Witchcraft correspondences are used by many magical traditions and practitioners. Think of spellwork like baking a cake—you want success, right? You want to see happy, enchanted faces when your results are served up. But would you add bell peppers to your cake? How about tuna? Of course not. They don’t fit the recipe. They don’t correspond.
In magical terms, this is what correspondences are all about—matching energies that work together toward your goal. If you’re performing a love spell, you want ingredients that align with love. For example, rose and hibiscus match that energy. The color red does too. These are traditional love correspondences.
So, you could say witchcraft correspondences are just energies that complement one another. When we work sympathetic magic, we create something from symbolic parts that already resonate with our intention. But correspondences go deeper than that.
The concept suggests that every item in existence holds its own energy and unique frequency. These energies naturally harmonize with others. When paired well, they enhance each other’s strength. Furthermore, every object connects with symbols, planetary forces, and other spiritual meanings.
Celestial bodies play a role too. The sun, moon, and even seasonal shifts carry energetic signatures. These elements also influence which correspondences we use. When we choose them intentionally, we maximize our magical outcomes.
Planning with Witchcraft Correspondences
So, whenever you work magic, decide on your witchcraft correspondences beforehand. This planning matters. The more aligned your components are, the more effective your spell becomes. Proper preparation equals better results.
Correspondences involve more than materials—they include symbolism. Symbols carry tremendous power in magic. That’s why correspondences combine objects, colors, seasons, and energies to make your intent manifest clearly. Start thinking of correspondences as energies.
This is why it’s so important to gather what you need before casting a spell. Research takes time. Some ingredients are hard to find. And sometimes, timing is everything. If a particular full moon is coming soon, you don’t want to miss the window.
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How to Choose Correspondences
How do you know which correspondences to pick? It always begins with the spell’s purpose. Focus on the desired result. Then select items that reflect and enhance that intention. You want them to work together, not clash.
Where do you even start? Books and websites are full of correspondence lists. However, not all sources are accurate. Be cautious, especially online. There’s a ton of magical nonsense out there—pages filled with exaggerated claims. Ironically, yes, this is an online article. But at least here, you’re told to verify your sources.
Also, trust your intuition. Don’t rely solely on lists. Learn the properties, yes. But when your gut tells you to grab a certain herb or stone, listen. Sometimes, the energy just feels right. Magic flows better when you blend research with instinct.
The Complete Book of Correspondences by Llewellyn is one of the best on the subject.
Let’s explore some types of correspondences now, and I made some recommendations.
Crystals and Gemstones
Crystals appear in almost every Pagan or metaphysical tradition. Why? Because every stone represents aspects of the human condition. People have associated magical and healing traits with stones for centuries. Each crystal resonates with specific energies.
However, not every stone works the same for every person. That’s why it’s important to experiment. Write down your results in your Book of Shadows. This way, you can track which combinations bring the best outcome.
Rose quartz is a classic for emotional healing and self-love. I wear it often, especially when I need emotional strength. Crystals also become talismans when worn daily. They radiate energy as you go about your day.
Check out Self-Love Crystals by Katie Huang if you’re exploring this area.
Personally, I wear nuumite for physical health protection. It’s deeply grounding and protective. Perfect for physical spells. In contrast, amethyst supports emotional clarity and psychic work. It pairs beautifully with rose quartz for emotional balance. And then there’s labradorite—don’t get me started. That one is like a magic storm trapped in stone.
Correspondences, Witchcraft & Magical Herbs
Herbs are incredibly versatile. The witchcraft correspondences of herbs are some of my favorites. Why? Because they’re both practical and effective.
White sage, also known as sagebrush.
Let’s start with sage. Most witches have it. White sage, also known as sagebrush, corresponds with purification and banishment. It has feminine, Earth-aligned energy. People use it to drive out negativity and emotional baggage. However, rosemary works similarly—and it’s far more accessible.
We sell white sage in our store and online, sage smudge sticks are popular. And no, we are not out there raking it off the hills in front of Native Americans. We grow it and also procure it from sustainable farms.
It happens all the time, but people confuse white sage with red sage. These two very different species have very different correspondences (magical properties).
Garden sage, also known as culinary sage.
In our coven garden, we grow garden sage, or culinary sage. Native communities often call it Sawge. Its proper name is Salvia officinalis. Unlike white sage, garden sage corresponds with wishes, immortality and long life. It also resonates with wisdom and protection.
I like having both versions available. Their magical properties serve different purposes.
Lavender? Everyone knows it promotes peace. But it’s also protective and purifying. Keep dried lavender near doors or windows to repel negative energy.
It aligns with Mercury, the element of Air, masculine energy, and even love. It promotes restful sleep, which is often overlooked in magical practice.
