Apotropaic magic | Earth Fairy Holistics

We’ve discovered six tiny symbols stamped into the original 17th-century cupboard bolts in our house - each one a Butterfly Cross, a form of apotropaic (protective) symbol. These marks were believed to ward off evil or misfortune and are more commonly referred to as witches’ marks. Apotropaic symbols are usually carved into wood or stone near thresholds like doors, windows, or fireplaces - places where harmful forces were thought to enter. But surviving examples on ironmongery seems to be less c

Ugallu was a lion-headed protective demon used in ritual and apotropaic magic across ancient Mesopotamia. Originally one of the chaotic monsters slain by the god Marduk in the Enûma Eliš, Ugallu was later transformed into a beneficial protective figure featured on amulets and reliefs to ward off evil, disease, and disaster. In Neo-Assyrian iconography, he’s often shown with human limbs and armed with a dagger or mace above his head, emphasizing his role as a fierce defender against harmful force

5K views · 236 reactions | The Gorgoneion Amulet is imbued with Apotropaic magic and is useful in deflecting evil when displayed in the home. Flip on the night and it's eyes will glow to dispel the darkness from future sight. now available at www.jamesreadsmerch.com as a limited edition glow in the dark screenprint! | James R Eads Art | Facebook

What do you do to protect against witches? Well, throughout history, and especially the 17th and 18th centuries people have hidden objects (along other practices) near any entrance in a building where they feared bad things could get out. Researchers like June Swann (who wrote a lot about superstition and apotropaic marks) were able to find out from people still practicing these beliefs was that there were 3 main reasons. They were: Keeping evil out, keeping witches out, and keeping good luck in