Magic Monday, The Witch's Ladder

A witch's ladder is used as a form of cord magic personally crafted and empowered with a particular intent. It is made using three cords of equal length (usually 13 inches) and nine feathers, beads, bones, shells or really whatever you like. Traditionally the colors of the cord are black, red and white although you may also use other colors to represent your magical intent. These can be made for protection, prosperity, happiness or any other necessity. They can be used similarly to a rosary or prayer beads or they can be hung in your home, car, patio or even just left on your altar. 
 
To make your witch's ladder you will need:
 
- Three cords (thread, hemp, yarn) of different colors about 13 inches in length
 
- Nine beads, feathers, shells, etc.

Now tie your cords together at one end. You may choose to braid the cords and make a knot about every inch or so, or just make a knot every inch or so. For every knot add your bead through one string and tie another knot at bottom of the bead so it stays in place. There is a prayer you may say while creating your witch's ladder to give it more power:

By knot of one, the spell's begun.
By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.
By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.
By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

I like to add magically infused oil on each knot as well. When you come to the end of your witch's ladder tie a knot. Feel free to get creative and add charms or anything else that speaks to you. My witch's ladder is pictured above and since I made this one for protection, I added an evil eye charm and a Goddess charm to the end.  Now you may choose to cleanse your witch's ladder with sage or incense or maybe call on a particular deity to bless it.  Hang it or place it wherever you need the particular magical energy you are seeking.  I hope you enjoy crafting your own witch's ladder!