Awakening Spring: Harnessing the Majick of Silver Bells for Imbolc and Ostara

Spring’s arrival brings a powerful shift in nature’s rhythm. As the earth stirs from winter’s rest, the youthful Maiden Goddesses begin their nurturing work, and the faeries—the ‘Wee Ones’—awaken to assist in this renewal. Imbolc and Ostara mark this sacred time, when life returns to the land, animals give birth and nurse their young, while brave snowdrops begin the way for daffodils and tulips. Trees, shrubs, birds, and critters all take their part in the grant song of the season. For there are many helping hands involved in the awakening of Mother Earth.   

Of the many symbols and tools of these Imbolc and Ostara, bells, chimes, jingles, cymbals, and gongs hold a special place, yet are often overlooked. Their clear, harmonious tones call the faeries near, consecrate and protects sacred space. Their vibrational resonance spreads healing and invite blessings into our homes and gardens. In this blog we awaken spring as we explores how to consecrate and use a silver bell or a string of silver chimes to connect with the fae and harness the magic of spring.

Tiny sliver chime bells can be strung together and hun; or laced with ribbon to be worn.

The Role of Bells in Springtime Magic

Bells have been part of human culture for centuries, used in rituals for protection, healing, and blessing. Their sound is believed to cleanse spaces and ward off harmful spirits. During Imbolc and Ostara, bells take on a unique role: they call faeries to join the celebration of life’s return. The fae are drawn to certain sounds, especially those made by silver bells, which are considered friendly to them. In contrast, iron bells often repel faeries, reflecting the old belief that iron disrupts faerie magic.

People have worn bells as luck charms, hung them on livestock to protect animals, and placed them at thresholds to guard homes. Bells hung on babies' cribs and in children's beds kept the fae's mischief far. In spring, when new life is vulnerable, the bell’s sound acts as a shield and an invitation. Using a silver bell during these Sabbats aligns with the natural awakening and helps build a bridge between the human and faerie worlds.

Choosing the Right Bell for Faerie Majick

Not all bells are created equal when it comes to faerie magic. The material, size, and tone all influence how the bell interacts with the fae and the environment.

• Material: Silver is preferred for its purity and connection to the moon and feminine energy. It resonates with the Maiden Goddesses of spring and attracts faeries.

• Size: Small to medium bells work best. They produce a clear, delicate sound that carries without overwhelming.

• Tone: A bright, clear tone is ideal. Avoid dull or harsh sounds that might disturb the faeries or disrupt the peaceful energy of the season.

  
  

When selecting a bell, consider its origin and craftsmanship. A bell made with care and intention will hold stronger energy and respond better to consecration.

Consecrating Your Silver Bell for Faerie Work

Consecration is the process of dedicating a tool to its specific majickal purpose. For this spell, we’ll focus on consecrating a Silver Bell or Chime that will become a 'Faerie Bell', different from an Altar bell, with your intention and invites faerie presence.

Materials Needed

• Silver bell or Chime (many bells can be blessed at once)

• White and Light Green chime candle (for purity and light)

• Fresh spring water or crisp rainwater

• Small bowl of earth or soil

• Ritual offering (such as cake, ale, or honey milk)

• A few fresh flowers or herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or primrose)

• Incense (such as loose, stick, or cone)

• Anointing Oil of your choice

  
  

Steps for Consecration

1. Purify your space: Apply a suitable oil, like Laurie Cabot’s Faerie Fire oil or Ritual oil, to the candles. Empower the candles and incense with the energy of the 'Good Neighbors' using sacred words. Set up your materials in a circle or on an altar; then light your candles and start your incense.

2. Hold the bell: Feel its weight and texture. Visualize it glowing with silver light.

3. Cleanse your bell: Use your hand to clear the bell of past energies, similar to Laurie Cabot’s Total Health Clearance. State your intention aloud, such as: “I clear this bell of past energies that could harm my new intentions for this tool…it is done.” Ring the bell three times and place it on the altar between the candles.  

4. Call the elements: Invite earth, fire, air, and water to bless the bell. Sprinkle a few drops of water, touch the bell to the soil, pass it through the incense smoke, and hold it near the candle flame (without burning it).

5. Speak your intention: Say aloud something like, “I consecrate this silver bell to call the faeries near, to protect the young and the land, and to welcome my faerie allies to join me in majick. It is fixed; So Mote it be!”

6. Ring the bell: Let its clear sound fill the space, imagining it opening a gateway for faerie helpers.

7. Offerings: Arrange flowers or herbs around the bell as a concluding blessing, and then leave your ritual offering outside for the fae to appreciate.

   
   

Your bell is now ready to be used to invite faerie majick, or hung if you choose a string of chime bells.

A simple altar setup for the consecration of a Silver Bell

Using Your Faerie Bell During Imbolc and Ostara

With your consecrated silver bell, you can deepen your connection to the season and the fae in many ways.

• Calling the faeries: Ring the bell gently at dawn or dusk to invite faeries to your garden, home or rituals.

• Protection for young life: Hang the bell near animal pens, children’s rooms, or seedlings to guard against harm.

• Blessing rituals: Use the bell’s sound to open and close your mediations, spell work, and ceremonies, clearing energy and inviting positive spirits.

• Garden magic: Ring the bell while planting seeds or tending plants to encourage growth and faerie presence.

• Ritual Cooking: Chime the bell at significant moments while preparing and baking ritual dishes and drinks to infuse the meal with harmony.

• Spring cleaning: Move the bell and ring it around any area you've just tidied to maintain a connection with the seasonal blessings.

• Personal charm: Wearing a single chime or ball bell as a talisman can bring luck and protection to the wearer.

  
  

Remember that faeries respond to respect and kindness. Keep your bell’s sound gentle and joyful, and avoid ringing it in places where faeries might feel unwelcome.

The Symbolism of Bells in Faerie Lore

Bells symbolize communication between worlds. Their ringing bridges the human and faerie realms, allowing messages and blessings to pass through. In many cultures, bells mark transitions... between night and day, seasons, or life stages. During Imbolc and Ostara, this symbolism is especially potent as the earth transitions from winter’s stillness to spring’s growth.

Silver bells also connect to the moon’s cycles, reflecting the Maiden Goddesses’ energy of purity, new beginnings, and nurturing all that is to come. By using a silver bell, you align your magic with these forces, enhancing your rituals and daily practices.

Practical Tips for Caring for Your Faerie Bell

To maintain your bell’s power and connection, treat it with care:

• To maintain its shine, regularly clean it with a soft cloth and use a natural polish, such as toothpaste, when necessary.

• Consider storing it in a special place when not in use, such as a pouch or altar box.

• Recharge it with moonlight or during Sabbats to refresh its energy.

• Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or environments that could dull its tone.

  
  

By honoring your bell, you keep its magic strong and your bond with the faeries alive.

Originally written for the Imbolc/Ostara issue for the Cabot Kent Hermetic Temple Newsletter in 2013