Get The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. It’s the gold standard for herbal magic. It offers lore, spell uses, and thorough correspondence details.
Color Correspondences
Colors are energetic symbols. Each one has magical influence. Witchcraft correspondences often revolve around them.
Red represents passion, desire, war, and courage. Use red when you need bold action or passionate outcomes. Purple, however, is tied to psychic energy, insight, royalty, and wisdom.
Some colors overlap. Purple and blue both help with justice work and spiritual clarity. They also assist with dream-related spells or psychic shielding.
Yellow improves memory and learning. I light a yellow candle on a mirror when studying. It helps me retain information. Yellow also relates to social energy and the sacral chakra. Interestingly, it connects with anxiety too. A little may calm you. Too much may trigger stress.
Color energy is personal. Traditions help, but you’ll build your own meanings. Study candle magic for deeper insight. That’s where color truly shines.
Be cautious online. I’ve seen websites list 150 meanings for one color. That’s overkill. Either it’s for SEO or it’s magical fluff. Use your common sense.
Numbers, Planets, and Animals
Numerology plays a big part in Paganism and witchcraft. Numbers hold energy. They aren’t just symbols; they influence magical results. Certain numbers amplify energy, while others promote balance or healing. You can combine them in specific ways to support your goals.
These numbers often correspond to planets. That’s where cosmic alignment enters the mix. Think of planetary days—Monday for the moon, Tuesday for Mars, and so on. Each day strengthens particular spellwork. Planetary hours also matter. Timing affects results.
There are great books and websites for tracking these cycles. Lunar calendars help you align your spells with moon phases. Each full moon of the year has its own unique correspondence. Don’t overlook this when planning long-term rituals.
Animals play a big role, too. In many Pagan paths, animals represent spiritual truths. Symbolic animals carry their own meanings. Think of the owl for wisdom or the raven for transformation. These animals show up in dreams or rituals for a reason. They reflect magical energies trying to reach you.
People have worked with animal symbolism for centuries. Totem animals, familiars, or spirit guides—whatever name you use—each one brings insight and power to your practice.
Elemental Correspondences
Let’s talk elements. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—these are core to witchcraft correspondences. Many systems also recognize a fifth: Spirit. Sometimes called Self or Will, it represents direction and inner force.
Each element corresponds with a direction and a magical domain. I go over this more in my altar article, but here’s a quick summary.
Earth governs abundance, fertility, prosperity, and grounding. It’s tied to wealth, harvests, and security. Air rules intellect, ideas, logic, and communication. It governs libraries, courtrooms, mountain peaks, and the mental plane.
Fire stands for passion, transformation, courage, and inspiration. It’s bold and chaotic but also a catalyst. Water reflects emotions, relationships, healing, and dreams. It connects to the psychic world and the fluidity of human feelings.
Spirit holds them all together. It’s the binding force and the will to act.
When building your spell, choose elements that support your goal. Elemental balance enhances outcomes. Lean too heavily in one direction and your results may wobble.
Conclusion
All things have correspondences. Calendars, metals, trees, insects, gods and goddesses, even people. Hopefully, this article got you thinking more deeply about how you work your magic. With better planning and stronger understanding of witchcraft correspondences, you’ll craft more focused, powerful spells.
Take the time. Do the research. Trust your intuition. Then get out there and enchant your world.
Blessed Be.
Great blog post once again Greg. It is important to have every preparation. What is the best way,do you think, of vetting the vast amount of information on the internet for your correspondence knowledge base?
Thank you, Luna, 🙂 Vetting correspondences … complicated question to answer, yet not too difficult to do. First, use your logic and intuition, you’ll know many correspondences naturally. Look things up in trusted resources, books by reputable authors etc. before the internet. It’s not that there isn’t some facts or truth online. But admittedly, there’s a lot of horseshitz too.
Always do your homework. Notice things, look at the energy of colors, then look at the seven main corresponding chakra centers. You’ll notice they have a lot in common, in other words, they correspond. Another thing to keep in mind is that everything, physical objects to intangible things, like dates on calendars, seasons, cycles have energy, symbolism and, ergo, correspondences. Even memories do. Blessings!
I love learning about and using different correspondences. Crystals were my first and still a huge influence on my life and practice. When I learned about what planetary dates, times and void of the moon meant and how to calculate things improved greatly.
What correspondence makes the best foundation, for the best possible outcomes, when practicing witchcraft? I’m your experience and opinion.
😉 There are an infinite number of correspondences Erika, without narrowing it down to a specific spell and desire outcome, that’s about impossible to answer. Like planetary hours and days, they all have very unique energies, but it would depend on your spell. Hopefully this answers your question. In the future, if you have a specific spell you want to work on, hit me up about correspondences. 😉 Blessings!