Correspondences in Witchcraft

Magick, in my belief and experience, is working with the divine, both within and without, to turn intention and will into energy and then transform that energy into reality. It can be done with no tools or materials other than the mind and the will, but adding imagery, symbolism, and involving the senses to immerse yourself in the working strengthens the magick, by aiding in focusing the intention and amplifying the energy.

Correspondences are those symbols and sensory influences: the colors, scents, plants, astrology, crystals and other items that relate to the particular Deity or aspect of magick, such as prosperity, health or love, with which you are working. They pack complicated concepts and meanings into easily recognized symbols. Symbols and objects meaningfully connected to a working also take on much of the burden of maintaining complex ideas, allowing a tighter control over the complete spell, especially when working with multiple concepts. Over time and with practice, the automatic recognition of the properties of the correspondences will more instantly evoke or trigger both the required focus or intent, and the specific energy required for the spell or ritual.

Using correspondences in a spell or ritual also further connects the will to the physical, whether by the symbolic association of energy in an item or its property, or by the energy that is inherently already present in an object. The corresponding item’s inherent energy is also added to the energy of the spell, potentially increasing the spell’s effects. When working with an item, such as an herb or a planetary alignment, that is already imbued with a particular energy, it is important to understand why that item has its particular correspondence, in order to connect with it on every level, and to use it properly. The wrong energy could even actively work against the spell.

The ability to get into an altered state of mind when doing spellwork is arguably the most important aspect of using any tool, prop or meaningful item. While many correspondences are generally universal, individuals will have some correspondences that are specific to themselves, based on their own experiences and sensory triggers. I have traditionally pulled my correspondences from general knowledge found on the internet or in books, cross referencing multiple sources to ensure that they were commonly understood to reference the same things. Some subjects, however, I have my own correspondences for, without checking them against other sources. They have such strong connotations for me that I have confidence they are influencing my intention and energy in the right direction. There are times when a specific correspondence universally accepted is less appropriate to my spell than one that has a strong meaning for me, that evokes an emotion or a state of mind that is perfectly aligned with my intended result.

Looking up correspondences based on intended result can be effective, but magick is supercharged when mind, intent, will, and focus are combined with items or symbols of correspondences that are meaningful and fully understood. Used properly, these symbols contribute by acting as a stand-in for complex concepts to enhance focus; utilize memory and emotion and sensory input to put the caster into a magickal state; and even increase the energy used during the spell.

I highly recommend making a list of at least the most common correspondences for ease in crafting your own spells, especially those that you have found personally to be the most effective for you. As a starting point, I provide printable pages, ready to insert right into your own Book of Shadows..

I hope you find this helpful, and I wish you blessings on your magickal workings..

Blessings & Light,

Crystal