Witches and Myths

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
Shakespeare's Macbeth

These are the words of the Three Weird Sisters as they predicted the fate of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The Three Weird sisters were, of course, witches. Throughout history, myths about witchcraft and witches have persisted. Many - indeed, most of these - are not true. Let's look at some of these myths.

1. All witches can see into the future.
Not true. Some can, but many witches have nothing to do with this aspect of the occult.

2. Anyone who can see into the future is a witch.
Definitely not true. Think about this statement for a moment. If it were true, then we would have to include all the astrologers, the psychics, anyone who has had a precognitive dream, and, most ridiculous of all, the Biblical prophets.

3. All witches are ugly old women.
We'll take this statement one word at a time, starting with "ugly." Ugly? Not necessarily. In fact, many witches have been considered graceful and beautiful. Tamara, Queen of Jordan, for instance, although said to be completely insane, was lovely enough to lure dozens of lovers, including princes, to their deaths. Another beautiful witch, Circe, from Greek mythology, is described as a comely sorceress who attracted dozens of men - and then turned them into swine!

4. All witches are ugly old women. Again, not necessarily true. Age has nothing to do with witchcraft. Some witches have been both ugly and old. For instance, Mother Shipton, the seer from the 1100s, was sometimes dubbed The Nostradamus of Yorkshire, England. She also had the ability to see into the future. As proved by her prophecies - far, far into the future. On the other hand, the Chovikani, or Gypsy witches, were often both young and beautiful. Some had psychic abilities, but others merely faked them.

5. All witches are ugly old women.
Even this isn't true. Many witches are men. Incidentally, a male witch is not called a warlock. Warlock denotes one who breaks faith. You can read about witches and warlocks in the article on Neo-Paganism from a member of the Pagan community.

Barb and Steve have a very entertaining site. Let Barb take you on a fun-filled adventure as she does her housework and other chores. Steve, on the other hand, takes a look at a slightly darker

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