This is based on an idea that I got from Laurie Cabot. I like this spell not out of any feeling of paranoia of thieves and other unsavory characters, but because one of the core principle of the green way is knowing your boundaries. Knowing where you fit in the world and personally marking your property line is a good way to do it. If you’re from a part of the county with small fenced yards this may be so obviously to you that you won’t even need to do this (though it’s protection aspects might be more important). If you’re in a place like New England then you might not even know exactly where you’re property line is. (We certainly didn’t when we moved into our new home).

Starting from the outer edge of your property facing your front door begin to walk clockwise around your property. When you reach the corner determine your direction and invoke the appropriate elemental

Spirits of Earth, gnomes of the north
Know that with this iron spike I claim this as land I will protect and honor
Invest this spike with the power of protection
Help me always nurture and care for this place
And keep others who would do me and mine harm far from our door.

Spirits of Air, slyphs of the east
Know that with this iron spike I claim this as land I will protect and honor
Invest this spike with the power of protection
Help me always nurture and care for this place
And keep others who would do me and mine harm far from our door.

Spirits of fire, of the south
Know that with this iron spike I claim this as land I will protect and honor
Invest this spike with the power of protection
Help me always nurture and care for this place
And keep others who would do me and mine harm far from our door.

Spirits of water, of the west
Know that with this iron spike I claim this as land I will protect and honor
Invest this spike with the power of protection
Help me always nurture and care for this place
And keep others who would do me and mine harm far from our door.