Witches’ Marks: Symbols of Protection and Mystery

Witches’ marks, also known as apotropaic marks, derive from the Greek word apotropaios, which means “to ward off.” These symbols come with a rich history, deeply rooted in the superstitions of the past. People used them to protect their homes and families from dark forces like evil spirits or malicious magic.

In this article, we’ll explore these fascinating marks, their purpose, and how they have influenced both history and modern practices.

What are Witches’ Marks?

Open spellbook surrounded by magical potions, candles, and ritual tools on a witchcraft altar.

Witches’ marks served as protective symbols that people carved, drew, or scratched onto homes and household items to guard against evil. These marks functioned like magical shields, designed to prevent harmful forces from entering. Unlike the Devil’s Mark, which people believed appeared as a physical mark on a witch’s body, witches’ marks were created by ordinary people to provide protection.

People often placed these marks near entryways, fireplaces, and windows, as they believed these were vulnerable spots where dark forces could enter. By marking these areas, they aimed to create an invisible barrier, stopping evil from entering their homes.

Witches’ Marks vs. Devil’s Marks

It’s easy to confuse witches’ marks with Devil’s Marks, but they serve completely different purposes. Witches’ markswere meant to protect from witches and evil spirits. On the other hand, Devil’s Marks were believed to be signs that a person had made a pact with the devil. During the witch hunts, authorities would often search for these physical marks on a person’s body as proof of their guilt.

Witches’ marks, however, were defensive symbols. They were carved by those who feared witchcraft, not by witches themselves. The goal was to protect homes and families, using ritualistic symbols to ward off dark forces​.

Where Were Witches’ Marks Found?

Black grimoire alongside bottles of potions and candles, creating a mysterious atmosphere for witchcraft.

You could find witches’ marks in many places, but they appeared most often in medieval buildings, churches, and barns. People carved these marks on doors, windows, hearths, and cellars—entry points where they believed evil spirits might sneak in. Even churches weren’t considered entirely safe, so people often added these symbols near entrances to prevent evil from following them inside.

One of the most famous examples is Knole House in England, where archaeologists uncovered many hidden witches’ marks within the structure. These symbols were often subtle, blending into the woodwork as an everyday part of life.

Common Types of Witches’ Marks

A woman dressed as a witch, with dark makeup and a spellbook in hand, standing in a dimly lit room with cobwebs.

Throughout history, people used many different symbols to protect themselves from supernatural harm. Known as witches’ marks, these symbols took on various forms, each believed to carry its own unique protective powers. Let’s explore some of the most notable and frequently found witches’ marks.

1. The Daisy Wheel (Hexafoil)

The daisy wheel, or hexafoil, stands as one of the most frequently found protective symbols. It forms a circular pattern of overlapping petals, typically carved with a compass or drawn by hand. People believed this continuous, interlocking design could trap evil spirits, preventing them from entering homes. The unbroken line of the daisy wheel confused malevolent forces, trapping them in the pattern and preventing them from escaping or causing harm.

2. The Pentagram

Wooden pentagram with symbols for the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and spirit—surrounded by candles.

The pentagram, a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle, served as a powerful symbol of protection. It has been misunderstood over time, especially during periods of heightened fear of witchcraft. Originally, the pentagram represented the five classical elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.

People would inscribe this symbol on walls or objects, believing it brought balance and harmony, which ensured protection from evil forces. This symbol was common in both early Christian and pagan traditions​.

3. The Cross

The cross, a deeply Christian symbol, was often carved or painted in homes to invoke divine protection. By marking doorways, windows, or chimneys with crosses, people believed they were shielding their homes from evil spirits. During times of fear and uncertainty, the cross acted as a symbol of faith, offering a spiritual barrier against dark forces​.

4. The “VV” Mark

The “VV” mark stands for Virgo Virginum, or “Virgin of Virgins,” and it invoked the protection of the Virgin Mary. Carved into doorways or windows, this symbol called on Mary’s divine power to shield the household. People often used it during times of religious devotion, especially in Christian homes, to keep evil at bay​.

5. Interlocking Circles

Much like the daisy wheel, interlocking circles were believed to stop evil spirits from entering homes. The continuous loops and curves of the circles confused malevolent entities, trapping them inside the design. You’d often find these marks carved around doorways or windows to prevent harmful forces from crossing the threshold​.

