Objects Used in Magical Practice

Dr. Mario Pazzaglini
 

        The following objects are some of those used in performing the various rituals related to the practice of Italian magic. They are mainly everyday objects with symbolic value which allows the practitioner to connect with his or her intended task. They can be used in various combinations for magical intention and for protection. There is no standard group of objects in a witch's toolbox, but there are some such as red string, oil and bowls that are usually found in such collections. Other objects not on the following list may be used as substitutes, and particular rituals might demand specific articles not on the list. Finally, the uses stated below are the most common ones; there are other uses for these objects.

 

Almond          

Protection against female disorders.

 

Birds            

Divination.

 

Blue ribbon

Making or protecting a holy object.

 

Bowl, water and oil

Detecting evil eye, dispelling evil-eye, divination.

 

Breath           

Intention and fixation of such in the outside world, calling other beings.

 

Broom

Symbolizing clearing or cleaning away of bad intent; put at doorway.

 

Butterfly

Contacting souls.

 

Button and string, or spinning top:              

An entrancer.

 

Cakes

Marking a holiday or intention.

 

Candle

A place for presence of a being, protection.

 

Cat

Detection or protection.

 

Chestnut or pastry made in the shape of

Eaten to hold hope through the night, protection.

 

Cloth and knot           

Protection and containment.

 

Coin (ancient, old or found):           

Protection, especially against death.          

 

Coral

Protection, especially against the evil eye. (Elsworthy 1958).

 

Crossroads

Location of appearances and projecting.

 

Deer

Sacred to Diana.

 

Dew

Annointing and for potions.

 

Dog

Sacred to Diana.

 

Eye

Projecting intention.

 

Fireflies

The presence of transformational light.

 

Gold

Blessing and protection.

 

Grain, meal

An offering, to contain volition.

 

Hair and nails

Connecting to intention, controlling.

 

Hand

Directing and forming and projecting intention.

 

Herbs

Protection, medications, potions.

 

Holly

Protection, especially against the evil eye.

 

Holy metal

Protection.

 

Holy pictures

Various protectors for various causes.

 

Honey

Blessing or attraction.

 

Horn, corno, pepper:          

Protection and power.

 

Horse shoes

Protection; open side up to contain good fortune.

 

Iron amulet

Protection against impotence (Berretta 1994).

 

Ivory amulets

Protection, especially for health.

 

Lens

Focusing intent, scrying.

 

Magnet or lodestone

Attraction.

 

Mirror

Scrying, reflection of other worlds or places, protection.

 

Mouse

Good fortune, the presence of a soul.

 

Moon

Source of life, love and power.

 

Number 13

Good luck, protection.

 

Oil to burn as a candle          

Anointing intention.

 

Pin

Fixing a hold on intention.

 

Red ink

Protection, making talismans.

 

Red knotted string

Protection.

 

Rosary

Protection, holding intention.

 

Salt

Protection, drawing a boundary.

 

Scissors

Protection, cutting intention of others; put at door for protection.

 

Silver

Protection against demons, holding the light of the moon.

 

Small vials

Containing protective herbs and spirits.

 

Stone with a hole

Remote viewing.

 

Stone (round)

Protection, holding intention, good luck.

 

Tree

Location of appearances.

 

Vinegar

Dispelling evil.

 

Voice

Intention and fixation of such in the outside world, calling other beings.

 

Walnut Containing.

 

Wine

Placing intention into; represents blood or dew.