CHARMS[/b] :

An example of the charms used in witchcraft are stones with natural holes in them. These perforated flints or fossils are called holy or holey stones and were used to prevent harm from coming to animals. The stones were collected, often from a beach or river bank, and hung on red wool or ribbon over the doors of cattle sheds or stables. This was to stop elves coming and milking the cows, or night hags riding the horses in the hours of darkness. It was supposed that evil forces would be attracted to the holes in the stones and try to get through, and so become trapped. Traditionally, these stones were thrown into running water after seven years so that any harm trapped in them would be washed away, then new stones were found and hung up. Other charms include herbs; mint for money if carried in the purse, sage for wisdom, oak to protect from lightning when put into a small red cloth bag and worn everyday. Some fossils were thought to have magical powers; belemnites were believed to be "elf shot", arrows fired by spirits to make cattle sick, and ammonites were snakes turned to stone by the magic of wizards or Christian saints. Folklore is full of these simples which were carried for protection, to bring health or luck. Charms are always some natural substances, perhaps a strange share, such as four-leaved clovers which bring luck, and pebbles in the shape of an eye, which are thought to be protective.