The Rise and Persecution of Witchcraft Through History

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has mostly believed in a polytheistic belief systems, worshipping a variety of gods and spirits. Christianity, however, sought to dismantle these long-standing traditions by promoting a monotheistic framework, a shift that clashed with the deeply ingrained cultural and spiritual practices of the time. As the Church worked to solidify its authority, the persistence of these ancient beliefs led to a feeling of threat within Christian ranks. This friction between old traditions and the rise of Christianity birthed a long history of witch persecutions.

The Evolution of Witchcraft and Its Persecution

Witchcraft persecution evolved alongside the expansion of Christianity. Although conversion spread across Europe, many individuals, particularly in rural areas, continued to honor the old ways. Beliefs in the Mother Goddess, who gave birth to a Divine Child that later became her husband and the master of harvests, remained strong. This seasonal cycle of death and rebirth persisted in folk traditions, with peasants and nobles alike venerating ancient deities. Witchcraft practices were often seen as a means of improving life’s hardships, leading to continued secret rituals.

As Christianity’s influence grew, the Church viewed these ancient customs as a direct challenge to its authority, labeling them the “Devil’s cult.” This led to a brutal campaign against those suspected of witchcraft, resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 people. Over time, the number of executions soared, with an estimated eight million people losing their lives as a result of witchcraft accusations during the peak of the Church’s fanaticism, particularly between the 12th and 18th centuries.

The Phases of Witch Persecution

The Influence of the Malleus Maleficarum

Witchcraft Across Continents

The Salem Witch Trials

The Famed Salem Witch Trials

Witchcraft in the Modern Era

Conclusion

Witchcraft, in its many forms, has been both a source of fear and fascination throughout history. From the brutal witch hunts of Europe to the enduring practices of modern-day witches, the persecution of those deemed to hold magical power reflects society’s ongoing struggle with the unknown. Today, witchcraft has diversified and evolved, but its historical legacy serves as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the enduring allure of ancient spiritual traditions.

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Hedge Witchcraft c. 2016

Spell For Friday – Wiccan Prayer: Bless a Friend with your Magic

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Wiccan Prayer: Bless a Friend with your Magic

Light a purple or white candle during this prayer.


Your blessing can help bring change into the life of your friend, no matter the particulars of their situation. Maybe they need healing, protection, or a bit of good luck! 🙌

Thanking our friends in person or giving them a call is always the best way to reach them, but other times we can quietly send our energy to them or meditate and reflect upon the relationship we share with them.

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are” – Unknown

You don’t need to be religious to express thankfulness for your Friends. Light a candle and ask for their blessing to the God and Goddess, the Elements of Nature, or simply to your Higher Self.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Friday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Friday Source: amagickalpath.co.uk

Planet – Venus

Spells/Magic – love, friendship, socialising, affection, harmony, relationships, reconciliation, beauty, romance.

Magical aspects: love, friendship, reconciliation, beauty

Oils – African Violet, Cherry, Lilac, Rose ,Opium Poppy, Patchouly,

Plants and Trees – adler tree,daisy,apple tree,aster,birch tree,blackberry,catnip,cherry tree,crocus,elderberry,feverfew,foxglove,geranium,goldenrod,hollyhock,lady`s mantel,lilac,mugwort,plumtree,rose,spiderwort,strawberry,tansy,thyme,vanilla,violet, yarrow, pansy.

Stones – Emerald, jade, malachite, rose quartz, torquoise

Colours – green, pink, white, rose, coral.

Metal – Coper

Energy Type – Female

Dieties – Friday takes its name from Frigga, the Goddess of Love and Transformation. She rules the spiritual aspects of people as they manifest on the physical. because of this, Friday is sometimes thought of as unpredictable.

