The Witching Hours FAQ

Are you a witch?

No. I am agnostic.

Why create a site about witch history?

I find the topic fascinating. I've always been interested in folklore, mythology, fairy tales, and history. The witch trials wrap up each of these topics. Additionally, I've lived through my own witchcraze.

Is this an anti-Christian site?

No. Although Christianity had an enormous impact upon the witch trials, I try to approach the topic objectively. The vast majority of accused witches were themselves Christian.

Why won't you send me any spells?

This is a historical site, and not a neopagan one. I am not witholding anything. Any alleged spells I have learned over the course of my research have been posted. These are not pleasant candle-burning rituals with smidgens of sweetgrass thrown in, but spells invented under torture which include such savoury ingredients as the fat of unbaptized children. Do you really want to try these out? I dearly hope not.

Wiccans do not kill babies or even believe in the Devil, let alone worship him. Why are you saying these things?

Sigh.... I am not saying that. Allow me to reiterate. Many of my friends are neopagan, and I know they aren't Satan-worshipping baby-killers. And no, I'm not saying members of the Church of Satan kill babies, either. This site is NOT about Wiccans, Satanists, or about any neopagans whatsoever, and through the use of my ubiquitous disclaimers, I thought I had made that abundantly clear. This site examines the history of the witch trials, and what people believed to be true during the medieval through enlightenment periods.

How do I become a witch?

I really have no idea. You should check out one of a myriad of neopagan sites to find out. The Witches' Voice looks like one of the better places to start.

Can I use your research on my website or in my school projects?

Yes! All I ask is that give cite me as you would any other academic source. I've spent years compiling this information and know I've earned the credit. I've included my name and copyright date at the bottom of each page.

Why don't you answer my emails?

I wish I could, but I get a huge amount of email daily, and it's impossible for me to answer it all without giving up sleep/work/eating/etcetera.

May I link to your site?

Of course! Please link to http://www.bigfoot.com/~ShanMonster/witch/. If you like, you can use one of the following graphics. Please don't link to graphics on my server, but save them to your own computer instead. I've included cut-and-paste code for you. Right-click on the image and save it to your own directory.

<p><a href="http://www.bigfoot.com/~ShanMonster/witch/"><img src="banner01.gif" width=234 height=60 alt="[Visit the Witching Hours]"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bigfoot.com/~ShanMonster/witch/"><img src="banner02.gif" width=234 height=60 alt="[Visit the Witching Hours]"></a></p>

What can you tell me about the Blair Witch?

The Blair Witch Project is strictly a work of fiction. It has no basis in reality.