Iron 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.

Iron

As a Ward

Iron is believed to be one of the top charms against evil spirits, demons, sorcerers, and witches. "A knife, or a cross of iron, are sovereign protections against witchcraft and evil magic of all kinds" (K. Briggs 234). European folklore says witches cannot pass over cold iron, and that burying an iron knife under your doorstep will ensure no witches will ever enter your house. In some areas, iron was used to protect entire villages. Iron was also considered a choice ward agains malicious faeries. In some areas, it also repelled ghosts. Similarly, an open pair of scissors hung over a baby's cradle, or crossed diaper pins in a baby's clothes will prevent it against faeries (K. Briggs 83, 234).

Iron was a popular metal for the creation of amulets which protect against the evil eye, bad luck, danger, evil spirits, and witches.

In Wales it was believed that faerie wives would vanish when touched with iron. A story was told "of a young man at last winning a fairy maid, but she told him if he ever struck her with iron she would go away never to return" (of course, anyone being hit with iron probably wouldn't want to stick around....).

Also see brass.

(Elworthy 222)
(Guiley 1989 172).

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