There’s something deeply comforting about having a physical object that helps you connect with the unseen world. That’s exactly what a spirit ladder is. It’s not a ladder you climb with your feet—it’s a symbolic tool, usually handmade, that helps you connect with spirits, ancestors, guides, or even your own higher self. It acts like a spiritual antenna, opening a line between this world and the next. People have used them for generations in different cultures for prayers, offerings, and communication with the beyond.
A spirit ladder is usually made of sticks or twigs, tied together with string, yarn, or ribbon to form a ladder shape. From there, you can add meaningful items—things like feathers, beads, bones, herbs, crystals, tiny bells, or even little scrolls with prayers written on them. Each step on the ladder is like a step toward the spirit world. It’s part art, part ritual, part magical practice. And while it can be simple to make, it carries a whole lot of meaning with it.
Why would you want one? Well, spirit ladders can be used for a bunch of things. Some people make them to honor their ancestors, creating a space where their energy can be felt and remembered. Others use them to call in protection, guidance, or healing. You can hang one in your sacred space or over your altar as a reminder of your spiritual connections. Or you can bring it out during ritual work, especially if you’re trying to communicate or ask for help. It’s a quiet, humble tool—but a powerful one.
The beauty of a spirit ladder is that there’s no wrong way to make it. It’s deeply personal. Yours will hold your intention, your energy, and your magic. Whether you feel close to your ancestors, work with spirit guides, or are just starting to explore your spiritual path, creating a spirit ladder is a grounded, hands-on way to bring those energies into your space. And it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
How to Make a Spirit Ladder
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started. Most of this you can find around your house, at a craft store, or out in nature:
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3 to 5 small sticks or twigs (straight-ish ones work best)
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String, twine, or yarn (natural fibers are great, but use what you have)
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Scissors
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Meaningful items to decorate your ladder (feathers, beads, tiny bones, dried flowers, crystals, charms, shells, etc.)
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Paper and pen (for writing messages, prayers, or wishes)
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Optional: incense, candle, or herbs (for cleansing or blessing your materials)
Before you begin, it’s nice to set the mood. You don’t need to do anything fancy, but lighting a candle, playing some calming music, or just taking a few deep breaths can help center your energy. You’re not just making a craft—you’re making a spiritual tool. Let yourself settle into that mindset.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Spirit Ladder
Step 1: Cleanse Your Materials
Before you start putting it all together, give everything a quick energetic cleanse. You can do this by smoke-cleansing with incense or herbs like sage, cedar, or rosemary. Or you can set the items in sunlight or moonlight for a little while. Even just holding them in your hands and setting the intention to clear out any unwanted energy works just fine.
Step 2: Make the Ladder Frame
Lay out your twigs or sticks to form a small ladder shape—usually about 3–5 rungs is enough. Use your string or yarn to tie the rungs to the sides. This part doesn’t have to be perfect; just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold whatever you’re going to attach to it. While you’re tying things together, you can say a quiet blessing or repeat a phrase like “I open the way between worlds.”
Step 3: Add Your Offerings and Decorations
Now the fun part—decorating. This is where your spirit ladder really becomes your own. Tie on feathers for freedom and flight, bones for ancestral strength, beads for beauty, bells to call in spirit, herbs for healing, or anything else that feels right. If you’re making the ladder with a specific purpose—say, to connect with a loved one who’s passed—you can add items that remind you of them.
Step 4: Write a Message (Optional)
If you want to, write a small note or prayer on a piece of paper and tie it to one of the rungs. This could be a thank you to your ancestors, a request for guidance, or just something you want to share with the spirit world. You can add more over time, too. Your ladder can grow and change with you.
Step 5: Bless and Activate It
Once your ladder feels complete, take a moment to bless it. Hold it in your hands and speak your intention out loud. You might say something like, “This ladder is a bridge of light. May it carry my prayers, my love, and my voice to the spirits who hear me.” You can wave it gently through incense smoke, pass it over a candle flame (safely), or sprinkle a few drops of moon water on it. Let your intuition guide you.
How to Use Your Spirit Ladder
There’s no one way to use a spirit ladder—it’s up to you and what feels right. Some people hang them near their altar or by a window where the wind can move through it. Others bring them out only during ritual or meditation. You can use it to help you focus during prayer, when doing ancestor work, or as part of a protection ritual.
If you’re doing spirit communication, you can place the ladder nearby to act as a bridge between your world and theirs. Some folks like to hold it while speaking their intentions or asking questions. You might even place small offerings beneath it—like a bit of food, a cup of tea, or a flower—to show your gratitude. It’s a tool for connection, and like any relationship, it thrives with attention and care.
You can also use your spirit ladder as a visual reminder of your spiritual path. Hang it in a quiet space and let it remind you of your roots, your strength, and the invisible hands that walk beside you. It’s a small but sacred piece of your practice—something you made with your own hands and your own heart.
Keeping It Alive
Your spirit ladder doesn’t need to be static. You can update it whenever you feel called—adding new items, messages, or blessings. If you feel like it’s collected a lot of energy and needs a refresh, give it a gentle cleanse, just like you did when you made it. Or create a new one for a new chapter of your life.
Some people even make seasonal spirit ladders—one for each turn of the wheel of the year, each with its own theme and energy. It’s a lovely way to stay in rhythm with nature and keep your spiritual work fresh and meaningful.
When the Ladder Has Served Its Purpose
If there comes a time when you feel like your spirit ladder has done what it needed to do, you can release it with gratitude. You might burn it in a ritual fire (if it’s safe to do so), bury it in the earth, or return it to nature. Thank it for being a bridge, a friend, a helper. Let it go lovingly, knowing that its energy lives on in the spirit world.
A Ladder to the Heart of the Unseen
Making a spirit ladder is more than just crafting—it’s a way of reaching out, opening up, and building a connection with the spirit realm. Whether you’re talking to ancestors, asking for protection, or just looking to feel more spiritually grounded, your ladder becomes a piece of that conversation. It’s not fancy or complicated. It’s honest. And sometimes that’s exactly the kind of magic that works best.
So, if you’ve been feeling the nudge to make one, go for it. Gather what you have, follow your intuition, and let your hands do the talking. There’s no perfect way to do this—just your way. And that’s what makes it powerful.
