Beer and Witchcraft

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.

Beer

"Henbane was added to 'pilsner' Beer and mixed into the Witches' Ointments" (Rätsch 94).

As a Ward

A specially-brewed beer could be used as a ward against various evil entities. The beer, brewed in eggshells, could be used in getting rid of maras (nightmares), or dwarves who may come to replace your child with a faerie changeling.

Scandinavians thought of storms as Odin and his Wild Hunt rushing across the sky with noise and lights and clouds. On occasion, a storm left a hound dog whining on your hearth. You couldn't order it out. You had to feed and tend it until and unless you exorcised it. To do that you had to brew beer in eggshells. Then the magical cur would run off (Ashley 120, 121).

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Beer and Witchcraft is copyright 1998 to Shantell Powell.