Old English witchcraft refers to the practices and beliefs surrounding witchcraft in England during the Old English period, which lasted from the 5th century to the 11th century. This was a time of great superstition and fear, and witchcraft played a significant role in the lives of the people. Witchcraft in Old English society was seen as a form of sorcery, where individuals had the ability to manipulate and control natural forces for both good and evil purposes. These individuals, known as witches or cunning folk, were believed to possess supernatural powers, such as the ability to cast spells, curse people, and communicate with spirits. Witchcraft was a deeply ingrained part of Old English culture, with many people consulting witches for various reasons. Witches were sought after for their knowledge of herbal medicine and their ability to heal ailments.
Witches were sought after for their knowledge of herbal medicine and their ability to heal ailments. They were also believed to have the power to influence the weather, bring good fortune, and protect against evil spirits. However, there was also a dark side to witchcraft, as witches were often associated with causing harm, such as illness, crop failure, and death.
Cases of Male Witchcraft in Old and New England, 1592-1692
This exciting new study examines cases of male witchcraft from the English Atlantic world in order to explore the kinds of masculine behaviour exhibited by men accused of witchcraft, the way this behaviour shaped accusations of witchcraft against them, and the responses such men evoked in the communities who accused them.
- Religious history (c. 1501-1800)
- Heresies, persecutions of heterodoxy & sects
- British Isles (c. 1501-1800)
- North America
"This study reminds us that male witches were, nonetheless, a real and frightening possibility for early modern people. Kent’s work sheds light on this important minority of suspects, and will prove extremely stimulating and valuable to future scholars in this field." (Darren Oldridge, in: Renaissance Quarterly , Vol. 67, No. 3 (Fall 2014), pp. 1056-1057)
SummaryThis study explores cases in which men were accused of witchcraft in England and the British colonies of New England between 1592 and 1692. Using a series of case studies that begin in Elizabethan Norfolk and end with the Salem trials in Massachusetts, this book examines six individual male witches and argues they are best understood as masculine witches, not feminized men. Each case considers the social circumstances of the male witch as a gendered context for the accusations of witchcraft against him.
Instead of seeking to identify a single causal condition or overarching gendered circumstance whereby men were accused of witchcraft, this study examines the way that masculinity shaped the accusations of witchcraft made against each man. In each case, a range of masculine social and cultural roles became implicated in accusations of witchcraft, making it possible to explore how beliefs in witches interacted with early modern English gender cultures to support the religious, legal, and cultural logic of the male witch. The result is an approach to early modern English witchcraft prosecution that includes, rather than problematizes, the male witch.
TABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1. Nicholas Stockdale, Norfolk, 1593–1619
Chapter 2. Edwin Haddesley, Essex, 1597–1607
Chapter 3. John Lowes, Suffolk, 1600–45
Chapter 4. Hugh Parsons, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1648–52
Chapter 5. John Godfrey, Massachusetts, 1640–75
Chapter 6. George Burroughs, Salem Village, Massachusetts, 1692
Chapter 6. George Burroughs, Salem Village, Massachusetts, 1692
The practice of witchcraft in Old English society was heavily influenced by pagan beliefs and traditions. Many of the rituals and spells performed by witches were tied to nature and the changing seasons. For example, certain plants and herbs were believed to have specific magical properties, and the timing of rituals often corresponded with lunar cycles and festivals. Due to the fear and suspicion surrounding witchcraft, witch hunts were not uncommon during this time. Those accused of practicing witchcraft were often subjected to torture and execution, as it was believed that witches were in league with the devil and posed a grave threat to society. In conclusion, Old English witchcraft was a complex and deeply rooted aspect of Old English society. It encompassed both beneficial and malevolent practices, and played a significant role in the lives and beliefs of the people. The fear and superstition surrounding witchcraft led to the persecution of those accused of being witches, highlighting the extent of the influence and power that witchcraft held during this time..
Reviews for "Old English Witchcraft: Ritual Sacrifices and Dark Rituals"
1. Susan - 2 out of 5 stars - I was excited to learn more about Old English witchcraft, but I found this book to be quite disappointing. The content felt scattered and disorganized, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the author's writing style was dry and lacked any sort of engaging storytelling. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and interesting exploration of Old English witchcraft.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - This book was a complete waste of time and money. The information presented was incredibly basic and lacked any depth. It felt like reading a poorly written Wikipedia article rather than a well-researched book on the subject. Furthermore, there were numerous spelling and grammatical errors throughout, which made it even more difficult to take the content seriously. Save yourself the trouble and find a better resource on Old English witchcraft.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was hoping this book would provide a deeper understanding of Old English witchcraft, but instead, it was filled with vague generalizations and unsupported claims. The author seemed more interested in promoting their personal beliefs rather than providing factual information. Additionally, the lack of references or citations left me questioning the accuracy and credibility of the content. I would advise readers to look for more reputable sources on this topic.