Witches and Witchcraft in Europe
Historical witches in Europe: witchhunts and witch trials. Often called the "witch craze," during these periods people -- often women -- were identified as witches, often with little evidence. What's the real story?
Mother Shipton and the Prophecies of Mother Shipton
Mother Shipton was a legendary witch and prophet of Yorkshire, England. Learn more about the development of her legend and the impact of one of her prophecies that was believed by some people in Britain.
Mother Shipton was a legendary witch and prophet of Yorkshire, England. Learn more about the development of her legend and the impact of one of her prophecies that was believed by some people in Britain.
The European Witch-Hunts, c. 1450-1750
An analysis of the evidence about the witch craze of Europe, 15th through 18th century, with special attention to the question: was this "gendercide"? Were women especially targeted by male patriarchy?
An analysis of the evidence about the witch craze of Europe, 15th through 18th century, with special attention to the question: was this "gendercide"? Were women especially targeted by male patriarchy?
Early Modern Europe: The Witchhunts
Primary source documents on the European witch hunts, part of the Hanover Historical Texts project.
Primary source documents on the European witch hunts, part of the Hanover Historical Texts project.
Medieval WitchCraft in Scotland
An illustrated history of incidents of witchcraft accusations in Scotland, mostly 16th and 17th century.
An illustrated history of incidents of witchcraft accusations in Scotland, mostly 16th and 17th century.
New Light on Witchcraft
Joseph McCabe's skeptical approach to the history of witchcraft and the evolving definition of "witch," part of a larger critique of Christianity.
Joseph McCabe's skeptical approach to the history of witchcraft and the evolving definition of "witch," part of a larger critique of Christianity.
Traditions of Magic in Late Antiquity
An online exhibit of objects and texts used in the practice of "magic."
An online exhibit of objects and texts used in the practice of "magic."
Traditions of Magic: Reading
Suggestions for further reading.
Suggestions for further reading.
Witchcraft Documents (15th Century)
If you need a quick read of excerpts from the basic documents, here's where to start.
If you need a quick read of excerpts from the basic documents, here's where to start.
Witchcraft in Salem Village
Original documents from the Salem 1692, presented by the Peabody Institute Library and the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia.
Original documents from the Salem 1692, presented by the Peabody Institute Library and the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia.
The Witch-Cult in Western Europe
Margaret Alice Murray's 1921 interpretation of the witch trials of Europe. She quotes extensively from European witch trials, and takes the evidence quite literally. See God of the Witches in this set of links for another of Murray's books.
Margaret Alice Murray's 1921 interpretation of the witch trials of Europe. She quotes extensively from European witch trials, and takes the evidence quite literally. See God of the Witches in this set of links for another of Murray's books.