Candles 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.
Candles as a Ward Against Witches
From about the 12th century on, candles were placed on church altars. Holy candles were used by priests in the ritual of exorcism, and by farmers to protect their livestock from bewitchment. The Malleus Maleficarum instructs inquisitors to used holy candles "for preserving oneself from the injury of witches" (Guiley 1989 50).
Lost?
![[Preserve Me From Harm]](wardbut.gif){kind=small}
![[Tools of the Witches]](toolbut.gif){kind=small}
![[The Witching Hours]](../witchbut.gif){kind=small}
Candles and Witchcraft is copyright 1997-1998 to Shantell Powell.