Hex
A hex is a spell or bewitchment. The term comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch, who borrowed it from their native German word for “witch,” Hexe, which in turn is derived from Old High German hagazussa or hagzissa (“hag”).
In common usage, hex means an evil spell or Curse, but among the Pennsylvania Dutch, for example, a hex can be either good or bad. It is cast by a professional witch whose services are sought out and paid for with a donation. Witches also are consulted to break and protect against hexes.
See also : hex signs; powwowing.
SOURCE:
The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca – written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – Copyright © 1989, 1999, 2008 by Visionary Living, Inc.
hex A Spell or Bewitchment, usually of a negative nature. The term hex comes from Pennsylvania Dutch folklore and is derived from the German word hexe, which means “witch.” In Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic, a hex can be either good or bad. Ideally it is cast by a professional witch whose services are sought out and paid for with a “voluntary” contribution. Witches also are consulted to break and protect against hexes. A “hex death” is magically induced death from a curse, or from breaking a taboo. In Vodoun, a ranger is a secret ritual for casting evil hexes intended to bring about great misfortune and death.
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SOURCE:
The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.
