Solitary witches don’t need these unless they’re for cord magic or knot magic. Usually made of silk and 9 feet in length, cords are used by some traditions in coven work for.

• Binding
• Initiations.
• Control.
• Taking someone’s measure.

There are initiation ceremonies in which novices are literally bound, sometimes naked, to the altar. This is supposed to be a solemn, symbolic, religious act and no doubt has ancient origins.