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Which Old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
If I had been born any time between the 1400s and 1600s I am certain I would have been accused of witchcraft. With my two different colored eyes and a peculiar birthmark that spans my stomach, the simple minds of that era would have found me deeply suspicious. The fear of the unknown and the widespread belief in the supernatural often led to tragic outcomes for those who stood out. So, what would have been my fate in a time when accusations of witchcraft were rampant and deadly?
Suspicions of witchcraft dominated the 16th and 17th centuries, often intertwining with notions of evil. During these times, witches provided a simple explanation for the inexplicable. Our understanding of witches as symbols of malevolence has been shaped by countless fairytales and folklore, a perception that persists, even leaving a mark on our collective imagination in modern times.
The Druid Dance from the Outlander Series. Source: Screenrant
Let's take a perfect example from the realm of fiction in Outlander. I've expressed my deep affection for the book and TV series, Outlander, and it's likely I'll continue to do so in future posts. The protagonist, Claire, a nurse during World War II, finds herself unexpectedly transported back to 18th-century Scotland. Despite using her medical skills to heal ailments and injuries, she ironically faces accusations of witchcraft.
This raises some intriguing questions: Why were individuals accused of witchcraft even when their actions brought about positive change? And why has witchcraft historically been associated predominantly with women?
Exploring Witchcraft Beyond Harry Potter
When we think of witchcraft, it's easy to conjure images of Harry Potter and his magical universe. However, the true essence of witchcraft is still yet to be completely defined. Harry Potter's world is more about indescribable skill and the deep-seated desire to emulate great wizards and witches.
Traditionally, witchcraft is attributed to individuals possessing powers beyond human comprehension. They harness spells and incantations to influence both people and the world around them. Throughout history, they have been associated with carrying out the Devil's work and spreading wickedness in the world.
In a more contemporary context, witchcraft can be viewed as a form of religion, residing predominantly within the realm of individual imagination rather than tangible reality. One might choose to identify as a witch through their actions or attire, embracing a lifestyle intertwined with mysticism.
The crafting of spells might be likened to a unique form of prayer, while herbal remedies and solutions for various ailments reflect practical applications of ancient knowledge. In essence, witchcraft can be whatever one desires it to be, offering a diverse spectrum of beliefs and practices tailored to individual inclinations.
Understanding Historical Fear and Accusations
Although Claire from Outlander is a fictional character her adventures and experiences resonate with the struggles of many innocents throughout history. Witchcraft is still being defined today, yet during medieval times, particularly in Europe, it was a pervasive accusation that shattered lives.
Historian Ronald Hutton sheds light on the roots of this fear. With the spread of Roman influence across Europe, Christianity emerged as a dominant force, stamping out any semblance of alternative belief systems, notably divination (attempting to predict the future by supernatural means or occultic ritual). The Church, wielding immense power, deemed such practices as heretical, leading preachers to zealously purge communities of perceived "ungodliness". Attributing any misfortune or injustice to satanic influence, they instilled a profound fear among people, perpetuating the notion that witchcraft lurked in the shadows, ready to corrupt and destroy.
'Europeans alone turned witches into practitioners of an evil anti-religion'
Ronald Hutton, author of 'The Witch'
It was a sense of "othering" that intensified as religious strongholds grew. People feared what they couldn't explain or understand, particularly when it came to the beliefs of others. This fear stemmed from simple ignorance and a lack of openness to different ways of life.
Witchcraft accusations were often directed at acquaintances rather than strangers. It became a convenient scapegoat for personal misfortunes. When a crop failed or a child died mysteriously, the limited knowledge of the time made it easier to attribute these tragedies to witchcraft. If you suspected that your neighbour disliked you and you often smelled herbal remedies wafting from their home, they became a convenient target. Blaming them for your misfortunes provided a misplaced sense of justice for unexplainable events.
However, this form of "justice" was ironically unjustified and tragically cruel. It led to widespread persecution and suffering, rooted in fear and ignorance rather than any real evidence of wrongdoing.
The Significance of Eye Colour in Witchcraft Accusations
Witches are often depicted as shape-shifters. For instance, in Harry Potter, Professor McGonagall famously transforms into a majestic cat during her transfiguration classes. In historical contexts, having eyes that changed color with the light or having two different colored eyes could mark someone as a shape-shifter and, consequently, a witch.
This belief stemmed from the idea that physical anomalies or unusual traits were signs of supernatural abilities. People with heterochromia or eyes that appeared to change color were thought to possess otherworldly powers, making them prime targets for accusations of witchcraft.
Eye color could signify different powers in practices like Wicca. The uniqueness of having different colored eyes could be interpreted as a sign of possessing great power or a combination of various abilities. Perhaps I am still waiting for my powers to manifest...
This misunderstanding is a recurring theme. Such a rare and unexplainable trait was often met with suspicion. Unfortunately, these physical anomalies were frequently associated with witchcraft. What could have been seen as a unique gift instead became a reason for fear and persecution.
The Gendered Fear: Why Witchcraft Was Often Associated with Women
The association of witchcraft with women varied across different countries and cultures. In Iceland, the witch hunts predominantly targeted men, whereas in Scotland, women were the primary victims. Despite these regional differences, it was generally rare for men to be the dominant focus of witch trials. When men were accused, it was often because of their association with or influence by a woman.
By unattributed - William A. Crafts (1876) Pioneers in the settlement of America: from Florida in 1510 to California in 1849<1>, Pioneers in the settlement of America: from Florida in 1510 to California in 1849. edition, Boston: Published by Samuel Walker and Company,
Women were often viewed as the weaker sex, more susceptible to manipulation by the Devil. In deeply religious households, women were expected to care for children, manage the household, and remain subservient to men in both life and religion. We all know this story well.
Bridget Marshall states, "When women stepped outside their prescribed roles, they became targets. Too much wealth might reflect sinful gains, too little money demonstrated bad character, and too many children could indicate a deal with the Devil. Having few children was suspicious, too."
Just like Claire from Outlander, possessing astounding and unparalleled skills or abilities could easily arouse suspicion. Women's extraordinary talents or knowledge, which should have been celebrated, often became a source of fear and accusations, reinforcing their vulnerability in a society dominated by rigid gender roles and religious fervor.
Lessons from History
Whether you believe in witchcraft or perhaps even follow its principles, it is essential to approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear. The history of witchcraft is a poignant and cruel tale, marked by the violent persecution and murder of innocent people without just cause. Unfortunately, witch-hunts still occur in some cultures today. As Brunonia Barry wisely states, "We would do well to learn from history." Embracing this lesson can help us build a more understanding and compassionate world, where fear of the unknown is replaced with a desire to learn and grow.
If you are eager to learn more about witches and gain in-depth insight, you can read 'The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present'. Learn more here.
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