The Witch Cave, also known as the Witches' Cave, is a fascinating and mysterious natural phenomenon located in New Mexico, United States. Tucked away deep within the beautiful Organ Mountains, this cave has captivated the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The cave itself is relatively small, with a narrow entrance leading into a spacious interior chamber. There are various theories surrounding the origins of the cave's name, one of which suggests that it was named after a group of witches who were rumored to have used the cave for their rituals in the past. Legend has it that these witches would gather at the cave during certain times of the year to conduct their mysterious ceremonies. Apart from its intriguing name and legends, the Witch Cave is also renowned for its unique geological features.
The Witch's Closet -- Witch's Broom Formation in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Deep under the desert in New Mexico, a witch stored her flying machine in an underground closet and left it forgotten until it petrified.
The "Witch's Broom" formation is inside of the King's Palace at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The formation is made up of draperies, columns, and stalagmites.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico. The park contains over 120 caves, three of which are open to public tours. The most famous is Carlsbad Caverns, a fully developed cave that includes elevators that descend over 750 feet to the main chamber, paved trails, and lights. It was first explored by 16-year-old Jim White in 1898, made a National Monument in 1923, and elevated to a National Park in 1930. Until a staircase was built in 1925, visitors to the cave descended into the cave via guano buckets. 1926 saw the installation of electric lights, dirt paths, and wooden stairways. In 1931 the first elevator shaft was drilled.
The caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park are unusual in that they were created by sulfuric acid instead of water as are most limestone caves. Once the cave was created, water soaking through the limestone rock above made its way to the cave roof, leaving mineral deposits behind to form the spectacular formations as it dripped drop by drop to the cave floor.
October 8th, 2016
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The Scarlet Order
Apart from its intriguing name and legends, the Witch Cave is also renowned for its unique geological features. The walls of the cave are adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years by the slow dripping of mineral-rich water. These formations add an ethereal beauty to the cave, enhancing its otherworldly ambiance.
A Web Journal About Vampires and Other Dark Matters
New Mexico Witch Stories
When people think of witchcraft in the United States, they often think of the Salem Witch Trials of the seventeenth century. However, that is far from the end of the story as far as witchcraft in America is concerned. In 1848, at the conclusion of the Mexican War, New Mexico Territory was added to the United States. Many of the people already living in New Mexico suddenly found themselves living in a new country, and many of them believed in witchcraft. Back when I first started my Clockwork Legion steampunk books, I originally expected the series would have more of a supernatural/horror element than it did and I started researching these tales of witchcraft.
One of the books I found was Witchcraft in the Southwest: Spanish and Indian Supernaturalism on the Rio Grande. The book is available at Amazon.com and serves as the source for these tales.
In 1882, a man named Felipe Madrid was arrested in the town of Tierra Amarilla in Northern New Mexico. He was accused of torturing a woman he believed was a witch. Years before, Madrid had an affair with the woman. After they broke up, he started seeing other women, but came down with a “loathsome disease.” He believed that his ex-girlfriend was a witch and she had cursed him. Following an old belief, he planned to abduct her and make her cure him. He sent three of his friends to where she lived and they brought her to his house. Madrid tied the woman’s hands and told her that he would whip her to death if she did not cure him. She protested her innocence and said she could not cure him. He whipped her until she finally promised to cure him. She called for ointments and medicines and while she was waiting for them to be delivered, she finally escaped. Madrid was arrested and put on trial. He was convicted of committing assault and battery and had to pay a fine of $150.
Just a few years later, in the town of Chimayo, New Mexico, a 40-year-old woman was accused of being in league with the Devil. She was taken from her home by three men, stripped of her clothes and stabbed to death.
These two accounts come from New Mexico’s court records and illustrate that people in New Mexico still held a strong belief in witchcraft during the late nineteenth century. People in New Mexico generally thought there were three ways someone could become a witch. First, it was believed that certain children were fated to become witches. Parents grew fearful if any of their children showed any signs of strange or deviant behavior. Second, many witches were said to have voluntarily taken up the craft to get revenge on someone who had wronged them. The third group of witches consisted of those who were said to have sold their souls to the Devil himself for money or power.
There are stories of women who would seek out advanced practitioners of witchcraft and learn from them. In the village of Las Placitas, near Albuquerque, a woman named Juanita was ostracized because she had a bad temper. She sought out a known “bruja” named Felicia, who taught her how to prepare herbs and use them to make magic.
Occasionally, advanced practitioners in witchcraft would get together and conduct formal schools in how to bewitch people, cast spells, and transform into animals. Legend has it that one such school existed in the Central New Mexico town of Peña Blanca. Aspiring witches who attended this school were said to have learned from the Devil himself how to transform into such animals as owls, doves and dogs.
