Did puritans really believe in witchcraft and the supernatural?
yup there are still puritans and they still believe in witches, of course I've not heard of many in America but I've heard and seen many puritans in Africa (nigeria to be exact) who still accuse people of being witches and going on to executing them themselves....does that help?
Are there easy spells where you dont have to use candles?
To be simple, yes. Pagans can cast spells using nothing but their own energies if that is what must be done. However, the use of stones, herbs, incense, candles, symbols, chants, etc. can allow the spell caster to amplify their powers and concentration on the desired goal(s). I have seen a witch cast powerful magic on the fly with no need for anything other than her own energy. I am not focused enough to do it without any help, but herb bags make for a great alternative to candles. Find the herbs with the properties for the spell you want to cast and collect them all in a bag. Charge them with your energy and then when the time comes for the spell, you call on them along with your own powers to cast.
I was forced to do this many times in college because they didn't allow the burning of anything in the rooms, be it candles or incense.
How do you know a spell is working?
usually there are subtle signs to point you in the right direction. Ex: you cast a rain spell. some signs might be, more moisture in the air (humidity is higher), there are clouds forming in the sky, and then the overall outcome, it rains.
Sometimes the simplest things can be a sign, such as a breeze blowing or running into someone or talking to someone who you've never met before and something they say will be a clue.
Keep in mind magic works subtly, and takes it's own time to manifest, you must be patient.
A witch hunt is the search for either evidence of witchcraft or people who practice it. Metaphorically, this can apply to any situation.
What is maleficium witchcraft?
During the 11th century attitudes toward witchcraft and sorcery began to change, a process that would transform the Western perception of witchcraft and associate it with heresy and the devil. by the 14th century, fear of heresy and of Satan had added charges of diabolism to the usual indictment of witches, maleficium (malevolent sorcery). It was this combination of sorcery and its association with the Devil that made Western witchcraft unique. From the 14th through the 18th century, witches were believed to repudiate Jesus Christ and to worship the Devil, make pacts with him (selling one's soul in exchange for Satan's assistance), to employ demons to accomplish magical deeds, and to desecrate the crucifix and the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). It was also believed that they rode through the air at night to "Sabbats" (secret meetings), where they engaged in sexual orgies and even had sex with Satan; that they changed shapes (from human to animal or from one human form to another); that they often had "familiars" or "spirits" in the form of animals; and that they kidnapped and murdered children for the purpose of eating them or rendering their fat for magical ointments. Having these accusations come from the mouths of trusted local religeous leaders added credence to these fairy tales. The very fabric of these ideas was fantasy used to contain the "flock". Although some people undoubtedly practiced sorcery with the intent to harm, usually by scarring the victim and some may actually have worshiped the Devil, in reality no one ever fit the concept of the "witch." Nonetheless, the witch's crimes were defined in law. The witch-hunts varied enormously in place and in time, but they were united by a common and coherent theological and legal world view. Local priests and judges, though seldom experts in either theology or law, were nonetheless part of a culture that believed in the reality of witches as much as our modern society believes in the reality of molecules. Now,much information about how fear, accusations, and prosecutions actually occurred in villages, local law courts, and courts of appeal in Roman Catholic and Protestant cultures in western Europe. Charges of maleficium were prompted by a wide array of suspicions. It might have been as simple as one person blaming his misfortune on another. For example, if something bad happened to Peter that could not be readily explained, and if Peter felt that William disliked him, Peter may have suspected William of harming him by occult means. The most common suspicions concerned livestock, crops, storms, disease, property and inheritance, sexual dysfunction or rivalry, family feuds, marital discord, stepparents, sibling rivalries, and local politics. Maleficium was a threat not only to individuals but also to public order, for a community wracked by suspicions about witches could split asunder thus reducing the control of the church over the population. No wonder the term witch-hunt has entered common political parlance to describe such campaigns as that of the late Senator Joseph McCarthy in his attempt to root out "communists" in the United States in the 1950s. Another accusation that often accompanied maleficium was trafficking with evil spirits. In the Near East-in ancient Mesopotamia, Syria, Canaan, and Palestine-belief in the existence of evil spirits was universal, so that both religion and magic thus were thought to be needed to appease, offer protection from, or manipulate these spirits. In Greco-Roman civilization, Dionysiac worship included meeting underground at night, sacrificing animals, practicing orgies, feasting, and drinking. Classical authors such as Horace , and Virgil described sorceresses, ghosts, furies, and harpies with hideous pale faces and crazed hair; clothed in rotting garments, they met at night and sacrificed both animals and humans. Accusations, including the sacrifice of children, were made by the Syrians against the Jews in Hellenistic Syria in the 2nd century. These accusations would also be made by the Romans against the Christians, by Christians against heretics (dissenters from the core Christianity of the period) and Jews, and again later by Christians against witches, and, as late as the 20th century, by Protestants against Catholics.
