The following are some of the spells supplied by West Country “Pellars” to those who seek their protection, as stated in a notice of “Cornish Observances with regard to the Sun.”
A strip of parchment, inscribed with the words SATOR AREPO TENET OPERA ROTAS, is regarded as a protection from many evils when worn as an amulet; all the more so because these magical words read the same backwards as forwards. These words also form a magical square, and can be read up or down, backwards or forwards, or any way—thus
| S | A | T | O | R |
| A | R | E | P | O |
| T | E | N | E | T |
| O | P | E | R | A |
| R | O | T | A | S |
At the time of an old lady’s decease, a little while ago, on her breast was found a small silk bag containing various charms; among others, a piece of parchment, about three inches square, having written on one side of it NALGAH. Under this is a pen-and-ink drawing of a figure somewhat like a bird, with two pairs of wings, a pair extended and the others folded beneath them. The creature appears to be hovering, and at the same time brooding on a large egg, sustained by one of its legs; whilst it holds a smaller egg at the extremity of its other leg, which is outstretched and long. Its head, round and small, is unlike that of a bird; from the rudeness of the sketch, and its faded state, it is difficult to trace all the outlines. Under this singular figure is the word TETRAGRAMMATON. On the reverse, in large letters,
[191]
A Pellar of great repute in this neighbourhood tells me, however, that this precious document is inscribed with two distinct charms—that the Nalgah is the figure only.
The ABRACADABRA is supplied by our “white-witches” for the cure or prevention of some diseases; the letters, arranged in the usual way, are enclosed in two intersecting triangles.
Another potent spell is a rude draft of the planetary signs for the Sun, Jupiter, and Venus, followed by a cross, pentagram, and a figure formed by a perpendicular line, and a divergent one on each side of it, united at the bottom. Under them is written, “Whosoever beareth these tokens will be fortunate and need fear no evil.”
The charms are folded in a paper on which is usually written, “By the help of the Lord these will do thee good,” and enclosed in a little bag to be worn on the breast. Bed-ridden folks have them placed in their pillows, and the conjurors visit such infirm ones yearly to “renew their protection.”
Western Pellars are ignorant of the meaning of the above formulas, but regard them as powerful words and signs that have been handed down from wise men of ancient times who followed a like profession.
There is one practitioner in the vicinity of Penzance who is well versed in Astrology, from having made this science the study of a long life.
Besides the above-mentioned counter spells to sorcery and other mysterious evils, persons are furnished with witch powders, to be cast over such children or cattle as may be ill-wished, begrudged, or “over-looked;” with regard to the latter, holding two forked (spread) fingers towards a person that has evil eyes, is believed to be a safeguard from their blasting influence.
A short time ago one might obtain blood-stones, milpreves, or snake-stones, but these are become rare; the blue stone or glass rings, in which were seen the figure of an adder, or the pattern of a snake, were much prized, because it was believed that those who wore them were by that means safe from being harmed by any of the serpent tribe, and that man or beast having been stung, if given water to drink wherein this stone had been infused, would soon recover from the poison.
Cornish folks have such confidence in their conjurors’ mysterious science, that many go a great distance to consult them, and the mere threat of “going to the Pellar” is often sufficient to procure the restitution of stolen goods, or compensation for injury; and, after all, their remedies may be as beneficial as those usually prescribed for imaginary ailments. [192]
Most Cornish folks are familiar with the following lines, or others of the same import:—
Born on a Sunday a gentleman.
Monday’s child is fair in face.
Tuesday’s child is full of grace.
Wednesday’s child is sour and sad.
Thursday’s child is merry and glad.
Friday’s child is loving and giving.
Saturday’s child works hard for its living.
Another version says—
Wednesday’s child is full of woe.
Thursday’s child has far to go.
The assumed principles of astrology furnish a key to the above; as the subject is supposed to be influenced according to the nature of the planet or divinity after whom the day is named, and which is regarded in medical astrology, as lord of the first house for the respective day.