In many magical traditions, workings can be done to ensure protection of home, property, and people. In fact, protection magic is one of the oldest and most popular purposes for magical spellwork. The use of protection spells has been documented back to the times of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, and is found in magical belief systems from all over the world. There are a number of simple ways you can do protection workings using items you probably already have around your house.

Make an Onion Braid

This is a simple protection charm to hang in your home to protect those who live there. Braiding is a very relaxing and magical way to spend an evening, and by braiding your onions, you can prepare them for winter storage – basically, you're accomplishing the magical and the mundane all in one shot. To do this, you'll need a bunch of onions with the green tops still attached, and about four feet of heavy twine. Begin folding the twine in half, and tying a knot near the end, creating a loop. Lay the twine on a flat surface and place an onion upside down so that the greens of the onion form a third "string", along with the two free ends of the twine.

Using the two free lengths of twine and the onion stem, form a tight braid. Repeat this until the onion is securely in place. Repeat the process with the rest of your onions, braiding them in and out between the other stems and the two strands of twine. As you do so, focus your intent. Onions are magically linked to protective magic, so you can braid the onions and recite an incantation linking them to whatever sort of protection you feel you need. Some sample incantations might be:

For protection of a home:

Onions wrapped around a braid,

This charm for my home I have made,

Keep negative energy away from me,

As I will, so it shall be.

For protection of a person:

Layers and layers of onion skin,

Layers of safety for those within,

Layers to make all harm stay out,

Keep (name) safe, without a doubt.

Protection Crystals

Use crystals or stones with magical properties, such as Hematite to create a barrier around your home. Put a piece of Hematite at each outside corner of the house. Other protective stones you can use include amber, carnelian, and onyx.

Protection Oil

Brew up some Protection Oil, and anoint yourself with it. This will keep you safe from psychic or magical attacks. This magical blend that includes lavender and mugwort can be used around your home and property, your car, or on people whom you wish to protect.

To make Protection Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:

4 drops Patchouli

3 drops Lavender

1 drop Mugwort

1 drop Hyssop

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Protective Herbs

Plant herbs with protective properties, such as violet, thistle, honeysuckle, or fennel around your home. When they bloom, harvest them and hang them up to dry. Use the dried herbs in protective sachets or incense.

Iron as Protection

Hang an iron horseshoe, open end facing down, to keep evil spirits out of your home. A horseshoe found along the side of a road was particularly powerful, and was known to provide protection against disease. In some areas, the horseshoe is displayed with the open side at the top, to contain good fortune. If you have access to iron railroad spikes or nails, pound them into the soil surrounding your property to form a metaphysical barrier – just be sure you get them all the way into the dirt, so you don't stub a toe on them later!

More Protective Charms and Spells

Make a batch of Black Salt to sprinkle around your property for protection.

In western Scotland, it was once popular to make a small cross of rowan twigs and bind them together with red string. Hanging this in the window or over a door will keep negative influences from crossing the threshold.

If you're suffering from bad dreams, consider making an Herbal Dream Pillow to protect you in your sleep.Make a magical poppet to protect yourself or a loved one.

In addition to performing protection workings, be sure to read up on magical self-defense and protection!