When considering elemental associations and fire, there are a few different ways of looking at it. I tend to see fire and action as being related, and that carries into the tarot as well for me. Swords are about action, and I relate that to fire, while other people see wands as fire, per the burning inspiration of the mind with ideas. Regardless of which position you take, fire causes active physical change that cannot be undone, and it also provides illumination. If you’re looking for drastic change or to shed light on a problem, then applying your sigil with fire may be a good choice.
A Sigil of Smoke
Smoke and Air
Probably the most invisible and simplest method is to trace your sigil in the air—with your index finger, a wand, an athame, a crystal, a stick, etc. You could also light an incense stick or a bundle of herbs designed for smoking, using that to draw your sigil with the resulting smoke. Ideally you would select an incense fragrance or collection of herbs that correlate with the intention behind your sigil. I’m not a fan of smoking cigarettes or cigars, but there are some spiritual traditions where using either of these would make perfect sense for drawing your smoke sigil. Regardless of what you set ablaze smoking, be conscious of smoke alarms and not hitting other people or pets with secondhand smoke.
As mentioned in the previous “Fire” section, some people associate swords with the element of air, whereas to me, air represents the very nature of ideas. Ideas are invisible until we act upon them, just as we don’t see the wind blowing unless we can notice the trees moving or feel it upon our skin. Air is also necessary for fire to exist, so ideas feed into action. Sigils that are meant to provoke new ideas, generate new patterns, and cause subtle shifts might be best drawn with air or smoke.
Herbs
Most dried herbs come fairly ground-up, so you can siphon them out of a paper cone to sprinkle into the shape of your sigil. If you’re doing this outside, let the elements do their thing after you’re done. If you’re doing this inside, make sure you’re not sprinkling anything that’s poisonous to pets or children, and be sure you can vacuum it up or sweep it away. You could also ground the herbs up finer, add some water, and make it into a paste that can be dispensed out of a piping bag (like for baking) for added control. This can make it easier to draw the sigil, which will then dry, break down, and vanish outside.
You should use herbs that relate to the purpose of your sigil. For example, you could use lavender for a healing or calming sigil, rosemary for a retaining memory sigil, valerian for a restful sleep sigil, sandalwood for a protection sigil, jasmine for a drawing love sigil, and vervain for an inspiration sigil. Check your favorite herbal witchery book for herbs whose correspondences align with your sigil.
Planting a Sigil
Plant a Sigil
This is a pretty straightforward method and technically does produce visible results, but unless you’re making your sigil the size of a large field with plants that are going to stand out, most people will not notice it. The idea here is to use seeds or seedlings to draw your sigil in the soil, then take care of them so they will take root and grow. As the plants grow, so is your sigil acknowledged. This method of application is best used for long-term goals that you are dedicated to achieving—ideally with you planting on your own land or someplace where you can tend to the plants regularly. It definitely requires an investment in time and effort, so it’s not for something you have immediate need for.
You have a variety of options to consider when choosing plants to make your sigil. You could go by the color of their leaves or flowers (following the suggestions in the “Colors” section in chapter 2). You could plant herbs that correlate with the purpose of your sigil (see the “Herbs” section earlier in this chapter). You could also grow plants that produce fruits or vegetables that you can consume or share later (see the “Other Nomlicious Sigils” section later in this chapter).
Another option would be to scatter the seeds somewhere else (in the wild, an open lot, etc.) and let nature take its course. Obviously the mindset behind a one-time method like this is very different from a more permanent one like tending a garden over time, so the sigil’s intent/purpose would be a bit more “if the fates allow it.” Frankly, this method could also be used for a dissent sigil (something that’s meant to start the spread of new ideas or fight the system) spread guerrilla-style. Just be responsible and safety-minded. On that note, don’t introduce invasive species of plants—especially just to spite someone or something. Reminder: you often reap what you sow, physically and otherwise.
For the Birds
Birdseed
Want your sigil to take flight and take root? Then use birdseed to outline your sigil, and let the birds do the rest! Everybody is happy—including the squirrels and other small mammals. (Okay, it may not make your human neighbors too happy, so take that as you will.)
Other Nomlicious Sigils
Why should the birds and small furry beasts have all of the fun? An amazing way to apply your sigil is to absorb it into your own body through eating it (or drinking it, as I mentioned earlier in the “Water” section). It becomes part of your body and you don’t technically see it again. Of course, the sigil you choose to eat or drink should be a positive thing that you are consciously internalizing—either for aiding your physical body or for your mental/spiritual well-being.
So if kitchen witchery is your jam, then there are a multitude of ways you could eat your sigils. They could be made with icing, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or cinnamon dust—and, I’m sure, with other non-dessert, savory items as well. The sigil could be visible on the plate as a design, or something that is hidden or cooked away in layers. (Just don’t go obsessively sculpting it into your mashed potatoes at the dinner table.) If you’re not much of a cook but you can artfully handle a bottle of mustard, ketchup, or other condiment, then you could sigil up that hot dog or sandwich. Sigil, Swiss cheese, and salami sandwich, anyone?
