Under a waxing moon everything leans toward more: more light, more tide, more strength returning to the tired. A cord worked in this rising hour learns to rise along with it.
This working reaches toward the rebuilding of what illness has worn thin. Braided and knotted with intent, the plait becomes a scaffold the body climbs, each strand a sinew relearning its old office, each knot a rung set firm into the returning strength.
The Working
- Choose three lengths of thread and anoint each with a little oil pressed from a healing herb.
- Lay a small quickening crystal at the center of your working space and braid the three threads above it.
- As you braid, breathe over the plait and picture strength rising in the one who needs it.
- Tie the first knot near the top and speak a single word of health into it.
- Work downward, tying seven knots in all, giving each its own word of returning vigor.
- Pass the finished cord three times around the crystal to charge it, then bind its two ends into a ring.
- Give the ring to be worn at wrist or throat until the waxing moon stands full.
The Incantation
Seven rungs upon a stair,
climbing strength through braided hair,
sinew, breath, and rising tide,
knot the vigor deep inside.
As the moon grows round and whole,
grow the body, grow the soul.
The cord is sealed by the ring you tie of its ends and released when the moon comes full and the plait is cut from the wrist. Strength climbs home along the strands.