Feather Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Ritual feather, Smoke feather
A feather that stands for the element of Air and gently fans incense smoke.
- Intentions
- Cleansing, Wisdom, Creativity
- Element
- Air
- Planet
- Mercury
- Day
- Wednesday
- On the altar
- East, or beside the censer
- Found
- On a walk, or bought from an ethical source
How to use it
- Fan the smoke
Use the feather to waft incense smoke gently over yourself, a tool or a room. Move it in slow, flowing strokes from top to bottom.
- Mark the east
Lay a feather in the east of your altar to stand for Air, thought and new ideas when you set up by the four directions.
- A sign to keep
Many witches see a feather that crosses their path as a message. Keep it on your altar and write in your Book of Shadows what was on your mind when you found it.
Works well with
History and folklore
Feathers have long been linked with the sky, messages and the soul. The Egyptian goddess Ma'at weighed hearts against a feather of truth, and many folk traditions treat a found feather as a sign from a loved one. On the altar, a feather is the easiest symbol of Air you can find.
A feather that stands for the element of Air and gently fans incense smoke.
- Intentions: Cleansing, Wisdom, Creativity
- Element: Air
- Planet: Mercury
- Day: Wednesday
- On the altar: East, or beside the censer
- Found: On a walk, or bought from an ethical source
Safety: In the US and many other countries it is illegal to own feathers from most wild native birds, such as hawks, owls, eagles and songbirds. Use feathers from farm birds such as chickens, turkeys or peacocks.
How to use it
- Fan the smoke. Use the feather to waft incense smoke gently over yourself, a tool or a room. Move it in slow, flowing strokes from top to bottom.
- Mark the east. Lay a feather in the east of your altar to stand for Air, thought and new ideas when you set up by the four directions.
- A sign to keep. Many witches see a feather that crosses their path as a message. Keep it on your altar and write in your Book of Shadows what was on your mind when you found it.
Works well with: Air, Frankincense, Lavender, Yellow Candle
Folklore
Feathers have long been linked with the sky, messages and the soul. The Egyptian goddess Ma'at weighed hearts against a feather of truth, and many folk traditions treat a found feather as a sign from a loved one. On the altar, a feather is the easiest symbol of Air you can find.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.