How to make a sigil from your own words: a step-by-step guide

Start with one clear sentence

A sigil works best as a focus tool when the sentence behind it is specific. Write it in the present tense and keep it about something you can act on: "I practise guitar every evening" is easier to work with than "I become famous".

Reduce the letters

The letter-reduction method is usually credited to the artist Austin Osman Spare in the early 20th century — a modern technique, not an ancient one.

1. Write your sentence in capitals.
2. Cross out the vowels (optional).
3. Remove repeated letters.
4. Keep what's left — for example, I PRACTISE GUITAR becomes PRCTSGR.

Combine the shapes

Overlay the remaining letters into one shape, rotate parts, and simplify until it no longer reads as words. The Bhavtu sigil maker does this for you deterministically: the same letters and variation always draw the same symbol, so you can come back to it.

Try other layouts

• The Witch's Wheel places letters on rings and joins them in order.
• Number-based sigils turn letters into digits and plot them on a grid.
• Planetary squares trace a path through the magic squares described by Agrippa in 1533.

Browse all styles on the methods page.

Pair it with a step

A symbol is a reminder; the work is the plan. When you save a sigil, write one small action next to it in your journal. Read why in Symbol and action.