The Powerful Magick of the Lodestone

If you haven’t explored the power of the Lodestone in your practices then keep reading about this powerful ally to the Witch and other Magickal practitioners.  The Lodestone (also called Magnetite), is used extensively in traditions like Hoo Doo, Root Working and Conjure and is also utilized by other types of practitioners as well.  The attracting power of the Lodestone has long been recognized the world over by people living and working closely with Nature and has been honored and revered for its miraculous power of attraction.

Magnetite

Long before we had an understanding of Magnetism from a scientific perspective, people had recognized the amazing qualities of Lodestones and Magnetite.  Operating on the principles of Sympathetic magick, practitioners for thousands of years have incorporated these amazing rocks in workings that were (and are) designed to bring desired outcomes to the practitioner who wisely utilized their magnetic properties.

Most practitioners of Magick eventually come to the realization of Animism which is the belief that all things are “alive” on their own levels of consciousness and existence.  Recognizing this, it is common for a practitioner to give a name to the Stone they are using.  This helps develop the bond between the Spirit of the Lodestone and the Spirit of the Witch.  After all, when we form alliances with the Spirits of Nature it helps to empower the relationship when we recognize more fully the entity we are working with.  This principle not only applies to stones, but to animals of course, plants and elements…the list goes on and on.

We are pleased to offer,  on our website, a Witch Joseph Magick/Art Zine about Lodestones, which presents a very easy to read guide to the basics.

It is common for a practitioner to clear the stone of previous energies…usually by smoke cleansing or sound cleansing.  Use the method that is familiar to you in your tradition.  I hold the stone over smoldering purification herbs and ritually say something like, “I purify this Lodestone of all previous and unwanted energies that it may be cleansed.  So it is!”

Naming the Lodestone

Generally, what follows next is ritually “baptizing” the Lodestone by sprinkling it with consecrated water…saying something like, “I baptize this Lodestone and give you the name of ________N_________.  So it is!”

Sometimes, the name given is inspired from the Witch’s ancestors.  It can also be the name of a Deity the Witch works with and wishes to honor.  Probably the most typical method of choosing a name is to pick a name that corresponds energetically to what the Witch is intending to attract to themselves.  For example, if it is money or financial prosperity the Witch might choose the name of a successful entrepreneur or someone who has great wealth.  A word of caution though, be careful not to choose the name of someone who also embodies negative things…ie, greed, ruthlessness and the like.  It is very easy to fall into the snare that exists in the chain of associations that exists in our own consciousness…so choose carefully a name that embodies the highest, best and wisest associations.

Once the Lodestone ally is ritually named, I find it helpful to speak to the Spirit of the stone, by name, and explain what it is you want them to attract.  I often go into detail at this point.  Sometimes, I will write it out as well on a small piece of paper.  (I generally use brown wrapping paper, parchment and the like…but I also use whatever I have available to me at the time.)

Housing the Lodestone

I have found that it is helpful to have a small dish or bowl to place the lodestone in because the next step I usually do is what is called “feeding the Lodestone”.  It is a way of providing energy and empowerment to our ally, so that they will be able to accomplish what we ask.  In Magick, everything is always a give and take…all workings require some form of empowerment to become operational and effective.

Feeding the Lodestone

Appropriate “food” for the Lodestone are iron filings (which should be used with great care since they can be rather sharp.) I normally use magnetic sand, typically in gold…and this seems to work very nicely.  Every so often (lodestones require regular interaction and “feedings”) I will carefully pour a small amount of rum on the stone…which makes a good offering.  They don’t want to be doused with it…a few drops will suffice.  When giving the Lodestone an offering or food, I usually use a formulaic declaration like the following.

”Thank you ________N________, for all the blessing you attract into my life…and for being my close ally in my workings.  Please accept this offering in thanksgiving and may it empower You in all that you do.”

It is a good practice to do this regularly so that our ally remains potent and strong.  I usually set aside times during the waxing moon for this since it is a form of attraction magick.

Sometimes, you can find a Lodestone Kit in Magic shops and Metaphysical stores that makes it easy to begin working with Them.

Once fed, I place the dish and lodestone in a special place being careful not to set it near anything that their energies might latch onto and attract.  A special shelf or nook is appropriate.  I place it on or with a sympathetic tag, such as the paper, mentioned above, that details our intentions.  Sometimes, I use a sigil created for this purpose…or I might set the Lodestone with dollar bills or coins for example, if I am doing a money working.  There is a lot of variation which is one of the reasons developing a relationship with the Spirit of the Stone is so important.  Be willing to follow guidance or impressions you receive.  Also, be open to the guidance of your other Spirit Guides and allies.  It is often the case that some of Them will have expertise in certain kinds of practices and workings.

Some practitioners also will take note of the “gender” of the stones and will often place a “male” stone with a “female” stone.  However, I never approach it this way…one stone has always been sufficient for a particular working.  I mention it,  since it is likely that you will come across this in your reading and research about them.  Follow your intuition and inner guidance.

Another thing to be aware of is, everything has a life cycle that is tied to its energies…the Lodestone is no exception.  There comes a time when They release their energies and no longer possess magnetic qualities.  When this happens, I generally thank Them for their assistance in my life and bury them with a final offering of flowers, libations and incense to empower Them in Their future lives.