Traits of the Witches


['The Witches' Sabbat' by Goya] Some devils ask but the parings of one's nail,
A rush, a hair, a drop of blood, a pin,
A nut, a cherry-stone;
But she, more covetous, would have a chain.
Master be wise: an if you give it her,
The devil will shake her chain and fright us with it.

-- The Comedy of Errors, IV.iii. 66-71

Disclaimer

This is NOT a page about Wiccans or neo-pagans, and I do not advocate the belief that Wiccans are Satan-worshippers and/or baby-killers. I am well aware that they are not. This is a starting point for historical research into the great witch craze of 1100-1700 AD. And please, don't ask me for spells.


  • Cannibalism and Witchcraft. The witches' lust for gore, it seems, had no bounds. (Updated July 23, 1998)

  • How to Identify a Witch. Jesus Christ himself couldn't pass all these tests. (Updated May 18, 1998)
  • [New]How Witches Sold Their Souls. It was commonly believed people sold their souls to the Devil in order to become witches.

  • Sticks and Stones: Names Witches Were Called. A list of alternate terminology for witchcraft and those purported to practice it. (Updated July 29, 1998)
  • The Wild Hunt. The large-scale gatherings of witches flying through the air. (Last updated July 27, 1998)

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Traits of the Witches is copyright 1998 to Shantell Powell.

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