Earth Magick

The term “earth magick” is somewhat of a misnomer. Many of the magical techniques presented here do not utilize actual earth (dirt, etc.): however, they are typically considered to be earth specialties. Business, protection, prosperity and fertility all fall in this category.

Earth magick utilizes two main techniques: burying and transporting. We transport basically anytime we use earth in a spell that does not include the burial of the item or take place directly upon the soil. For example, if a love one tracked muddy foot prints into my home and I swept them up and saved the dirt for later use in a healing spell, this would be considered transporting.

You may bury things in the earth for the purpose of cleansing an item of negative vibrations, ridding yourself of an item (banishing), planting seeds for future growth of crops or blessing an item.

You may transport the element of earth by placing soil in a charm bag or in your home, using a mud mask, or even growing houseplants. Many magical practitioners make use of dirt by piling it on their altar and burning candles in the pile. As dirt is sacred, it is fine to do this. Although traditions vary, and many practitioners prefer to keep their altar surface spotlessly clean, the Earth Witch uses the power of dirt.

It doesn’t matter which of the techniques you use—burying and transporting both hold the full power of earth, even when the soil is used in small amounts.

Various kinds of dirt are said to perform specific functions in many magical practices. According to Hoodoo and Voodoo traditions, grave-yard dirt is thought to hold within it the vibrations of the departed soul. The ritual collection of graveyard dirt includes getting in touch with the spirit of the body in the grave and leaving a payment for the dirt (usually a coin on the gravestone). For instance, if your intention was to use the dirt to cause harm, you would find a grave that held a murder victim or some other tragic soul and use the dirt from it. Also incorporated into the ritual collection of graveyard dirt is the time of day in which the dirt is collects and the corresponding area of the body in the grave. In other words, for a love spell, you would take dirt from the are where the heart of the body lies.

Dirt from a crossroads is considered sacred in almost all magical traditions. It is believed to be loaded with supernatural powers. It is used for protection, blessings, banishing, domination–virtually any purpose. It is thought to be neutral, so one has only to direct it according to one’s wishes.

Santeria incorporates the magical qualities of dirt in the following ways:

Bank dirt: Dirt from the area around a bank is thought to hold prosperity within it.

Courthouse dirt: Dirt from the area around a courthouse is used to gain victory in legal disputes.

Dirt from the bottom of a person’s shoes: This dirt is said to allow one to dominate or cause harm to the owner of the shoes.

Dirt from the four corners: This mixture of dirt is thought to open the road to success. This particular dirt is considered a four-way crossroads.

Forest dirt: Forest dirt is considered protective.

Library dirt: Dirt from the area around a library is used in spells to increase one’s knowledge and wisdom.

Mountain dirt: Dirt from a mountain is used in cleansing practices.

Racetrack dirt: This dirt is used in gambling spells to increase luck.

Seashore dirt: This dirt is thought to be cleansing.