Fire protection conjure bag

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Note: This article was originally published by @gritchenwitch on Instagram. To learn about me and my practice, including more info on folk witchcraft, mountain magic, knot work, and hearthcraft, please visit gritchenwitch.com or join my Patreon at patreon.com/gritchenwitch.

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Here’s how I made a fire protection conjure bag (in honor of my firefighter husband) using Balm of Gilead, a magical cure-all with a lot of fun history.🌿

Balm of Gilead buds are the unopened flowers produced by the balsam poplar tree (aka cottonwoods). In the Bible (where it was likely the Arabian balsam tree), it’s referenced as a medicinal, rare perfume named for the region of Gilead. It was basically known as a panacea.

The dried buds also make really interesting incense. It’s not something I’d be able to use frequently, as it’s almost sickly sweet, but I recommend trying at least once.

I also just really like the name “Balm of Gilead.” Fun fact for the season: it makes an appearance in Poe’s “The Raven”: 

“‘On this home by Horror haunted—tell me truly, I implore—
Is there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me—tell me, I implore!’
Quoth the Raven ‘Nevermore.’”

Magically, Balm of Gilead is often seen in spells for love (especially in hoodoo) and healing. Here, they symbolize the traditional power of a balm, which soothes scorched skin.

After burning a few buds, I crushed them a bit and placed them on a square of linen. Here, I added holly leaves—they’ve become my favorite protective plant, I think, and are perfect in this case, as they’re masculine and associated with fire. You could also use ivy, which is the feminine, magical pair. 

Finally, I found a tiny charm on Amazon that features Michael the Archangel on one side and a Guardian Angel on the other. Of course, Mike is considered the angel of fire, and is depicted with a flaming sword.

From here, I’ll sew up my pouch. I prefer this process as this is where I weave my spell (you could recite the Saint Michael prayer or another protective charm) and the resulting square can be placed anywhere—with a person, home, car, etc. You could also throw the ingredients in a pre-made pouch or jar. 

Fortunately, we live in a small borough where there are rarely large fires, but one is too many for my taste.

Hope you’re enjoying the final days of October.🖤