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Throughout history, humans have been deeply superstitious, often attributing bad luck and poor health to deities, malevolent entities, or supernatural forces. Among these, witches have been one of the most enduring scapegoats–mysterious figures concocting potions and soaring to secret gatherings. To shield themselves from these allegedly malevolent and potent beings, people devised some of the most peculiar protective measures imaginable.
10. Hidden Footwear
Shoes were intentionally concealed within the framework of homes, particularly in areas considered spiritually significant, such as roof rafters, beneath floorboards, and inside walls. This practice of hiding shoes was believed to safeguard residents from witches and malevolent entities. The tradition reportedly began in the 13th century when an English parish priest allegedly trapped the devil in a boot. This unusual custom persisted well into the early 1900s.
Some skeptics argue that the shoes discovered in odd locations were merely misplaced or discarded as trash rather than hidden for supernatural reasons. However, these shoes were often placed in spots only accessible during construction or through significant effort, such as lifting floorboards. The sheer number of cases, the clear patterns, and the discovery of shoes alongside peculiar items like dried cats or horse skulls strongly indicate that the concealment was intentional.
9. Elf Arrow Charms
Historically, Scottish peasants believed that elf arrows or elf shots (flint arrowheads) descended from the sky and were wielded by fairies, elves, and witches to harm both livestock and people. However, once humans obtained these arrows, they could serve as protective charms against witchcraft and the evil eye, as well as a remedy for afflicted cattle.
Elf arrows were never discovered when actively sought but appeared in the most surprising locations and situations. The Scottish geographer Robert Gordon of Straloch recounted instances where a man found an elf arrow in his boot while riding and a woman discovered one in the bodice of her dress. It was crucial to keep elf arrows away from sunlight, as exposure would allow witches to reclaim them and use them for malevolent purposes once again.
8. Witch Bottles
Witch bottles, also known as spell bottles, were typically ceramic or occasionally glass containers filled with items like hair, nails, bent pins, urine, and other peculiar objects. These bottles gained popularity in England and America during the late 16th and 17th centuries and were believed to counteract curses cast by witches. The urine and the bottle’s shape symbolized the witch’s bladder, and it was thought that the nails and bent pins would cause the witch such discomfort that she would immediately revoke the curse.
Witch bottles were commonly buried or placed in the windows of the creator’s home to maximize their protective effect.
7. Witch Stones or Witch Seats
Many historic cottages and homes in Guernsey feature stone blocks protruding from their chimneys. Originally, these blocks were designed to stop rainwater from leaking through the gap between the thatched roof and the chimney. Over time, however, they became linked to nighttime flyers.
Legend has it that on Friday nights, as witches returned from their weekly gatherings, they would occasionally grow weary and perch on these chimney ledges. If a witch’s seat was absent, the witch might become furious, slide down the chimney, and wreak havoc—or, even worse, decide to settle permanently in the house.
6. Witch Balls
A witch ball is a vividly colored glass sphere designed to ward off witches, curses, and misfortune. In the Middle Ages, these balls were crudely shaped into rough spheres. By the Victorian era, they became more refined and were crafted from superior-quality glass.
Witch balls gained immense popularity in 18th-century England, where they were hung in windows to protect homes. The vibrant colors and unique shape were believed to lure witches and trap them inside, shielding the household from harm. In New England, they were often filled with holy water to enhance their protective power.
5. Guardian Cats
A cat sealed within a wall is not something one would expect to find during renovations. Yet, this was a common practice in the past to safeguard homes from supernatural threats, including witches. Positioned in hunting stances and encased in walls, these unfortunate cats might have served a dual purpose: catching vermin, much like modern house cats, and deterring supernatural pests, such as witches’ familiars, which were often thought to take animal forms.
Cats weren’t the sole means of providing this kind of protection. Other protective items included figurines concealed in the rafters or locks of human hair hung in the attic.
4. Rowan Trees
In the British Isles, the rowan tree was revered for its ability to ward off witchcraft and enchantment. Its protective reputation may have arisen from its unique features—a small five-pointed star or pentagram is visible on each berry opposite its stem, and the color red was considered highly effective against magical influences.
The rowan tree served as a versatile protective charm. The tree itself safeguarded the homes near which it grew, while people often carried pieces of the tree for personal protection or to shield their livestock and dairy products. For instance, on the Isle of Man, crosses crafted from rowan twigs were worn by individuals, attached to cattle, or hung above doorways every May Eve. In Cornwall and Scotland, similar rowan crosses, bound with red thread, were carried in pockets or sewn into coat linings for added security.
3. Hag Stones
Hag stones, also called holey stones or Odin stones, are naturally perforated rocks. For centuries, these stones have been used in southwest England, especially in Dorset, to guard against witchcraft. They were commonly hung above doorways, on keychains, or near beds to protect individuals from witches and demons believed to drain their strength during sleep.
On farms, hag stones were often suspended above stable doors or tied around a horse’s neck to shield them from witchcraft, as witches were known to steal horses to ride to their gatherings.
2. Spoken and Written Charms
Charms were used to repel or nullify witches’ spells. Some were verbal, involving phrases, formulas, or prayers. For instance, in the 17th century, a sorcerer from Nottingham recommended using herbs and reciting five Our Fathers, five Aves, and one Creed to counteract a witch’s curse. Others were written, featuring inscriptions on paper, parchment, wood, or similar materials.
In Pennsylvania, German settlers often carried written amulets and charms for protection. These amulets contained protective inscriptions, sometimes including Bible verses, and were frequently folded into triangular shapes. Alternatively, they were hung in barns or homes instead of being carried on one’s person.
1. Witch Marks
Witch marks were ritualistic symbols carved or drawn to seek protection from witches and malevolent spirits. These marks featured various protective designs, such as compasses and pentacles, to ward off evil.
Witch marks were particularly prevalent in medieval churches and homes. For instance, recent discoveries under 17th-century floorboards at Knole House in Sevenoaks, Kent, revealed such marks. These were carved in anticipation of a visit from King James I, who was deeply fascinated by witchcraft. The marks included scorch marks from candle flames, intricate carvings of Vs and Ws (invoking the Virgin Mary’s protection), and labyrinthine patterns known as demon traps, designed to confuse and trap evil spirits.
+Holy Water
During medieval times, holy water was widely regarded as a potent defense against the devil and his minions, who were believed to be repelled by it. It was sprinkled around homes, crops, and livestock to ward off evil spirits. Animals thought to be cursed by witches were treated by pouring holy water down their throats.
A holy water carrier frequently visited villages to ensure everyone was adequately protected. When storms struck, villagers attributed them to witches and rushed to the local church to obtain additional holy water to safeguard their homes from lightning and drive away the witches.
