Witchcraft signs are symbols or gestures that are believed to have magical or supernatural significance in various cultures and traditions around the world. These signs are often associated with witchcraft, a practice that involves the use of supernatural powers or magic for various purposes such as healing, divination, or spellcasting. One commonly known witchcraft sign is the pentagram, a five-pointed star enclosed within a circle. This symbol has been used for centuries and is associated with various meanings depending on the context. In witchcraft, the pentagram is often seen as a protective symbol, used in ritual ceremonies or as a symbol of personal power. Another witchcraft sign is the inverted pentagram, which is a pentagram turned upside down.

What Are Witches’ Marks?

Witches’ marks - ritual protection symbols or apotropaic marks - have been found in many historic places, from medieval churches and houses, to barns, and caves.

The word 'apotropaic' comes from the Greek word for averting evil. The marks were usually scribed onto stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces, to protect inhabitants and visitors from witches and evil spirits.

They date back to times when belief in witchcraft and the supernatural was widespread. Magical symbols and ritual objects were a common part of life from around the 16th to the early 19th century.

Another witchcraft sign is the inverted pentagram, which is a pentagram turned upside down. This symbol is often associated with dark or negative forces, and is sometimes used by practitioners of black magic or Satanists. However, it is important to note that not all inverted pentagrams are associated with witchcraft or dark magic, as this symbol has been used in various cultures and religions throughout history.

Daisy wheels, or hexafoils

A common type of apotropaic mark is known as a daisy wheel, though most research in this field describes these marks as hexafoils.

These six-lobed ‘flower’ patterns vary considerably in size. According to the responses we had from the public, the hexafoil was by far the most commonly occurring mark. They are certainly the most easily recognisable.

The origins of the symbol can be traced back into antiquity. They have been found in English buildings from the early medieval period, up into the 19th century.

The purpose of hexafoils is disputed. For example, the world of Wicca, which is a contemporary Pagan religious movement, sees them as sun motifs. Another school of thought suggests they are purely secular and could be geometric exercises for apprentices - they certainly do appear as geometry exercises or in manuals. However, their interpretation as a ritual protection mark is the most widely accepted theory at present.

They are found extensively on churches in the form of graffiti, and also occasionally in the designs on portable and not so portable medieval objects, for example chests and heavy stone fonts to name but two.

They have also been spotted in barns once used to store grain, often around the door openings. They appear on the stonework of some of the grandest barns, such as the 15th century barn at Bradford upon Avon, Wiltshire (now in the care of English Heritage), and on the doorway of the barn at Middle Littleton, Worcestershire (a National Trust property).

Beyond barns, hexafoils have been identified in many timber-framed buildings across the country and indeed many of the responses we had to our call out for examples from across England came from historic houses.

A few examples were submitted of daisy wheels on furniture dating from the 17th to the 19th century when it becomes more difficult to interpret their meaning: does a hexafoil on a piece of furniture have a ritual meaning or is it simply a decorative mark? This is a matter which would benefit from further research.

Other witchcraft signs include the waning and waxing moon symbols, which represent the different phases of the moon and are often used in divination or spellcasting rituals. The crescent moon is also a common witchcraft sign, representing femininity, intuition, and the goddess. The use of hand gestures or mudras is another aspect of witchcraft signs. These gestures are often used in ritual ceremonies or spellcasting, and are believed to channel or direct energy. For example, the "horns" or "devil's sign" hand gesture, made by extending the index and pinky fingers while keeping the other fingers folded, is associated with witchcraft and is sometimes used as a symbol of rebellion or occultism. It is important to note that the interpretation and significance of witchcraft signs can vary widely depending on cultural and religious beliefs. What may be considered a witchcraft sign in one context or culture may have a completely different meaning in another. Additionally, it is essential to remember that witchcraft itself is a diverse and complex practice, with different traditions and beliefs associated with it..

Reviews for "Exploring the Symbolism of Witchcraft Signs in Tarot"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Witchcraft signs" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was predictable, and the characters were flat and uninteresting. It felt like the author was just going through the motions of writing a witchcraft-themed story without adding anything unique or exciting. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.

2. David - 1 star - "Witchcraft signs" was a complete waste of time in my opinion. The story lacked depth, and the writing was amateurish at best. The dialogue was awkward and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in the plot. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and I often found myself losing interest. I would highly advise against reading this book.

3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witchcraft signs" but was ultimately let down. The story started off promising, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. The author introduced too many unnecessary subplots and characters, making it difficult to keep track of what was going on. The ending also felt rushed and unsatisfying. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat for me.

4. Michael - 1 star - I cannot express how disappointed I was with "Witchcraft signs". The writing was inconsistent and filled with grammatical errors. It seemed like the author didn't bother with proper editing or proofreading. Furthermore, the characters were incredibly one-dimensional, and their actions often didn't make sense. Overall, this book was a mess, and I regret wasting my time on it.

5. Jessica - 2 stars - "Witchcraft signs" failed to capture my interest from the very beginning. The story lacked originality and felt like a carbon copy of countless other witchcraft-themed novels. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked depth. I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I would advise readers looking for a captivating witchcraft story to look elsewhere.

The Power of Divination: Reading Witchcraft Signs