π Ants in magic π
So I've been researching a bit on this because it came to mind one day, but there isn't really any info out there about it :( !
So, after searching the web forever, i thought I'd share what information i was able to find + my own associations that i got from doing a bunch of research on ants :) and as always, feel free to come up with your own as well, mine aren't set in stone rules that you *have* to go by!
Uses for anthill sand/dirt
Strength, power
Ants are extremely strong and powerful for their size. They have the ability to carry between 10 and 50 times their own body weight! The amount an ant can carry depends on the species, though. For example, Asian weaver ants, can lift 100 times their own mass!!
Success.
Ants are super successful in so many ways, from the houses they make, to the roles they all successfully fill in the colony, and the fact that some are literally queens! (And also, many types of ants have many queens!) so I personally think they've got that successful energy :)
Royalty
Like i mentioned above, many types of ants have many queens in their colonies (ex. Pharaoh ants), so imo, it makes sense to use them for this association! if you can get anything from any of those kind of ants, it would be a great ingredient (imo at least) for representing royalty π
Community
Self explanatory, but i associate them w this since they're all huge communities that all rely on each other to survive, definitely an amazing ingredient to have for magic having to do w/ community or anything else of that sort!
Agression & Defense
Again, self explanatory! I'm sure most of us are aware that many types of ants (fire ants, war ants, etc.) Are very naturally aggressive and defensive. They're filled w rage and protective thoughts constantly, ready to defend themselves and their community at any second. Very potent ingredient, would be ideal + potent for any type of baneful magic, any wards and protection, and defensive magic.
Hard work, Energy, Motivation
Same reasoning as success! Ants are very hard workers and have lots of jobs they do everyday, so i think this is a good association to coin.
Life, Growth
Ants play an very big role in the environment! Ants turn and aerate the soil, allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. Ants take seeds down into their tunnel to eat the elaiosomes that are part of the seed, and these seeds often sprout and grow new plants! π
Travel
Because ants have been found almost everywhere on earth, and they've established themselves in at least 15 countries! They're quite the little travelers :)
And remember, you don't have to use the hill. a dead ant would work just as well as (and would probably be better if you can find it, that way you don't mess up their work! Although, please find it naturally/buy it ethically sourced so you're not just killing a ton of ants in the name of magic.) dirt/sand from an anthill, just use whatever you can get your hands on :)
Tips:
1. Research. Pleaseeee research dangerous ants before you do this if you plan on doing so, so you can watch out for them. Some ants are very venomous, so please be careful, and use common sense while doing this.
2. If taking sand/dirt from a hill, don't take from the top or middle. Take from where they mostly ignore, and from an area on the edge where it won't collapse the whole hill!
3. When you're done, try to leave something in return, like a bit of hard candy (crushed up so they can carry it) or something like honey or sugar if you'd like to give them something natural. This is optional, but seems like the right thing to do since you're taking a piece of their house π that way you at least gave them something in return that will help give them the energy to repair what you've taken. Anyways though, i will update again this if i think of anything else in the future, and i hope this helped, even if just a little! happy witching loves ππ
