Creating an intention jar is a simple yet powerful way to focus your energy and manifest your goals. Whether you’re seeking love, protection, prosperity, or spiritual growth, an intention jar serves as a tangible reminder of your desires and a vessel for your focused intent. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to make your own intention jar and provide plenty of examples to inspire you. But first…
Intuition vs. Structure: The Core Difference Between Intention Jars and Spell Jars
It’s easy to assume that an intention jar and a spell jar are the same thing, but they serve different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right tool for your magical practice.
- Intention Jar – A manifestation tool guided by intuition. It works through subconscious reinforcement, personal symbolism, and flexible energy alignment. You can interact with it regularly and adjust it as needed.
- Spell Jar – A structured magical working that usually follows a specific recipe of ingredients, timing, and ritual steps. It is traditionally meant to be sealed and left undisturbed once charged.
What is an Intention Jar?
An intention jar helps you focus on a specific goal or desire. Unlike a spell jar, which is sealed and left to work on its own, an intention jar is meant to be engaged with regularly. You can hold it, shake it, or meditate with it to reinforce your goal. It allows room for personal intuition, letting you modify its energy as you grow and evolve.
How It Works:
- Used for long-term manifestation rather than immediate spellcasting.
- Serves as a daily reminder of your goals.
- Can be opened, recharged, or adjusted as needed, based on intuitive guidance.
- Works through subconscious reinforcement and energetic alignment.
Examples of Intention Jars:
- Abundance Jar – Filled with coins, cinnamon, citrine, and an affirmation to attract wealth.
- Love Jar – Contains rose petals, rose quartz, and a handwritten love affirmation.
- Protection Jar – Includes black salt, bay leaves, and black tourmaline for ongoing protection.
What is a Spell Jar?
A spell jar is an active spell contained within a jar. Unlike an intention jar, a spell jar follows a structured, recipe-like process that includes specific ingredients, rituals, and a final sealing step to lock in the magic. Once created, it is typically left undisturbed to allow the spell to manifest.
How It Works:
- Used for spellcasting rather than simple manifestation.
- Often sealed with wax to “trap” the spell inside and send the energy into the universe.
- Typically left undisturbed to allow the magic to work.
- Some spell jars are disposed of after their purpose is fulfilled (buried, broken, or released into nature).
Examples of Spell Jars:
- Banishing Jar – Filled with black salt, cloves, and a sigil to remove negativity; sealed and buried far from home.
- Protection Jar – Charged with specific words of power and sealed with black wax to ward off harm.
- Love Spell Jar – Often created during a full moon with rose petals, honey, and a love incantation, meant to be hidden away to let the magic work.
Key Differences Between an Intention Jar and a Spell Jar
| Feature | Intention Jar | Spell Jar |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Focuses on manifestation and alignment | Actively casts a spell for a specific outcome |
| Energy Flow | Works through subconscious reinforcement and intuition | Works through directed magical energy and structured ritual |
| Interaction | Can be opened, adjusted, and recharged | Typically sealed and left undisturbed |
| Sealing | Usually left open-ended | Often sealed with wax to “trap” the energy |
| Timeline | Works over time and serves as a reminder | May have a set timeline or require disposal after completion |
| Disposal | Can be kept indefinitely or refreshed | Often buried, broken, or released once the spell is complete |
Which One Should You Use?
- Choose an intention jar if you want a daily reminder of your desires and prefer to use your intuition to engage with and adjust it over time.
- Choose a spell jar if you want to cast a structured spell with a clear purpose and a fixed magical process.
- You can also combine both approaches—using an intention jar for general energy and a spell jar for a specific magical outcome.
How to Make an Intention Jar
1. Define Your Intention
Decide what you want your jar to represent. Write your intention clearly on a piece of paper in the present tense. Example: “I am surrounded by love and positive relationships.”
2. Gather Your Materials
- A jar (glass is ideal, but any container works)
- Herbs, crystals, or small objects that align with your goal
- A written affirmation, sigil, or petition
- Optional: Ribbon or charm to symbolize your intention
3. Assemble the Jar
Place each item into the jar while focusing on your intention. Trust your intuition when selecting and placing ingredients.
4. Activate & Place Your Jar
Hold the jar and meditate on your goal. Keep it in a meaningful place, such as:
- Love jar – Under your bed or near a mirror
- Protection jar – By your front door or in your car
- Abundance jar – In your workspace or near a cash register
5. Maintain Your Intention Jar
- Hold it and repeat your affirmation occasionally.
- Light a candle beside it to recharge its energy.
- If its purpose has been fulfilled, refresh the jar or dispose of the contents respectfully.
How to Make a Spell Jar
1. Define Your Spell’s Purpose
Decide the focus of your spell and write an intention statement. Example: “I am safe, shielded, and protected from harm.”
2. Gather Your Materials
- A jar with a secure lid or cork
- Herbs, crystals, and other symbolic objects
- A written petition, sigil, or affirmation
- A candle and wax for sealing the jar
3. Assemble the Jar
Follow a structured approach, placing each ingredient inside the jar while focusing on your intention. If using a written affirmation or sigil, fold the paper and place it inside last.
4. Charge & Seal the Jar
Seal the jar with wax to contain the energy. Choose a wax color that aligns with your intention:
- Red – Love, passion, strength
- Green – Abundance, success, growth
- Black – Protection, banishing negativity
- White – Purification, general blessings
5. Activate the Spell
Once sealed, activate the spell by:
- Placing the jar under the full moon for extra energy.
- Speaking your intention aloud while holding the jar over a candle flame.
- Charging it with sunlight or placing it on your altar.
6. Store or Dispose of the Jar Accordingly
- Attracting spells (love, abundance) – Keep the jar in a meaningful place.
- Protection spells – Place near your home’s entrance or under your bed.
- Banishing spells – Bury far from home, break in nature, or release contents in running water.
By understanding the differences between intention jars and spell jars, you can choose the best method for your magical work, whether you prefer intuitive manifestation or structured spellwork.
Are you inspired to create an intention jar? Please share your experience with us in the comments below!
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.