How can to stop black magic spells?
ONE QUICK NOTE. IF THEY PUT A CURSE ON YOUR HOUSE THEN THEY ARE NOT A WITCH
You could do a spell for yourself (the previous answer had some okay spells long but oaky) or you could get a "professional" witch to do it for you. Check out eBay (http://search.eBay.com/_W0QQsassZmoygo)
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TO REMOVE A SPELL OR CURSE
BREAKING A CURSE
On the first night of the waxing moon, gather the following ingredients:
a square of black cloth a little larger than your hand.
1 tablespoon of curry
1 tablespoon of dill
1 tablespoon of vervain
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
1 consecrated black candle paper
and black ink pen
1 black string, knotted nine times
On paper, write the full name and birthdate (if known) of the person who has cursed you. Place the paper in the center of the bag. One at a time, add the herbs, covering the slip of paper. Next, take the lit candle and drip 5-10 drops of wax over the paper and herbs.
Visualize the person who has cursed you and say their name aloud three times while tying the bag shut with the knotted string. The final step is to bury the bag someplace on the property of the person who cursed you. The bag must remain there undisturbed until the next waxing moon. At that time, dig up the bag and burn the contents. This will weaken that person's power (usually until the night of the full moon) and the curse
REMOVAL OF A SPELL
Items: 3 cloves of garlic - water
Ritual : With water, grind the garlic into a paste. Rub the paste on the souls of the afflicted person's shoes, and on the front step of his(her) home. Create a blessing with the Sun retribution Symbol invoking enlightenment and clarity. This will negate earth spells.
REMOVAL OF A SPELL 2
Items: Oil - 1 white candle - 1 black candle
Time: Full Moon
Ritual: Rub and light the candles, saying :
"On the Eve of ( ) I cast a spell And the effect I created I must now quell. Specifically ( ) May this spell be lifted And I now be gifted specifically with ( )"
REMOVING HEXES / CURSES
Materials: Old Cooking Pot Black Candle Water
Get yourself an old cooking pot, place a black candle in the center, fill the pot with water until it is 2" below the wick of the candle. Light the candle and say:
"If truly hexed or cursed I am, let it break with quench of flame".
Then stare into the flame and see all the negative energy being drawn into it. When the candle burns down to the water level, and the flame sputters out, say: "So mote it!".
Dig a hole and empty the water into it. Now bury the candle. It is done.
REVERSE A SPELL
This is to be used to reverse a spell cast upon a person, and return the spell upon the one who cast it. WARNING: Because of the Law of Threes, depending on the strength of the cast spell, this could cause great harm to the original spell-caster. This should only be used in dire need.
You will need a cast iron cauldron, a pile of oak wood, some mistletoe herb, water and 2 - 5 pounds of salt.
Collect the hair, nail clippings or anything of the person upon whom the spell was cast. Consecrate the ground and cover it with a layer of salt to prevent evil from interfering. Pile the Oak wood and light it. Place what ever was collected from the person into water in the cauldron and boil. Add mistletoe and perform an incantation. The spell is reversed.
As with any spell work, it were best to perform the spell inside a cast circle for protection.
TO BREAK A SORCERER'S CURSE
If you feel that a sorcerer or sorceress has placed a magickal curse upon you, your home, or your family, perform this curse-breaking spell just before midnight on the last night of the Full Moon.
Light a new white candle and burn any of the following incense in a fireproof container: cloves, frankincense, hyacinth, lilac, pine or sage.
Hold a lucky rabbit's foot charm over your heart and repeat the following incantation thirteen times:
"With rabbit's foot and magick verse I turn around this wicked curse. As these words of mine are spoken Let this evil spell be broken."
