Horseshoes 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.

Horseshoes

As a Ward

Horseshoes are still used as good luck charms and wards against evil. It has long been used as an amulet against the evil eye, evil spirits, the Devil, faeries, and witches. Nailed over the doorway of a church, stable, house, or other building, its iron makeup prevents evil from crossing the threshold. Placed in the chimney, a horseshoe prevents witches from flying in on their brooms. Nailed to one's bed, it repels demons and nightmares. In Ireland, nailed on the threshold of a door, a piece of a horseshoe keeps faeries out of the house.

To be truly effective, a horseshoe must never be removed once it is put in place. To protect against sorcery, demons, and witchcraft, the ends of the horseshoe must point downward. As a good-luck amulet, the ends should point upwards so that the coming luck does not spill out (Guiley 1989 166).

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Horseshoes and Witchcraft is copyright 1997-1998 to Shantell Powell.