Let’s Talk Witch – The Sword

Magick swords have historically played a role in Chinese, Japanese, Jewish and Persian magickal traditions. They remain popular in East Asian magick, High Ceremonial Magick and modern Wicca.

Magick swords maybe actual functional swords complete with sharp blades or ceremonial replicas. Swords invoke primal metal magick although wooden swords exist, particularly in East Asia. Swords are powerfully associated with the primorial magickal traditions of metal working.

Swords radiate masculine energy; the scabbard is its feminine partner. Swords are most commonly associated with the element air, however, this is controversial, some also identify swords with fire. Swords do not fit neatly into elemental categories being the product of all elements. The raw material for swords is dug from Earth and the process of crafting a sword involves the interplay of air, fire and water.

Crafting swords was a secret magickal operation. Spellcasting and spiritual invocation was once involved in the creation of powerful magick swords (and in some cases it still is). Rumors periodically circulated that blood sacrifice, including human sacrifice, was required to forge magick swords. Vestiges of these legends survive in Japanese mythology.

Swords maybe engraved with runes, sigils, Names of Power, Kabalistic inscriptions or other magickal embellishments. They are used for casting circles and for various magickal practices including protection spells, exorcisms, spirit summoning and banishing spells.

Swords are among the four tarot suits, corresponding to the playing card suit of Spades.