Traits of the Witches

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)
  How to Identify a Witch Balance Scales Conversing With Familiars The Devil's Mark Ducking the Witch
• 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)
  Names Witches Were Called Benandanti Bogglebo Brag Eye-Biter Gazarii Hag Incantatrix Lamia Maga Malefica Oskorei Poudoučs Saga Sea Witch Sortilega Striga Tempestarii Venefica Warlock
• The Wild Hunt. The large-scale gatherings of witches flying through the air. (Last updated July 27, 1998)
  The Wild Hunt Dando and the Wild Hunt Harlequin and the Wild Hunt Hounds and the Wild Hunt The Sluagh and the Wild Hunt Wild Hunt in Arthurian Folklore Wild Hunt in Scandinavia

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Traits of the Witches is copyright 1998 to Shantell Powell.