Print
How long have you been a witch?
Why did you become a witch?
How do you become a witch, and what happened on the occasion?
What demon did you choose to become your lover?
What was his name?
What was the name of your master among the evil demons?
What was the oath you were forced to render him?
How did you make this oath, and what were its conditions?
Where did you consummate your union with your incubus?
What demons and other humans participated at the Sabbat?
How was the Sabbat banquet arranged?
What Devil’s mark did your incubus make on your body?
What injury have you done to such and such a person, and how did you do it?
Who are the children on whom you have cast a spell?
Who are your accomplices in evil?
What is the ointment with which you rub your boomstick made of?
How are you able to fly through the air?
At first the questions start out innocently enough. However, the more you read them, one begins to sense that these are treacherous words to accuse a person of being a witch. These questions came from an infamous book called; Malleus Maleficarum, also known as “The Hammer of Witches” written in the late 14th c. used by the Catholic Church. While we celebrate Samhain/Halloween, let us not forget those who were tortured, punished and killed for being a “witch” whether they practiced the craft or not. While there are still “witch-hunts” being used, during the “Burning Times” it has been estimated 40,000 to 100,000 executions took place, animals who were labeled a witch’s familiar included. And some wonder why there are sisters and brothers who are afraid to “come out of the broom closet?” We who are open about our faith, need to support and stand by those who are haunted by the genocide that occurred.
Blessed Be to all of you…
© 2010, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.
Related Posts :
Print 
May 16, 2012: Momma told us there’d be days like this…
May 10, 2012: My guilty pleasures
May 4, 2012: Turn and Face the Strange Changes
April 18, 2012: The Uncertainty of Life
I totally agree we should remember those who have died at the hands of the Church at this time of year. They did such terrible crimes all in the name of ‘God’. It gets me so angry – I have a thing or two to say about the Church. Great post. x
Excellent post, Wendy!
A good post to remind people of the horrors that many men and women had to face for merely practicing their beliefs or just being “different”. I’ve been trying to find an appropriate picture to put on my altar for those who perished during the Burning Times. Any ideas?
So true, we should honour those who lost thier lives and stand by each other here and now. I will always be amazed by peoples ability to twist other peoples words and the Hammer of Witches teaches just that. Being different will always be feared, and to move beyond fear we must stand together, thank you for bring this up, I will remember.
Hmmm, Lyn maybe we should write a post about our “mutual love” of the church
Thank you, Debra, glad you liked it!
Willow, do you want an original picture? I would check “etsy” and search for “The Burning Times” and I bet you’ll find some art that you would love. This gives me inspiration to go check it out, thanks…
FaerieSage, great points!