Witch stones or hagstones are curious stones with holes that have a great number of stories and superstitions in Europe. In fact, they are considered one of the oldest amulets on the European continent. In addition to being protective amulets, they are symbols of good luck. It is said that couples who get engaged holding one of these stones will have an eternal union.
In this article we are going to talk about stones, superstition and European folklore. A tradition that goes back from the Iberian Peninsula to Romania. Because one thing is clear, there have always been witches, goblins and supernatural beings, and along with them there have been a large number of amulets to protect us from the evil they could cause us.
What is witch stone?
Witch stone is a stone naturally pierced by water, either from the river or from the sea. Said like that it sounds like something simple since tradition does not say that it has to be a stone made of a specific material, although flint is usually the preferred choice for many.
When we find a stone of these characteristics, It is associated with good luck and it will protect us from a great number of evils. It is said that whoever finds a witch stone should not give it away, they should keep it and it is an amulet that can be passed from parents to children.
We can find these stones referred to by a multitude of names: hagstones, holey stones, witch stones, fairy stones, gloin nan druidh, viper stone, etc…
The hole in the stone according to tradition
Tradition says that the origin of the stone is found in snakes. According to some places, they say that Snakes make holes by biting the stone, hence some sites have a name related to snakes such as viper stone.
Talismans against witchcraft
The stones with holes have been used as talismans to protect against witchcraft and other beings of the fairy world. Folklore says that if we look carefully through its holes we will see supernatural beings.
But let's get to the interesting part: what are they for? How are they used? The protection of the witch stone was against possible unwanted night visitors, protected from all nightmares and terrors of the night such as: witches, goblins, monsters, etc.
As a curious fact, when it was not known what sleep apnea was, many people gave an answer to these episodes where they suffered from shortness of breath or even drowning while sleeping. The explanation was given to these night goblins that sat on the chest and caused serious trouble. Creatures that the English called "night mare" and from where comes their current name for nightmares: nigthmares. If we look at the Spanish word it also indicates this nocturnal problem of apneas. Weighs-dilla.
It was said that a witch stone under the pillow or near the head of the bed protected against these beings and the respiratory illnesses they could cause. It was even common to hang one over a baby's crib.
They didn't just protect humans
Nocturnal supernatural beings are always present in the folklore of different places, and these beings did not only attack humans. Therefore, the witch stone was not intended exclusively for humans, It also protected cattle or horses. It was said that nocturnal beings could drown a horse or milk cows so that they would not have milk during the day.
I also know could protect the houses making amulets out of iron and with a witch stone and hanging them from the ceiling of the house. Another option was to carry a stone as if it were a keychain with the keys to our home. It was common in many houses to make a mobile where there were keys, horseshoes and other amulets of good luck and protection in addition to the witch stone. In this way, an amulet for the entire home was achieved.
Her beauty
As an amulet they seem quite interesting, and also, Many people collect them solely for their beauty. They are polished stones, smooth, shiny and soft due to water. There are never two alike and the holes can do wonders for the aesthetics of these stones. The sizes are as varied as the stones that a river can carry, but the ideal is stones that we can carry with us to use them either for aesthetics or for protection. Large stones should be reserved for the protection of houses.
Interest in these objects has resurfaced today. for several reasons. On the one hand, for its aesthetics. On the other hand, as protective amulets from evil and also as an aid to spirituality, since not only evil beings can be seen through their holes, but also the spiritual world.