Coffin Nails, historically, are simply any nails that have been used to close a coffin or casket.  They are used in many types of magic, and have a special place in protective charms.  They do not represent death, but rather are a powerful fusion of the magic inherently present in iron and the transitional energy of the grave.  IT IS ILLEGAL to steal coffin nails from a grave—breaking the law is not good for your magical practice and it brings disdain on every magical worker when someone gets caught breaking the law for magical materials.

If you need coffin nails for your spells, use this transformation to create your own.  You will still create powerful magical tools but you will not need to break the law to do so!

Magical Tools:
• iron nails
• a small wooden box with lid
• graveyard dirt to fill box

Magical Spell
Fill the box with graveyard dirt and then nail the lid shut using the iron nails that you wish to charge.  If you have more nails than you can drive into the lid, you can drive them into the walls of the box, or you can put them inside the box with the dirt.

On a moonless night bury the box underneath an oak tree.  If you are able, conduct a funeral for the box.  Return home and wash your hands immediately with flowing water.

For seven nights visit the place where you have buried the box and follow traditional mourning rituals.  Place flowers, place a headstone and paint it red, leave small rocks, eulogize the box.  Dress in black, or if that will draw to much attention wear some small garment of black, or black ribbons.

Dig up the box, and pull out the nails carefully.  If they have rusted into the "coffin" that is an exceptionally good omen that they have absorbed the full charge.  Store them wrapped in white silk or wool until you are ready to use them.