Ringstone
A ringstone is a naturally occurring stone or pebble that has a naturally formed hole through it. These holes are usually created by the prolonged action of water eroding softer parts of the stone, or through the boring activity of marine organisms.
Ringstones are also known by various other names, including hag stones, adder stones, witch stones, Odin stones, and serpent's eggs, depending on the region and folklore associated with them.
Across various cultures and throughout history, ringstones have been attributed with a range of mystical and protective properties. These include:
- Protection against evil spirits: Many believed that hanging a ringstone above a doorway or wearing it as a pendant would ward off negative energy and malevolent entities.
- Good luck and fortune: Some cultures viewed ringstones as symbols of good luck and believed they could attract positive outcomes.
- Healing properties: Historically, ringstones were sometimes used in folk medicine practices, thought to possess healing powers for various ailments.
- Connection to the otherworld: Certain traditions associated ringstones with facilitating communication with spirits or accessing hidden realms.
The significance and perceived power of a ringstone often depend on the specific beliefs and traditions of the individual or culture that holds it. While modern science offers explanations for their formation, ringstones continue to hold symbolic and cultural importance for many people.