Articles related to "What Is Witchcraft"

Popular ideas about witches arise in England between 1500-1800. These ideas, and the subsequent witch trials, shape literary portrayals of witches for centuries to come.

Popular beliefs of the Early Modern era solidify the witch's presence in history for centuries. Yet, despite her malevolence, some find an appeal that belies the horror.

The Church tolerates magic during the early Christian era (AD 1-1000). But in 906 a.d, it lays the foundation for a religious persecution lasting until 1800.

She is elusive and enigmatic. Both feared and loved, the witch embodies the human struggle to manipulate creation itself.

In medieval times, witches, real or imagined, were greatly feared and blamed for many of society's problems.

Christopher Penczak is an award winning author of pagan and witchcraft books. In this interview, he speaks about his youth.

In 1692 a climate of fear and anxiety led to the deaths of 20 people during the Salem Witchcraft Trials. What were the reasons for this case of panic and injustice?

Historians, psychologists, sociologists and others research and theorize as to what caused Salem's mass hysteria, a complex issue, involving many factors.

In the year 1692 the Massachussetts colony experienced a mass hysteria brought on by fear and suspicion. The Salem Witchcraft Trials, in the end, would claim 20 lives.

Many Wiccan practitioners choose to keep a Book of Shadows in which they set down and evolve their Witchcraft spells and rituals.

Medieval witches were more unusual than many may think. But once the witchcrazes took hold, they swept through Europe with a vengeance.

Metaphysical supplies bought from a bookstore or supplier, or used tools from unknown sources, can carry negative or uncooperative energy, which a cleansing can fix.

Ancient followers of earth-based spirituality who were the precursors to our modern day herbalists.

Incantations, rituals, spells, and charms were integral to witchcraft in Southeastern Europe. Folk healing was the task of the village witch, who possessed special skills

Salem, Massachusetts bustles each October, with Halloween visitors. The site of the Salem Witch Trials, Salem hosts many Halloween events and activities each year.

This is the fifth in a series of five indexes concerning the Salem Witch Trials.

Science proved eating contaminated rye bread can result in this disease. Evidence tends to support the theory that this was the primary cause of Salem's witchcraft mania.

Wicca is a way of life. A way of living in harmony with nature and with those around you. The difficult decision is whether to practice alone or in a group or coven.

Why were witch trials relatively numerous in 17th-century New England, but much less so in the other colonies? The answer lies in New England's Puritan religion.

The Wars of Religion that erupted in Western Europe during the 1500s, was accompanied by an increase in witch hunting, which lasted through the 1600s.

Persecution of witches was most apparent in Colonial New England where strict Calvinist views formed the basis of a theocratic, Old Testament model that accepted witches.

Women empowered with supernatural abilities can be found in all ancient cultures, often serving a positive and a negative purpose in everyday life and the quest to know.

Another woman confesses to witchcraft, revealing that there is a Witch Church in Salem Village with George Burroughs as its minister.

Although nearly 90 years old, Häxan, from Danish director Benjamin Christensen, still has the power to shock, engage, enthral and thrill.

Martha Cory is jailed for bewitching Ann Putnam, Sr. Some thirty-nine people are accused for witchcraft and sent to jail.

Italian witchcraft is derived from the Shamanic or Pagan Roman-Greco traditions. Technically, Strega is a female witch and Stregone is a male.

There is a popular misconception that it is a religion or connected to Gerald Gardner's Wicca. It is not. There are no courses that will transform a person into a Witch.

In Medieval times, belief was that witches had these powers, granted by the devil. The Malleus Maleficarum, most widely used witch hunting manual, provided a remedy.

Belief in were-animals was universal throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, different countries had names for the creature and believed witches could shape-shift.

Amulets, words, objects and symbols were believed to keep people, animals and homes safe from harm. Some were worn, carried in pockets or used as wall hangings.

John Smith: responsible for the deaths of ten women. King James I intervened, saving others' lives. It's likely his actions saved the woman William Perry accused.

Cotton Mather: Investigated cases of witchcraft in Salem and Boston and orders execution of George Burroughs for witchcraft.

The "Witches' Hammer" or "Hexenhammer" was written by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger. Montague Summers, friend of Aleister Crowley, endorsed it centuries later.

Puritans believed witches existed and made pacts with the Devil. They had to be found, tried and executed. Suffer not a witch to live.... Not even in the Colonies.

More people are hung for witchcraft. The hunt spreads to other communities. Mather doubts the "validity of spectral evidence."

A concise account of Temperance Lloyd, Mary Trembles and Susanna Edward, the last women to be convicted and executed for witchcraft in Britain.

Thelema is an esoteric and magickal path whose mission is to make one realize one's purpose in life.

In this detailed, practical book, a highly regarded modern witch emparts an understanding of the central role of spiritual enlightenment for the positive practitioner.

As the first person to be tried for witchcraft in Ireland, Lady Alice Kyteler faced sorcery and heresy charges a century before the start of the European Witch-Hunt.

Cats posses an aura of mystery. Witches are believed to have familiars. What better animal to choose than cats? And, what better animal to persecute along with witches?

Cotton Mather, during the Salem Witch Trials, urges the acceptance of spectral evidence. George Burroughs is hanged for witchcraft.

Many people may be wondering what they should put on their altar. It's really not as hard as they think and they may be able to get more from their altar set up.

There are many that want to see the future, but they are not sure how.

Some scholars assert that the mass hysteria in Massachusetts in the 17th century could have been triggered by a common fungus.

Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell and Rachel True star in a film about four girls exploring magic while dealing with the pressures of high school.

Love spells are one of the most popular spells that people choose to do, but they may not know how to do them or what they need to perform a love spell.

Discover the magical meanings of fingers and how to use this knowledge for rituals and spells.

Many people want to have runes, but are not sure about how to create them. It's really not as hard as they may think to make the runes that they really want.

The first thing a Wiccan learns is how to cast or close a circle for rituals and magic, the second is how to open that circle back up when done.

Curses are an unpleasant but very real part of magick. Some are literally deadly. Here is basic first aid for anyone who suspects a curse.