With the rise of interest in “vampyres” and all things goth, there is a renewed interest in some practices that are considered scandalous by some sections of the modern Pagan community. Even mentioning the existence of blood rites can be very disturbing to some, and will often arouse strong responses. These strong reactions are understandable. One of the oldest negative stereotypes surrounding pagan rites is the allegation of practicing bloody rituals. The descriptions of such rites were often gory and gruesome. It’s little wonder that modern Pagans are a bit skittish on the subject.
However, in spite of the bad reputation and recent popularity, it pays to consider the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. Although blood rites are not a regular part of most Pagans’ personal practices, there can be a legitimate time and place for it.
Blood carries our life force. There is a long and ancient connection between the blood and magic. But for women especially, blood can be a powerful tool for reconnecting to our personal power. Our ability to bleed monthly and live is the very source of our mystery and sacred power. For that reason, our menstruation is a potent time for us magically, and our menstrual blood can be used in many ways.
It can be used directly to mark things that need energy; for consecration, for protection, for healing, and for imbuing a thing or an idea with a powerful source of energy. This is personal energy at it’s most fundamental, ready to be applied and directed. And since it's her own energy that is carried by the blood, it's an easily accessible and potent method of magic. The witch merely needs to program it with her intent.
Now, following the same idea, if you're not a woman, or it's the wrong time of month, you can still tap into the potent energy that is carried within our life blood. This, however, creates an ethical dilemma for some, and runs directly into some pretty old and ugly negative stereotypes at the same time.
In order to use blood that isn't menstrual, you have to create some sort of injury. This violates the advice of the Rede which urges us to "harm none". Certainly, it would be unwise to willfully harm another person, but in the case of a consenting finger-prick, this doesn’t seem to reach a point of ethical concern. The use of blood for magical purposes involves another potent concept: that of sacrifice for a greater good. Giving up something vital to ourselves for something important is an ancient and time-honored practice. For this reason, I don't personally have an ethical problem with a slight self-injury such as a pin-prick in the finger.
The use of a drop of blood to seal an oath or vow has long associations for many different cultures around the world. But blood can have many other magical uses including anointing tools such as candles, wands, athames, amulets, talismans and similar. When used to anoint a candle, the energy that it imparts to the candle would be released as the candle burns. It can also be used to mark a parchment or slip of paper on which an intention or spell has been written. The paper can then be burned, releasing the energy to manifest your goal. A drop of blood could be used to mark a cord and knots when performing knot magic. A drop of blood on the finger could also be used to draw a symbol of power. In all cases, the blood carries the magician’s life force essence, which is used to impart that energy elsewhere.
Common sense and discretion are the key ingredients to successful blood magic. A witch should be sensitive to the negative stereotypes she might be invoking, and minimize the possibilities that the rite might be observed and misunderstood. But with thoughtful care, our magic can tap into the ancient wisdom that is carried in our very blood.
Please be cautious of the hazards of blood-borne diseases. Observe strict standards of hygiene for yourself and your tools, and never mingle blood with another person.
~Flame RavenHawk
November 6, 2004