HE IS among the world’s most successful authors, but Philip Pullman has admitted to being deeply superstitious, confessing he would not be able to write without certain objects including his beloved worry beads.

The fantasy novelist, 71, author of the popular His Dark Materials trilogy, spoke as he launched a new show at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. The exhibition, called Spellbound, explores the history of magic, ritual and witchcraft, and how ancient beliefs live on through modern superstition.

Mr Pullman’s books, including the Carnegie Medal-winning Northern Lights and Whitbread Prize winner The Amber Spyglass, heavily feature witches and other supernatural beings. Revealing the string of beads which he keeps in his pocket, he said: “You don’t have to believe in magic to be fascinated by what it can do.

“I believe in the efficacy of my worry beads and my desk is covered in bits and pieces without which I wouldn’t be able to start writing.”

The exhibition, which opened yesterday, features 180 objects dating back to the 12th century. Highlights include a witch trapped in a bottle, crystal balls, books of spells, unicorn horns, a human heart encased in lead, dolls and a wax figurine pierced with pins, a witch weighing chair and a mummified cat. Guests included the model Ephyra and a number of so-called white witches.

Mr Pullman, who lives in Cumnor, said: “I like the everyday items, such as bits of clothing – things people invested with their hopes and fears.”

Referring to harrowing accounts of the persecution of women accused of being witches, he likened the hysteria of medieval witch hunts to the vilification of modern day refugees.

He said: “The hysterical alarm directed at immigrants feels like the sort of persecution that got completely out of hand in the 16th and 17th centuries.

“It is the same social force which is now levelled against minorities.”

The museum’s curator Xa Sturgis is a former magician and member of the Magic Circle who performed under the name The Great Xa. He demonstrated his skills with a classic trick in front of guests. He said: “Magic has always been a subject close to my heart and I’m thrilled that this exhibition takes such an imaginative and impactful approach to the subject.”

Spellbound runs at the Ashmolean until January 6.

p Xa Sturgis speaks magic on page 23