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Apotropaic marks, also called 'witch marks' or 'anti-witch marks' in Europe, are symbols or patterns scratched on the walls, beams and thresholds of buildings to protect them from witchcraft or evil spirits. They have many forms; in Britain they are often flower-like patterns of overlapping circles. [25] such as hexafoils.
Apotropaic carving on a door at the Priest House West Hoathly. There are witch marks scratched into wood in several places in the house including the front door and on the beam above the main fireplace. These are more properly known as apotropaic marks and were believed to prevent witches from entering the house. They are believed to date from ...
Other apotropaic marks have been found in houses built between around 1550 and 1750. Experts say similar signs were scribed into churches and homes, as well as other caves, and were used to ward ...
Since at least the early modern period it was a common custom to hide objects such as written charms (known as apotropaic marks), dried cats, horse skulls, and witch bottles in the structure of a building, [1] but concealed shoes are by far the most common items discovered. [2]
These apotropaic marks were discovered at a Tudor property, once visited by Henry VIII and his then Queen, Catherine Howard, and were meant to provide ritual protection. - English Heritage
Taper burn marks are deep flame shaped scorch marks often found on the timber beams of early modern houses. [1] They were originally thought to have been accidental scorches from a taper candle , but research suggests that most marks may have been made deliberately, as there is clear patterning of the activity. [ 2 ]
Initial media coverage focused on these being apotropaic marks, or "witch marks", to prevent witches and demons from coming down the chimney. [82] This is one of a series of possible interpretations of such marks, which are now being found increasingly on medieval and renaissance building across England, including at Sissinghurst.
Apotropaic magic; Apotropaic mark; Apparitions - See Ghost; Aqua fortis - Old alchemical term for nitric acid. Aqua ragia - Old alchemical term for turpentine. Aqua regia - Mixture of aqua fortis and spirit of salt. Aquarius, an astrological sign; Aqua vitae - Old alchemical term for ethanol. Arachnomancy; Arcandam