HOW TO PREPARE RITUAL PAPER
Ritual paper, also known as intention paper or petition paper, are used to write intentions in spell work
Before we can even begin to ask the question, “how to cast a spell”, it’s important we first examine the magic materia (also known as spiritual tools or ingredients) from which we cast the spells in the first place.
When I write intentions or petitions when engaged in spell work, I craft them on paper that has been especially designed to support the work. Paper itself is alive, a vessel for these energies, and to honour these intentions, the very words’ environment should be held with respect, beauty, and reverence. While early Taoist (Daoist) sorceresses wrote their sigils (an inscribed symbol that contains meaning and power) on rice paper and through ritual, ingested the papers containing these sigils, I follow certain aspects of this ancient Chinese tradition of my ancestors of long, long ago.
The notable parts for me in casting spells that work are:
write with intention, choosing my words carefully for the petition
when applicable, include any glyph, sigil, ceremonial seal, or any other symbol to heighten the energy
choose special paper that is consecrated and dedicated to contain these intentions
when choosing the paper, to consider the ornaments/decorative elements of the paper, as well as the significance of colour
As my commitment to the craft grew, I was also in search for petition papers that really felt like a “fit” for my work. I was looking for a specific energy, and even though beautiful papers abounds, none of them felt right for me. Simultaneously, I was also considering how to package my Ceremonie Skin + Aura care products with the same degree of respect and honour for its contents and in turn, for the people who would be using them in their own daily ritual work and conjuring. Since I formulate, produce, and package each and every jar to order by hand, it was paramount to me that the paper that held it all together was approached with meticulous care, integrity, and purposefulness.
Having an undergrad in graphic design, I decided to create my own. It would be used for Ceremonie products as well as ritual work. I approached Hemlock Printers, a local family-owned boutique printing house located in greater Vancouver. I chose them because they were the first FSC certified printer (Forest Stewardship Certified) in North America and are known for their exacting standards. They loved my idea. And so I began my design process… and it began not in a sketchbook, but reclined, eyes closed, hands holding stones, and incense burning in the background. That’s right — I shamanically journeyed to inquire about the consecrated paper design process.
Turn to Spirit Guides for Instruction in Spell Work
It turned out that my spirit allies and the larger plant spirit network also loved my idea. I felt so supported with their excited chatter, each expressing their enthusiasm and blessing. We discussed that we would design two sheets of ceremonial paper together. Each sheet would consist of multiple layers of plant visuals, and much of which would spotlight Fern, the queen of the primordial plant kingdom (or shall I say ‘queendom’?), as well as my personal guardian spirit. I saw hints and flashes of what the finished papers would look like, and returned back to this consensual reality to begin the work on my computer.
The process was gentle, pleasurable, and truly felt collaborative. I felt the spirits’ presence as I played with gradients, opacities, and pantones. The brown signifies the remembrance and reconnection to Earth and the barely-there copper hue honours my own Chinese roots and uplifts the metal Element.
The finished sacred papers were two large sheets that can be further trimmed down to suit the exact dimensional needs of each of the specific Skin + Aura care products. I designed the papers in such a way so that there are 8 different variations I can cut and wrap the papers around the bottles and jars. 8 is a significant number in Chinese numerology - one that symbolizes wholeness, integrity, and prosperity. I wanted the papers to pass on these vibrations to each and every individual who would be using these.
Approach Materia Magica and other Spiritual Supplies As Examples of Animism
It is my hope that whether you ever attend one of my online occult events, use Ceremonie products for your spell work or daily skin nourishment, or none of the above, that if you do practise folk magic or other forms of ceremony, that you are reminded that the magical materia are animate beings (as I share in Crafting The Arcane spellcasting series, where you learn and practice serious sorcery and workings), and should be approached with deep respect. I say this because the materials themselves are collaborators, and when the relationship comes from a place of honour, the real magic happens.
Some simple instructions on how to consecrate any paper you find for your own spell work:
Find paper (can be found, purchased, upcycled).
Light candle.
Energetically cleanse your aura and surroundings with plant smoke, such as ritual incense or smokeless plant cleansing mist
Invite spirit allies. This can be done with a rattle, bell, or simply by spoken word. Be clear about WHOM and WHY you are inviting them.
Energetically cleanse the paper with the smoke or mist the air and run the paper through it quickly.
Invite spirit allies to bless the paper.
Using just a touch of conjuring oil, such as Ceremonie’s Anointing Oils, apply the oil (you need very little of it) onto your index finger and run your finger on the four corners of the sheet of paper. It is to dress the paper for magical preparation, NOT to make the paper oily. During the actual spell casting, you can create a “five point” dressing on the petition paper, by touching the four corners of the sheet of paper with a little more of a conjuring oil, and then the centre for the fifth point.
Say aloud the full intention of the paper consecration ritual. For eg. “May this paper be an effective container for my written intentions.” You can also be more specific with your intention for the ritual paper, for instance, if you’re looking to cast a protection spell, you may want to weave in something to do with guardianship of your energies, or if you’re looking to cast money spells, choose the appropriate wording. This of course, can also be further layered with the corresponding Ceremonie’s Anointing Oils , such as Anointing Parfum No. 2 for love spells or gentle persuasion or my Hexagram Conjure Oil - Return to Sender for reversing spells and otherwise sending back unwanted intentions to its sender.
Visualize the spirits and the light from the candle supporting this process. Feel the energies increase.
When you feel the process is complete, give thanks for the paper and spirit allies. Allow the candle to naturally burn out.
If you enjoy reading my written work on my occult blog, consider studying the occult with me. I offer live-stream occult courses and events, an online witches’ coven, and a series that covers core shamanic journeying, becoming a proficient Tarot reader and diviner using the I Ching, and more, called the Mystery Mentorship.
Mimi Young
Animist spirit medium and educator of occult studies
PS. This article was first published on my occult website’s blog.