A spell jar is a powerful reminder of your intention, calling on various elements from nature to create the energy you desire. They're simple to make and easy to hide or disguise if you're still in the broom closet. Let's get into it.
A member of the International Coven of Awesomeness recently asked me about spell jars. What are they for? How do you make them? Like with many things in witchcraft, each practitioner will have their own interpretation. I'll take you through what a spell jar means to me and how I make one. Take away what resonates with you, and do your own research to discover the method that works best for you.
What is a spell jar for?
To me, any spell is a way to bring your thoughts and intentions into the physical realm. We create tangible representations of the things we desire, and we use objects and materials that correspond with the energy we want to manifest. A spell jar is great for this because you can choose a variety of different materials or just fill the jar all with one item. It's entirely up to you.
I think a spell jar is great for a longer term goal that you want to be reminded of on a regular basis. The jar is transparent, so you can look into it each day to remind you of what you're trying to manifest. You can hold the jar during meditation if that feels powerful to you, or simply keep it on your altar or in a special place to help you stay focused.
You're simply bottling your intention as a way of calling in what you desire. It's as simple as that.
Choosing your materials
You can make your spell jar as simple or complex as you like. You can also use a jar of any size. Here I chose a small corked bottle sold specifically as a spell jar (because I wanted to get cute photos), but you can use an old jam jar just as effectively. You'll just need to use more materials to fill it, though it's also fine to leave some empty space in the jar. You may want to consider the size and amount of materials you want to add before choosing a jar.
The way I do it is by setting my intention first. What do you want this spell jar to do for you? Will it be a love spell? Will you be attracting money? Protecting yourself from negative energy? You can make a spell jar for anything. Once you have your intention, you can begin selecting materials.
I always like to start with a base of salt to protect my spell. From there I scour my books and resources and use my intuition to help me find other materials that carry the energy I'm looking for. Here I added dried herbs and wood chips. This was quite a small jar, so none of the crystals I had would fit, but I would normally add crystals as well. A drop or two of oil probably won't do any harm. You should, however, avoid using fresh botanicals as they may start to mold in the jar.
Once you've decided on the materials you want to use, you can create your spell.
Creating your spell jar
Try to gather everything you'll need before you start so that you don't have to break your focus to go digging through your cabinets. In addition to the jar and materials, you may want incense to cleanse your materials, or cleanse them in your preferred way. You may also want a candle to seal your jar. Choose a color that corresponds with your intention.
Once you have everything you need, and everything, including yourself, is cleansed, take a few minutes to ground and center. Prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for crafting your spell in whatever way works best for you. Then begin adding your materials to the jar. As you add each one, speak aloud or concentrate in your mind on what you want that materials to do for you. I speak spontaneously, but if you want to write a rhyming incantation or something similar, that's great.
Once you've added all your materials, you may want to hold the jar in your hands to charge the whole thing with your energy. Depending on the kind of jar you've used, you can either allow wax to drip from your candle onto the top to seal it, or affix the candle to the top of the jar and let it burn down.
Keep your spell jar in a safe place, but preferably somewhere conspicuous so that you'll see it and be reminded of your intention.
Spell jars are a fun, beautiful, and accessible form of magick. You can keep them all around your house and even take them to work or travel with them. Create them for any intetnion and just choose materials that fit that energy.
What kind of spell jar will you create? Let me know in the comments. Connect with me on Instagram if you have questions or want to share a photo of your spell jar. Happy witching.
Melissa says
Is it ok to do a revenge jar spill. There are a few people I would like to get revenge on.
Renee says
You can create a jar spell for any intention. Keep in mind that the spell manifests because of your energy, so just carefully consider if you really want to focus your energy on causing another person harm. Do you want to be thinking about that all day every day? Does that meet your ultimate intention? It's up to you. Witchcraft is a tool, and you can use it as you see fit.
Shelli says
Remember, what you put out you get back threefold.
Nicki says
Is there a specific day for specific intentions when making a spell jar?
Renee says
That's a great question. You can definitely choose to work the the energy of the days of the week when creating a spell jar. For example, if you're creating a spell jar for prosperity, do it on a Thursday during a waxing moon. If you're looking to attract romance, make your spell jar on a Friday.
Rosy says
What does adding cayenne pepper and chili flakes do to a protection spell?
Renee says
It depends on what you intend. It could quicken or intensify the protection. If you call on the fire energy, it could create a sort of ring of fire around whatever you're protecting.
Diana says
Is important to follow strictly a recipe or can i make one like i think it suits best? Also what could happen if i made something wrong (wrong material or missed an important one out)?
Would my spell just not work or have consequences for me personally?
Renee says
Witchcraft is all about your intention, so the only way to really mess up a spell is to believe it's not going to work. You can definitely make one that suits you best, and if it doesn't go exactly as you planned, you can choose to believe it was a synchronicity that the Universe intended if you like. Do what feels most powerful for you.
Diana says
Thank you for your quick and positive answer! I feel inspired go my own way of witchcraft 🙂
Shawn says
I was cleaning up my property and found a small jar half way fill with dirty rusty looking water .to me it looked like some kind of witch craft. I have no idea what it might be for but wanting to dispose of it. Is there any particular way to get rid of it or can I just throw it away in the trash.
Renee says
If it's not yours, I'd say just throw it away, but do it with intention. As you dispose of it, focus on ridding yourself of any energy it might be carrying. Set an intention that any negativity is dispelled and removed from your home. If you feel any energy still hanging around after you've removed it from your home, a bit of cleansing might help.
Lily says
What can u put in a jar?
Renee says
Anything you want so long as it fits. If you're adding plant matter, I suggest that it's dried, otherwise, it will rot in the jar.
Astrum says
So I made a Protection Jar, using White Sage, Rosemary, Mugwort and Cloves, I then sealed my Jar with wax using a Black Candle, I would like to hear whats your input it
Renee says
Those all sound like great materials for a protection spell. What's most important, though, is your belief and your intention. If you feel protected, then you will be.
Savannah says
Hello im new to craft I wanted to know if it matters what type of salt is used. I'm interested in protection and purifying. Expelling negativity and embracing positivity and prosperity. Do you have any pointers for a beginner?
Renee says
Hi Savannah. The most important thing you can learn is to trust your own intuition. Any type of salt will do if you believe in it. For protection and purification, simple white salt would be great. The same kind you'd add to your food. How you feel about the spell and the intention that you set is far more important than the specific ingredients.
Penelope says
Looking to help my sister with a self love spell. Any materials I shouldn't miss? Planning citrine, rose and clear quartz, rose and lavender and some pink Himalayan salt. She's been very down on herself and I would love to help lift her up. Suggestions are appreciated!
Renee says
Those materials all sound brilliant. Maybe consider adding something personal that makes you think of how much you love her.