Spells that litter?

[cloverfox]

I've been doing some research on a banishing spell (my roommates abusive boyfriend has got to go), and I've come across several that involve throwing glass jars into rushing water and kind of feel like this is completely contradictory of what we're all about....littering? I'm not comfortable with this and have yet to find a satisfactory alternative. I have a couple of simpler ideas and will most likely just conjure my own, but I mostly just wanted to see what y'all thought of things like throwing inorganic material into water or other natural spaces.

[Siona]

I agree with you, I'm not really a fan of leaving behind something that's not going to decompose quickly. For me there might be a few exceptions, like burying a glass jar next to the front step of a home as part of a protection spell, since it's going to be right next to something that's also not going anywhere for a while, but throwing it into a river, or putting it out into the woods somewhere, anything like that I try to avoid.

There are a couple ways around this, like if you want to leave a figure somewhere, throw it into a river, bury it, whatever, it can be carved from a branch, or even something like a carrot or potato, or some other sort of root. If you need a 'container' that will quickly decompose, you could hollow out an apple, or a small gourd, that sort of thing. Natural ink on wood, a stone, or bark is also an option. Lots of other options beside leaving something glass, plastic, metal, or whatever other material that's going to be around for a very long time.

[smogie_michele]

I'm loving the idea of hollowing out a food item ^^
Very unique, and a great substitute.

[cloverfox]

Yeah, or making a little doll of corn husks with twine even! I'd feel better about burying that. And yeah, I also agree with the carving into a branch or what about chalk on a rock? I will incorporate more of that into my own spells and less other stuff!

Glad I'm among like-minded folks.

[*tylluan]

How refreshing to stumble across this. I too have a problem with littering and having seen a poor dog cut its paw on broken glass in a river it put me off leaving jars etc for life.

The food idea is great. Years ago they'd have left little bags of herbs, or flowers. I did have a friend who would carve little poppet shapes from fallen branches, they make nice offerings etc.

[Lillady]

I also am against littering. With spell work that requires such I find alternatives like that which as been posted above with the food. Also just burying various herbs for certain purposes is a good way around this. Place your intent into the herbs and bury them in the earth. This can also be considered an offering to the deities which in return would help in fulfilling the intent behind the spell.

[cloverfox]

I'm glad so many agree and that we can find alternatives

That poor dog though! Yeah, that would definitely make me change my mind as well.

The herbs is a great idea. In searching for something to wrap them in that is compostable, I came across this list that y'all may find helpful as well! Looks like you can wrap herbs in coffee filters, perhaps!

http://home.howstuffworks.com/green-liv ... -items.htm

[Firebird]

I just wanted to say this thread makes me smile

you all rock!


Firebird

[Echo_of_shadows]

If you're looking to rid yourself of something by symbolically throwing something out/away, why not draw a sigil or simply write down your intent on a piece of bath tissue and flush your troubles away? Any brand will work, but there are eco-friendly brands too.

[AnaisStar]

I dont like the littering parts either. I usually write on something and burn it and then just toss the ashes. Ive gotten into the habit now of writing on bay leaves and burning those.

[Myrth]

I NEVER litter. Ever. Not for a spell. Not for any purpose. If a spell calls for litter, I don't follow it. I mostly create my own anymore anyway, as they are more meaningful if you create your own or put your own twist on it at a minimum.