Macbeth takes the witches' predictions seriously because they have already proven to be accurate when they predicted his victory in battle. Their prophecies align with his ambitions, fueling his desires for power and greatness, making him believe their words will come true. Additionally, the supernatural elements surrounding the witches make their predictions seem more credible and otherworldly to him.
Hecate expresses her anger with the three witches in Act III scene v. She asks the witches why they have helped Macbeth, calling him a "wayward son, / spiteful and wrathful; who, as others do, / Loves for his own ends, not for you." She also says that she is angry that she was not consulted before they aided Macbeth, and she gives the witches instructions on how to lead him to his own distruction by giving him a false sense of security with their predictions.
In Act 5 Scene 3, a servant in Dunsinane Castle tried to warn Macbeth [d. August 15, 1057] of the approach of a 10,000 man strong force under Siward, the English Earl of Northumberland. Macbeth didn't take the reports seriously. Instead, he insulted the servant, and called the soldiers geese. The reason that Macbeth didn't take the reports seriously was his faith in the witches' predictions. The witches had said that he needed to fear only Macduff, a man not born of woman, and the movement of Birnam Wood to Dunsinane. Macbeth ended up considering the most important prediction his vulnerability to a man not born of woman. He simply didn't consider the practicalities of life whereby such a possibility wouldn't be an impossibility. He didn't think through to the possibility of a man being delivered by Caesarian section from a dead mother. And that in fact was the way in which Macduff came into the world.
It's likely that Macbeth would not have killed Duncan if the witches had not planted the idea of his kingship in his mind. While Macbeth struggled with ambition, the witches' prophecy ignited and intensified his desires, leading him to take action. Without the witches, it's possible that Macbeth's fate would have unfolded differently.
The letter of Macbeth was important to Lady Macbeth. It reinforced for her that the two worked together as a couple. Her husband confided in her, and respected and depended upon her advice and guidance. He didn't just tell her that they'd have the honor of King Duncan I as their house guest at Inverness Castle. He also updated her on his interactions with the three witches and their predictions of ever greater things for him on the job. Because she was warned in advance of the visit and of the predictions, she could prepare her household for her guest and her victims.
The familiars in Macbeth are spirits or demons that serve the witches. They take the form of animals like cats and toads. The familiars help the witches by carrying out their evil deeds and providing them with information and assistance in their dark magic practices.
While the witches' prophecies may influence Macbeth's decisions, ultimately it is Macbeth himself who chooses to act on those prophecies. His ambition and willingness to pursue power lead him to take actions that shape his future.
He talks about the meeting with the witches, and how they vanished into thin air. He tells her about the predictions that he will be Thane of Cawdor and King hereafter. Finally, he tells her that the Cawdor prophecy has already come true, so there is good reason to believe in the "king hereafter" part as well.
Act 1 Scene 1 of the Shakespearean play took place on the same day as Scenes 2-3.Specifically the three witches were talking about making their presence and their fateful predictions known to Macbeth (c. 1014 - August 15, 1057). They were getting ready to cross Macbeth's path on the heath. The meeting was scheduled to take place before the sun set that very day.
Macbeth becomes suspicious when the witches do not provide him with enough information about his future, leaving him uncertain and anxious. This lack of clarity drives Macbeth to take matters into his own hands, leading to his descent into madness and violence.
In response to Macbeth's questions, the witches prophecize that Macbeth will become king and encourage him to take action to make the prophecy come true. They manipulate his ambition and plant seeds of greed and paranoia, which ultimately lead to Macbeth's downfall.
The witches address Macbeth first, and so Banquo says "But what about meeee? Tell meeee a prophecy." And so they do, but it is a prophecy which will not take place in Banquo's lifetime. He will not be around to see any of his descendants crowned. So he doesn't care much about it. Macbeth's prediction, on the other hand, will have to come true in his lifetime or not at all. Macbeth is naturally more caught up in the possibility the prophecy raises.
When Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches after battle, they tell Banquo; - Lesser than Macbeth and greater - Not so happy, yet much happier - Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. ( you will not be king but your descendants will be)