Today is World Emoji Day. Emoji is a Japanese word meaning "picture word." Interface designer Shigetaka Kurita is credited with creating the first emojis in 1990.

Emoji spells have been very popular among young witches over the last decade, but older practitioners may roll their eyes at the idea. However, if you consider these little icons more carefully, emojis are very similar to the traditional symbols and sigils we use—what's different is their digital presentation. Paired with the truth that the internet is a pretty magical form of communication, why not tap into the power of emojis for sympathetic magic?

Symbols are complex ideas simplified, much like the ingredients used in sympathetic magic. Regardless of your age, I bet there are a handful of emojis that you use on a regular basis. What do they mean to you? Browse your collection and consider what symbols you can use for protection, healing, cleansing, and blessing. Create a digital grimoire in your notepad function to save your favorite combinations and use them when needed.