This article was originally posted by The Moonlight Shop here: Would You Qualify As A Witch in 1692?
If you existed in 1692 during the height of the witch trials, discover if your modern self would be accused of witchcraft according to their criteria. Yes, you identify as a witch, but for entirely different reasons! Being accused of witchcraft back then was a horrific experience, as very few lived to share their stories while maintaining their sanity. Most of those convicted faced execution, with one being pressed to death.
The checklist is absurd, and the community was caught up in a whirlwind of accusations aiming to identify witches. If any of these statements resonate with you, be glad you weren’t in Salem in 1692.
Are you female?
In that era, being female meant you were a prime suspect, viewed as one of the devil’s many brides. Merely existing as a woman at that time linked you to witchcraft, as it was commonly believed that women were more inclined to sin. Remember the story of Adam and Eve? That belief likely originated from it.
Are you financially dependent on someone?
Charming the community with your inability to fend for yourself would raise suspicion. The impoverished, who relied on the goodwill of others for survival, were often accused of witchcraft, thanks to annoyed townsfolk who informed on them.
Are you financially independent?
Notice the paradox in this checklist? You’re accused of witchcraft if you’re broke, but also if you’re affluent. Perhaps your jar of newt has enabled you to live independently without a man.
Do you enjoy spending time with your female friends?
A gathering of women without a male present was often viewed as a coven meeting dedicated to devil worship.
Have you had a disagreement with any of your female friends?
Should you have an argument with a girlfriend, that same person could report you to the authorities as a witch. This applies to quarrels with male friends as well. In that time, anyone could accuse you of witchcraft for the silliest of reasons!
Do you come from a single-parent household?
If you hail from a family with a mother who remarried later in life, has a mental illness, is widowed, or comes from a single-parent household, your chances of being labeled a witch were higher. A strict class system prevailed during the 17th century.
Pentacle of the Witch from the Moonlight Shop
Are you married and childless?
A marriage devoid of children means fewer advocates who could speak on your behalf in times of suspicion.
What you can take away from this is that, aside from being fortunate enough to be a surviving witch today, many lives were lost due to ignorance and fear.
This is why we at the Moonlight Family are committed to spreading understanding and positive insights about Wicca, the nature-loving spiritual practice that provides balance and inspiration. Blessed be!
