Cord Cutting and the Significance of Cords in Witchcraft
Cord cutting is a powerful way to sever ties with a person and remove their hold from you, as well as to get closure from a relationship. Cords have a long history in witchcraft. Their capacity for storing magic and power is significant. The fact that they are inexpensive and easy to come by is a bonus for any frugal witch!
The History of Cord Cutting
Historically, there are tales of witches selling wind to sailors in the form of knotted cords. The knots stored the spell and, when the sailor needed to call on some wind, the spell was released by simply untying one of the knots.
In the woodcut above, a Wizard is selling a knotted Wind Cord to some sailors. 1
There are several examples of this in folk magic. Knot tying is a common way to store a spell so it can be released at a later time.2 This is a great way to pass along magic to non-practitioners so they can use the spells at the most opportune time. In some situations, this may work better than the usual spellcasting. While a person requesting an incantation for luck may benefit from a general working, tying luck spells into knots may provide on-the-spot boosts for specific situations. It helps that they are easy to carry around, and inconspicuous.
The Significance of Cords in Witchcraft
We also have several instances where the Cord represents a bond, oath, or commitment. In certain branches of Wicca where initiates to a coven or tradition will be presented with a cord to be worn around a part of their body as a symbol of their ties to the Goddess and/or their coven. 3
In handfasting, a pagan wedding ceremony, the cord is tied around the wrists or hands of the couple. This represents their bond and commitment to each other.4 After the ritual, the cord is kept as a symbol of their love and devotion, and their relationship. 5 6
This idea of the Cord representing relationships is also a theme in Nature (the umbilical cord connecting us to our mother). Even in the Astral realm, many practitioners have seen a silver cord that connects ones astral body to our physical body. Severing this cord signifies death. 7
How to Perform a Simple Cord Cutting Ritual
With all this in mind, it is easy to see the power a simple cord-cutting ritual can have.
Select any length of cord for the spell. If possible, choose something that is relative to the length and strength of the relationship. Shorter relationships can have shorter cords. Weaker relationships can have weaker materials such as thin thread.
While holding the cord, take a moment to think and focus on the relationship and the emotions associated with it. Allow all that energy and feeling to flow into the cord and become imbibed with it. It can help to squeeze it tightly into your palm.
When you are ready, decisively cut the cord using scissors. note: Scissors are recommended over a sharp knife for both safety, and to avoid adding negative intent. The only exception to this is if you have a consecrated knife which will do your bidding. The resulting two lengths of cord can be disposed of in the trash, or buried if it is butcher’s twine. Please do not bury other types of thread, or long lengths of thread as they may be discovered and eaten by wildlife.
If you feel so inclined, a cleansing ritual can be done subsequent to the cord-cutting to remove any residual negativity or hex from the relationship.
Have you every used cords in your craft? If so, what have you used them for?