Black on Black
Really, this option is not specific to black only, but refers to the idea that you’re making your sigil with something that is the same color as the surface you’re drawing on. So drawing with a black permanent marker on the black plastic of your desk or chair is one way to do it. There are brands of oil-based paint markers that come in a variety of colors, so you could color-test them first to see if they will work for whatever you need to draw your sigil on. The idea is that you know the sigil is there, but it’s not easy for anyone else to see it. This technique is especially handy in situations where you don’t want to be explaining your sigil to anyone or constantly answering, “What’s that symbol mean?”
Cleaning and Cleansing
You can incorporate sigils into cleaning tasks, basically doing double-duty. Liquid soap and other kinds of cleaners that you can easily manipulate to make shapes with (like a dusting spray or furniture polish) can be used to draw sigils onto the surface you are cleaning. Use protection sigils on floors and windows, harmony and communication sigils on tables, and productivity or relaxation sigils on chairs. You could also carve a bar of soap with a sigil and wash with it. Choose a scent or herbal blend that enhances your sigil. Bonus points if you make the soap yourself or acquire it from someone who hand-makes soaps.
Sigils on Skin
We have looked at a variety of sigil applications that involve either making a physical item or creating ones that are meant to be temporary or invisible in your environment. Now let’s look at a different kind of canvas for your sigil: your body.
The Tattooed Sigil
Sometimes you are compelled to create a sigil that you know you want to be a part of your skin. For many practitioners, tattoos are not just decoration—they have spiritual and sacred meanings, and mark the different parts of our lives. These tattoos are for our own eyes, versus something meant to be displayed as adornment. I’m not being down on that kind of tattoo, but rather am pointing out that a l
ot of consideration and introspection goes into putting a sigil tattoo on your body.
I currently have three sigil tattoos at the time I am writing this, and it’s quite possible I’ll have more by the time you’re holding this book in your hands. My first sigil tattoo I designed for my sternum. It incorporates some North African symbolism (part of my heritage and the heritage of my mentors at the time who helped me make sure the alignment was correct) and images relevant to Modern Traditional Witchcraft. Its purpose is to protect and guide my heart and strengthen my identity, for at the time it was done, I was going through a very rough part in my life. My second and third sigil tattoos were done together, and are located on the tops of my thighs. The spot was largely inspired by one of my own paintings, so that’s the subconscious at work for you. Their purpose is to balance the left and right sides of my brain, and help me to focus on my path.
None of them were done with the initial thought of “I want to get a tattoo—what should it be?” There are plenty of tattoos I have fantasized about getting over the years but haven’t had done yet. Rather, these tattoos came about because I got a very firm and clear image that this was something that I needed to do. And then they were put into action not long after that idea sprang into my head. They are also designed to be things I am personally committed to for the rest of my life.
Photo of the Author’s Leg Tattoos
I’ve also designed a number of sigils for clients that were destined to be tattoos. Or sometimes a client commissions a sigil because they know they need it, and then afterward they decide to get it tattooed as well. The power sigil I created and released in November 2016 has also been tattooed on quite a few people because it called to them. I believe that in the end, if you feel strongly about having a particular sigil tattoo, then you know your way and your body. It’s not very likely going to be a thing you’ll regret later on in life.
So as you may have guessed, I’m all for sigil tattoos if it makes sense for you. The concept may seem confusing if you’re used to a sigil method that says you’re supposed to burn the sigil, but as I pointed it out, that’s not always the best course of action anyway.
So if you’re thinking about getting a sigil tattoo, here are some things to consider:
• What will the sigil do for you?
• Is this something you definitely want to have on your body forever?
• Where will it go and why?
• Can it be seen, or does it need to be hidden?
• What color should it be?
Tip: When choosing a tattoo artist, be sure to look for someone who does exceptionally clear and clean line work. You want to see consistent and even strong lines, as well as a demonstration of knowledge about how the work will age over time. Otherwise you might end up with blurry or messy lines, sooner or later. Look to see healed examples of their work. Meet with them and see if you feel comfortable with them and their workspace. If it doesn’t feel right, then find another artist. There are a fair number of artists out there who understand ritual and spirituality in regard to tattoos—so you definitely want to find one of those!
Henna Sigils
Perhaps you are enamored with the idea of having a sigil on your skin, but you can’t or don’t want to get tattooed. Then henna is a possibility for you. Henna has been used for centuries to dye skin, hair, fingernails, and fabrics—from North Africa to the Middle East to South Asia—by an extensive variety of traveling cultures and faiths. As those people from those areas have migrated, henna has come with them, and it’s developed another layer of artistry of its own. Nowadays, you can find henna artists at street fairs, festivals, conventions, and shops.
Real henna paste is made from the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) and is carefully applied to the skin in designs and patterns. Then when it dries and flakes off, the henna leaves the skin dyed a reddish-orange hue, which can last for several weeks. Henna can also be used to paint on bones, the skins of drums, and other natural fibers. It is typically applied with a cone or needle-less syringe tube to make fine lines and tiny marks, which is great for sigils! But it does take a great deal of practice to get the hang of it. It can be difficult to find good-quality, fresh henna—and you don’t know until after the design flakes off whether it was good or not. You also want to avoid “black henna,” because it’s not made from henna but from non-natural chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation.
