
Begin your month with this simple abundance spell.
If you’ve spent any time on WitchTok or the witchy or spiritual side of Instagram, you’ve probably seen people blowing cinnamon through their front door on the first of the month. This simple ritual has gone viral in recent years as a way to manifest abundance, invite in good luck, and set the tone for the month ahead.
So, how exactly do you do it? And, is there real magical history behind the practice or is it just a charming social media trend that helps your home smell good?
In fact, there is. Let’s explore the origins of the cinnamon ritual, what it symbolizes in witchcraft and folk magic, and exactly how to do the abundance spell step-by-step. Plus, I’ll also share a few other powerful ways to work with first-of-the-month energy.
The Magical Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a long history in magical and medicinal traditions, going all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. In fact, it was once considered more precious than gold. Hence, it’s connection to abundance and prosperity.
In magic and witchcraft, its heat corresponds to the element of Fire and the Sun, making it an excellent ally for magical workings connected to confidence, motivation, and new beginnings, like the start of a new month. It can also be used in spells to speed up results, strengthen intention, and call in warmth, energy, and success.
Where Did the Cinnamon Door Ritual Originate?
Blowing herbs or powders into a space to spiritually cleanse or bless it is common in many cultures and spiritual workers, including witches. The modern “cinnamon blowing” ritual doesn’t appear in ancient texts, but its roots likely draw from older prosperity practices.
It started gaining popularity on social media in 2020 when we were all stuck inside and needed a little positive movement. Since, it’s become one of the most well known spells out there. (Other than wishing on a birthday cake, of course.)
How To Do the Cinnamon Ritual
What you’ll need:
- Ground cinnamon (just a pinch or two)
- A moment of quiet focus
- An open front door
How to do it:
1. Choose your timing
The ritual is most commonly done on the morning of the 1st of the month. It can be anytime that day, but it’s best if you can find a time when you don’t feel rushed. I’ve also found the timing of when you do it seems to correspond with when the abundance starts rolling in. Wait until the end of the day and you might not see a return on your magic until the end of the month. But, that also might just be how it works for me.
2. Open your front door
Physically opening the door opens your home to new energy, opportunities, and blessings. If the area in front of your door is cluttered, that’s a just notice. Take a moment to declutter before the ritual if you can.
3. Pour the cinnamon into your hand
Stand outside of your door. and pour a small amount of cinnamon in your left hand. Often, left hand is considered the “receiving” hand. It’s the one that takes in energy, while the right hand is the “projecting” hand, used to send energy outward.
4. Set your intention
What are you calling in this month? Abundance? Love? Business success? Creative energy? Be specific. Say it out loud if you can or whisper it if you’re doing it first thing in the morning and don’t want to wake up your whole house. Close your eyes and take a deep, grounding breath.
5. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on yourself
Using your right hand, take a small pinch of ground cinnamon from your left hand and sprinkle it onto yourself in a clockwise motion. This direction aligns with invoking or calling in energy. I like to start with the top of my head and work downwards.
6. Blow the rest into your home
Still standing outside, facing your open front door, take a breath, focus on your intention, and blow the remaining cinnamon into your home. Imagine the energy of your intention filling the space.
7. Walk back inside and close the door
There’s no need for a long closing ritual. Simply acknowledge the moment then go about your day, knowing the spell has been set.
Is Cinnamon Safe Around Pets or Small Children?
Cinnamon is generally safe in small amounts, but it’s still a good idea to use common sense. Especially if you have pets or little ones who like to explore the floor with their mouths.
- For pets: According to the ASPCA, cinnamon isn’t toxic to cats or dogs, but large amounts (especially inhaled or ingested in concentrated powder form) can cause irritation or even coughing or vomiting. Keep the cinnamon out of reach and avoid blowing a lot of it into the home if your pets are right there.
- For children: Cinnamon powder can irritate eyes, noses, and sensitive skin. Avoid letting toddlers or babies crawl in areas where you’ve just blown or sprinkled cinnamon, and always clean up any excess. If you can, consider doing the ritual when pets or kids aren’t underfoot. You can sweep or vacuum the area afterward if needed.
Other Magical Traditions for the First of the Month
Want to add more intention to the first of the month? Here’s some other things you can do to set the tone.
1. Say “Rabbit, Rabbit”
Saying “Rabbit” or “Rabbit Rabbit” before anything else on the first day of the month is an English folk tradition for good luck. Some people say it must be the first words spoken to “work.” It dates back to at least the 1909, issue of Notes and Queries, a British scholarly journal.
2. Eat Something Sweet
In some folk magic and intuitive traditions, some people intentionally eat something sweet as their first food of the month to “sweeten” the energy ahead. Think honey in tea, fruit, or a small piece of chocolate. The idea is that like attracts like. Eating something sweet attracts sweetness.
3. Speak Intentionally
Some witches are mindful of the first words spoken each month. It could be a single word like good (as in good morning) or “I welcome joy and abundance.” or “good things are ahead.” Magic or not, spoken words are powerful, reality-shaping tools that have impact on our subconscious.
4. Clean or Clear Energy
Some people energetically cleanse their home on the first day of the month through smoke cleansing (with herbs like rosemary, pine, or lavender), Sound (such as bells, clapping, singing bowls), or sweeping the threshold and symbolically clearing out old energy. If you’re interested in doing this, clear or clean before doing the cinnamon ritual.
5. Write Down Intentions or Goals
Beginning-of-the-month journaling is a modern habit that can supports subconscious rewiring and aligning you with your goals and vision. Our witchy planner has prompts to encourage you to do this at the beginning of every month.
https://www.pagangrimoire.com/how-to-do-the-cinnamon-ritual/
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