ST. CROIX RIVER WORKING
The Coursing River of Happiness
The St. Croix River begins its journey in northern Wisconsin, meandering southward to trace much of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Just south of the bustling cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, this gentle, winding river transforms into the powerful Mississippi River. This transition, where one river seamlessly becomes another, creates a liminal space—an ethereal boundary perfect for exploring the blurred lines between reality and the mystical realm of magic.
RIVERSIDE RITUAL
In the heart of this liminal space, I set out to perform a ritual by the St. Croix River, hoping to harness its unique energy. The slow-moving river suddenly joins one of the most powerful, world-shaping rivers in existence. Carving its way down to the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Croix River’s subtle force is not to be underestimated. As I prepared for the ritual, I created a small stone circle to serve as the foundation for our working. This circle was crucial not just for containing the fire but also as the core of our ritual space. If you plan to perform a similar ritual near a body of water or after a rainfall, be sure to use dry rocks. Wet rocks can steam, potentially causing the rock to explode and send shards outward..
The smoke from the burning wood, rising into the air, had a dual purpose: it purified the ritual space and marked the beginning of a late lunch.
Using the sun-bleached shell I found last year alongside the Mississippi (further down from where I was for this ritual) I built a small altar alongside the river. Offering up strawberries and watermelon from my lunch, I also included the enchanted ingredients: chamomile, sunflower petals from my altar, mullein, and red sandalwood. Add to that some of the river water, a couple little rocks, and the wax-sealed cork and you’ve got the charm! I later added bells to help with activating the charm and keeping other magicians or spirits from getting inside.
As I moved away from my rocky clearing to the nearby sandy beach, the sun blazed overhead.. With temperatures soaring above 90°F, I was pretty excited to move on to the ritual bathing section. The key to this ritual was to align with the space and its inherent energies rather than imposing my own will. By sharing my meal, immersing myself in the river’s presence, and offering a special charm, I hoped to engage with the river's spirits and receive their cooperation. The ultimate question was: would the spirits respond?
MESSENGERS OF THE SKIES
To my delight, the spirits answered in a spectacular way. According to local indigenous folklore, bald eagles are considered messengers of the Creator, bridging the physical and spiritual worlds. Observing a female bald eagle waiting for me immediately after I got out of the river and a male eagle joining her was a profound confirmation that the Sun and the Moon were acknowledging my efforts. The literal embodiment of the Skies’ Will had come to answer the call. I can’t say I’ve ever seen two eagles so close-up before. You can watch the full video and see the eagles show up for yourself in the YouTube video:
ACTIVATING THE CHARMS
The spell text I used for the ritual was quite brief. There’s a lot more I won’t write out but the gist goes:
“Give them fire to inspire them and to keep the course.
Give them earth to ground their way in reason.
Let their course bring them only happiness
Let the river’s coursing end only in calm.
Spirits of the St. Croix River, answer their coming call.”
For your part, you will want to use this longer incantation to actually activate the spell.
[ring the bells three times - repeat this incantation each time]
Spirits of the St. Croix River
Hear me
Spirits of the St. Croix River
Be with me
[continue ringing the bells]
Spirits of the St. Croix River,
Calm waters become cutting currents
Stir and Rise to answer my call
The storm gathers: rain soon falls.
Eagle wings bring me fire from the skies
Lords of the Lordly, carry me to the prize!
Fresh, thriving waters made of Olde, carving ice,
Chart me a course, make it precise!
Stone carried by the River’s Might
Ground me, guide me right!
Spirits of the St. Croix River,
As before, now again: your waters deliver.
[no fussy words, just your honest desire of course here]
Spirits, take up my words and sing!
In the Name of the Witch King
Bound by the Power of Three times Three.
As I say, so shall it be
[stop ringing, put the charm in a location with sunlight]
Once you have reached the desired destination in the spell, uncork the spell jar and wash it out in a body of moving water. Thank the spirits for their help and do not use the bottle or any of its parts for any other magic. You can dispose of them after washing out as you please or use them for some mundane purpose.
