Category: Witchcraft

Mabon – A Harvest Celebration and Celtic Deity

Ever wonder what the difference between the Equinox and Mabon is? Well, pull up a pumpkin..

Broom Folklore and Superstitions – Exploring Magical Traditions

The broom, a simple household item, has held a significant place in magical and folkloric traditions for centuries. Its association with cleanliness and sweeping has […]

Breaking Free – A Witch’s Guide to Shedding Old Skin and Embracing New Beginnings

The Full Moon, a time of transformation and renewal, offers us a potent opportunity to shed the layers of our past that no longer serve […]

Witch Bells

Witch bells are a captivating remnant of folklore and superstition, embodying centuries-old beliefs about magic, protection, and the supernatural. These small, often beautifully crafted bells […]

The Timeless Tradition of Burning Incense in Cultural and Spiritual Practices

Incense has been a significant part of human rituals, spirituality, and daily life for thousands of years. Its history is as rich and varied as […]

James I of England and Witchcraft – The Impact of Daemonologie

King James I of England, originally James VI of Scotland, was born on June 19, 1566, to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her second husband, […]

The North Berwick Witch Trials -Misogyny, Fear, and Superstition

The Berwick witch trials, which took place in the late 16th century in Scotland, are one of the most infamous episodes in the history of […]

The Fowler Sisters of Bakewell – A Tale of Witchcraft, Fear, and Misfortune

Early 17th century England was a time steeped in religious fervour and deep-seated superstitions, the fear of witchcraft permeated society. It was a period when […]

The Intriguing History of Witches’ Familiars in European Folklore

It’s been a minute since I’ve delved into the world of witches, and I have to say, I’m thrilled to be back on the broom! […]

The Tale of Cerridwen’s Cauldron and the Pursuit of Knowledge

Cerridwen is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology and Celtic traditions, known for her role as a goddess of wisdom and magic. She is particularly […]

Gender Dynamics in Icelandic Witch Trials: The Case of Jón Rögnvaldsson

The Icelandic witch trials were distinctive, with a surprising focus on male practitioners compared to the rest of Europe where women were primarily targeted. One […]

Folklore Connections – Witches and Weasels.

The link between witches and weasels is a rich element in folklore, reflecting historical beliefs about magic and shape-shifting. Witches in European folklore were believed to transform into weasels to carry out their mischief. Weasels were seen as symbols of cunning and deception, and their association with witchcraft influenced cultural practices and superstitions.

Molly Leigh, the Witch of Burslem

Molly Leigh, a 17th-century figure from Burslem, Staffordshire, faced persecution due to suspicions of witchcraft. Despite her charitable will and association with respected individuals, she was accused of witchcraft and endured public humiliation and confinement. Her defiance and mysterious death left behind a legend, cautioning against superstition and prejudice.

The Bell Witch.

In 1817, the Bell family in Adams, Tennessee, experienced unexplainable hauntings by “Kate,” the Bell Witch. The entity targeted John Bell and gained notoriety after Andrew Jackson’s reported encounter. The tale’s historical and human elements, along with its enduring impact on American folklore, continue to captivate audiences.

Exploring the Potential Link Between Ergotism and the Salem Witch Trials.

The Salem witch trials of 1692 have intrigued historians. Recent investigations propose a link between ergot-contaminated rye and hallucinatory experiences during the trials. Environmental conditions in Massachusetts may have fostered ergot growth. While the hypothesis adds a scientific dimension, skeptics urge caution, noting the influence of social, religious, and cultural factors.

Sir George McKenzie: The Enigmatic Judge, Covenanters’ Persecutor, and the Haunting Legacy of Witchcraft Trials

Sir George McKenzie, a towering figure in 17th-century Scotland, left an indelible mark on history, not only through his legal career but also through his […]

Pendle Hill Witch Trials 1618

“For the most part the prosecution brought forth witnesses whose best evidence was idle gossip, false accusations and was for the best part totally inconsistent, […]

Dried Cats

There are well over a hundred dried, or mummified, cats on record at present – although there are anecdotal records for probably over ten times […]

Horse Whispering Witch

A weird witchcraft story published in 1984, recalling an event in 1908. The date, the subject matter and the place, East Anglia, are all quite […]

Archaeological discovery in Sweden reveals site of Stone Age rituals

Archaeologists unearth a 9,000-year-old ritual site in a Swedish cave on an island with a long history of superstition and witchcraft read more: Archaeological discovery […]

Breaking the Spell: Witch Bottles

Used as a form of counter magic, they were believed to release the owner from the power of the witch who had “overlooked” them, and […]

Grave of the Torryburn Witch Uncovered in Scotland

In 1709, an old poor woman in Torryburn, Scotland named Lilias Adie confessed to being a witch and having sex with the devil. She died […]

The 1895 “Witch-Burning” of Bridget Cleary

A gruesome crime in Clonmel, South Tipperary whose memory lives on in a traditional Irish children’s rhyme ‘are you a witch or are you a […]

Eddie Izzard to Star in HBO Salem Witch Trial Pilot

Actor-comedian Eddie Izzard has been cast in the pilot of HBO’s new show from Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan. The show, tentatively […]

Witchmarks to protect King James I from evil found at Knole

A series of eerie symbols and markings have been discovered under the floorboards of one of Britain’s most important historic houses, scratched into the wood […]