05/20/2022
Some excellent info on witch stones like the ones I use in my art and jewelry.
https://www.facebook.com/310606652347992/posts/3604345469640744/
Hag Stone
(also called adder stones, witch stones, serpent's eggs, snake's eggs, or Glain Neidr, milpreve, adderstanes, and Gloine nan Druidh, "Druids' glass",
[UK], aggry or aggri
[Egypt], Holey Stone, Oled stone, Odin Stone, Crick Stone, Fairy Stone and Witches Amulet; Water, Earth)
Protection, Justice, New Beginnings, Connection To The Goddess, Cleansing, Fertility, + Protection
Hag Stone is any rock, sometimes glassy, with a naturally occurring hole through it, caused by weathering.
Such stones have been discovered by archaeologists in both Britain and Egypt. Commonly, they are found in Northern Germany at the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas, however, they may be found anywhere where weather or water can erode stone, especially along coastlines or at the mouths of rivers and streams.
Three traditions exist as to the origins of adder stones.
One holds that the stones are the hardened saliva of large numbers of serpents massing together, the perforations being caused by their tongues.
The second claims that an adder stone comes from the head of a serpent or is made by the sting of an adder.
The third is more modern (and much easier to attain).
It details that the stone can be any rock with a hole bored through the middle by water. Human intervention (i.e., direction of water or placement of the stone) is not allowed.
Adder stones were believed to have magical powers such as protection against eye diseases or evil charms, preventing nightmares, curing whooping cough, the ability to see through fairy or witch disguises and traps if looked at through the middle of the stone, and of course recovery from snakebite. According to popular conception, a true adder stone will float in water.
Adder stone was held in high esteem amongst the Druids. It was one of their distinguishing badges, and was accounted to possess the most extraordinary virtues.
Pliny said
“The druids say that it is tossed in the air with hissings and must be caught in a cloak before it touches the earth.
The person who thus intercepts it, flies on horseback; for the serpents will pursue him until prevented by intervening water.
This egg, though bound in gold will swim against the stream.
And the magi are cunning to conceal their frauds, they give out that this egg must be obtained at a certain age of the moon.
I have seen that egg as large and as round as a common sized apple, in a chequered cartilaginous cover, and worn by the Druids.
It is wonderfully extolled for gaining lawsuits, and access to kings.”
If the stone was found in the Sea or the Ocean or running streams and rivers, these stones can be used for new beginnings, connection to the Goddess, cleansing, fertility, and protection. Such stones are immune to enchantment.
If the stone was found in-land, these stones can be used for connection to the faerie realm & psychic vision and fertility.
It is considered extremely lucky to find one of these rare stones, especially if you stumble on it unintentionally.
When that happens, the stone has gifted itself to you!
These hard to find stones are considered powerful protection stones that can be worn for personal protection, hung at doorways or windows to protect the home, or even hung near a pet’s sleeping place to protect the pet. Hung by a black ribbon at whichever door is most regularly used in the home it will snag negative vibrations as soon as they enter.
To prevent nightmares, place in the sleeping area of the one who wishes to be free of nightmares.
When strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over the bed it acts as a shield against bad dreams much like the Native American dream catcher.
Today, these stones can be hung in the office, car, or carried in the purse when flying or traveling.
A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon through the hole and speaking a need to the Gods.
It is also said to give one the power of second sight and with a little practice, the ability to see the flitting forms of the faerie folk and Nature spirits.
A hag stone has been used by witches for centuries in their spell craft and rituals; it has also been used against witches by common folk to counteract the witch’s magick.
Many country people used these stones to protect their animals from bewitchment or being ridden to the Sabbath by witches- a stone would be suspended by a cord in the stable to protect the horses and other live stock.
These stones are used not only by country folk but also fisherman and sailors who find them on the beaches and tie them too their boats to keep off evil spirits and witches from affecting their ships and their catch.
It was believed that a boat that did not come home with a good catch was being affected by evil spirits and witches, a hag stone or holey stone could prevent this from occurring.
It is also believed that if you close one eye and peer through the hole of the hag stone that you can see the faerie world and see elemental beings and spirits.
The suspension of a Hag stone from a cord around the bed post was believed to prevent night terrors associated with hags or witches afflicting the individual with her magickal powers or “riding” them.
Crystal healing lore holds that Holey Stones are helpful for healing disease and maintaining general health, particularly when the stone is rubbed on the body of someone sick.
Hag stones are believed to have magical powers such as protection against eye diseases or evil charms, preventing nightmares and curing whooping cough.
It was believed that by placing them under the bed it would relieve cramp and rheumatism, and they could prevent stomach disorders caused by Hags sitting on the stomach during the night.
They are said to help improve vision – both eyesight and psychic vision and that they give the wearer the ability to see through fairy or witch disguises and traps if looked at through the middle of the stone.
They are also reputed to aid recovery from snakebite.
Hag Stones may be cleansed by soaking in salt water and recharging by placing in sun or moonlight.
