Abstract: A mechanism for selecting and raising heddle hooks in a weaving loom in response to control signals delivered by a pattern reader, wherein the mechanism includes a flexible blade for each hook and further includes a catch associated with each blade and operable to connect the blade with the hook thereby to select the hook, and the mechanism further including an electro magnetic coil operative for selecting each blade and catch in response to said control signals delivered to a shift register whose stages energize the coils, the hooks being supported by one plate and the selecting mechanisms being supported by another plate, the plates reciprocating toward and away from each other in synchronism with the loom motion.