Friday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Romantic Love, Friendship, Beauty, Soul-mates, Artistic Ability, Affection, Partners, Alliances, Grace, Luxury, Social Activity, Marriage, Decorating, Cosmetics, Gifts, Income, Gardening, Architects, Artists, Beauticians, Chiropractors, Dancers, Designers, Engineers, Entertainers, Fashion, Music, Painting, Poetry, Courtship, Dating, Household Improvements, Planning Parties, Shopping, Herbal Magick, Luck, Fertility, Physical Healing, Balance, Prosperity, Courage, Change, Material Things, Peace, Harmony, Relationships and Success.

Friday Source: witchucation.com

Friday is ruled by Venus.

Do spells and rituals concerning love, attraction, sensuality, beauty, friendship, the arts, music, scents, pleasure, luxury, healing heart ache.

12 October 2024 Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions for the Southern Hemisphere

Source: MoonGiant.com

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full MoonThis September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the October 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on October 12 has an illumination of 68%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On October 12 the Moon is 9.14 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 68%
Moon Age: 9.14 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 372,869.70 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 149,249,787.57 km

Source: currentplanetarypositions.com

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

12 October 2024
02:00 am GMT 12:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Libra 14
Moon:05 Aquarius 24
Mercury:27 Libra 13
Venus:23 Scorpio 04
Mars:20 Cancer 25
Jupiter:21 Gemini 19 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 41 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 36 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 57 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 34
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 47 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 36

Chiron:21 Aries 20 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 12
Pallas:11 Sagittarius 02
Juno:22 Libra 08
Vesta:22 Virgo 49

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:4
Air:6
Water:4
Cardinal:11
Fixed:3
Mutable:5

Cape Town, South Africa

12 October 2024
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Libra 34
Moon:09 Aquarius 59
Mercury:27 Libra 45
Venus:23 Scorpio 28
Mars:20 Cancer 34
Jupiter:21 Gemini 19 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 40 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 36 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 56 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 34
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 46 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 38

Chiron:21 Aries 19 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 17
Pallas:11 Sagittarius 09
Juno:22 Libra 15
Vesta:22 Virgo 58

Eris:24 Aries 59 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:4
Air:6
Water:4
Cardinal:11
Fixed:3
Mutable:5

Easter Island, Chile

12 October 2024
06:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM EAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Libra 54
Moon:14 Aquarius 38
Mercury:28 Libra 18
Venus:23 Scorpio 52
Mars:20 Cancer 44
Jupiter:21 Gemini 19 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 39 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 35 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 56 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 35
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 45 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 40

Chiron:21 Aries 18 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 21
Pallas:11 Sagittarius 16
Juno:22 Libra 22
Vesta:23 Virgo 08

Eris:24 Aries 59 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:4
Air:6
Water:4
Cardinal:11
Fixed:3
Mutable:5

October 11, 2024 Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions for the Northern Hemispheres

Source: MoonGiant.com

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full MoonThis September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the October 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on October 11 has an illumination of 58%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On October 11 the Moon is 8.1 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 58%
Moon Age: 8.10 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 377,317.01 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 149,292,534.42 km

Source: currentplanetarypositions.com

London, England

11 October 2024
11:00 am GMT 12:00 PM BST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:18 Libra 37
Moon:26 Capricorn 54
Mercury:26 Libra 12
Venus:22 Scorpio 19
Mars:20 Cancer 07
Jupiter:21 Gemini 20 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 43 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 37 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 58 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39 Rx

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 34
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 49 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 32

Chiron:21 Aries 22 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 04
Pallas:10 Sagittarius 49
Juno:21 Libra 55
Vesta:22 Virgo 31

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:5
Air:5
Water:4
Cardinal:12
Fixed:2
Mutable:5

Chicago, Illinois

October 11, 2024
05:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:18 Libra 52
Moon:00 Aquarius 16
Mercury:26 Libra 36
Venus:22 Scorpio 37
Mars:20 Cancer 14
Jupiter:21 Gemini 20 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 42 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 37 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 57 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39 Rx

