Witch's Knot

There are many different types of magic knots, all of which have their own uses and their own history.  In Pagan Roman times, couples would tie a knot while make solemn vows to each other and their gods during their wedding ceremony, which is where we get the phrase 'tying the knot'.  The Witch's Knot, also known as the Witch's Charm or Magic Knot, is comprised of four interlocking vesica piscis shapes. The knot can also be found with a central circle.

 

The vesica piscis is a shape that is the intersection of two circles with the same radius, intersecting in such a way that the center of each circle lies on the perimeter of the other. The name literally means the "bladder of a fish" in Latin. The shape is also called mandorla (almond in Italian).

The pointed oval sign, the vesica piscis, has also been called the Vessel of the Fish. "Fish" and "womb" were synonymous terms in ancient Greek delphos.  Its link to fertility, birth, feminine sexuality and the natural force of women was acknowledged also by the Celts, as well as pagan cultures throughout northern Europe. The Great Goddess was portrayed elsewhere with pendulous breasts, accentuated buttocks and a conspicuous vaginal orifice, the upright vesica piscis.  Christians later adapted the symbol as their own for Ichthys, fish. 

 

A circle is a simple shape of geometry that is the set of all points in a plane that are at a given distance from a given point, the centre.  A circle is a simple closed curve.  The word "circle" derives from the Greek κίρκος, meaning "hoop" or "ring".

The circle has been known since before the beginning of recorded history. Natural circles would have been observed, such as the Moon, Sun, and a short plant stalk blowing in the wind on sand, which forms a circle shape in the sand. Early science, particularly geometry and astrology and astronomy, was connected to the divine for most medieval scholars, and many believed that there was something intrinsically "divine" or "perfect" that could be found in circles. 

Around Europe, there are the scattered remains of stone and wooden circles, aligned with specific stellar or solar rises and settings, many of which themselves contain smaller inner circles.  In Wicca, most of our ritual and spell-work is within a circle, cast by a practitioner in order to define the boundaries of the place where we come face to face with our deities, where we work magic and enter meditation.

The Witch's Knot can be drawn in one continuous line, meaning that one can draw the Witch Knot without ever having to pick up the pen off the paper. This makes it symbol of protection.  In history, witches used knotted cords to 'tie up' the weather, to create circles of protection and to bind things magically.  Men of the Middle Ages believed women could immobilize their sexual functioning using female knot magic.

Many people back in the Middle Ages use to scratch the Witch's Knot over the doorways to their homes and stables to protect them from negativity entering it.  It can also be tied into a horse bridle or wire wrapped into jewelry for protection. 

Today many modern witches have chosen this symbol as their symbol of choice.  Looking for a way to protect yourself from evil of any type, consider using this chant as you draw the Witch Knot. The knot can be drawn on the back of a picture of yourself or on the body. It is best that while you do this chant you are focused on the drawing of the symbol and the positive protective energy you want to raise.

"By the dragon's light, on this night... I call to thee to give me your might. By the power I conjure thee, to protect all that surrounds me. As above, so below. So mote it be!"