Evington, VA - With Halloween a week away and if you believe in evil spirits, an Evington man has discovered a medieval form of protection.

Rick McMullen says he found ritualistic 'witch marks' carved into antique woodwork he imported from England. It is a very rare find and one he says makes him feel safer. 

McMullen first noticed the marks on a wood door paneling dated back to the 1600s. He thought the two Ws were the maker's mark. He now knows better.

"These were actually overlapping V's, two sets of them side by side and standing for virgin of virgins which is actually invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary," McMullen said.

There's also an etched "Daisy Wheel" which was widely used in 16th and 17th Century England as a means to ward off evil spirits.

"It's the only string of ritual witch marks in North America that I'm aware of, and we're lucky enough to have them in our house."

McMullen found the same marks on the back of a solid oak mantle piece. He's already contacted historic scholars in England to tell them of his find.

There's no plans to return the pieces. He says they make him feel safe.

"I certainly don't feel anything oppressive in the house. I actually feel whatever it is that we brought with us has been a force for good and no a force for bad," McMullen said.

McMullen plans to turn the paneling into a headboard for his bed. He's not sure what he'll do with the mantle piece.

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