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 34
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 48 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 33

Chiron:21 Aries 21 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 07
Pallas:10 Sagittarius 54
Juno:22 Libra 00
Vesta:22 Virgo 38

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:4
Air:6
Water:4
Cardinal:11
Fixed:3
Mutable:5

Los Angels, California

October 11, 2024
07:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:18 Libra 57
Moon:01 Aquarius 24
Mercury:26 Libra 44
Venus:22 Scorpio 43
Mars:20 Cancer 16
Jupiter:21 Gemini 20 Rx
Saturn:13 Pisces 42 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 37 Rx
Neptune:27 Pisces 57 Rx
Pluto:29 Capricorn 39 Rx

True Lunar Node:06 Aries 34
Mean Lunar Node:05 Aries 48 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):11 Libra 34

Chiron:21 Aries 21 Rx
Ceres:13 Capricorn 08
Pallas:10 Sagittarius 56
Juno:22 Libra 02
Vesta:22 Virgo 40

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:4
Air:6
Water:4
Cardinal:11
Fixed:3
Mutable:5

October 11, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 11:30 AM to 1 PM EDT today (8:30 AM to 10 AM PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

 Try to spend this day with people who have your best interests at heart because this will make today more meaningful for you. It’s also important to remember that you need more sleep now. And if you don’t get it, you’ll be cranky. (“Moi?” “Yes, you.”)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

 Be aware of the limitations of the Moon Alert (see above) today. Avoid arguments in the morning, especially about controversial subjects. Later in the day, you’ll feel strong and powerful; and others will respect you because you’re charming and at the same time, commanding. (Impressive.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

 If you have strong ideas about shared property or how to divide something this morning, wait until the Moon Alert is over. (See above.) After that, try to learn something new or meet new people or expand your world in some way. Travel, if possible.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

 Morning discussions with partners and close friends will be intense. Be fair. Later in the day, your focus will shift to issues about shared property, taxes, debt, especially how they impact home or family members. Family discussions and home repairs are likely.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

 You might be determined to do something this morning year to improve your health or your job, or maybe improve how you deal with a pet. (You’re on a mission.) Later in the day, be prepared to compromise with others. Be laissez-faire and easy-going.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

 Be gentle dealing with your kids this morning because you might be obsessed about an idea. (It happens.) Later in the day, it will please you to get better organized. Alphabetize, colour-code, sift, sort, recycle, sell or trash. Make lists. Create order from chaos. Then you will hum happily.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

 Be reasonable when talking to family members this morning. Later in the day, grab every chance to schmooze and enjoy yourself: the theatre, the arts, Happy Hour, fun with friends, sports events and playful times with kids.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

 Postpone decisions and shopping during the Moon Alert this morning (see above). Later in the day, you’ll be happy to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. You might play hooky. You might watch daytime TV.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

 Avoid financial decisions or shopping this morning during the Moon Alert. After that, short trips and conversations with others will interest you. You’re keen to learn something new; and if you do – then you will be equally keen to share with others.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

 Don’t waste time arguing with others this morning. Many people will be obsessed about their ideas or obsessed about doing something or obsessed about getting their own way. Later in the day, focus on shopping or finances.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

 After the Moon Alert is over today (see above) the Moon will move into your sign to stay for the next 2 1/2 days. Although this will make you a bit more emotional than usual, it will ever so slightly boost your good luck! Knowing that you have this edge, go after what you want.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

 Agree to nothing important when talking to friends or members of groups today even if they’re trying to persuade you or insisting that you do something or listen to them. Stick to your guns. Later in the day, privacy and peace and quiet will appeal.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Matt Bomer (1977) shares your birthday today. You’re ambitious. You are also popular, skilled at socializing, and you have an easy-going elegance that people like. This is a slower paced year for you. Take time to rejuvenate your energy and your outlook on life. Concentrate on your needs and seek out partners that have your back.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You are searching for stability and security but maybe the person next to you is not able to offer you that.

