The accusations against witches varied from region to region; however, there are a number of similarities. In attempting to define the charges leveled against witches, it is particularly helpful to look at the Malleus Maleficarum, or the Hammer of Witches, written in 1484. This text is, quite honestly, horribly misogynistic. Large portions of it are devoted to long diatribes on the evils of woman. The charges leveled against women included consorting with the devil, having sexual relations with the devil, nursing a familiar or imp, killing infants, mocking Christian ritual, and participating in Sabbats, or organized ritual worship of the devil.
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