Sep 25, 2014

Little Witcheries - It's In The Bag

Fall has arrived, if not by weather, then by date. Seasonal folklore is rich this time of year. There are even certain seasonal rituals that involve swapping out clothing colours or shoe styles.  I've never been much for observing the "no white after Labour Day" rule, but I do enjoy changing out my purse when the light and dark hours shift.  Packed away is the bohemian shoulder bag for road tripping and the blue and white polka-dot summer purse, and out comes the brown bag with the faintest pattern that at first appears to be fleur de lys, but on closer inspection reveals grinning skulls.

When I do a handbag-swap, I always make a bit of a ritual out of it.  I pull every item out of the purses to be packed away, and then give them a good shake-out.  If they are of a material that can be wiped with a damp cloth or even spritzed lightly with a gentle soap or cleaner, I do that to get rid of any dust, or other random materials like that melted peanut butter M&M pen ink or makeup residue.  If the purse is leather, white, or made from a porous fabric, I dry dust it.  If it needs a touch more help, I'll do an inconspicuous spot test before using water or soap on it.

Once the purse is as clean as possible, I'll give it a good spray with my Prosperity Spray, or an annointing with an oil that draws money or success, or fumigate it with an incense that is made with ingredients that do the same.  Even though the purse is going back in the closet, it doesn't hurt to keep that money vibration working in it.  The very last thing I do is ensure that there is some actual money left in the bag.  Just as it is considered poor luck (or in poor taste) to receive or gift a purse with no money in it (for then it will stay empty), I never store a purse without some kind of money in it - even if it's just a dime.

I do the same routine when bringing out a purse that has been stored.  A good shake to wake it up, a spritz, a dab, or a smoking of prosperity and/or luck-bringing herbs or oils, and I'm good to start packing my portables back into it.


Some other items that find their way into my purses include:

Citrine - considered the merchant's stone, because it is often found in cash registers or behind counters or doors in shops, citrine attracts money to your door and customers to your store.

Pyrite - this stone is the golden disco-ball that brings money and luck your way.

Cinquefoil or Five Fingered Grass - the five leaves are said to represent money, love, health, widsom and power.

Symbols and Sigils - jot down your money drawing, protection, or success sigils, or favourite power symbols and tuck them into your wallet or purse pockets. 

Powders - for those that make rootwork or Hoodoo style powders, a little pinch in your purse can amp up the money magic!

Lucky Coins - a found penny with your birth-year on it, a Mercury dime, a little Chinese good luck coin, or whatever coin catches your eye.

Nuts and Spices - whether you are looking for a bit of general luck, or if you are hot for the slot machines, try popping a horse chestnut (Canadians and Brits call them "conkers" and Americans call them "buckeyes") or a whole nutmeg or cinnamon stick in your purse.



"...it's not a man purse - it's called a satchel." ~ Alan  (The Hangover)

As for the gentlemen who happen by this post, I'm going to suggest that the same tips apply. Whether you use a wallet or a satchel, if it is leather avoid the sprays and oils, and stick with powders or censing.  It's going to be a touch uncomfortable sitting on a citrine, so if you carry a wallet, stick with your sigils or a pressed cinquefoil, tucked behind a seldom-used card, or hidden in the bottom of your bill fold.  And always keep a bill in your wallet - even if it's just $1 (or $5 for us Canadians with fewer denominations of paper money.)

May your purse or wallet always be full, and ever be attracting more money to it!


Photos via (and linked back to) WikiCommons

17 comments:

HappyCrone said...

I call them conkers too, but I have a Brit cousin. Think of my purse/bag like Mary Poppins, I always seem to find just what is needed in it....and I'm not always sure where it came from!! And no, I don't think I'm a klepto, I just don't clean my bag out. I call myself a "bag lady" sometimes.

Anonymous said...

I am fussy enough about purses that when I find one I like, I just use it until it starts to wear at the seams. (Good thing I like Baggalini, those babies LAST!) But now you have me itching just a little to do something like this. Or maybe I just need to clean mine out regularly.

-Soli

Debra She Who Seeks said...

To honour the Goddess, I always carry in my purse a small rock painted with Her sacred triple spiral. And to honour the God, I carry a lovely celtic Thor's Hammer.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Oh yes, and I was taught to always carry a penny in your change purse so you will never be flat broke. Money attracts money! And if you give someone a wallet or change purse as a gift, always put a penny in it for them. It's bad luck to give an empty wallet.

Although now that Canada no longer has pennies, I guess the ante must go up to a nickel.

Anonymous said...

I clean my purses to store and the one I'm going to use, too. And, I always put money in the purse I'm storing as well. I also put money in the pockets of winter coats I'm storing and shoes n' boots. I love your list of goodies and I'll be sharing this post with another magical friend. Thanks for sharing.

Rue said...

Wasn't there a game show like that? Where the host would ask the audience for the craziest things, and they would all dig in their handbag for it?

Rue said...

Oooh, I have an orange Baggalini that I love! They are fantastic! But so many pockets I can never remember where I put everything!

Rue said...

I absolutely love that!

Rue said...

I hadn't heard of putting money in coats & boots, but I like it! Who doesn't want to find $5 in their winter coat? If it's cold enough to drag it out, at least you have enough money for a hot chocolate in your pocket!

Rue said...

Hmmm...Well, that's odd...

My direct replies to each person's comment have all dropped down to the bottom here. They show up directly underneath the comment when I view this post on my smartphone though. Sorry about that.

Aine O'Brien said...

Love these ideas! I'm just about to swap a purse and I am going to add some magic to it!

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

I have never done any of these....it's about time I got with it huh? Thanks for the ideas and thoughts.....xoxo Oma Linda

Rue said...

Let me know if you need a conker, Linda - they are just starting to fall from the trees now!

Anonymous said...

The show you're thinking of is Let's Make a Deal.

Rue said...

Thanks Soli! That's it! My mom used to watch it and I remember asking her why people carried so much in their purses!

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

Excellent post! I always carry a buckeye, Chinese coin, Citrine and symbols & Sigils.

Laura S Reading said...

This purse is brilliant!
I could be convinced to carry one.