How to Keep Witches Away from Your House: BEST Protective Items

By Alex Assoune Mar 18, 2025

Throughout history, many cultures have developed beliefs and practices to protect their homes from witches and malevolent magic. Whether based on superstition, religion, or folklore, these protective measures have been passed down through generations. While modern witches—especially those practicing Wicca or other spiritual traditions—do not pose a threat, the historical fear of witches has led to an array of fascinating customs and items used for protection. Here’s a deep dive into how people have traditionally safeguarded their homes from witches.

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1. Salt: A Powerful Purifier and Protector

Salt has long been used in spiritual protection, with many believing it can neutralize negative energies and repel witches.

Salt Circles: Drawing a salt circle around a home or a specific area was thought to create a barrier against dark forces.
Sprinkling Salt at Doorways and Windows: Placing salt along thresholds and windowsills was believed to prevent witches from entering.
Saltwater Washes: Some people washed floors and doorways with saltwater to cleanse a home of malevolent energy.

2. Iron: A Metal of Protection

Iron is widely believed to ward off supernatural entities, including witches, demons, and fairies.

Horseshoes Above the Door: Hanging an iron horseshoe above a doorway was a common protective practice.
Iron Nails and Tools: Placing iron nails in walls or carrying iron objects was thought to disrupt witchcraft.
Iron Amulets: Wearing iron jewelry was believed to serve as a personal protective measure.

3. Holy Symbols and Religious Objects

Religious symbols have historically been used to ward off witches and other perceived threats.

The Cross: Displaying a cross or crucifix inside or outside a home was thought to repel witches.
Holy Water: Sprinkling holy water around the house was believed to create a protective barrier.
The Bible: Keeping a Bible open in the home, particularly to certain Psalms, was thought to provide spiritual protection.

4. Rowan Wood: The Witch’s Bane

Rowan trees have a long history of being associated with protection against witches.

Rowan Twigs Above Doorways: Placing a rowan twig above entrances was a popular folk practice.
Rowan Charms: Small crosses made of rowan wood were worn or placed in homes to ward off witches.
Walking Sticks Made of Rowan: Travelers carried rowan sticks to ensure they wouldn’t fall victim to witchcraft.

5. Herbs and Plants with Protective Powers

Many plants have been traditionally used to keep witches away.

Garlic: Hanging garlic near doorways was thought to repel witches and other malevolent beings.
Lavender: Used in sachets or burned as incense to cleanse a home of negative energy.
St. John’s Wort: Placed around a home or carried as a charm for protection.
Wolfsbane: Though poisonous, it was sometimes used in protection rituals against dark magic.

6. Running Water: A Natural Barrier

Water has long been considered a boundary that witches and other supernatural entities cannot easily cross.

Building Near Running Water: Homes near rivers or streams were believed to be naturally protected.
Throwing Water at a Witch: In folklore, splashing water on a suspected witch could reveal their true nature.
Placing Bowls of Water Around the House: Some traditions suggested placing small water basins around a home for protection.

7. Broomsticks and Household Items

Interestingly, the very object associated with witches—the broom—was also used to keep them away.

Upside-Down Broom Behind the Door: This was thought to confuse or deter witches from entering.
Sweeping to Remove Evil: Some traditions held that sweeping the doorstep at midnight could cleanse negative influences.

8. Mirrors: Reflecting Evil Away

Mirrors have been believed to have mystical properties, including the ability to repel witches.

Placing Mirrors Facing Outward: Hanging mirrors to reflect energy away from a home was a common practice.
Breaking a Mirror as a Curse Reversal: Some superstitions suggested that breaking a mirror could break a spell cast by a witch.

9. The Sound of Bells

Bells have long been used in religious and folk traditions to ward off evil spirits and witches.

Ringing Church Bells: This was believed to disrupt witches’ spells and frighten them away.
Hanging Small Bells in Doorways: Some people placed bells in homes to prevent witches from crossing the threshold.

10. Witch Bottles and Protective Charms

Witch bottles were a common protective measure in historical Europe, believed to trap and neutralize negative magic.

Filling Bottles with Pins, Nails, and Urine: These were buried near homes or placed in chimneys to counteract spells.
Carrying Protective Charms: Items such as amulets, carved stones, or talismans were worn to prevent curses.

Conclusion: Age-Old Practices in Modern Times

Many of these traditional methods for keeping witches away stem from cultural superstitions, religious beliefs, and the fear of the unknown. While modern witches do not seek to harm others, the historical legacy of witchcraft-related fears has left behind intriguing rituals and protective customs.

Today, many people continue to use these symbols and practices, not necessarily out of fear of witches, but as part of broader spiritual and cultural traditions. Whether one sees them as folklore, historical curiosity, or active protection, these age-old beliefs reveal humanity’s deep-rooted desire for security and control over unseen forces.

Understanding these customs provides a fascinating glimpse into how different cultures throughout history have sought to protect their homes from perceived supernatural threats.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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