:crystal_ball: Spell jars & Offering jars :crystal_ball:

☆°☆ What is a Spell Jar ☆°☆

A spell jar is a small container filled with herbs, crystals, and other items. Spell jars can be used for a variety of purposes, such as protection, self-confidence, manifestation, etc. The basic idea behind any spell jar is to cast a spell that leaves a physical "souvenir" of sorts. It's a spell type that you can keep within your line of sight to remind you of your intention or keep on you like an amulet. They look nice on a shelf or as a pendant.

If you're not comfortable leaving a physical reminder of a spell because you're in the broom closet, that's fine too! Everyone's path is unique; never forget that the real magic comes from you.

°☆•The History Behind it°☆•

Throughout history and across cultures, people have used various objects and containers to hold and amplify their intentions and spells. From ancient Greece and Egypt to the Middle Ages in Britain, and even in modern-day traditions like Hoodoo and Appalachian folk magic, these objects have taken many forms, including spell jars, witch bottles, amulets, and juju bags. The common thread is the belief that these objects can harness and focus energy to bring about desired outcomes. Witch Bottles and spell jars have a long history, with their origins dating back to ancient times when people used witch bottles for protection. These bottles were typically made of stone and contained personal items from the person the spell was intended to protect, such as hair, nail clippings, blood, menstrual blood, or urine.

Originally made with small bones, wood, wine, and rusty nails or glass, these containers evolved over time. In Europe, stone or clay bottles were used until the 17th century when they were replaced with salt-glazed stoneware jugs. These jugs, often engraved with a bearded man, became popular for their ability to counteract acts of witchcraft and protect against negative energies.

°☆°☆Offering Jars°☆°☆

An "offering jar" is a container used to hold items intended as offerings to a deity or spirit in various spiritual practices, typically containing things like herbs, incense, or small objects meant to be presented as a gesture of respect or gratitude during rituals or prayers; essentially, it's a dedicated vessel for placing offerings on an altar or sacred space. the difference between thse two jars is that a spell jar is actively used to cast spells and influence situations, where a offering jar is used to give something to a higher power or spirit with the intention of respect or gratitude.

°☆°☆History Behind the Offering jar°☆°☆

In ancient Egypt, offering jars was placed in tombs to provide food and drink for the deceased.

The jars were placed in front of a "false door" that the deceased was believed to through to drink the offering

In ancient Greece, libations were poured onto the earth as offerings to the dead and chthonic gods.

In Mexico, ofrendas are placed in home altars during the Día de los Muertos celebration.

Ofrendas are intended to welcome the deceased to the altar.