Pins 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.

Pins

Many superstitions existed regarding pins. For example, stray pins should always be picked up, otherwise, a witch will take them and use them in magic. Witches were rumoured to throw bent pins into their brews to break and cast evil spells. Witches blessed friends with prosperity and happiness by plucking a lemon at midnight and reciting an incantation while sticking the fruit full of different coloured pins.

In cases of demonic possession, victims often vomit up pins and other bizarre objects (allotriophagy).

See also Needles.

As a Ward

According to English folklore, a witch's power can be destroyed by sticking pins in the heart of a stolen hen or by pricking a pigeon with pins (Guiley 1989 269).

Witch hunters often used pins to prick suspected witches when looking for Devil's marks.

Lost?

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