I wanted to do an article about Hag Stones because they're so interesting to me but also because I thought the timing of the year was right to talk about them and share a bit of information about them. Hag Stones go by many other names including: Holy Stones, Holey Stones, Odin’s Stone, Wish Stones. Witch Riding Stones, Fairy Stones, Adder Stones and Nightmare Stones! These stones are very powerful and even though they look very simple - a stone with a hole in it - they carry a very magical, spiritual connection that deals with ancient ways and are especially in tune with those connected to Nature spirits. Most Hag Stones are made of flint. There is nothing that says a piece of limestone or sandstone with a natural hole is not a Hag Stone, however, most commonly Hag Stones are flint as this is the type of rock that is predominant throughout European waterways where a lot of the Hag Stone lore occurs. Having a Hag Stone is about the essence of a stone with a hole made by nature - a hole that has been worn out during a long stretch of time.
Another of the names is the Adder Stone. It's called that because they are believed to protect one from the adder snake bites. A Germanic Legend suggests that the outer stones are formed when serpents get together and they use their venom to create holes in the center of the stones.
Throughout history they have had many uses and are connected to many different beliefs - but before I get to that I want to give you a bit of information about the term “hag stone”. Factual term hag Stone songs from the believe that most illnesses or many illnesses were caused by Spectral hags, more commonly known as witches. these stones have been used worldwide for Centuries by witches in rituals and in spell work, interesting leave they have also been used to counteract which is Magic. Many Legends and folklore about this Stone suggest that it can be used to ward off curses, illnesses and nightmares.
In case you've never seen a Hag Stone, they are a stone that has one or even a few - small holes - running through it. They are usually found in streams, along river beds, and at the sea where the running water has created the holes. Folklore suggests that you are better off to find your own, rather than purchase one; however, if you are gifted one from someone who loves you, the magic will remain intact.
Given their connection to water, it is no surprise that a long-held belief is that magic cannot work with running water and so the stones being tunneled by the force of this element make them retain the quality of washing away negativity, thereby acting as a protective amulet.
Back in the medieval times when there was much sorcery, these stones were often hung on a key or a door or even in the center of the livestock stalls as a prevention so that the animals were not bewitched or being ridden on the Sabbath by the witches. (Witches were often to blame when a cow produced bad milk or when hens refused to lay eggs.)
In some places around Europe, especially in Britain, these Stones were tied to the bows of boats in order to encourage the crew to have a safe journey and to act as a protective talisman, as this was believed to keep away evil spirits and also from any spells that might affect their catch. In addition, there is a belief that Hag Stones were often used for Weather magic and could assist the bearer in controlling the wind and the rain. It is thought that a cord could be threaded through the hole and then the stone was swirled around the head being held out at arms length to dispel bad weather.
Being also called a Fairy Stone, it is believed these stones would enable the possessor to look through the hole and see fairies from other realms. This kind of charm - especially if hung on red cord - would be especially helpful during Samhain when the veil between the worlds is very thin, especially for the fairy worlds. Some Italian magical practitioners believed that you could use this stone to bind a fairy to the owner’s service for a set amount of time. Another interesting use for the Hag, or Fairy Stone, is to go in search of fairies! One of the ideas is to wear your Fairy Stone around your neck and before you actually go to look for fairies, gather up some morning do in a jar and gently pour that dew through the hole of your stone as this will enable you to more easily see nature spirits, and fairies. This can also work around water and increase your attunement to Sea Spirits, and mermaids. If you were lucky enough to have found your stone in the forest, it would also increase your connection to Tree spirits.
Used throughout Britain and Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, it was believed that the Hag Stones protective powers would be increased if liquids were poured through the hole and in Scandinavia this was often done with ale, or with milk.
Hag Stones were also used as Pledge stones which gives the bearer the ability to know if someone was speaking the truth. Representative of the goddess vagina, this stone also creates a powerful love spell. Simply find a stick that fits well into the hole of the stone , and while setting your intention to find true love, throw the connected pair into a large body of water such as a sea or ocean. If on the other hand, you need protection or have items of value you would like protected, find several of these stones and tie them to that item for a boost of protective power.
To use Hag Stone for wishes or intentions, hold it in your non-dominant hand and then rub it with the dominant hand in a clockwise motion while you visualize what it is you're wishing for. You should do this three times as three is a magical witches number. Some Hag Stones have multiple holes, and stones with three holes are very significant in magical practices. Medieval witches would pass a cord or a small pebble through the hole in patterns of three and while doing so, would repeat the intent of the spell each time the item (cord or the small pebble) was passed through the hole This spell that the witch was trying to create was also affected by the colour of the cords used so different cord colours had different purposes. An example was that green was a colour for fertility, pink was for love, and blue was for health.
A long time ago it was believed that nightmares came about because the hag, or witch, would be sitting on the stomach of the sleeping person creating discomfort or pain so it is also believed that to protect oneself from nightmares hanging Hag Stone beside the bed or at the head of the bed would prevent these bad dreams. A slightly more modern version of this is a dream catcher so if you want to double the power on your dream catcher I would suggest making a dream-catcher and including some Hag stones on it if you're able to find some!
Healers also find the energy and properties of Hag Stones helpful in that they are refreshing to mind, body and spirit, so if you ever come across one…. be sure to cherish it! Here is my collection!
