Large Apotropaic Charm - Hardwood

Hardwood Charm with Apotropaic Mark engraving
Various Sizes: 2"-4" x 4"-6" x 0.25"-0.5"

This is a "blind-box" item. You will receive one of the charms pictured at random. They have a simple mineral oil treatment for the finish. The rope is 100% cotton macrame cord.

Apotropaic is a catch-all term for warding symbols, marks, rituals, and practices. Warding symbols, glyphs, and patterns, that don't have specific names are often simply called "Apotropaic Marks" when referred to in the context of warding magic.

These charms are made with apotropaic marks engraved in them, sometimes called "witch marks" which persisted all the way into the late 1700's. The patterns are built on the belief that evil spirits, intentions, ghosts, demons, etc... are drawn to repeating patterns and to tracing lines. Thus if you have a sufficiently complex, non-terminating, linear design the entity will get stuck tracing the pattern until they fade away, run out of power, or are trapped by it.

The designs presented are based on historical marks found etched into stone, wood cross beams, doorways, and mantels. Some are even found as decorative carvings in trim-work, molding, and decorative carving in churches, chairs, and government buildings.

Circular symbols were often made by a buildings carpenters and craftspeople themselves made with a compass and rule and are mathematical patterns that are often found in nature in plants and flowers which also came to be known for their warding power or good luck.

Wanting to call on this ancient practice while also being sensitive to a wide variety of living arrangements I've put together charms which replicate these protective marks being carved into a cross-beam or mantel but in a medium that can be hung up with a removable wall hook.

How and where you place these charms is up to you. You can even use them as ornaments or decorations as they are quite attractive on their own. Suggested use would be to place them near doorways, windows, or other parts of the home that represent a void or portal (mirrors, fireplaces, etc). One could also place them near a shrine or altar or near individuals who need protection or peace of mind.