Pitchforks 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.

Pitchforks

Like brooms, pitchforks were considered a means of transportation by witches. A pitchfork was both a very convenient steed and tool. She could either ride astride the fork, or, when seated backwards upon a goat, she could carry her cauldron between the prongs of the fork. A piece of cloth could also be fastened to the fork in a sail-like fashion. "This arrangement was sometimes adopted in witches' ridings, as it allowed them to profit by a favourable wind and might also serve as a parachute in case the charm happened to fail suddenly" (Givry 58).

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