Charms 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.

Charms Against Witches

Charms are magical phrases, words, chants, incantations, or prayers which protect against or cure disease, and ward off witchcraft, disaster, and evil. Although witches were believed to make use of charms, common people weren't above using them for themselves as protection against witchcraft. The most common charms concern witchcraft, illness, and health.

In the 17th century, copies of St. John's Gospel were sold as a charm against witchcraft. To break witches' spells, herbs were prescribed along with the recitation of one Creed, five Aves, and five Paternosters (Guiley 1989 57).


Lost?

[Preserve Me From Harm][Tools of the Witches][The Witching Hours]

Charms and Witchcraft is copyright 1997-1998 to Shantell Powell.

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