Negative Neighbors

[Sundancer]

So my downstairs neighbors have a lot of negative energy. It's a couple with a little girl. They fight a lot and the guy is definitely a jerk. He has yelled at me before for being T.V. apparently being loud when I can literally hear him screaming at his girlfriend and calling her names (I haven't witnessed anything physical!). I was in an abusive relationship so I'm a little sensitive.

Anyways, I think I need a protection or binding spell to shield myself and my daughter their negative energy. I'm not sure how I feel ethically about binding spells though but I would love to hear thoughts and experiences with both. And of course if you have a spell that you think would help.

[AdastraJunction]

I honestly don't see anything wrong with a binding spell done with the best intentions on a negative situation involving another innocent like yourself, who knows maybe it will help the woman as well as you? You do what you feel is best for you and your little one and if in the end it helps an innocent then all the better.

[Sundancer]

Thank you. I might try a binding spell and see how it goes. Do you follow the moon phases for particular spells?

[AdastraJunction]

I know some people do, me not so much unless I'm looking to do something with a little more strength to it. As long as I put my all into the spell and I am confident in the ritual I don't usually need to follow the rules of the moon phases. Don't change anything you would normally do unless you feel its right. The important thing is your own strength and confidence in what you are doing and that if feels right.

[Sundancer]

Awesome, thank you. I'm new to this and all the different aspects can be a little overwhelming. I'm sure my rituals will evolve but for now I think I will just focus on being natural.

[AdastraJunction]

I found in the beginning a journal helps, something that you can refer too and evolve from, list the do's and dont's, what works and what doesn't for you. Making sections to it helps like stone lists, spells section you know the general things.

[Echo_of_shadows]

I believe in focusing magick on oneself before focusing it on another. I would focus on making sure that your environment feels safe and loving for you and your daughter. You might want to look into wards, shield and witch bottles.
Here are a few links to get you started:
Using Fire agate or black tourmaline to deal with negativity
Psychic Shielding
Protection Spells - Banishing Spells
Witches Bottle for Protection
What else can I put in a Witch's Bottle?
Witch's Bottle + Burial
And here's a link to a video on how to make a Witch bottle:
"How to Make a Witch Bottle"

[nyxmoonshadow]

I feel your pain, Sundancer. I also have negative neighbors and it's draining. To me personally, the binding spell doesn't sound unethical in this situation. If he's like that with his family, he might be a no holds barred type of person to outsiders. I would do it, especially because there are children involved.

[Sundancer]

Thank you Echo and nyxmoonshadow!

[Firebird]

Hi Sundancer, I think sheilding and warding are good options,
but on a human level...and since you have been in an abusive relationship, perhaps you could talk to the woman an encourage her to seek out help. Verbal abuse is just as damaging as physical violence, and it will effect her whole life, and that of her child henceforth unless she can get help.
You might even call the police next time you hear him screaming at her.
Blessings, Firebird

[Sundancer]

Hi Sundancer, I think sheilding and warding are good options,
but on a human level...and since you have been in an abusive relationship, perhaps you could talk to the woman an encourage her to seek out help. Verbal abuse is just as damaging as physical violence, and it will effect her whole life, and that of her child henceforth unless she can get help.
You might even call the police next time you hear him screaming at her.
Blessings, Firebird

I agree but in my own experience intervention from other people can be counter active. Not that I want her or anyone to be abused but we still make choices. In talking with other abused women (and men), until they reach that *point* they are going to be defensive of their relationship and their partner. I made a choice when I stayed and another when I left and it was all mine. I think that is what helped me to never go back, even though it's hard. If she came to me that would be one thing but until then I'd rather just keep my distance.

[Firebird]

Being defensive can equal denial but some don't even realize what they are experiencing to be abuse. And even those in denial need help and support to find the strength to break free ...and in getting help they will learn about the dynamics and how to not fall in to another similar relationship. Those who don't realize it, are in danger of ruining their whole life when they fall into this viscous cycle that strips you of every last part of your dignity. Being battered down emotionally to a point of utter dispare where hope ceases to exist.
I'm sorry this is happening so near you, it must feel very uncomfortable. If he is also yelling at you, this could be triggering for you too, and potentially dangerous. Because if he isn't straightening out his act to look good for the neighbors, not only is he an abuser but likely a sociopath.
I can't sit by and not say anything anymore. I feel we all need to be warriors against abuse, it is getting worse as this world grows. Knowledge and lots of hard work will create change. We must be vigilant like fighting a virus, it affects people on all levels, races, lifestyles, religions, and from any socioeconomic background.
Perhaps you could give her a number to a DV hotline. You could be very passive in your planting a "seed", maybe appealing to the mother in her, surely she doesn't want this for her daughter.
As for yourself, a few practical protections, like good locks, the phone number to the police handy, notifying some other friend or neighbor when the guy starts to go off, pepper spray or some other weaponry perhaps. Then sheild your house, place the wards, and use a witch bottle and charge a talisman.
This guy could go off at any moment.
Firebird

[Obsidian]

I know this isn't what you asked, but if the noise is disruptive for you, have you considered doing 'practical things' such as reporting them to the police, landlord if they're renting, community services or the local council? I'm not sure were you live but I too have had trouble with noisy neighbors and I've taken practical steps and I've found that to be useful.

Back to your original question, as another person mentioned it may be worthwhile to try spell work on yourself first. I had good results using a blue lace agate for calming and new beginnings, and I've also tried some guided meditations which I found on Youtube. These are to help me learn how to keep calm when my neighbors get noisy.

[Xiao Rong]

@ Sundancer & Firebirdflys --

I think you're both right; some people can get quite defensive about their relationship and aren't ready to seek help, while others may simply not know that their relationship is abusive and could really benefit from the information. Sometimes calling the police can do more harm than good (where the woman might feel compelled to protect her husband and lie to the police; I've also heard of the police arresting the wrong partner!). Bystander intervention can be quite stressful, but it might be helpful for your neighbor if you were to spread a little positivity her way, by becoming acquaintances with her or getting to know her a bit?* I say this because a lot of abusers use isolation as a tactic to keep someone under control, and breaking that isolation (even if it's just little stuff like complimenting her on her nice taste in clothes or whatever) can go a long way in rebuilding lost self-esteem, letting her know there's hope out there, etc.

* Only if you're feeling up to the task, of course. Your own safety is paramount!

[Sundancer]

Thanks everyone! @Xiao Rong and @Firebirdflys, I like the idea of being discreet mostly because I think everybody deserves a little kindness .