Objects Believed to Have Mystical Powers

With Halloween around the corner, you may be thinking of spooky stories or things to scare people with. The objects discussed in this article were once believed to have mystical powers. Not all of these things are necessarily spooky, but they could be used in a story to entertain people.

The Hand of Glory was popular among thieves in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This charm was supposed to allow thieves to successfully rob homes. The Hand of Glory was made out of a dead man's hand, usually taken from someone recently hung on the gallows.

Sometimes candles were placed between the fingers, and sometimes the hand was dipped in wax and the fingers themselves were lit. If the candles (or fingers) were successfully lit, and remained lit throughout the robbery, the robbery would remain successful. If the flames were distinguished or the hand wouldn't light, the robbery would soon go awry.

Belladonna, also known as Deadly Nightshade, is a highly toxic plant. It was once believed to help witches fly. It was also once used as a cure for lycanthropy (werewolves). In ancient times, women took small doses to dilate their eyes as part of a beauty regimen.

During the Middle Ages, mandrake root was used by wizards and magicians to summon demons. Mandrake was often associated with witchcraft, sorcery and spell casting. In reality, it has powerful hallucinogenic effects and is a powerful narcotic. It is also highly poisonous and can kill.

Angelica is used to ward off evil spirits. It has even been used in exorcisms. It can be brewed into a tea or sprinkled in corners of a house to keep a person or home safe. Ague weed and agrimony are used for the same purposes. Anise, when placed under a pillow, is supposed to prevent nightmares.

Coriander is an herb that is sometimes used in cooking. The Chinese associated it with immortality. Early Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians regarded it as a powerful aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages, coriander appeared in many love potions.

Some stones have been thought to have mystical powers as well. Jade was thought to bring immortality. Diamonds were supposed to bring victory. Agate was supposed to provide protection against scorpions.

Certain individuals believe that the ashes of a black cat will help when dealing with money. Supposedly, carrying a bag of these ashes is supposed to help you when playing lotto, bingo, or gambling or investing.

Sources:
http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefshandofglory.htm
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_belladonna.htm
http://www.paralumun.com/mysticobject.htm
http://www.khakani.com/magickalblackcatashes.htm
http://www.baps.ws/Mercury/Magical%20and%20Mythical%20Plants.htm
http://astralhealth.com/category/mystical-properites-of-plants-and-oils/
http://www.theherbspiral.com/CorianderHistory.htm