A Story About A Sea Cave & Why You Want Hag Stones In Your Home
Two topics that have to do with holes in rocks.
It was the most beautiful evening of the year at the beach—warm, clear, and with an incredible sunset. The tide had receded further than I’d ever seen, and after I reassured myself it was not the type of recession you would see for an impending tsunami, I delighted in the kids playing in the waves and watching the beautiful sunset.
And, my phone died. As someone whose artistic expression comes through photography, this feels (embarrassingly) a little paralyzing. It is tough for me to let go of that instinct to document the moment.
Then, the kids found the caves.
(This, as you can imagine, created more suffering that my camera was dead.)
They found the sea caves that are nearly always inaccessible. Submerged in salt water and protected by guardian waves.
But here they were, inviting us, perhaps this one night of the year, to come in.
The first thing I noticed were the sea stars. So many beautiful sea stars on the rocks as we walked closer. One sea star laying in the sand near the entrance to the cave. We looked at the tunnel leading deep inside—dark, wet, and mysterious. Pelagic Cormorants, like guardians, watched over the entrance.
Caves have always called to me, so after the kids and my friend had a quick look, she left me behind to watch the kids play in the ocean again.
I wanted to go deeper into the dark tunnel - but without a flashlight, I wouldn’t dare.
So I whispered my prayers and I sang.
Yet, as my voice echoed through the cave, an unsettling energy arose. As if something woke to my presence. It was the familiar feeling I’ve encountered in places where elemental beings prefer humans to keep their distance. Places that are wild.
This underwater cave, accessible for only a few days each year, didn’t seem to recognize my voice. So I offered my thanks and, as I left, the cormorants at the entrance blessed my head—with their droppings—perhaps as a form of understanding.
Cormorants represent the mysteries, spirit communication, and movement between realms. They ask us to take action and to be brave and resourceful. This bird knows exactly what it wants and how to get it and asks us to dive deep to catch our desires.
It felt like magic, this space usually hidden beneath seawater, where light seldom reaches and human songs even less so.
The natural world holds spaces that humans seldom tread, and in those places, the elemental energies are intense and palpable.
The magic of the cave lingered with me (so did the smell)—a reminder that there are spaces in this world untouched by human presence, where nature holds her mysteries, quietly waiting to reveal herself to those who listen.
Hag Stones
Hag stones, also known as witch stones, adder stones, or holey stones, are natural stones with holes that have been worn through by water or wind. Or maybe fairies?
These stones have captured the imagination of people across the world for centuries. Revered not only for their unusual appearance but also for the mystical powers attributed to them. Let’s explore some legends surrounding hag stones, their practical uses, and how they have been incorporated into rituals and traditions.
Hag stones are steeped in folklore and myth, often believed to possess protective and magical properties. The term "hag stone" itself comes from the old belief that these stones could ward off evil spirits. In some legends, it was said that looking through the hole in a hag stone allowed the beholder to see into other realms, view the faerie folk, or detect malevolent entities. They symbolize the connection between the physical and spiritual realms - perhaps like a very small cave.
In Norse mythology, hag stones were thought to be connected to the goddess Freyja, the deity of love, beauty, and magic. These stones were considered gifts from the gods, capable of granting protection and luck to those who carried them. Similarly, in British and Irish folklore, hag stones were believed to prevent nightmares when hung over a bed and to protect cattle from being bewitched when placed in stables.
Fishermen in coastal regions would often tie hag stones to their nets or boats, believing they would ensure a bountiful catch and protect against shipwrecks. Farmers might place them in barns or fields to safeguard their livestock from disease and misfortune.
Hag stones have also been used as amulets, worn around the neck or carried in a pocket to bring good luck and ward off harm. They were sometimes hung in doorways or windows to keep evil spirits from entering the home. The practicality of these stones lies in their ability to be both a physical and spiritual shield, blending the material with the mystical.
Hag stones have played a significant role in various rituals and traditions, often centered around protection, healing, and spiritual insight. One common practice involves threading a cord through the hole of a hag stone and hanging it above a bed or in a home to ward off negative energy and bad dreams. Some believe that passing a child through the hole of a large hag stone could cure ailments or provide protection throughout life.
The practicality of hag stones lies in their ability to act as both a physical and spiritual shield, blending the material with the mystical. For centuries, they have been used as amulets, worn around the neck or carried in a pocket to bring good luck and ward off harm. Today, you can incorporate hag stones into your home to protect your family and create a sacred space.
Using Hag Stones in the Home:
Protection: Hang a hag stone in your entryway or above your bed to ward off negative energy and protect against nightmares.
Good Fortune: Place a hag stone in your kitchen or living area to invite good luck and positive energy. Some believe these stones can also protect the health of your family, ensuring a nurturing environment.
Spiritual Connection: Use hag stones as part of your home altar or sacred space. Use them as focal points on altars to symbolize the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Meditation: Their connection to ancient practices makes them a valuable tool for enhancing your spiritual rituals. You can meditate by gazing through the hole in the stone, or on the night of a full moon to gain clarity or receive visions.
Caring for Your Hag Stone:
Finding a hag stone is a very special experience! Often found in coastal areas or riverbeds, they carry the energies of nature with them. To care for your hag stone, cleanse it regularly by leaving it in moonlight or washing it in natural water, such as a stream or the sea. This helps recharge the stone and keep its energies clear and potent. You can also anoint your hag stone with herbal oils.
Hag stones are more than just interesting natural formations; they are steeped in history, legend, and spiritual significance. Incorporating these ancient guardians into your home, creates a space that not only feels safe but also connects you to a deeper, timeless tradition of protection and well-being.
The stone's connection to both the earth and water elements makes it a powerful tool for grounding and emotional healing.
Will you be joining us on a pilgrimage to the sacred isle of Iona this spring? This is for women longing to reconnect with their own essence and the Sacred Feminine.
Happy Eclipse!