Quirins 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.

Quirins

Also called a quirus, a quirin is a folkloric stone found in the nests of lapwings and hoopoes. Quirins were said to have the powers of a truth serum. Highly valued by both magicians and witches, the stone was placed beneath the sleeping people's pillows. This caused the victims confess their rogueries (Guiley 1989 277).

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