The witches of New Mexico were often said to gather in conclaves. There is the story of a man who lived near Taos who noticed that some of his aunts and uncles would all disappear from time to time. One night he decided to follow them. They rode out to a house concealed in an arroyo. The man crept up to a window and saw his uncles and aunts dancing in the house with some other people. After a while, a goat was led into the room. All the people ceremonially kissed its tail. Once the goat was led away, a black snake came into the room and flicked its tongue at each of the people in turn. As the snake slithered out of the room, some of those gathered went into the other room and retrieved a man’s corpse. All of those present sat down and dined on the human flesh. It seems many of the stories of witch conclaves from New Mexico include this bizarre combination of dancing, kissing a goat’s tail and the involvement of a black snake.
As the first novel of my Clockwork Legion series developed, it soon became apparent that Fatemeh Karimi wasn’t a witch, or even close. She was a strong-willed woman accused of witchcraft and tried. I’ll look at a couple more tales of nineteenth century New Mexico witchcraft next week, plus tell the story that set me on the path that led to the creation of Fatemeh, who ended up nothing like the people of these stories. However, if you want to see what did end up in the book, read Owl Dance. Although this novel isn’t scary in it’s own right, I have written scary stories in this world. A Cthulhu-mythos inspires story from this world will appear later this year in the anthology Lost Trails II: More Forgotten Trails of the Weird West.
The Three Brujas
Among the stately granite tombstones in a quaint historical cemetery are three unmarked concrete graves. Local legend says that these graves hold the remains of three witches (or brujas) who inflicted some kind of horrible evil on the community, although it seems that no one living can remember exactly what that was.
Whatever they did must have been bad though, because supposedly the graves are covered in concrete in order to seal off the spirits from the physical realm, thereby protecting the town from whatever, or whomever, is buried below.
Whether you believe in magic or not, the legend has led curious Taoseños to research the origins of the story. While other inhabitants of Kit Carson Cemetery in Taos, New Mexico, are noted by name and plot, the only reference to the mysterious concrete graves lists their occupants vaguely as “Three Taos Women.”
While the infamous 1692 witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, are better-known, New Mexico had its own trials between 1756 and 1766. Historians agree that witchcraft in the region generally referred to pagan or mystical beliefs outside the Catholic Church. Colonial Spain had brought Catholicism here in the centuries prior. Wanting to quell native religious practices, the Church labeled any native religious practices witchcraft and punished practitioners, often brutally.
Any factual evidence linking these three graves in Taos to such a history has been lost to time, if it ever existed at all. Still, the legend endures.
Know Before You Go
The space is located in the cemetery near the wrought iron entrance gate on Dragoon Lane.
Visiting the Witch Cave is an adventure in itself. The journey to reach the cave involves a hike through rugged terrain, with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The hike is not particularly difficult, but caution must be exercised as the trail can be slippery in certain areas. It is recommended to bring suitable footwear and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the trek. Once inside the cave, visitors are treated to a truly mesmerizing experience. The cool, damp air and the sound of dripping water create a sense of tranquility and mystery. Exploring the cave reveals hidden nooks and crannies, each with its own unique geological formations. It is a place where one can truly appreciate the wonders of nature. While the Witch Cave is not widely known or advertised as a tourist attraction, it remains a popular destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Its secluded location and mystique make it a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. In conclusion, the Witch Cave in New Mexico is an enchanting natural wonder that sparks the imagination. Whether it is the mystical legends surrounding its name or the awe-inspiring geological formations within its walls, this cave offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who are brave enough to venture into its depths..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Black Magic in New Mexico's Enigmatic Cave"
1. John - 1/5 - The "New Mexico Witch Cave" was a complete disappointment. The tour guide was unenthusiastic and seemed to lack knowledge about the cave's history. The whole experience felt rushed, and I didn't get a chance to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the cave. Additionally, the advertisement said there would be a witchcraft demonstration, but all we got was a short explanation without any real substance. I would not recommend this tour to anyone expecting an immersive and informative experience.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to visiting the "New Mexico Witch Cave" based on the enticing pictures and descriptions I saw online. However, the reality was far from what was advertised. The cave was much smaller than I expected, and there were too many people cramped together during the tour. It made it difficult to enjoy the experience and take in the surroundings. Furthermore, the tour guide seemed bored and uninterested, which further dampened the overall experience. I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I found the "New Mexico Witch Cave" tour to be quite mediocre. The cave was visually appealing, but the lackluster guide made the visit less enjoyable. The guide's explanations were vague, and I didn't learn much about the history or significance of the cave. Additionally, there were too many people in the group, making it hard to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and I left feeling like I missed out on a more enriching experience.
4. Emily - 1/5 - The "New Mexico Witch Cave" tour was a waste of time and money. The guide seemed disinterested in providing any useful information or answering questions. The cave itself was not as impressive as portrayed, and the tour felt rushed and poorly organized. I was expecting a fascinating journey into the world of witchcraft, but the demonstration was lackluster and lacked depth. I left feeling unsatisfied and regretful for choosing this particular tour. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and educational experience.