Spell of Nine Knots
Adapted from Traditional sources
This is one of the oldest forms of cord magic and is used to store energy for use later (such as storing full moon energy), or to permanently bind undesired energy or influences (binding the power of a bad habit or the power of an "enemy" to harm you).
There are two distinguishing characteristics for both purposes. First, is intent, what is your purpose in binding this energy? Second, is whether or not the starting point is marked. If you are storing temporary energy (or if you are doing a temporary binding), the knots need to be untied in the opposite order from which they are tied, which can be difficult if you can't remember which end you started at. For this, simply wrap a piece of tape around the left end of the cord.
If you are doing a permanent binding there should be nothing to distinguish one end from the other when you are finished. Also, with a permanent binding, it is usually best to bury the cord in an isolated spot where it will never be found. I recommend that any bindings done should first be done as a temporary measure, who knows how the events that led to the binding may change. If you come to decide to make the binding permanent, the marker tape can always be removed, and the cord buried later.
When choosing the color of the cord for the purpose of storing energy for later use, you can either choose a color specific to the type of energy being stored, (i.e. white or silver for full moon energy, yellow for solar energy, blue for capturing the power of the ocean, etc.), basic all-purpose white, or whatever happens to be handy.
Remember, that while color co-ordination is helpful, it is your intent and strength of will which is most important. If you are doing a binding of any sort (bad habit or enemy) it is generally best to go with basic black.
When performing the spell, concentrate on the type of energy being stored, and the purpose for it (ex.-- I bind you, (specific person, habit or situation), and your power to harm me!). If storing energy from some source (i.e., sun, moon, wind, ocean, etc.) for later use, visualize a stream of energy flowing from that source to fill the cord. Starting at the left side, tie the first knot. Repeat the visualization in between the tying of the subsequent knots in the order shown. As each knot is tied, say the indicated incantation.
--
X----X----X----X----X----X----X----X----X--(-- 1--- 6 --- 4 --- 7 --- 3 --- 8 --- 5 --- 9 --- 2 --)
By knot of one, the spell's begun,
By knot of two, the spell comes true,
By knot of three, it comes to be,
By knot of four, this power I store,
By knot of five, this spell contrive,
By knot of six, the spell is fixed,
By knot of seven, by earth and heaven,
By knot of eight, the web of Fate,
By knot of nine, the thing is mine!
Once all the knots are tied, put the cord away in a safe place until you need to release the stored energy. In the case binding a person, until you decide whether or not to make the binding permanent. Note: If the binding if of a bad habit or something similar, burn or bury the cord as soon as possible