On July 4th, many people who call themselves “American” celebrate the idea of independence. Fireworks. Barbecues. Stars and Stripes. Red, White, and Blue. Our flag is a powerful symbol, both magical and political, conjuring a range of values in the minds of those who see it. Freedom. Enslavement. Hope. Betrayal. Generosity. Capitalism. Whatever you see in America, you can find in the flag.
Symbols evoke emotions and memories at the primal level of our being. They convey recognizable meanings that are shared by societies, reinforcing norms and values. In magical practices, symbols are a spiritual language that boost the power of our spells and rituals. When we use a symbol, we’re tapping into the energy of every witch who used this symbol before us, while also charging that same symbol for future witches. Symbols are a message to a future generation.
The American flag became the official symbol of America over two hundred years ago, when Congress declared that the thirteen stars represented "a new constellation" of the ideals that America claimed to embody -- equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As our country grew, so too did this constellation, and so too did the power of this symbol in our collective consciousness, even when our actions fell far short of our stated ideals.
Stars and Stripes. Red White and Blue. Most of us have only known our flag to look like one thing, but this official symbol has always been in a state of evolution, from 13 stars and stripes to 15 stars and stripes to 13 stripes and 50 stars to whatever comes next. Over the past 18 months, our culture has evolved. Our institutions have cracked open. Out of this broken sidewalk, the flower of a New America can break through. But if our country is to continue evolving, we must also evolve our symbols.
In this spell, we will tune into the power of symbols and create a new, potent, magical object: Your flag for a future America.
INGREDIENTS
To do this ritual, you will need:
A small sacred object you can use to open the circle (i.e. a candle, herb bundle, special rock, or anything that holds magic for you)
Something to draw with (i.e. pens, pencils, paints, markers, crayons)
Something to draw on (i.e. paper, cloth, cardboard)
A flag-flying spot in a public location
Optionally, a journal.
THE RITUAL
Step 1: Open The Circle
Take your small sacred object and find a quiet space. Hold the object in your hands, close your eyes, and ask your ancestors, guides, and spirits to create a safe and charged space to cast a spell. If you need an invocation to try, here’s one:
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East!
By the air that is Their breath,
Send forth your light,
Be here now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South!
By the fire that is Their spirit,
Send forth your flame,
Be here now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West!
By the waters of Their living womb,
Send forth your flow,
Be here now!
Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North,
Cornerstone of all Power!
By the Earth that is Their body,
Send forth your strength,
Be here now!
We are between the worlds,
Beyond the bounds of time.
The circle is cast.*
After you open the circle, place your object in a comfy spot nearby. If it’s a candle or herb bundle, you can light it or burn the herbs now.
Step 2: Ask The Questions
Find a quiet spot and ask yourself:
What values do I see in America now that I wish to change?
What values do I wish to see in a New America?
Explore your answers through thought, feeling, meditation or journalling.
Step 3: Gather The Materials
A symbol contains an abstract meaning in a tangible format. It’s time to turn the values of your New America into a symbol others can see: it’s time to create your flag!
First, you will need the raw material. Take a moment to gather whatever arts and crafting supplies you’d like to use. These can be as informal as cardboard and sharpie or as elaborate as fabric and sewing machine. Think about the textures and colors you’d like to use - but be sure not to set the bar so high that you can’t finish your flag in one or two sittings.
Step 4: Make The Flag
When an abstract idea is translated into colors, shapes, and words, it becomes a symbol. What colors, shapes, and words would best represent your New America? There is no wrong answer. Let your imagination roam wild.
Take your supplies and plan your flag. You can do this alone or with a group of friends, like a quilting bee. You need not be an artist to create a simple, evocative flag.
When you’re ready, make your flag. As your hands create this new symbol, allow your heart, mind, and spirit to swell on the values you are infusing into your flag.
When you complete the last stitch or brush stroke, say aloud: “May the true spirit of creation, connection, and inspiration rest dormant in this flag, ready to unfurl in the consciousness of all who see it.”
Step 5: Fly The Flag
Now it’s time to fly your flag. Find a spot in your window, or yard, or nearest telephone pole where your flag will be seen by the passersby. Take whatever items you need to affix the flag in place.
We also recommend mounting a “Flag By” sign near your flag. This is a small paper or plaque that reads:
THIS NEW American Flag represents the following American values:
[INSERT A LIST OF THE VALUES YOU CHOSE IN STEP 2]
And was created by [INSERT YOUR NAME], a member of Third Space.
On or near the full moon, head to the spot where your flag will fly. When you are there, hold your flag in one hand and place your other hand over your heart. Say out loud:
“In planting this flag, I make no claims upon the land. Rather, I claim a set of values.
Those values are:
[INSERT A LIST OF THE VALUES YOU CHOSE IN STEP 2]
This flag is a symbol for a New America.“
Now, fly the flag.
Your spell is complete.
Spell by Brooke Sebold & Lauren Ludwig
*Circle casting invocation adapted from Starhawk.