6. The Solomon’s Knot

The Solomon’s Knot is an ancient protective symbol with a looping, endless form. People believed that this design, with no clear beginning or end, represented eternal protection. This knot invoked the wisdom and protection of King Solomon, bridging the spiritual and earthly realms. The Solomon’s Knot has been used in both Christian and pagan practices, symbolizing divine safeguarding​.

7. The Horseshoe

Rusted iron horseshoe nailed to a wooden wall, believed to bring protection and good luck.

The horseshoe is one of the most recognized protective symbols. People traditionally nailed iron horseshoes above their doorways, believing the iron repelled evil spirits. The U-shape was said to trap negative energy, keeping it from entering the home. This practice continues today, with many still hanging horseshoes over doors for good luck​.

8. Compass Marks

Compass marks are intricate geometric patterns, usually drawn with the help of a compass. These marks, like the daisy wheel, were designed to trap and confuse spirits. Their repeating shapes created barriers that spirits couldn’t escape from. You can often find these marks subtly scratched into the woodwork of buildings and furniture​.

9. The Handprint (Hamsa)

A Hamsa hand door knocker carved with intricate designs, symbolizing protection from the evil eye.

The handprint, especially in the form of the Hamsa or Hand of Fatima, protected against the evil eye. While the Hamsa is more common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, similar protective hand symbols have appeared in European folklore. People would paint or carve handprints on doors and windows to stop curses and bring good fortune​.

10. Protective Ciphers

People often scratched or painted protective ciphers—complex codes and messages—onto homes, particularly around doors and windows. These symbols frequently included initials, religious verses, or magical phrases meant to confuse evil spirits. By arranging letters and numbers in specific ways, people believed these ciphers would make a house impervious to curses, acting as a protective shield against harmful forces.

Historical Use of Witches’ Marks

During the medieval and early modern periods, fear of witchcraft ran rampant across Europe. People believed witches could curse their crops, animals, or family members. To defend themselves, they used apotropaic symbols to keep these dark forces away.

Witches’ marks are a reflection of how deeply people feared the supernatural. These marks weren’t just scratched onto buildings—they were often found on furniture and fireplaces, making protection a part of everyday life​.

Modern Revival of Witches’ Marks

Today, witches’ marks are being rediscovered as both historical artifacts and spiritual symbols. Many Pagan and Wiccan practitioners use similar marks in rituals to ward off negative energy or to create sacred spaces.

These marks have also found their way into popular culture through movies, books, and TV shows about witchcraft. While their meanings have evolved, witches’ marks still carry a sense of mystery and protection in the modern world​.

How to Use Witches’ Marks Today

Handwritten spellbook open with sketches and mystical symbols, lit by a candle, surrounded by herbs and stones.

If you’re interested in using witches’ marks today, here are some ideas:

  • In Your Home: You can draw or inscribe protective symbols near doorways and windows, much like people did in the past. Chalk is a great option if you want something non-permanent.
  • On Jewelry: Wearing pentagrams or other protective symbols as jewelry is a popular way to keep negative energy away.
  • In Tattoos: Some people choose to have witches’ marks tattooed on their bodies as a form of personal protection or spiritual strength.

Even though the fear of witchcraft has faded, these symbols still offer a sense of safety and spiritual protection today.

Watch Our Video

If you’re fascinated by the history and mystery of witches’ marks, check out our in-depth video! Discover how people used these symbols for protection, where they’ve been found, and how they continue to influence modern practices.

Wrapping Up

Witches’ marks have endured centuries of superstition and fear, transforming from protective symbols into historical curiosities. They offer a window into how people once viewed the world—where the line between the physical and spiritual was much thinner.

Today, we can still use these ancient symbols to create a little mystical defense in our lives, tapping into the deep history of protection they represent.

FAQs

1. What are witches’ marks?

Witches’ marks are protective symbols used to guard against evil spirits and witches.

2. Where were witches’ marks found?

You’d typically find them on doorways, windows, hearths, and other vulnerable parts of buildings.

3. What’s the difference between witches’ marks and Devil’s marks?

Witches’ marks are protective, while Devil’s marks were believed to show a person’s pact with the devil.

4. Can you still find witches’ marks today?

Yes, many historic buildings, especially in Europe, still contain witches’ marks.

5. What does the daisy wheel symbolize?

The daisy wheel represents perpetual protection, designed to trap and confuse evil spirits.

6. How can I use witches’ marks in modern life?

You can incorporate them into your home, jewelry, or tattoos as protective symbols.

Affiliate Disclosures

Dani Rhys
Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.