And it’s not even their fault because they are doing their best but it’s more your problem for what you are demanding needs to be covered by yourself. There might be some revealing moments tonight but maybe not enough to see some changes.

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You are under the impression that you are better than everyone around and this will cause others to regard you as very arrogant, whether you are doing it on purpose or not.

This is a better day for romance and for activities that involve you spending time with your loved one so what I would suggest you is to focus on that.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Quite a lucky day ahead of you, not only because there is still time to continue the last night’s party but also because you are set for business and you use all social occasions to meet new people.

You’ve been given some sort of insight and now you are trying to test it to see whether is valid or not and this will surely keep you busy.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You need to profit maximum of all this free time because although you might meet with it later, this time is special as you kind of are able to fully relax.

Spend time with those dear to you but don’t worry about small details because at this point, unless you are wondering around some affluent circles, these things don’t matter and joy is based on something else.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This Friday comes with some easefulness in expressing how you feel and even allows you to take some chances.

You need to listen to your intuition and at the same time don’t worry too much, talent will be something you’ll enjoy but only in regard to some aspects of your life so don’t expect too much of it either.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Although the working week is at its end, you are all set for business and I wouldn’t be surprised if you will do some even at the weekend.

You need to be warned however that this is not a matter of luck necessarily so don’t raise your hopes too high. It is more a matter of calculation and of putting two and two together.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You might neglect certain aspects around you but this doesn’t necessarily mean you are not empathic. Maybe you just don’t want to ruin the fun by darkening your thoughts. There is enough time to do this indeed later on.

This day marks an interesting beginning for you as you will tend to be quite open but at the same time reluctant to meeting new people.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The stars are going to give you a glimpse of the good things that are going to happen in the next period and maybe show you more than ever that you do have abilities as a leader but you need to exert them more.

At the same time you might feel a bit haunted by some imaginary fears of yours and this will take a while for them to clear.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

It seems that this day will be quite busy for you and you will have to take for granted that some things will need to be delegated to others, whether you like it or not, whether you trust them or not.

It will be a day of accepting the help of others and of sorting things out and you will be able to use your creativity and innovation to do that.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This Friday will be quite revealing in terms of personality traits and how you feel about those close because spending more time than usual with them, surely has had an impact on you.

For some natives, it will bring them closer to family while other natives will learn what they should avoid and what they should do differently.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This Friday is going to bring challenges from the beginning and all it requires from you is a bit of receptivity.

You might feel at the start that you are actually being put some road blocks but this is not the case, slowly you will understand that you can move things to your advantage easily. Listen to what others have to say as well.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You are all open to surprises and the unexpected but you know how it happens when you wish too much for something.

Therefore the stars are going to make you wait longer than usual for anything exciting to be happening. If I were you, I wouldn’t take this as a personal offence but rather enjoy this peace and quiet.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.

The History Of Witches: How Christianity And Misogyny Turned Revered Healers Into Wicked Pariahs

From powerful priestesses to demonic masters of the occult, the history of witches is a story of the dangers of being a woman in a male dominated world.

A fearsome being of fairytale and myth, the witch has carved out a home in nearly every culture across the world and time. Indeed, the witch represents the dark side of the female presence: she has power that cannot be controlled.

While the witch often conjures depictions of aging, ugly, hook-nosed women hunched over their cauldrons and inflicting toil and trouble on the masses, history tells us that the witch’s origins are far less sinister. In fact, those whom we consider to be witches were once healers and hallowed members of their communities.

The History Of Witches Dates Back To Biblical Times

Christianity Transforms The Witch Into A Figure Of Evil

Witch Hunts Become An Instrument Of Misogyny

Witch Hunts Sweep America

Witchery Is Revived By Wicca

Click here to read the rest of this about: The History Of Witches: How Christianity And Misogyny Turned Revered Healers Into Wicked Pariahs