Since the St. Benedict medal isn't medieval, I'd written Chris off-list to
ask where she heard about placing the medal on window sills and over doors
against evil spirits. Her reply that she'd read about the practice on
e-bay didn't offer much info. But for background on the medal itself, I
would send anyone interested to
http://www.osb.org/gen/medal.html
for a description of the texts and images on the medal. Note that since
the initials of the exorcism are inscribed on the cross, its efficacy
participates in that of the cross itself. This is a Greek cross with arms
of equal length whose universality is reiterated in the circle which
circumscribes it.
Also, consider the house as an image of the self. The medal is worn for
protection, among other reasons (Benedictine oblates like myself wear it
instead of a habit). Whatever protection pertains to prayerful use of the
medal could by extension pertain also to the house.
Susan Kerr, Ph.D.
Oblate of St. Benedict
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