Witchcraft: The Beginning + Common Stereotypes

 In my last post, I had went over the witch trials that took place in the late 1600s in Salem. I've stated the reason why people were accused of being witches, but I've never stated; What makes a witch? In this post, I will be discussing how the belief of practice in witchcraft developed and how society views those who are involved.

(This is an example of the stereotypical view of what Christians believed to be a witch.)

 The word "witch" comes from the old English term "Wicca," meaning wise one. Those who are religious, such as Christians, believed that most women associated with witchcraft were unruly, feminine powers. Christians convicted that the forces of the universe, known as natural forces, were actually demonic forces; forces of the Devil's work and other demonic beings. Witches were seen as evil, violent, gruesome eldery women that were constantly up to no good. Those convicted of witchery were put on trial. and those found guilty were either hung or burned alive. These were known as Salem witch trials. The idea of women being in power bothered the Christian community, but most of all, the clergy (a religion person/group).

 In history, before the existence of technology we have currently, the ability to buy durable medicines and treatments for illnesses and pain were minimum. This was also a contribution to the origin of witchcraft. During the early days, there were sage women that learned healing methods by using natural herbs and other homeopathic treatments. With healing done by skilled women, Christians felt that these treatments and remedies were disrespectul towards their beliefs and that healing should be strictly done by church men.

 As centuries has gone by, the belief and practice of witchcraft still continues today, commonly through teenagers and young adults. Our society currently stereotypes those who practice witchcraft as a bunch of rebellious teenagers that worship satan and just want to be cool and go against adults, but in reality, they're just a group of people who believe in the wonderful power of nature. Come on now, what's so satanic and harmful about nature to where it grows concern to others? The beliefs of others should not matter anyone else other than themselves. ( Just saying (◡ ‿ ◡✿) )

STAY TUNED-

 Next week I will be doing research and interpretations on common/important witchcraft symbols- I can't wait to share what I discover!

-Kasiah L.

April 26, 2015

6:25 PM

What Are Salem Witch Trials?

History of the Salem Witch Trials

 This week I've been studying the history of Salem witch trials and what I've discovered is really interesting and the explaination behind this is quite shocking! Read on to learn more about what I've found...

(An example of the performance of a Salem Witch Trial)

 Salem witch trials are executions by hanging, of convicted witches in the Puritan settlement located in Massachusetts in 1692. The first sign of witchery was experienced by two girls who believed to had been possessed by demonic spirits; the devil. On June 10, Bridget Bishop was the first women accused and executed of being a witch, being the first of almost 20 executions.

(These are people of 1692 who were accused of being witches and executed. From left to right,

Row 1: Bridget Bishop - June 10, 1692, Sarah Good - July 19, 1692, Elizabeth Howe - July 19, 1692, Susannah Martin - July 19, 1692, Rebecca Newman - July 19, 1692

Row 2: Sarah Wild - July 19, 1692, George Burrough - August 19, 1692, Martha Carrier - August 19, 1692, George Jacobs Sr. - August 19, 1692, John Proctor - August 19, 1692

Row 3: John Willars - August 19, 1692, Giles Corey - September 10, 1692, Martha Cores - September 22, 1692, Unknown, Alice Parker - September 22, 1692

Row 4: Mary Parker - September 22, 1692, Ann Pudeatos - September 22, 1692, Wilmot Redd - September 22, 1692, Margaret Scott - September 22, 1692, Samuel Wardwell Sr. - September 22, 1692

Row 5: "...I do not plead guilty..." "To my dying day... I am no witch...")

 Most women of Salem were convicted of being witches, because they were different than stereotypical women. Women were known to be morally weaker, have lustful natures, and become easily manipulated. Those convicted of witchery were older, vulnerable, independent, and morally stronger. As the Puritan settlement developed, the morals between girls and women altered. This drove fear and worry to Puritans, because they were afraid of death by the devil, Indians, and other dark sources, Both men and younger girls became threatened that women independence would kill them as well.

 Salem witch trials continued from 1692 to early 1693, until witch trials were soon determined unlawful and was put to an end, immediately. In realization of the wrongs done within the community, leader of the trials, Samuel Sewalls, publicly apologized for his actions of what he originally thought was the morally correct thing to do, The  colony of Massachusetts passes legislation to restore the good of those who were executed. They also provided a financial restitution for those to inherit in 1711. The steps taken to undo the wrongs of Salem witch trials did not help the colony forget the damage done, but the action taken was a big step towards recovery.

Click here for more depth and the story of how Salem witch trials started!:
http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials#

-Kasiah L.

April 19, 2015

5:34 PM

What is the History Behind Witchcraft?

Welcome to The Study and History of Witchcraft!

 In my English 1 class, we are creating a Genius Hour project, which is the study of a desired topic that requires both hard work and passion. Within this blog, I will be studying the origin of witchcraft, learn the performance of rituals, and also review stereotypes and conspiracies that society has on those who believe in witchcraft. I will post weekly updates of my discoveries and the process of my research throughout my entire analysis of witchcraft.

 The inspiration behind the reason why I chose the study and history of witchcraft as my topic is because of my great admiration for the belief in magic and sorcery. The idea of casting spells that can create an impact on the future is fascinating! Before I've created this blog, I have briefly gone over the topic of witchcraft and the basic points, but I've always wondered: What is the entire background and history behind this spiritual religion? Now with the opportunity in class, I get to put my driving questions into action and answer my curiosities that I'll be able to share to all my readers!

 To be able to complete this Genius Hour successfully, I will have to devote a lot of time into my topic and remain driven and passionate. My only concern for this study in the future would have to be the information I find. Is there a brutal history to witchcraft? Or is witchcraft all that it seems to be- supernatural and spiritual? Tune in and follow along the journey of this blog that will lead to the answer of these questions and more!

 -Kasiah L.
 April 12, 2015
 7:16 PM