What is a witch? According to Webster’s Dictionary witchcraft is, “the use of sorcery or magic.” By this definition, the term “witch” has been misused and misunderstood throughout history. Often considered a taboo subject, nothing stirs the pot quite like witchcraft. An in-depth study of witchcraft can help one to understand the mystique that surrounds it. European Witch Hunts (1300-1600) Witch hunts occurred long before the Salem witch trials. As Jess Blumberg from Smithsonian Magazine called it, a ‘witchcraft craze’ enveloped Europe from 1300 until 1600. Thousands of alleged witches were killed for supposedly doing the devil’s work. The majority of those that were killed were women, although there were some men (Blumberg). Those that
…show more content…
According to Smithsonian Magazine, conflict arose when the family members of local Reverend Samuel Parris began behaving strangely. His nine year old daughter Elizabeth and eleven year old niece Abigail would burst into fits of yelling, screaming, and body contortion starting in January of 1692. On February 29, the girls accused Tituba, Reverend Parris’ slave; Sarah Good, a homeless woman; and Sarah Osborne, an old woman, of influencing their strange condition. In March, the three women were interrogated for their supposed wrongdoings. Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne claimed that they were innocent. Tituba admitted to making a deal with the devil, saying that a “black man” came to her and demanded that she sign his book. Despite the fact that Sarah Osborne and Sarah Good proclaimed innocence, they were both sent to jail along with Tituba (Blumberg). This was the beginning of many false accusations that followed in the next …show more content…
Although Druidism isn’t a well-known form of Witchcraft, it is an interesting one. Druidism is the lesser known cousin of Paganism and Wicca. All three share similar values and practices, though Druidism introduces a slightly more violent possibility. ‘Druid’ refers to a Celtic person with a high level of expertise in magical religious practices. Druidism had its best run in northwestern Europe around 2,000 years ago. Druidism is next to nonexistent in today’s society, although there are still a select few Pagans who consider themselves to be Druids. Due to the fact that Druids existed so long ago, there is little writing about them. However, one reputable author who happens to be a historical figure, Julius Caesar, wrote that the Druids were very powerful, and had the ability to be united and wholesome under a single leader. In general, Greek writings suggest that the Druids were incredible thinkers and scientists, while Roman writings suggest that generally Druids were cruel, slaughterous, war-crazed leaders. The writings of Julius Caesar propose that they could be both (Hutton 15). Although it may never be known who exactly the Druids were, the few that exist now are an incredibly mild version, and are likely much closer to Pagan and Wiccan
According to Smithsonian Magazine, conflict arose when the family members of local Reverend Samuel Parris began behaving strangely. His nine year old daughter Elizabeth and eleven year old niece Abigail would burst into fits of yelling, screaming, and body contortion starting in January of 1692. On February 29, the girls accused Tituba, Reverend Parris’ slave; Sarah Good, a homeless woman; and Sarah Osborne, an old woman, of influencing their strange condition. In March, the three women were interrogated for their supposed wrongdoings. Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne claimed that they were innocent. Tituba admitted to making a deal with the devil, saying that a “black man” came to her and demanded that she sign his book. Despite the fact that Sarah Osborne and Sarah Good proclaimed innocence, they were both sent to jail along with Tituba (Blumberg). This was the beginning of many false accusations that followed in the next …show more content…
Although Druidism isn’t a well-known form of Witchcraft, it is an interesting one. Druidism is the lesser known cousin of Paganism and Wicca. All three share similar values and practices, though Druidism introduces a slightly more violent possibility. ‘Druid’ refers to a Celtic person with a high level of expertise in magical religious practices. Druidism had its best run in northwestern Europe around 2,000 years ago. Druidism is next to nonexistent in today’s society, although there are still a select few Pagans who consider themselves to be Druids. Due to the fact that Druids existed so long ago, there is little writing about them. However, one reputable author who happens to be a historical figure, Julius Caesar, wrote that the Druids were very powerful, and had the ability to be united and wholesome under a single leader. In general, Greek writings suggest that the Druids were incredible thinkers and scientists, while Roman writings suggest that generally Druids were cruel, slaughterous, war-crazed leaders. The writings of Julius Caesar propose that they could be both (Hutton 15). Although it may never be known who exactly the Druids were, the few that exist now are an incredibly mild version, and are likely much closer to Pagan and Wiccan