The Power of Hair

**The Power of Hair**

Hair is a store of our personal power and strength. That is why some choose to veil or contain their hair so that the energy is not affected by outside influence, as well as there is less chance of hair falling into someone’s hands that may mean harm. Many empaths and clairvoyants find that when they veil their hair, they are less likely to be overwhelmed. However many people find wearing head gear of any type uncomfortable. The SilverSun Tradition teaches that braiding the hair can have a similar effect. This is not done by simply weaving the hair. You have to be in the right mindset and focus. While brushing the hair before braiding, focus on brushing away any energies or negative thoughts that are unwanted or harmful. Adding a little mugwort oil or frankincense oil can increase the protective qualities of the braid. When braiding, chant either in your head or out loud. You can use what works for you. A couple suggestions are “My energy is mine. Your energy is yours.” or “Earth, Air, Fire, Water bound in Spirit”. Keep chanting repeatedly until you reach the end of the braid. When you tie the hair with either elastic or better a leather strip, focus on the chant continuing silently through your spirit. This will help maintain your intention until you release the braid. Run your hands from your scalp to the end of your braid in order to ‘Lock In’ the energy.

You can add feathers, crystals, and other items to be able to draw on the energies of those items. This turns your hair into a talisman.

When you choose to unbraid your hair it is recommended to do so in private. First run your hands from scalp to braid end as if you are wiping off any external energy. Give the energy to the earth or Universe to transmute and use as needed. Then as you untwine the braid give thanks for the protection you have received. Any hair that comes loose as you do this, add to your compost or burn. You can have a special container for it until you can do this. Remember that burn hair has a very strong spell so that is best done with lots of ventilation or outside.

How you braid your hair, and how you style it was used as a language by my family for generations. I remember sitting at my Grans table while she explained. She told us that if you were from one clan and came into contact with another it was the easiest way to get an idea of a person’s rank and role. If a person had a small braid on either side of the head they were a protector of some type. If the braids were hanging down the person was a spiritual protector. Often worn by those who were described as being canny. If the two braids were pulled back the person was a warrior of some type. If there was a single braid, its location told the story. A single braid on the left side of the head meant the person had something to do with animals. A braid on the right side meant that the person had something to do with the leading of people. A braid down the back meant a person who owned land or who’s mate owned land. For women, braids that were left to hang freely were available for new relationships or partnerships. If the braids were tucked to the head the person was mated or unavailable. Free flowing hair was for children or those without rank. The more complex the braiding the more of a story can be learned from it. And the more adornments in the braids was a show of status and wealth.

There is historical reference to the fact that slaves used their braids to show maps to escape. I am not a person of colour so this is not something I know a lot about. And it is not my place to share their stories.

Your hair is a personal expression of who you are, and only you have the right to decide how it is worn and why. Braiding is a great way to claim your personal power, protect yourself and have some fun.

Article by Midnyte Scott