanced by the design that is printed on both the front and  back covers in gold coloring, providing a border of an ornate floral  design. This imagery frames a central image of a Triquetra; a symbol of  Celtic origin which has been adopted to the Wiccan faith as a symbol of  the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, or the three aspects of the Goddess.   Such powerful imagery makes the pages within perfect for both the  experienced and the budding Witch, with plenty of space to begin your  book of shadows, a dream journal, or whatever other compositions you  might wish to write.  This blank journal is  8 1/2″ long and 6″ wide and features 100 pages, making it perfect for your night stand, dresser  drawer, or other such places with limited space.

witchs-blank-book-of-shadows

Witch’s Blank Book of Shadows

 With thick covers sculpted from cold-cast resin, this spiral-bound  journal proudly proclaims itself a Book of Shadows, with those words  displayed as a title against a background shaped so as to appear made of stone, and the image of a witch in flight before a crescent moon  sitting above the title.  Measuring approximately 5″ wide and 8″ tall,  it contains fine unlined paper.

Now you have seen these beautiful books, ready to get your raffle ticket, make your bid and good luck!

Thank you for entering the raffle. We appreciate it very much!

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 15

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 15

“There are many people who could claim and learn from their Indian ancestry, but because of the fear their parents and grandparents knew, because of past and present prejudice against Indian people, that part of their heritage is clouded or denied.”

–Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI

There were many injustices done to Native people. Sometimes I wonder, why am I connected to the past injustices done to Indian people? Why am I so angry about the past? The Elders say our ancestors are alive within each of us. Therefore, I may experience anger and resentment inside of me because of the injustice done to them. The way I get rid of these past feelings is to forgive. It may be necessary to even learn to forgive the unforgivable.

Great Spirit, teach me the path of forgiveness; teach me the courage to forgive; teach me to let go. Give to me a forgiving heart.

August 15 – Daily Feast

August 15 – Daily Feast

Most people do not intend to get caught in a bad cause. We simply get swept along with the tide. It can happen because we want to get ahead fast – but it more likely happiness out of ignorance. It has been said that we have the capacity to make heaven a hell, or a heaven of hell. We’ve been known to do both – though it is a matter of choice. According to the Cherokee, it is plain to see that the place called heaven, ga lv la di-tso sv, is the ultimate choice. We have had to deal with situations that we didn’t choose. They were simply piled on us and we tried to help. But here we must be wise. We can’t allow ourselves to be drawn into a cause that is not our responsibility, and that we may not be well informed enough to handle.

~ I have been trying to seize the promises which they made me….but I cannot find them. ~

BIG BEAR

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for August 15th – Positive choices

Positive choices

You can choose to be happy just as easily as you choose to be sad. The  choice, no matter what the situation, is always up to you.

You can choose to get up and get going just as easily as you choose to sit  and do nothing. The choice to actively move your life forward is always yours to  make.

Instead of worrying about who is to blame, focus on choosing your most  positive response. Instead of letting the past get you down, make the choices  that will lift you up.

This is your own life, so live it with your own best intentions. Each moment  gives you a new choice, so make all those choices count.

Sure, there are many things that are out of your control. Yet there are still  plenty of choices that enable you to live your life the way you wish to live  it.

Choose, again and again, to live in alignment with your purpose and your  highest values. Positive choices are what create a positive, fulfilling  life.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for August 15th – Enjoying the Ride

Enjoying the Ride

The Flow of the Universe

by Madisyn Taylor

 

Many people live their lives struggling against the current while others use the flow like a mighty wind.

The flow of the universe moves through everything. It’s in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away, the sprouting of a summer flower born from a seed planted in the spring, the growth cycle that every human being goes through, and the current that takes us down our life’s paths. When we move with the flow, rather than resisting it, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.

Many people live their lives struggling against this current. They try to use force or resistance to will their lives into happening the way they think it should. Others move with this flow like a sailor using the wind, trusting that the universe is taking them exactly where they need to be at all times. This flow is accessible to everyone because it moves through and around us. We are always riding this flow. It’s just a matter of whether we are willing to go with it or resist it. Tapping into the flow is often a matter of letting go of the notion that we need to be in control at all times. The flow is always taking you where you need to go. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you plan on taking the ride or dragging your feet.

Learning to step into the flow can help you feel a connection to a force that is greater than you and is always there to support you. The decision to go with the flow can take courage because you are surrendering the notion that you need to do everything by yourself. Riding the flow of the universe can be effortless, exhilarating, and not like anything that you ever expected. When you are open to being in this flow, you open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the grasp of your control. As a child, you were naturally swept by the flow. Tears of sadness falling down your face could just as quickly turn to tears of laughter. Just the tiniest wave carrying you forward off the shores of the ocean could carry you into peals of delight. Our souls feel good when we go with the flow of the universe. All we have to do is make the choice to ride its currents.

How To Make a Witch's Ladder

How To Make a Witch’s Ladder

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

A witch’s ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary – it’s basically a tool for meditation and ritual, in which different colors are used as symbols for one’s intent. It’s also used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as you do so. Traditionally, the witch’s ladder is made with red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored feathers woven in.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use yarn colors that have a significance to you and your working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can be tricky if you’re looking for them out in the wild — you can’t just go plucking feathers from local endangered species — and that means a trip to the craft store and some oddly tinted feathers. I’d recommend using either found feathers of any color, or something else entirely — beads, buttons, bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your home.

To make your basic witch’s ladder, you’ll need:

Yarn or cord in three different colors

Nine items that are similar in property but in different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons, etc)

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

Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say something like this variation on the traditional chant:

By knot of one, the spell’s begun.
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.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.

By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of the witch’s ladder. When you’ve completed the string and 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.

If you’d like your ladder to be more like a rosary string, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.