Hag Stones

I've always been interested in folklore , local myths and legends.

As I live near the West Sussex coast, I sometimes find stones on the beach that have holes running through them. They are usually flint in this part of the country and come in varying shapes and sizes. I even found one that seemed to have the head of a dog - it was roughly German Shepherd shaped.

The connection between folklore and stones with holes in them, is that such stones are known as hag stones and can be used as a protection against the dead, witches, curses, nightmares and sickness. During the Middle Ages wearing a hag stone was recommended by the Christian church as a way of warding off witches. There is also the belief that wearing a hag stone as an amulet will allow the wearer to see fairies, without being exposed to their magic. The protective power of hag stones is enhanced if they are found in water, such as the sea, streams or lakes. In Dorset they are hung on fishing boats to protect the vessels from black magic. I have in fact, seen a line of hag stones hanging on a river boath in Shoreham Harbour, which I photographed.

I have used the theme of hag stones as the basis for a short ghost story, which will form part of a collection that I am currently writing. My intention is to complete a dozen or so stories and the publish them in the New Year. I will issue updates in my newsletters in due course.

#hagstones #magic #folklore #witches