#gwarch

"A Gwarch—Welsh for "What encloses or shuts up," andcpronounced like Quark, but with a G at the beginning, and a χ at the end—is a basic form of Spell, unique to the Wending Way. It shares similarities with a Sachet, and can be used for a variety of purposes, though it seems to serve best when it comes to acts of Healing, Blessing, and Protection.

During the central corpus of the rite, the working space is cleansed and aligned, pertinent powers are invoked, and the caster's intention is encapsulated using a Sigil or composite-sigil on a small slip of sained paper. After the petition has been completed, it is folded into a tight strip that can be inserted into the opening of an ethically sourced Snail Shell, before stuffing the remainder of the shell’s interior with materials bearing virtues pertinent to the context of the pertinent Gwarch. Thereafter, the talisman is physically sealed by melting wax from a Hallowed Candle over the opening of the shell to properly secure its contents, before rousing, aligning, and fixing the arrayed virtues in ritual of consecration.

I currently offer three kinds of Gwarch, intended as talismans that help to promote Protection, Luck, and Healing, respectively (though custom Gwarch's may be available upon request). Upon receiving it, the recipient is instructed to carry the Gwarch with them for Nine Days and Nights, before burying it at a crossing of ways in order to bring the magic worked to fruition.

Be advised: Gwarchs are best used target mild to moderate tasks, but not particularly complex or dire situations. Additionally, since every shell is wild-gathered in a ritual context, no two shells look just alike. However, if you have a particular preference of some kind, please feel free to inquire about it by contacting me."

One element of the magic worked in the Wending Way, which I decided would be worth sharing here, is what my partner and I call the “Gwarch” (pronounced like Quark, but with a G at the beginning, and a χ at the end.)

In Welsh, Gwarch translates as “What encloses or shuts up; a cover or lid.” Derivative words in Welsh include:

Gwarchad—“A covering over; guarding, securing, or protecting.”

Gwarchan—“What secures; an irresistible influence; a talisman or enchantment.”

& Gwarchawdyr—“A warden, conservator, or guard.”

In concept, a Gwarch is very akin to a charm bag and other similar magical devices, with particulars of operation unique to the workings my partner and I undertake. They can be used for beneficent and malefic magics alike, though they seem particularly potent when it comes to protective measures.

To elucidate the subject a little better, I thought I would document and explain the creation of a Gwarch meant to promote joy and ease after a period of grieving.

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The first step in creating a Gwarch is to obtain the freely given shell of a snail, either terrestrial or aquatic. It must simply be abandoned, found by your own hand, and big enough to suit your purpose.

During the rite proper, the space is cleansed and aligned, pertinent powers are invoked, and then the caster's intention is encapsulated using a Sigil or composite-sigil on a small slip of paper. I’m not free to share any details about the specific sigil used here by my partner, but I included a picture of the paper mid-inscription, to give you an idea of the size of paper we used.

After the petition has been completed, fold it tightly into a strip that can be inserted into the opening of the shell, with as little paper as possible sticking out. Next, stuff the remainder of the shell’s interior with materials and items appropriate to the context of your Gwarch. Herbs, spices, and/or gums serve as the most common interiors. For this particular example, the shell was stuffed using a mixture of Rose, St. John’s Wort, and Chamomile.

Once the shell has been thoroughly packed with paper and plant materia, proceed to physically seal the charm by melting beeswax over the opening of the shell (of a color with meaningful correspondence to the practitioner and the working at hand) to properly secure the contents, while fumigating it with Dragon's Blood Smoke and energetically sealing the programming of Gwarch's given task.