Hag Stones

Written by forestelf Monday, 19 July 2010 19:15

A Typical Hag Stone - Found at Oxwich Bay, Gower

Hag Stones, also known as Witch Stones, Fairy Stones, Holy Stones and Eye Stones, are stones with naturally formed holes running clean through them. These holes are usually formed by centuries of wave action. It is this association with running water (which itself is said to negate the effect of evil) that is believed by many people to be the source of the Hag Stone's reputation for guarding their owner against ill-fortune and the Evil Eye.

It was once common practice for people to hang such stones above the front door to their homes to keep misfortune and troublesome spirits from interfering with its inhabitants and farmers used to nail them to stable doors to safeguard their horses against being being run into the ground by witches borrowing the animals to visit Sabbats. Fishermen, too, also used Hag Stones as talismans to protect their boats from storms and as charms to help secure large catches of fish. Smaller Hag Stones have also been carried on keyrings or worn around the neck in the belief that their wearers would secure a little of the luck associated with them. They would also be hung on bed posts at night to assure a good night's sleep was not spoiled by nightmares.

Hag Stone Found on Rhossili Bay

These stones have also been associated with faeries, where they have been regarded as keys into the Faery Realm. This aspect of the stone's folklore is utilised in the film The Spiderwick Chronicles, where mortal humans can see invisible creatures from the Faery Realm by peering though the hole in a (particularly impressive looking) Hag Stone.

The stones have also been used as folk remedies for the treatment of rheumatism, cramp and various stomach complaints.

In spellcraft, Hag Stones are held in left hand whilst the right hand thumb rubs them in a clockwise direction. Whilst this is action is performed, the practicioner concentrates upon their desire. This ritual is then repeated fairly regularly until the purpose of the spell manifests itself in reality.

Whilst Hag Stones are not uncommon along the Gower Peninsula coast, it is at Oxwich Bay where they can be found in greatest abundance. It is said, however, that the stones only share their magic with those who have found the stones themselves or to those to whom they have been given as an act of love or kindness.