I recently read an old article on the net, writtne by Brian Hoggard in relation to The Archaeology of Folk Magic and found it utterly fascinating and thought it may interest the forum users.
Briefly, he discusses the little known field of study known as Archaeology of Folk Magic. I must admit, I didn't even know that existed. In particular he studies the 'physical remains related to practices undertaken by the 'white' witch to protect people's property from 'black' witches' and other such nasties. During the 16th and 17th century local folk used to conceal talismans and charms in different areas of their house, ranging from the chimneys, doorframes, lofts and under the hearth.
Concealed Shoes
According to archaelogical finds, the concealment of shoes seems to be the most popular way of pretecting the home. Shoes are still regularly found concealed in chimneys, often in purpose built cavities behind the hearth found. Other regular hiding places are in walls, under floorboards, in window frames and in staircases. Specialists have put forward many different theories on the purpose of these talismans ranging from fertility aids or as simple good luck symbols. By being concealed in areas believed to be susceptible to becoming 'openings' for evil spirits to enter, the shoe was believed to ward them off. There is also an old tale of the devil being cast into a boot by St John which may also add weight to this theory.
The lack of writings from contemporary accounts about this apparently very common practice has baffled many people, but it is probable that secrecy was an important part of the folk magic protection. After all, you wouldn't want to risk letting a witch know how to avoid or switch off your spiritual burglar alarm would you? It is probable that the shoes were a kind of bait which 'contained' enough of the human to lure the witch into a dead-end in the chimney and have her trapped forever - witches were reputed to be unable to travel backwards (thankfully untrue as we'd never be able to park the car
) .
Witch-bottles
Whilst rarer than concealed shoes, witch-bottles (or bellarmines - stone bottles often depicted the green man and a popular items at auctions!)are often a popular find. Unpleasantly, the most common contents of the witchbottle are pins and urine. The aim of these bottles was as a spirit trap and they were placed in doorways and chimneys to assist in this task.
Mummified Cats
A very rare find and if you're slightly squeamish please read no more, is that of mummified cats, although the correct term is 'dried cats'. These poor creatures are often found concealed in walls but sometimes roofs as well (it is believed that the cats were dead at the time of concealment, phew). It was believed that a dead cat could see ghosts and scare them off or would ward off a witch in fear of danger for its familiar. Horse skulls have also been found in Wales and Ireland. Horses, like cats, have been credited with the ability to see ghosts and other evil spirits.
Interesting, no? I'd advise you to read the full article for more information, it truly is fascinating www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/folk.htm
Love Light and Peace
Tinc
