One of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of cord magic, the nine-knot spell is used to bind harmful energy, contain a situation, or seal a protective working.

You will need:

• Your black satin spell cord
• A quiet space and focused mind
• Optional: black candle, protection incense (frankincense, black copal, or dragon's blood)

Sit quietly and hold the cord between both hands. Breathe deeply and state your intention clearly — either aloud or in your mind. When you feel ready, begin knotting from one end to the other, speaking the following lines with each knot:

By knot of one, the spell's begun.
By knot of two, the magic's true.
By knot of three, so mote it be.
By knot of four, this power I store.
By knot of five, the spell's alive.
By knot of six, this magic fix.
By knot of seven, the stars of heaven.
By knot of eight, I seal my fate.
By knot of nine, this thing is mine.

When all nine knots are tied, hold the cord to your heart and feel the intention sealed within it. To hold the working, place the knotted cord on your altar, in a black pouch, or beneath your pillow. To release the working, cut each knot deliberately, stating your release, then dispose of the cord.

The dark moon — the night before the new moon — is the most powerful time for banishing, releasing, and cord cutting work.

You will need:

• Your black satin spell cord
• A black candle
• Scissors or a boline, ritual white handled knife

Light your black candle. Hold the cord and name clearly what you are banishing — a habit, a harmful pattern, a relationship, a fear. Speak it plainly. Tie a single knot in the center of the cord, binding the named thing within it. Sit with the cord for a moment and feel the weight of what you are releasing.

When you are ready, cut the knot cleanly with your scissors or ritual knife, saying:
"I release what no longer serves me. I cut this cord with clarity and will. It is done."

Dispose of the cut cord properly. Let the candle burn down safely.

This working is used for the ongoing protection of yourself, your home, or a loved one.

You will need:

• Your black satin spell cord
• Optional: a pinch of black salt, protective herbs (rosemary, or black pepper)

Hold the cord and visualize a strong, impenetrable boundary of protective energy surrounding whoever or whatever you are protecting. Tie three knots in the cord — one for body, one for mind, one for spirit — saying with each:

"Protected, shielded, safe and whole."

If using herbs or black salt, sprinkle a small amount over the knotted cord before storing. Keep the cord in the space you wish to protect, or carry it with you in a pouch.