If henna is something that interests you, I recommend seeing if there are any artists in your area and then talking to them. They often offer classes and training sessions—and there are even henna conferences where artists get together to talk about their trade.
Makeup Sigils
Maybe you would like to put a sigil on your skin temporarily—maybe just for one night or a week. Then turn to the tool of Goths the world over: the eyeliner pen or pencil. NYX, Wet n Wild, and other commonly found budget makeup lines found in the average drugstore make eyeliner pencils in a wide variety of colors—even metallics! There are even glitter pens and brushes if you need to get your glitter on. The thing about makeup is that is wears off—and if you’re putting this somewhere under clothes, you are likely going to stain them as well. I also don’t expect people to wander around with glitter sigils on their foreheads at work. But sometimes you want to draw a sigil on you for ritual or another special purpose, but you don’t want it on you forever. Then makeup is going to be a viable option that can work well for that temporary need.
Acknowledging Your Sigil
Now that I have given you many ideas to consider for applying your sigil, let’s look at some easy ways you can acknowledge your sigil—if that is part of your plan. The purpose of acknowledgment is to reorient yourself with the sigil, so you can stimulate your memory and the magical process. It also infuses the sigil with more energy and intent, renewing or refreshing it.
Visual Recognition
With the simplest version of the sigil, just the mere act of drawing it on paper, of putting it where you will see it on a regular basis, will do the trick. Even if you’re not sitting down to explicitly stare at it, it’s still in your brain’s field of vision. If it’s on an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry that you put on, or a painting on your altar—once again, that physical and visual contact triggers the sigil.
Tracing
If you feel you need something more hands-on than that, you could trace your sigil. This can be done invisibly with your finger on a flat surface—seeing the sigil in your mind’s eye. Or, with a pen or pencil (or fingertip), you can draw over an existing copy of your sigil, meditating upon it. If you’ve scanned your sigil or have a digital photograph of it, you could trace it with your finger on the screen of a tablet. If you have a stylus, you could do the same with a tablet or in correlation with your computer screen.
Anointing
For sigils that are on the skin, you can anoint them with essential oils once they are properly healed. Actually, during the healing process, when using the proper ointment or salve that your tattoo artist recommends and clean hands, you are still making that mental hand-eye-sigil connection. You can also use oil to draw your sigil on your body, so that it will be absorbed into the skin. In a similar vein, you could carve the sigil onto a bar of soap that you wash with daily.
Refreshing
If you’ve done one of those more “invisible” kinds of sigils, and you feel more work is still needed, then you can go back and do it again. This works for house blessings and warding, redrawing the sigil where it’s needed. It’s basically just like housekeeping: making sure everything is clean, clear, and in working order.
Ingesting
Building upon the refreshing concept, remember those nomlicious sigils? Through the process of eating or drinking the sigil, you can visualize it becoming part of you, entering your bloodstream. You can very much ritualize the process and make a daily reminder out of it. For example, you could b
ake a batch of cookies and ice them with your sigil design. Then for seven days you could sit down at 7:00 p.m. and eat one of those cookies, savoring the taste and visualizing the effects. You could also score a sigil on a bar of chocolate, and break off a section a little at a time.
Devotional Sigils
Devotional sigils are meant to be a personal connection or a kind of contract between you and a spirit or deity. Some deities have sigils they prefer, and they may reveal those to you—either through a dream or vision or by calling your attention to it in your daily travels. Drawing out their sigil is a form of evocation or invocation, depending on the spirit or divine energy you are working with and your purpose. When used in a ritual context, the sigil can be seen as a kind of gateway or bridge between worlds. It can also be used for communication, protection, and guidance outside of defined ritual settings.
While the other kinds of sigils we’ve talked about focus on gaining power over yourself and your surroundings, the devotional sigil is best seen as a sharing of power or energy. For some practitioners, this is an act of worship. For Modern Traditional Witches, we see it as a partnership or relationship that flows both ways. We show deities and spirits honor and respect and aid them when we can. In turn, they guide and aid us as well.
If you have been working with a particular deity or spirit and haven’t yet developed a sigil you both agree on, you can use the following ritual.
Devotional Design Ritual
Prepare the space you are working in as you would for any ritual that requires creating a sacred sphere of energy. Gather a decent-sized sketchbook and a fresh pen or marker—you don’t want something that will break, bleed, or run out easily on you. Set up a central comfortable area for you to draw in, and set a pillow adjacent to you (for your guest). Make sure the lighting is just enough for you to see in—not too bright or too dark. Set up an altar or shrine with items that relate to the spirit or deity you are working with. Make sure it’s directly in front of your comfy drawing area. Set a white candle that will last at least an hour between you and the altar. Cast the space, and center yourself in the middle, with your drawing materials close by. Take three deep breaths and light the white candle. Say:
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