There are several ways to use magic spells for protection. These can include protecting a space, shielding your energy or creating a protection amulet. I’ve included simple but powerful spells for each of these below.

Spells for Protection

Protection spells are rituals or actions that shield us from negative energies, harm or unwanted influences. They can take many forms, from simple spoken affirmations to complex rituals involving a variety of tools and symbols. The core of these spells lies in the intention—the focused desire to create a barrier against the things we wish to avoid or repel from our lives.

Whether it’s a charm carried for luck, a ritual performed to safeguard a home, or a mantra recited for inner strength, protection spells are about asserting control over our personal space and well-being.

Simple Space Protection Ritual

What you need

• Salt
• Water
• White candle or LED candle
• Incense or a natural room spray (optional)

What to do

Begin by physically cleaning the area to remove clutter and dust. This physical act helps remove stagnant energies and prepares the space for protection. If possible, open the window to let stagnant energies out and fresh energy in.

Cleanse your space with incense, a natural room spray or by clapping your hands to further disperse negative energies, walking around the room in a clockwise direction.

Take a few moments to ground and centre yourself. Clear your mind and focus on your intention to protect the space. You might want to say something like, “I cleanse this space of all negativity and protect it from harm.” You can ask for help from any entities you work with, from divine universal energy or your Higher Self.

Mix a small amount of salt into your water. This creates a purifying liquid. Dip your fingers into the salt water and lightly sprinkle or touch the water to the thresholds of your space (doors and windows). As you do this, you say, “With this salt water, I seal this space from harm. Only love and positivity may enter.”

Light your white candle and place it in a holder to catch any drips. Again, walk in a clockwise direction around the room. As you move, envision a protective barrier forming around the edges of your space, strengthened by the light of the candle.

Once you’ve walked the perimeter, return to your starting point. Finish by stating your protective intention one more time, such as, “This space is now protected by light and love. It is done.”

Take a few deep breaths and visualize the protective energy settling around your space. Extinguish the candle and thank the divine for aiding you in this protection ritual.

Spell: Protection Amulet

A protection amulet can be carried for protection against negativity, harm or illness. Unlike talismans, which are more about attracting positive energies, amulets focus on warding off and defending against negative influences.

Choosing a protection amulet

Pretty much any item can be used as a protection amulet. You can use a piece of jewellery or a watch that you regularly wear, or an item that is small and easy to carry in your bag or pocket. You can also make a spell bag amulet.

Most crystal shops sell small wire cages on a chain in which you can place a small crystal. These make great amulets as you can remove the crystal easily to cleanse it, charge it or switch to an alternative for a different spell. Obsidian, tourmaline, amethyst, smoky quart and quartz are all good options for a protection amulet.

What you need 

• A quiet place to work 
• An item to use as an amulet
• Salt
• Protective herbs or spices, such as rosemary, cinnamon or garden sage. You can use one or all three. 
• A plate or tray to hold your amulet and additional ingredients.

What to do 

• Cleanse the amulet by an appropriate method, such as holding it under running water, sprinkling it with salt, ringing a bell or clapping your hands around it. You can pass it through the smoke of a candle or incense if you choose. Be mindful of the material of the amulet and use a method that will not damage it. 
• Prepare for the spell in a way that feels appropriate to you, such as cleansing your space or completing a short meditation. You can also light a candle, and/or play music or sounds. You can also ask any deities or entities you work with to support your work.
• Place the amulet on your plate or tray. Sprinkle a circle of salt around the edges of the tray to create a sacred and protected space for your magical work.
• Now, sprinkle the herbs or spices in a circle around the amulet. Imagine them imbuing your amulet with protection.
• Spend a few moments thinking about what feeling protected means to you. Think about a time when you felt safe and protected. You may like to repeat the words ‘I am always safe and protected’ or ‘I take good care of myself’ or whatever phrase aligns with your intention. 
• Once you can feel the energy of safety and protection in your body pick up the amulet. Imagine this protection and safety flowing into the amulet.
• Finish your spell by thanking the universe or any entities you have asked for help. Say thank you for all the ways that you already have safety and protection in your life, such as a secure home, a good income or strong relationships.

Simple Magical Shielding

Magical shielding involves the creation of an energetic barrier around a person, object, or space to deflect negative energies and protect against harmful influences. This practice taps into personal or universal energy sources and often uses visualisation, intentions and sometimes specific symbols or objects to reinforce the protective barrier.

What you need

• A quiet space where you can focus without interruption.
• Optional: A crystal associated with protection (such as black tourmaline, obsidian, or amethyst) to help amplify your intention.

What to do

Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or stand undisturbed for a few minutes. If you’re using a crystal, hold it in your dominant hand or place it in front of you.

Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. Imagine roots extending from the soles of your feet, going deep into the earth, anchoring you firmly to the ground. Feel the stability and support of the earth beneath you.

Close your eyes and visualise a bright light within your chest area, symbolising your personal energy. With each breath, see this light grow brighter and stronger, filled with positive and protective power.

Imagine this light expanding beyond your body, surrounding you in a bubble or cocoon of protective energy. Focus on the intention of this energy shield being impenetrable to negative influences or energies that do not serve your highest good.

As your shield fully surrounds you, mentally or verbally affirm its protection. You might say something like, “I am surrounded by a shield of light. Only love and positivity can reach me. This shield protects me from all harm.”

Take a few more deep breaths, reinforcing the visualisation of the shield around you. Feel its presence as a warm, protective layer.

When you feel ready, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment. Open your eyes and give thanks to the energy you’ve harnessed. If you have used a crystal, thank it for its assistance and place it somewhere safe.

For more spells for protection as well as other witchcraft basics such as grounding and cleansing, see my previous post Witchcraft Basics: Grounding, Cleansing and Protection. Find out more about which crystals are best for protection in this post from How Stuff Works.