The Mystic Power of Hag Stones

Where there is water to push and pull, there is always treasure. Erosion is natural magic that softens the edges of sharp, dangerous things and turns them into gifts for wanting hands. Those lucky in their beach-combing or river-exploring may discover something just as magical as erosion: a hag stone.

Hag stones, also known as adder stones, witch stones, and snake eggs, are a type of rock found with a naturally occurring hole in them. Why do they possess so many witchy-themed names? And why are they considered to be so important to pagan and Celtic religions? We’ll discover the truth of the mystic power of hag stones together!

What’s in a Name?

Hag Stones can be any sort of stone found on (usually) European beaches with holes naturally occurring within them. They are most commonly found in Northern Germany and various parts of the United Kingdom. Of course, their frequent occurrence in Europe has made them an important part of various different cultures and religious practices. 

The Celtic druids believed that hag stones were created from the venom of snakes. The venom ate away at the stone, creating the holes. In Welsh mythological stories, hag stones appeared at a similar frequency. One particular story showed a hero using a hag stone to see and kill an invisible foe. The hole, created by snakes still in Welsh lore, grants true sight and intuition.

Of course, these myths have remained with hag stones for centuries after their creation. The names of the hag stone, too, have grown with it. Adder Stone, for the snakes that are said to have drilled the holes, Fairy Stone, for the fae creatures that may have harbored these stones, and Witch Stones, for the witches that continue to use their potent historical and metaphysical abilities to this day. All of these names have shaped the hag stone’s destiny.

Modern Beliefs and Rituals

Hag stones are still an important stone for many pagan individuals. Those lucky enough to possess one will often have a special way to ensure that its metaphysical abilities are accessible. The hole in the hag stones not only allows for ease of wearing or tying, but is also said to possess intense magic that includes healing, divination, and luck. 

Protection from Illness

If you wish to protect yourself from illness, loop a hag stone with a leather or twine cord and wear it every day. Hag stones themselves are said to possess potent protection magic, so this ritual will do well to defend you from any minor ailments.

Protection from Evil

To protect your home from evil, be it spirits or just simply energy, hang a hag stone above your front door. Decorating the hanging thread with dried herbs and other stones may increase the potency of this ritual.

Divining Hidden Motives

The hole in hag stones, as mentioned above, might reveal secret dangers or hidden emotions if peered through. Using your intuition, think of a scenario or individual that has recently left you feeling confused or concerned. Peer through the hole and intuitively sense or view any sign you witness through the hag stone. Feel free to google the meaning of any plants, animals, lights, or other sights you may witness while performing this divination ritual!

Where to Find Hag Stones

Northern Germany beaches and along the coast of the UK, may hold the hag stones you seek. If you are particularly lucky, you may even find some in a river bed by your home or on a very rocky beach anywhere in the world. Hag stones may also be purchased at many different stores. Some shore towns offer hag stone necklaces and other jewelry, but be wary as they may be handmade. We at The Alchemist’s Kitchen also offer hag stones from time to time, but this varies by our own luck in finding real vendors who offer natural hag stones. In the end, what you need is a little luck and patience. If you seek a hag stone, one will eventually find its way to you. That is the true mystic power of the hag stone!