Magic Forums

When using charcoal in a Wiccan spell/ritual, what exactly is defined as charcoal? There is a protection spell I'm considering doing that requires charcoal, but it doesn't specify what it means. I would very much like to know what constitutes as charcoal because I am a little limited on supplies and would like to know that I have it. Is charcoal that stuff you put in the barbecue that comes in bags from the Home Depot? Is it charred/burnt wood? If I don't have charcoal, I may just write my own spell/ritual for protection and write the prayers that go along with it as well. If i do this, I would like some tips as it is a spell being placed into a pendant I am to give to someone very dear to me.