Wouldn’t it be nice if you could create a barrier of self-protection to ward off negative energy? That something you need is black salt.

What is black salt?

In ancient times, people used black salt, also known as kala namak, as a homeopathic remedy. But this type of black salt is different. Black salt made at home is used to create a barrier of energetic protection against curses, hexes, or magic. It’s said that black salt absorbs the negative energies around us meant to harm our auras and emotions. Simply put, black salt is a simple tool that helps protect against negative energy, create boundaries, and make your environment feel safe. RELATED: 13 Ways The Universe Warns You To Stay Away From A Toxic Person Black salt is also known as black ritual salt, which is commonly referred to as witch’s salt. Witch’s salt and black salt are made from the same ingredients: a mixture of ashes, sea salt, charcoal, and sometimes black dye. Though it’s not meant for human consumption, anyone can use it.

What is black salt used for?

Black salt has been used to mark the area of your home when a relationship has ended and you don’t want your ex to come back. Black salt can be the thing you use to make a person leave your life, or you use it to mark your safe space. Black ritual salt, or witch’s salt, is believed to have magical abilities that help protect you against all negative energies and spirits. And it can be used in a variety of ways:

Sprinkle black salt to mark a perimeter around your outdoor area to protect you during a ritualSprinkle it around the perimeter of your entire homeSprinkle it in your doorway or entrances to your homeCleanse and recharge your gemstonesUse it as a powder in anointing oilsUse it during ritual bathsUse it to remove a toxic relationship or friendshipUse it to protect your heartUse it when casting certain spells

Black salt is used by sprinkling it around the yard, house, under the bed, or keeping it in a jar. You can put black salt anywhere in your home to keep unpleasant energies, spirits, or people from entering your sacred space. The most popular way to use black salt is to first smudge or sage your entire home, then sprinkle the black salt in a line just outside of the front and back doors, as well as along your window sills. If you’re experiencing negative energy, surrounding gossip, anger, and moodiness at work, keep a small bag under your desk; the process is the same to ward off nightmares, but the salt is kept under your bed. If you’re going on a date with someone new, carry the black salt in a small jar and add cinnamon oil to protect your heart against suitors with bad intentions. And if you like to burn candles, roll your candle in oil and then dip it in black salt as a tool when casting spells against negative forces. RELATED: How To Perform 15 Simple Everyday Magic Rituals To Improve Your Mind & Body

How To Make Black Salt For Protection

Making black salt requires only a few ingredients, but you will need a mortar and pestle. Because the process can be messy, this is the essential tool. Ingredients:

Coarse sea salt or kosher saltA pinch of charcoal from a fire pit, pot, incense ashes, cast iron skillet, or black pepper (you can also use activated charcoal powder)Optional: essential oils

Steps:

  1. Grind the ashes or charcoal into a fine powder. Once the powder is made, add the salt slowly, making sure to add just enough so the salt is black, but not so much that it looks gray.
  2. Burn a cone of incense in the mortar bowl, or catch the ashes in a tray, and pour them into the mortar bowl. Pour your mixture into a small glass container or bag.
  3. Use essential oils if you choose. Lavender is good for psychic protection and ease of anxiety; rosemary works to protect against toxic individuals; cinnamon oil protects against pain caused by a romantic relationship
  4. Repeat this spell for added protection: “In the name of the Great Moon Spirits and of the stars above, I bless this black salt with peace and love so it can keep the darkness away.”
  5. Store the salt in an airtight container and wait for it to dry out. If there’s a Full Moon, you can leave your salt outside to charge in the moonlight. You can also make black salt using other common household ingredients. When using these household ingredients, the steps are almost the same. Except, in this case, you burn the herbs you’re using and grind them together with the salt and ashes, using the mortar and pestle. When burning the herbs, the ashes will look like charcoal when mixed. Use almost equal parts ashes to salt, but more ash is better for the darker color.

How to Dispose of Black Salt

Even if you don’t use your black salt in a spell of your own, it’s important to dispose of it properly after use. This ensures that the negative energies you want to ward off don’t stick to you or the environment surrounding you. To dispose of your black salt, bury it in your backyard if you’ve used it as a protective boundary. If you use the black salt in another way, take it far from your home. You can burn it in a fire pit, bury it at a crossroads or graveyard, or toss it into moving water like a river or ocean. RELATED: 6 Ways To Make Your Dreams Come True By Creating A Witch’s ‘Magic Spell Box’ Megan Hatch is a former contributor to YourTango who has had bylines on Medium, Buzzfeed, MSN Canada, Patch, Voice of America, Canyon News, and others. Follow her on Instagram and on Twitter for more.