Choosing Fabric for Magickal Use
 
Just like stones, colours, incenses, and herbs, different fabrics
have different energies. Consider the type of energy flow necessary
for the magickal project you have in mind. Should the energy flow
unobtrusively and smoothly in a continuous motion? Would an
assertive energy that rises to to a peak, then levels out be better?
If you were going to sew a dressy outfit to calm a hyperactive child,
for instance, a smooth, silky fabric might be most magickally
effective. A thick, nubby tweed would more than likely defeat your
purpose, because that texture lends itself to activity. Listed here
are a few types of fabrics with textural guidelines for magickal
workings.

BROCADE is a perfect fabric to use for prosperity spells and
financial gain. It smacks of royalty, riches, and plenty.

CORDUROY is much like velvet in magickal vibration, but because of
the ribs in its weave, more activity is present. Use corduroy when
immediate, rather than gradual, change is necessary.

COTTON fabrics such as percale, calico, voile, oxford cloth,
broadcloth, and poplin are smooth and passive in texture; they are
useful for spells requiring a soft touch. Those cottons with a
nubbier feel--such as piqué, terry cloth, chenille--have an active
textural vibration. Cotton fabrics are suitable for any
spellworking, but the energy of the fibre is more subtle than that of
other appropriate fabrics.

EYELET can be used in magickal workings intended for joy, happiness,
and youthful pleasures. They "eyes" also give added protection
against the evil eye.

FELT is another fabric that has superb properties of insulation and
it is recommended for almost any magickal project because it holds
the energies of the enchantment beautifully. It is an excellent
choice for poppets and magickal supply cases, and because it does not
ravel, much of the finish work normally required in sewing is
unnecessary. Felt usually comes in solid colours, but embroidery or
beadwork may be added to create active vibrations for any spell.

HOMESPUN fabrics bustle with activity, but the thick-and-thin quality
of the texture is also excellent in sealing relationships of every
kind. Its qualities include tenacity, endurance, and strength.

LINEN has a crisp texture that makes it useful in efforts requiring
quick and definite change. There is nothing subtle about the feel of
linen. Use fine handkerchief linen when working with complicated
transitions; it helps in smoothing away difficulties. Nubby, suit-
weight linen (especially in black) works beautifully for efforts
involving quick and painless separation.

SATIN is very soothing to the touch and promotes the qualities of
beauty, harmony, and peace of mind.

SILK provides a strong, insulative fabric. Because shantung and
douppioni are nubby, their textures are active, while the energies of
smoother silk fabrics, such as charmeuse and China silk, are fluid
and passive in personality. Because it was originally intended for
cocoons, silk fabric is an excellent choice for efforts involving
protection.

TWEED is a fabulous texture to use when a project requires a lot of
activity. it is excellent for boosting energy--magickal, creative,
physical, and so on.

VELVET is a good choice for workings involving love and romance.
Though its texture is smooth, the nap of the fabric lends itself to
motion. This fabric brings warmth to any project. It is terrific
for efforts involving smooth change, making it an excellent choice
for breaking bad habits.

WOOL fabrics come in a variety of textures and, like silk and felt,
hold the property of insulation. The protective vibrations of wool
are looser than those of silk. Wool allows positive energies to flow
in while holding negative energies at bay. For projects requiring a
soft touch, try wool crepe or challis. A thicker fabric used for
outerwear, such as melton or gabardine, is more useful in efforts
where heavy protection is an issue.

Whether or not you choose to employ synthetic or synthetic-blend
fabrics for personal use is up to you. Polyester, for example,
literally means "many esters." The "esters" to combine to form
polyester are fibrous strings of plastic that can be bonded to
natural fibre to add strength. Many polyester fabrics incorporate
recycled plastic. Polyester is available in many textures.
Employing synthetics within the scope of your magickal project does
not hinder the spellworking, and can help clean up the environment.
On the other hand, you may prefer natural fibres, particularly if you
are sewing an item that you will be wearing. Make the best choice
for you.

Fabric pattern is just as important as texture, for the pattern often
depicts built-in symbols. Printed and woven-in patterns vibrate
toward activity, while solid colours relate to a slow, deliberate,
and fluid motion. Go ahead and use calico for passive projects if
your intuition moves you to do so; although solid colours are
generally better suited for passive endeavours, a small, evenly
distributed, and unobtrusive print may prove very successful for some
non-aggressive projects.

Source: Dorothy Morrison, "Magickal Needlework"