In compound sorcery, particularly within the arts of Shadow and Nocturnal Witchcraft, the sigil is more than symbolic. It seals the power within materia magica, instructs spirits of plant and bone, opens or contains currents, and prevents the dissipation or rebellion of energy. This chapter presents four Autumnal sigils crafted for core rites and compound categories used specifically in this season—each built in a geometric style akin to ceremonial binding seals, and each designed to be etched, drawn, carved, or burned into tools, jars, satchels, and ritual matter.
Unlike the casual, aesthetic sigils of pop culture or the rhyming glyphs of modern Wicca, these sigils are deliberate and crafted from traditional magical geometry, spiritual alignment, and practical intent. They are designed for real use, especially in materia involving toxic botanicals, spirit communication, and defensive or baneful workings.
I. The Sigil of Baneful Severance
Construction:
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Begin with a broken circle, with two intentional gaps at opposing points (east and west).
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Inside, draw an X, reaching from top-left to bottom-right and top-right to bottom-left. Extend each arm slightly beyond the ring.
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Between each leg of the X, insert V-shaped thorns pointing toward the center.
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Leave the center blank—no dot or mark—to signify the hollowing of severed bonds.
Usage:
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Apply this sigil to the top of jars, etched into sealing wax for compounds that dissolve attachments.
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For cords and bindings, carve or draw the sigil at the midpoint or near the termination knot.
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Anoint with oils that include native baneful botanicals (e.g., oleander or toxic acacia) during a waning or dark moon, particularly in the final weeks of April or early May.
II. The Sigil of Ancestral Communion
Construction:
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Draw a spiral turning clockwise, three full rotations.
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Surround the spiral with two arc-like crescent shapes, one above and one below.
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Through the spiral’s center, draw a vertical line from top to bottom—this is the offering path.
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At the base of this line, insert a small downward-facing triangle, representing a grave notch or resting place.
Usage:
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Ideal for oils made with bone ash, myrrh, native bark resins, or grave dirt. Etch into the bottom of ritual jars or painted onto cloth satchels.
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Burn onto wooden tags or lids used to store incense for ancestral summoning.
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This sigil serves as a gate sigil: spirits recognize it and may use it as a point of entry or focus.
III. The Sigil of Dream-Sending
Construction:
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Begin with a crescent moon at the base, tips facing upward.
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Above it, draw three upward-arcing lines, like plumes or spirit trails.
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Nestled among the arcs, draw an eye-shaped oval with a central dot.
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Surround this cluster with a dotted circular veil, suggesting permeable boundaries.
Usage:
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Paint on the outer wrap of herbal dream bundles or etched into the lids of dream salves.
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Draw inside a pillow charm or under-eye ointment tag with herbs like mugwort, poppy, or native tea-tree flower.
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Can be burned into wood panels placed under the bed or sewn into ritual bedding used for astral travel.
IV. The Sigil of the Shielded Vessel
Construction:
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Begin with a hexagram: two intersecting triangles, one upright and one inverted.
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Enclose this with a perfect ring, without breaks.
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From the center outward, draw six short spokes, aligning with the points of the hexagram.
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Place a solid black dot in the center of the hexagram.
Usage:
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Carve onto the base of protective jars, especially those filled with native iron-rich earth, ash, or charcoal.
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Mark the outside of a satchel or phylactery used to ward the home.
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Burn or draw onto amulet tags, especially when combined with ashes from protective plants such as casuarina or eucalyptus.
These sigils are not to be memorized like runes or invoked as gods. They are functional diagrams, embedded with meaning, rhythm, and presence. When used correctly, they do not simply symbolize your intent—they command it. They contain, communicate, and direct magical energy, especially when used with materia crafted from potent plant and mineral allies.
In Autumn, the liminal forces grow sharper—edges matter. The sigil becomes the boundary between safety and chaos, connection and emptiness, body and spirit. Use them with understanding, not decoration. If a compound is to be powerful, its sigil must be precise. These marks are your contract with the season, the spirits, and the sacred work.
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