The document discusses various topics related to witchcraft including definitions, types of witches, historical accounts of witch hunts and accusations, common misconceptions, and perspectives on magic and witchcraft. It provides details on girls experiencing convulsions and fits believed to be from witchcraft. It also notes that witchcraft was used to harm rivals and discusses the difficult judicial process for those accused with no lawyers and tests to prove innocence or guilt.
2. * Practices of and belief in magical skills.
* Complex concepts that varies culturally and socially.
* Is an evil sorceress, flies on broomsticks.
* Art of evoking supernatural forces or spirits to
control, especially in order to work evil.
4. * Girl began having a convulsions and fits,
hallucinations and screamed in agony when prayers
recited.
* Dr. William Griggs examined them and declared no
physical ailment and that they were in the grip of
devil.
* Then claimed that their convulsion weren’t witchcraft
but rather a fighting reaction towards it.
5. * Belief in witchcraft, dehumanizes the vulnerable in
society.
* It remains widespread in some communities.
* It is important to educate religious leaders,
community members, families, women and youth groups
to help change the negative perception
of the society towards
suspected witches.
6. * Most witches weren’t burned at the stake.
* Witch hunt didn’t specially target women.
* Not all witches are bad.
* People could be convinced of witchcraft without any solid
evidence.
* People wrote entire books on witch hunting.
* A pope once confirmed that witches exist.
* Laws about witchcraft were in place in the mid-20th
century.
* Witches probably don’t wear pointed hats.
7. * 210 women tortured to
death.
* They were forced to hold
live electric wire to prove
they were not witches.
* They were kicked out of
the families and villages.
* Forced to consume urine,
stay naked and tonsured.
8.
9. * Before the breakdown of witch
hunts, crimes were difficult to
prosecute.
* Once accused, arguments were
made, the accused would have to
go through a test to see if they
were guilty.
* Prosecution was extremely
difficult- No Lawyers.
10. * Witchcraft or magic was believed to be either injury or
cure and protection.
* This notion existed and in many places still exist today
that the soul might detach itself from the body and act
independently.
* They are evil spirits which would be used to harm rival.
* It is the aid of various tricks, causes either good or evil.
* In judicial procedure no distinction was made regarding
the form of magic by which harm had been caused.