The Compass Round: Forged Rings as a Tool in my Magical Practice
Authorโs Note: The content of this blog reflects my personal experiences and perspectives on magic. Witchcraft is a deeply individual practice, and my approach may not align with everyoneโs beliefs or traditions. I encourage readers to explore, question, and adapt what resonates with them. Nothing shared here is meant to serve as absolute truth or professional advice. Trust your intuition, do your own research, and walk your own path.
Some of the most significant tools in my magical practice are my compass ringsโforged metal rings that enhance my workings in profound ways. These rings are inspired by the practice of conjuring the Witches' Compass in Traditional Magic. Rather than Casting a Circle for each ritual, many Traditional Witches and spirit workers employ a Witches' Compass as a means of spirit travel or interacting with the unseen during their rituals.
My personal use of these rings was drawn from a dream. In this dream, I was working magic when I conjured a Witches' Compass. However, instead of the usual invisible compass, it manifested as a large, ring-shaped window through which I could reach and manipulate spirits and forces in another realm.
After my dream, I began immediately experimenting with different materials for this practice. I first used a wooden ring carved with symbols and words of power that held special significance to me. Later, I tried using a ring made of grapevine. However, for practical reasons, neither material was suitableโI work extensively with fire and candles, so I needed something authentic to my practice, folklorically appropriate, and non-flammable.
I ultimately settled on iron, a traditional material for wands in my practice and the material of one of my own wands. Iron is also deeply rooted in many magical traditions as a material of protection and power, which made it a perfect fit for what I needed. But I also knew from experience with my iron wand that I would need a second ringโjust as I have a second wand made of woodโfor situations where iron was not appropriate (such as work with the fey or other spirits that may have an iron aversion). I chose copper alloy, which would have been a traditional material for jewelry and other objects during the time period that primarily informs my practice.
To bring these rings into alignment with my practice, I developed my own variation of the Witches' Compass rite to "activate" them. I also anoint them regularly with my personal working oils, much like I do with my other magical tools. During workings, I either hold a ring in one hand and reach through it to complete a working or lay it on my workspace with my materials placed inside the ring.
These rings enhance my magic in several ways. They serve as a portal, allowing me to connect with the spirit world more directly. They also act as a visible focal point for my attention and intention, sharpening the clarity of my workings. Additionally, they provide a layer of protection, reinforcing the boundary between myself and the forces I work with.
Incorporating these rings into my practice has deepened my connection to magic, spirits, and the unseen world. They serve as both a tool and a reminder of the powerful vision that first led me to their creation, continuously guiding my craft in new and meaningful directions.
