Keys are a powerful ally to have in your altar. Not only can a key open, access and unlock, but also close, banish and protect. Keys have been associated with gatekeepers or spirits of crossroads. Hecate the Greek Goddess of magic, witchcraft and crossroads is often depicted with keys as it symbolizes her domain over thresholds, boundaries and liminal spaces. Her keys are also associated with spiritual growth, transformation and hidden knowledge. In Haitian Vodou, Papa Legba also bears keys as he is gatekeeper and master of access between the physical world and spiritual realm (Vilokan). Being a guardian of the crossroads he also facilitates over communication, prayers and petitions to the spirit realm.

You can use a key for offerings to gods and goddesses of the liminal world or as a talisman for protection. You can use these for road opener spells, binding or banishing spells, removing blocks, unlocking spiritual realms or divination by accessing the passageway to the unseen.