Hair witches are believed to be individuals who possess magical powers related to hair. Throughout history, hair has been associated with beauty, power, and mystique, making it a fascinating subject for those interested in witchcraft and the occult. These witches are believed to have the ability to manipulate and control hair in various ways for their own purposes. In folklore and mythology, hair witches are often portrayed as mysterious and enchanting figures. They are said to have the ability to change their own hair length, style, and color at will, using their powers to create illusions and deceive others. Some hair witches are even said to possess the ability to control the hair of others, using it as a means of casting spells or causing harm.
Hair witches
Left and centre: photos by Andrew Simon. Right: a comparison of common witch's hair, behind, and Methuselah's beard, at front. While the two appear very similar superficially, the central cord of Methuselah's beard is revealed when cut whereas common witch's hair does not have this cord.
Identification
Common witch's hair is a 15-30 cm long hanging hair lichen. It is pale green and intricately branched, does not have a central strand, and does not have soredia (powdery microscopic clumps of algal and hyphal cells). Small brown saucer-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia) often dot the branches.
Similar Species
Methuselah's beard (Usnea longissima) is a similar hanging hair lichen with a central strand containing a central white cord. A comparison of the two species can be seen in the top right photo.
Vancouver witch's hair (Alectoria vancouverensis) is a similar, more greyish-green hanging hair lichen. It is only found at low elevations, whereas common witch's hair is more common at middle and upper elevations.
Human Uses
Alectoria fibres were used by the Nuxalk as false hair for decorating dance masks.
Intriguing Info
There are two common witch's hair subspecies: sarmentosa and vexillifera. Ssp. vexillifera is blue-listed in BC.
Deer browse on Alectoria species, particularly in old-growth forests in the winter when there is less available forage.
References
Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.). E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 15/09/2013.
Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) (2001). Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach . In Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria . Accessed 25/02/2016.
Pojar, J. and MacKinnon, A. (1994). Plants of Coastal British Columbia. Vancouver, BC: Lone Pine Publishing. P. 504.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2013).
What do Witches do With Hair? (The History & Symbolism)
The oldest witchcraft has always viewed human hair as an important part of the craft. Hair has always been a part of people since the beginning of the world. Hair is an important cultural marker, but when interpreted correctly it can be an indicator of health, sexual vigor, social status, and also an inexhaustible source of myths, traditions, and legends.
Hair has been very important in all magical ways. But what do witches do with hair? Let’s find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hair can serve various purposes in witchcraft, often as a personal and powerful magical tool.
It is used in love spells to establish connections, in binding spells for restraint, as a protective talisman in witch bottles, for divination, and sometimes for malevolent purposes like curses (though less common among ethical practitioners).
The ethical use of hair in witchcraft depends on the practitioner’s intent and respect for personal boundaries, as obtaining hair without consent is considered invasive.
- Hair in history and cultures: the symbolism
- Hair magic and hair witchcraft
- A bit on hair color
- Is hair always related to black magic?
- Do I have to use hair if I don’t feel like it?
- I don’t want to use hair, what can I use instead?
Some hair witches are even said to possess the ability to control the hair of others, using it as a means of casting spells or causing harm. Hair witches are also associated with the concept of sympathetic magic, or the belief that an object can be influenced or affected by something or someone it is connected to. In this case, hair is seen as a powerful source of personal energy that can be harnessed by witches for various purposes.
Hair in history and cultures: the symbolism
In magic, hair has served to identify a person’s attributes, whether it be a man’s or a woman’s, with esoteric interpretations.
Table 1: Symbolism and MeaningsSymbol Meaning Strength Hair symbolizes personal strength, resilience, and power. Identity Hair represents personal identity, individuality, and self-expression. Connection Hair can symbolize connections to ancestors, spirits, or deities. Energy Hair is believed to hold and carry energy, emotions, and spiritual essence. Protection Hair is used for protective purposes, shielding from negative influences. In the Middle Ages, for example, long hair in men came to signify courage, courage, and virility. On the other hand, for women who had long and flowing hair, it had a symbol of lust and debauchery. Thus circulated horrifying stories about nymphs, fairies, and mermaids who perverted men with their sensual songs and long, hypnotizing locks.
In the forest, a nymph listens attentively as Pan plays his flute. She has flowers in her long, golden hair, and she leans against a gnarled tree. Sunlight penetrates the canopy. By: John Reinhard Weguelin, watercolor
In ancient times, especially in Germany, there was the custom of shaving the heads of enslaved people so that their social status was clearly visible.
Baldness was one of the characteristic signs of misfortune and ill health in almost all cultures, which could only be avoided with prayer, repentance, and certain potions made by witches and sorcerers.
In certain cultures, even the mere act of wearing suspicious hairstyles by subjects was considered rebellion and was severely punished.
In the medieval Christian world, monks entering a religious order shaved their heads, and women who embraced religion in convents cut their hair as a sign of renouncing the worldly pleasures of frivolous society.
The length of the hair was very symbolic, thus in certain cultures, the long hair of the penitents made the sumptuousness of a dress unnecessary. Thus, in representations that we have left of a pictorial type, naked saints are seen but covering their nakedness modestly with their long hair. Hermits also allowed their hair to grow throughout the year and only ventured to populated areas once a year to cut their hair as a symbol of purification.
For instance, a hair witch may use a lock of someone's hair to cast spells or create potions that affect that person's well-being or emotions. In modern witchcraft and paganism, hair witches are sometimes known as trichotomists. These individuals are believed to have a deep connection and understanding of the energies and symbolism associated with hair. They may use hair in their spellwork, rituals, and divination practices, believing that it holds a strong link to a person's identity and personal power. Hair witches may also use hair in various forms of magic, such as knot magic or charm making. They may weave intricate spells or enchantments into braided hair or create talismans and amulets using strands of hair. Some hair witches may even engage in rituals involving the cutting or shaving of one's hair as a symbol of spiritual transformation or renewal. While the concept of hair witches may seem fantastical to some, their association with hair and its symbolism has deep roots in many different cultures and mythologies. From ancient tales of magical sirens with enchanting hair to modern practices of sympathetic magic, hair witches continue to captivate and intrigue those interested in the mystical and the occult..
Reviews for "The Power of Hair: Exploring the Realm of Hair Witches."
1. John - 2/5 - I didn't enjoy "Hair witches" at all. The plot was confusing and the characters felt one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them and didn't feel invested in their journey. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and lacked descriptive details. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "Hair witches" was a complete letdown for me. The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest quickly. The dialogue was also stilted and unrealistic, making it hard to believe in the characters and their interactions. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Alex - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Hair witches," but it failed to live up to my expectations. The world-building was weak, leaving me with more questions than answers. The magic system wasn't adequately explained, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this book to fans of the fantasy genre.
4. Emily - 3/5 - I found "Hair witches" to be an average read. While the concept was unique, the execution was lacking. The plot was predictable, and I easily guessed the twists and turns before they happened. The characters were also forgettable, and their motivations felt shallow. Although the book had its moments, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me and I wouldn't actively recommend it.
Hair Witches: Guardians of Hair Health and Beauty.