Oak apples are galls formed on oak trees by the larva of a type of wasp. In folk Magic, they are used as a means of divining whether or not a child has been bewitched or struck by the Evil Eye. To determine bewitchment, three oak apples are cut from a tree and dropped into a bowl or pail of water that is placed beneath the child’s cradle. If they float, the child is safe; if they sink, he or she is bewitched. The procedure requires strict silence or it will not be accurate.

SEE ALSO:

Divination.

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca – written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – Copyright © 1989, 1999, 2008 by Visionary Living, Inc.