Hagstones and Witchcraft
Disclaimer
This is NOT a page about Wiccans or neo-pagans, and I do not advocate the belief that Wiccans are Satan-worshippers and/or baby-killers. I am well aware that they are not. This is a starting point for historical research into the great witch craze of 1100-1700 AD. And please, don't ask me for spells.
Hagstones
As a Ward
A hagstone is a stone with a hole in it hung in stables and homes to keep away witches or hags at night. If hung on the bedpost, it protected the sleeper from having a hag ride one's chest and causing a nightmare. Hung in the stable, it prevented witches from riding horses all night to exhaustion (Guiley 1989 148).
Lost?
![[Preserve Me From Harm]](wardbut.gif){kind=small}
![[Tools of the Witches]](toolbut.gif){kind=small}
![[The Witching Hours]](../witchbut.gif){kind=small}
Hagstones and Witchcraft is copyright 1998 to Shantell Powell.