Throughout history, the egg has left a mark on people around the world for its symbolism, magick, and connection to the divine. The egg, something that almost every species on the planet is capable of producing, reminds us as humans of where we come from and just how amazing the miracle of life can be. In this post, we will talk about the symbolism of eggs, their divine connections, and how you might use eggs in your magickal practice!

Eggs In Mythology

Though there are plenty of connections to fertility and abundance, there are not as many stories that have a direct connection with eggs. Some say that Astarte and Ishtar are connected to eggs, as well as an ancient Egyptian God named Gengen-wer. However, those connections are a bit difficult to track down, so we will focus on two stories that we have sources for.

The Orphic Egg

In Greek mythology, we find the story of the Orphic Egg. This story comes from Orphic Theogonies rather than Hesiod. In this story, the Orphic Egg is a version of the Cosmic Egg from which the universe was born. The Orphic Egg is often depicted as a large egg with a serpent winding around it. From this egg hatched the deity Phanes, the golden-winged primordial deity who created the rest of the Greek Gods.

The Druid’s Egg

Also known as anguium, the Druid’s Egg comes from Pliny the Elder’s book Natural History. In this, he states that there is a very specific method to obtaining a Druid’s Egg, which is of an unknown material. The Druid’s Egg may also be the Adder Stone, more commonly known as a hag stone!

“There is also another kind of egg, of much renown in the Gallic provinces, but ignored by the Greeks. In the summer, numberless snakes entwine themselves into a ball, held together by a secretion from their bodies and by their spittle. this is called anguinum. The Druids say that hissing serpents throw this up into the air, and that it must be caught in a cloak, and not allowed to touch the ground; and that one must instantly take flight on horse-back, as the serpents will pursue until some stream cuts them out. It may be tested, they say, by seeing if it flaots against the current of a river, even though it be set in gold. But as it is the way of magicians to cast a cunning veil about their frauds, they pretend that these eggs can only be taken on a certain day of the moon, as though it rested with mankind to make the moon and the serpents accord as to the moment of the operation. I myself, however, have seen one of these eggs; it was round, and about as large as a smallish apple; the shell was cartalaginous, and pocked like the arms of a polypus.”

This stone was believed to create favorable outcomes in court proceedings and be lucky to those who carried it. The Romans believed so much in the power of the Druid’s Egg that it was outlawed, and anyone caught carrying one would be put to death. Today, the Druid’s Egg is commonly used in meditation and spellwork for protection, abundance, and prosperity.

Common Egg Correspondences

When we think about the purpose of an egg, it is easy to see the different concepts that eggs can symbolize. These are some common correspondences associated with eggs. Remember that this list is not exhaustive, and you may find you resonate with one meaning more than another. Your history and culture may have their own meanings for eggs, too, so don’t be afraid to branch out from this list!

Fertility: The egg is associated with fertility on a very foundational level. At its core, an egg is one-half of a potential new life. It is a necessary component for reproduction in most species. The egg itself also contains an abundance of nutrients, which are perfect for the growth of a new life as well as sustaining those who eat eggs. Crushed eggshells are high in calcium and are said to be a good addition to a garden’s soil, keeping pests away and providing nutrients for plants.

Transformation: Eggs symbolize transformation because they hold the potential for life. The awe-inspiring process that unfolds within an egg is magickal in itself! It is an unseen yet powerful shift from one form to another. This inherent ability to nurture change makes eggs a powerful symbol of transformation.

Protection: Though we may view the egg as fragile, the shell is a powerful symbol of protection. Its hard exterior is meant to protect the soft inner contents from harm. It is meant to keep out predators and pathogens that might disrupt the growth that takes place inside.

Femininity: In mammalian reproduction, the egg is connected to femininity and the female reproductive system. Feminine energy has the capacity for creation and life, ushering in transformation with the partnership of masculine energy. On its own, the egg is representative of the power of feminine energy.

Creation: As one half of a whole being, the egg is symbolic of creation. It is a reminder that great things begin as small packages. It is also a reminder that all we need is the capacity for growth and an adequate environment to create something brand new. With the proper nurturing and care, anything is possible.

Ostara And The Spring Equinox: In modern pagan practices, eggs are heavily connected with Ostara and the Spring Equinox. As symbols of fertility and abundance, they are used to decorate for Spring and welcome the coming seasonal transition with joy and happiness.

Working With Eggs In Magick

Two popular methods of working with eggs in magick include cleansings and divination. The act of performing an egg cleansing is known as a Limpia in Brujeria, but it is also performed in Slavic traditions, as well. Divination with eggs is called oomancy, and there are a few ways you can do this!

Egg Cleansings

While traditions around the world have their own specific method of cleansing energy with an egg, the foundations of this practice are the same. The person who needs to be cleansed is rubbed with an egg from top to bottom on all sides, moving in a counter-clockwise direction. The egg is said to capture negative energy and curses from the person’s energy field, trapping it within the egg so it can be disposed of. Some people choose to read the egg after the cleansing, but it is common practice in some Slavic egg cleansings to dispose of the egg back to the Earth.

Cascarilla – Eggshell Powder

Cascarilla is made from powdered eggshells. A potent protection powder, Cascarilla can be traced back to the Yoruba region of West Africa. It also has roots in the practice of Santeria. In both instances, the powder is used as a powerful protection ingredient, usually for the sake of creating boundaries around oneself. It can be used as a chalk, which requires a little more processing, or a simple powder.

Oomancy – Egg Divination

The practice of using an egg for divination is thought to date back to Ancient Greece, though some have speculated that it may have its origins in ancient Scotland. Much like tasseomancy and reading symbols, oomancy does not have a set of rules or symbols to follow. Each culture that performs oomancy will have their own rules for interpreting the eggs used in divination.

Common methods of oomancy include cracking an egg in cold water and observing the way the yolk and white of the egg move in the water. Some believe if the egg whites look like spider webs, then the person in question is trapped in someone else’s energy. If there is an anomaly in the yoke, such as dark spots, then the person may be cursed or have the Evil Eye. Keep in mind that cultural traditions will inform the symbols in the egg. Outside of that, the interpretation will be highly subjective and intuitive.

Simple Egg Spell For Prosperity

Begin your work with eggs by casting this simple spell for prosperity. With just one required ingredient, it is an accessible spell that any witch can cast!

You will need:

• an egg

Optional additions:

• biodegradable pouch
• marker, paint, or egg dye
• herbs associated with prosperity (such as mint and basil)

Spell Instructions:

1. Begin by cleansing yourself, your tools, and your ingredients in your preferred method.
2. Hold the egg in your hands and close your eyes, visualizing what prosperity looks like to you. If you struggle to visualize, you can use affirmations instead. You might find this post on aphantasia helpful as well!
3. Take three deep breaths in, with every breath drawing in the energy around you. On the last exhale, breathe over the egg in your hands, pushing the energy you’ve raised with your intention into the egg.
4. Bury the egg in your yard or a plant pot, returning it to the Earth so your wishes can grow and flourish!

Optional Steps:

• Decorate the egg with symbols and colors that represent prosperity in your practice. You can include runes, ogham, Witch’s Runes, or whatever symbols you feel called to use.
• Add the decorated egg to a biodegradable pouch with herbs associated with prosperity.
• Cast the spell on a Waxing Moon or Full Moon.