Witch stones, also known as hag stones or adder stones, are natural stones with a naturally-formed hole running through them. These stones have been attributed with mystical symbolism and beliefs for centuries. The main idea behind the mystical symbolism of witch stones is their ability to ward off evil spirits and provide protection. In many cultures, it is said that witch stones were used as a form of protection against witches and evil spirits. The belief is that these stones possess magical properties that can repel any negativity or harm. They are often hung near windows or doors, or worn as jewelry, to create a protective barrier around the wearer or the home.
Hag Stones help with fertility. Wearing Hag Stones while pregnant can assist in a safe pregnancy and delivery.
So, if you live near a rock or gravel beach that has Pholad clams in the area, take a stroll between the rocks, and you might find yourself a lucky Hag Stone. In addition, Hag Stones were used by Native Americans to perform cleromancy, a practice where objects such as stones, runes, dice, and crystals get thrown with a question in mind.
They are often hung near windows or doors, or worn as jewelry, to create a protective barrier around the wearer or the home. This belief in the protective powers of witch stones has been passed down through generations and is still held by many people today. Witch stones are also associated with divination and the spirit world.
Hag Stones: History, Meaning and use in Magick
Hag stones are something I have been fascinated with for a very long time and enjoy collecting them from all over this country and around the world. Hag stones have been a part of magical practices and folklore for thousands of years and still to this day. They have a variety of other names such as Fairy Stones, Odin Stones, Holey Stones, Witch Stones, Adder Stones, Snake Eggs, Hex Stones, Holeys, and Eye Stones. From viewing into the spirit realm to warding off evil spirits at sea, Hag stones have many uses which will be explained in this blog. Hag stones are most commonly found on beaches along the coast but also can be found on lake shores and even in river beds. So with that all said let us get into the fascinating world of these amazing stones.
Origin of the Term Hag Stone
The name “hag stone” originates in part from ancient beliefs that most maladies, which were curable by using this stone, were caused originally by spectral hags. Other areas call them adder stones because they are believed to protect the wearer from the effects of snake bite. Germanic legend says that adder stones are formed when serpents gather together and use their venom to create the holes in the center of the stones. Hag stones are said to have many uses. They have been used by witches worldwide for centuries in both rituals and spell work. They also have been used, ironically, as a toll to counteract a witch’s magick. Legend has it that they can be used to ward off the dead, curses, sickness and nightmares.
They are used to see invisible creatures of the land of the Fae and open up a window to other realms. They are used as protection against spells, warding, and healing. The spell for fertility magic had a hag stone tied to the bedpost to help facilitate pregnancy. There are stories of very large hag stones; large enough for someone to walk through. These are used by couples trying to achieve pregnancy by walking through it together or holding hands.
Livestock owners would use the stones to protect their animals from bewitchment or being ridden to the Sabbath by witches. A stone would be suspended by a cord in the center of each stable to protect the horses and other live stock. Else a cow would give sour milk and hens refused to lay and eggs. Fisherman and sailors would often find them on beaches during their travels. They would tie them to their boats to keep off evil spirits and witches from affecting their ships and their catch. It was believed that evil spirits and witches would curse ships to have small catches, but a hag stone would prevent this from happening. A few stories speak of them being able to control the winds on the high seas; or more formerly, they could control the weather. Continue reading HERE.
A few uses of Hag Stones
- Hang it above your front door or over a window to keep evil spirits out.
- If you’re a sailor, tie one with rope to your ship to prevent witches clinging to your vessel, and to swing in the wind to help break up storm clouds.
- Wear it around your neck on a string to ensure good health and to heal any minor ills.
- Nail one above the door of your barn to stop witches souring your herd’s milk or taking your horses for a gallop in the night.
- Attach a hag stone to your bedpost to keep bad dreams away.
- Tie one to your keys so they will never be lost again.
- Use them to help you conceive a baby. (We’re not quite clear on exactly how this is done. Perhaps just have one about your person…)
- Enter Fairyland through it (apparently the hole is a portal). Again, we’re unsure about how to do this, but it can’t hurt to just have a peer at Fairyland through the hole.
*Only ever take one at a time though, and only for yourself. The stones are said to find you; you don’t find the stones. And they only work for the person they found. SOURCE
Some of the hag Stones in my personal collection from the Oregon coast, Florida coast and Lake Michigan.
How to Use Hag Stones for Magick
Despite their general state being to banish faeries, if you wish to attract some, you can pour morning dew through a Hag Stone hole and anoint yourself with it.
Other rituals that can be practiced with these objects, include a fertility ritual, a ritual for increased mental balance and safety while seafaring.
For the fertility ritual, you must find a Hag Stone that is big enough to walk or crawl through, while most Hag Stones are pebble sized there are a few that are more of a boulder. You must then link hands with your partner then go through together. If all goes well you will be blessed with a baby.
For the ritual of mental healing and balance, tie a Hag Stone to your bedpost or headboard. The next time you take a nap you will be graced with calmness, enhanced mood and other benefits that resemble meditation.
For the final ritual you must nail a Hag Stone to the side of your sea-craft, make sure to secure it very tightly in order to make sure it does not fall into the watery depths of the ocean. After you have done this folklore states that storms and rough tides will be dissuaded from coming your way as will all manner of malevolent sea spirits.
While at sea, Hag Stones could also be utilized for breaking up storms, this also applies on land. In order to do this simply tie a string or rope through the Hag Stone and swirl it around your head, this will dispel the gathering storms. SOURCE
In this video, I talk about the meaning, magick, and folklore of these wonderful stones and how to use them.
Further Resources
If you find a shell with a hole naturally formed due to water erosion, it is a Hag Stone. However, sea shells with holes due to breakage are not Hag Stones.
Some believe that if you look through the hole in a witch stone, you can see into the spirit realm or receive messages from the other side. This practice of scrying or gazing into the stone is considered a way to connect with the mystical and gain insight into the future. Additionally, witch stones are often used in rituals and spells. They can be placed on altars or used as a focus point for meditation and intention-setting. The belief is that these stones have a strong connection to the earth and the energies of nature, making them a powerful tool for manifesting desires and casting spells. Overall, the mystical symbolism of witch stones revolves around their protective properties and their ability to connect with the spirit world. Whether used in rituals, worn as jewelry, or simply displayed in the home, these stones hold a special significance for those who believe in their magical powers. Their use spans across cultures and generations, making them a timeless symbol of the mystical and awe-inspiring..
Reviews for "Witch stones and the divine feminine: Exploring their sacred significance"
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