Cursed Nail

“We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged” 
― Heinrich Heine

A staple in both traditional witchcraft and hoodoo works. Nails are potent tools when working banishing magic, curse magic. Can also be used for protection from those who wish you harm, and is widely used in spells of the dark arts, malevolence, jinxing, and hexing.

• 1 Nail
• Approx 2 1/2″ in length

Preparing for the Ritual

1. Gather Your Materials:
   • Cursed nail: This should be a physical nail that you have intentionally charged with negative energy or that carries a curse you’ve created or acquired.
   • Black candle: Symbolizing banishment, protection, and the release of negativity.
   • A small dish or bowl: To hold the nail and any offerings you may choose to include.
   • Protective herbs or salts: Such as black salt or crushed garlic, which can enhance the protective aspects of the ritual.
   • Optional items: Paper with someone’s name (if targeting a specific individual), protective crystals (like obsidian), or written intentions.
2. Choose Your Intentions:
   • Clearly define what you want to achieve with the ritual. Are you aiming to protect yourself, ward off negativity, or direct energy towards someone else? Formulate concise intentions to focus your energy during the ritual.

Performing the Ritual

1. Create a Sacred Space:
   • Begin by cleansing your space with incense or by visualizing protective energy surrounding the area. Set up your workspace where you can focus without distractions.
2. Casting the Circle (if desired):
   • If you practice circle casting, cast a protective circle to create a sacred and safe space for your workings.
3. Light the Candle:
   • Place the black candle in front of you. As you light it, focus on your intention, repeating a phrase or affirmation that resonates with your purpose:
   • Example: “With this flame, I banish the negativity and protect myself from harm.”
4. Incorporating the Cursed Nail:
   • Take the cursed nail and hold it in your hand. Visualize the energy that you have placed into it, whether it’s to deflect negativity or as a curse (if targeting someone). Feel the energy emanating from the nail and visualize it as a protective shield or a conduit for your intention.
   • Place the nail in the dish or bowl and surround it with protective herbs or salt, reinforcing the intent to protect or banish negativity.
5. Affirm Your Intention:
   • Speak your intention out loud. If you’re directing energy towards someone else, be specific:
   • Example: “With this nail, I cast away the negativity that surrounds me, and I sever the ties of harm that have been bound to my spirit.”
6. Meditation and Visualization:
   • Close your eyes and visualize your intention manifesting as you focus on the nail and the candle’s flame. Picture the outcome you desire, whether it’s protection, clarity, or releasing negativity.
7. Closing the Ritual:
   • Once you feel ready, express gratitude for any assistance you feel you’ve received from the energies or entities invoked during your ritual. Snuff out the candle to close the energy rather than blowing it out, which is believed to disrupt the intention.
8. Disposing of the Nail:
   • After the ritual, dispose of the cursed nail with care. Depending on the intention, you may bury it far from your home, throw it into running water, or place it in a safe location to ensure it no longer impacts your life.