Witches

Tweet

In ancient times, maybe 20,000 years ago, they were called deities and worshipped the goddess Diana. In ancient Scandinavia there was Preya, in Greece there was Circe, Isis in Egypt, and in Hebrew it was Lilith. They have been around forever casting spells and magical incantations. No Kings went into battle without first consulting a sorceress. They held a positive influence in society and were looked on favorably by the community. Kings visiting witches are mentioned in the Bible. But, then came the plague... The Black Plague started in 1346 and continued until around 1353. It is estimated that between 25 million and 200 million people died. It was seen as having been caused by the devil. In agricultural societies if someone stubbed their toe or if a crop failed it was due to the supernatural. Wise women, ones who made spells and did ceremonies began to be seen differently. Those who were midwives, or those called upon when people were sick, the widows, older women, or single ones who lived alone were watched and wondered about. If they could heal with herbs couldn't they do evil as well? The Burning Times in Europe and The Witch Trials in New England of 1692 were when witch hysteria hit its peak. Women, children, and even priests were tortured until they told the torturers what they wanted to hear. They would use such tortures as The Iron Maiden, thumb screws that caused such excruciating pain they would tell the accusers whatever they wanted to hear so the pain would stop. They would also plunge them in water and if they floated they were witches but if they sink they were innocent. This was called "swimming" the witch. Thousands were condemned to death. They were hung and their bodies were left to decay. In France and German, there were some towns where no women were left. Of the 344 alleged witches in New England, 78% were women. In more modern times witches have gotten a bad rap by the media and in the movies. They are seen as ugly old hags cackling, wearing black robes, and riding a broomstick. The picture is mine. How do you perceive witches?