Speaking of which, I have been seeking the meaning of a similar symbol 
to the hexafoil - a compass rosette.  I have seen this symbol on a few 
early gravestones (1790's) in far eastern NY as well as on barns in 
Pennsylvania and suspect a stronger meaning than a simple decorative 
use.  Is anyone aware of a magical or superstitious meaning for the 
compass rosette?

Mike


On 12/3/2011 11:44 AM, Moss, William wrote:
> Mr. Evans,
>
> I am forwarding this to the HISTARCH list. I'm sure you will get some interesting comments and comparisons from the US.
>
> William Moss MA, FSA, RPA
> Archéologue principal
> Design, Architecture et Patrimoine | Aménagement du territoire | Ville de Québec | 295, boulevard Charest Est | Québec (Québec) G1K 3G8 | Téléphone : 418.641.6411, poste 2149 | Télécopie : 418.641.6455 | [log in to unmask] | www.ville.quebec.qc.ca<https://courriel.ville.quebec.qc.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/>   | www.ovpm.org/fr/canada/quebec<https://courriel.ville.quebec.qc.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ovpm.org/fr/canada/quebec>
>
> ________________________________
>
> De: British archaeology discussion list de la part de Ian Evans
> Date: ven. 2011-12-02 19:27
> À: [log in to unmask]
> Objet : [BRITARCH] Material culture of folk magic
>
>
>
> Dear All,
>
> Those of you who are interested in the material manifestations of folk magic in Britain --- concealed shoes, cats and garments and marks such as the hexafoil -- may be interested to know that this practice spread to Australia where I've been researching it for some years. ABC-TV (roughly equivalent to the BBC) carried a report on this research last Friday evening on the programme 7.30 Tasmania. You can see the story by going to this link:
>
> http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-28/ritual-magic/3698948
>
> -----------------------------
> Ian Evans, OAM, PhD
> PO Box 591
> Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia 2482
> Phone/fax 02 6684 7677 (+612 6684 7677)