The History of Witchcraft

Many years ago people lived primative lives. There was no modern medicine, so when a person was sick, there was little that could be done. It was dangerous to be sick. During those early days, there were women that learned the value of healing herbs and homeopathic treatments. Not much was known about medicine in those days, and as Christianity spread across Europe, clergy became suspisous of learned women who were healing others with herbal medicines. Many people thought that that if a person was sick or ill that it was God’s punishment for some sin committed. The healing women began to be accused of heresy, being anti-Christian and devil worship. The word Witch actually is derived from the word “Wicca” meaning “Wise One.” Although they were considered wise and knowledgeable, witches were considered to be something to be absolutely feared and avoided. The accusations of witchcraft drove healers further underground and many lived quiet lives deeply in remote peasant village. In the late 1400's, the church created enough fear and hysteria with regard to the healing women. Those accused of practicing any form of witchcraft were tried quickly and then were executed publicly as punishment, often publicly.They did this to scare the public away from having anything to do with witchcraft. In the American colonies, Samuel Parris’ daughter Betty, and his niece, Abigail Williams came down with a mysterious illness late in 1691 that caused them to have strange seizures or fits where their bodies would flail about wildly. The doctors did not know why it was happening. The doctors decided that since they couldn’t identify the cause, the girls must be under evil influence. Perhaps, thought the doctor, that the girls were under a spell. A woman named Tibuta, an Indian slave that had worked for the Parris family, was the first person accused by the young girls of casting a spell on them. A couple of local women were also accused -- Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne. All three women were excecuted for being witches. The witchcraft hysteria continued and in 1692 nineteen "witches" were hanged at the gallows in Salem, Massachusettes alone. It wasn't until the very late 1600's and early 1700's that people began to realize that innocent women were unfairly put to death and that the devil was responsible for causing such hysteria. Interesting considering that beforehand, in their minds, it was the devil that created the witches in the first place. In 1695 a Quaker named Thomas Maul publicly brought forth the idea that innocent women ha dbeen persecuted and by 1700 there were petitions to the Massachusettes government to formally reverse all convictions of witchraft. By 1711 many convictions were reversed.

The Perfect Halloween Witch Costume

Perhaps you've decided to be a witch for Halloween. Here are a few tips to make a really awesome and hideous (in a good way) witch costume: First off, make or buy a witch good witch nose. To make a good which nose, aluminum foil, masking tape, an elastic strand and green paint. Mold the foil into a nose, cover it with masking tape, paint it green and after it dries staple the elastic band to keep it sceure on your head. Another idea is to black out a tooth or two using special cosmetics easily found at costume shop or even a store like Walmart. Using long fake eyelashes and black eyeliner pencil to make giant, yucky moles will add to the sinister Wear layers of black clothes. Skirts over skirts over black leggings look great for the witch look; save money by trying to find this stuff at a thrift shop. Putting a few tears in the fabric will add to the look. Be sure to wear black shoes and a black witch hat that can be found at any costume shop. And don't forget the broom. Maybe you could even borrow your neighbors black cat to complete the ensemble (just kidding) . Carry a broom of course, or leave it home and carry a decorated pillowcase for candy. Draw bats, rats and newts on it. Good witches can carry fairy wands and shopping bags or pillowcases decorated with birds, flowers and rainbows.

Images and Portrayals of Witches through the Years

There are a lot of ideas and images that come to mind when one thinks of the word, "witch." Some may think of Halloween, or a woman with warts, or magic spells being chanted over a boiling cauldron. Let's look at some of these stereotypes and image representations. The Warted Woman What Halloween costume mask doesn't have a wart? And why exactly do witches have warts? Let's investigate: it seems that the idea of witches with warts stem from of folk superstitions. There are close ties between warty toads and witches; and also the idea of a wart being the mark of the devil. Or perhaps it is just a way of connecting the idea of connecting "ugly" warts with the evil witch. Witches and Broomsticks A broomstick was originally a symbol of female domesticity. Years ago, most women were responsible raising children, cooking, cleaning, and upkeep of their home. They always had their broomstick close at hand. When the chaos of witch persecution started, brooms were often thought of as a disguised tool of the trade since nearly every woman had one somewhere in her home. Witches Worship Satan This idea began during the early modern medival periods' infamous witch trials. While the vast majority of witches were not Satanists, there could have been exceptions that were then blown out of proportion and thus applied to a witches as a whole. Many witches believe that believe that Satan is an imaginary creation of the Christian Church. If they believe in Satan at all they will tell you that the devil is just another Christian diety. They also do not believe in demons. Witches Cast Spells It is said that witches cast spells and depending on what your beliefs are, this could be true. But, what exactly is a spell? Is it something in a strange language that I can't speak? Well there are spells out there in Latin and other languages, but you don't have to speak in tongues to cast a spell. A spell in it's simplest form is just an intention, a want, a need, something you feel you must have. It is similar to praying or meditation, really. If the positive energies are focused and channel properly then what you wish for could very well come true. A spell is just a way of reassuring the person who sought out the witch that greater forces are at work in thier favor.

Welcome to Witches Assembled

Welcome to Witches Assembled, where we will take a glance into the often misunderstood art of witchcraft. I myself am not a witch, but I have a great interest in all things witchcraft, particularly how whitches were viewed in ages past.