Repeat this spell nightly (using a brand-new candle each time) until the phase of the New Moon. Wrap the leftover wax from the candles in a white piece of cotton and then bury it in the ground in a secret spot where it will remain undisturbed.
TO BREAK A VOODOO CURSE
On a night when the Moon is in a waning phase, take a blood root (a favorite Voodoo root used for breaking all evil spells and hexes) and throw it onto the doorstop of the person who has placed the curse upon you. You will then be released from his or her magickal power and the imprecation will immediately be turned back to the sender of the curse.
A SPELL TO BREAK THE POWERS OF A SPELL
If you believe that a spell has been cast against you, place a large black candle in the cauldron (or a large black bowl). The candles must be tall enough to extend a few inches above the cauldron's rim. Affix the candle to the bottom of the cauldron with warmed beeswax or the drippings of another black candle so that it will not tip over.
Fill the cauldron to the rim with fresh water, without wetting the candle's wick. An inch or two should remain above the water. Deeply breathe, meditate, clear your mind and light the candle. Visualize the suspected spell's power as residing within the candle's flame. Sit in quiet contemplation of the candle and visualize the power flowing and growing within the candle's flame. (Yes, the power against you) As the candle burns down, it's flame will eventually sputter and go out as it contacts the water. As soon as the flame has been extinguished by the water, the spell will be dispersed.
Break your visualization of the spell's power; see it explode into dust, becomin impotent.
Pour the water into a hole in the ground, a lake or stream. Bury the candle. It is done.
TO REMOVE A HEXED / JINXED CONDITION
Although it is relatively rare that someone is truly hexed, it does happen. Also, it is important to note that the mind has a very powerful effect on the body, so if you believe yourself to be hexed, in effect, you are...This spell will remove any hexed or jinxed condition, whether real or imagined.
Fashion a poppet out of white felt or other white material. Stuff the poppet with vetivert herb, and place on your altar. Inscribe your name on a purple candle and annoint the candle with an appropriate oil. Visualize as strongly as possible the hex upon you...feel its power and the strength it has had over you...Now take a handful of garlic powder and sprinkle it over the poppet, while strongly visualizing the hex/jinxed condition being broken. Put as much feeling and emotion into this process as possible...now relax...allow the candle to burn down completely. It is finished...the hex is broken...so mote it be.
TO REVERSE A CURSE
"This spell on me I return to thee, To thee who hast so ill-wished me. So mote it be" (x3)
What are the pros and cons of witchcraft?
It is important to remember that Wicca is still a religion and has Gods, Goddesses, rules and need for faith like all religions.
A good deal of the older, more experienced practitioners seem to be less willing to help you along your path. There is a great deal of personal responsibility in the Wiccan religion. However, there are people who don't mind helping someone new to the Craft, giving tips and such. They will not do it for you; each path is different and unique unto the practitioner.
There are a few things that fall in the "both" category.
What are some form of modern witchcraft today?
Witchcraft or the Craft is one of many forms of Paganism.
Paganism is an umbrella term encompassing but not exclusive to:
Asatru/Norse;
Blended as in (Christo-pagan, Judeo-pagan, etc);
Celtic (Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Faerie, Druidism);
Ceremonial Magic (Golden Dawn, Rosicrucian);
Eclectic;
Egyptian;
Esoteric;
Italian/Strega;
Shamanism (North American, South American, European, Asian); Voudoun/Santeria;
Wicca (Gardnerian, Dianic, Alexandrian, Solitary, Family Tradition)
That's a good question. People are scared of witches because of the persecution that has been brought upon us. If you look up information on 'The Burning Times' you will find out so much more than what I can tell you. Or you can just listen to the song 'Burning Times' By Moonstruck. People are also scared of us because we can cast spells. But it is not what most people think. Witches live by an ethical code that forbids us to harm anything. This is called 'The Witches Rede'. It is 26 2-line verses long, but can be summed up into 8 words. An ye harm none, do what ye will.
Much as the above explains why people should not be afraid of witches it does not address the original question.
Fear, in most cases is based in lack of knowledge. Things people have not experienced can be frightening. Often misinformation (deliberate or unintentional) plays a role in peoples' fears.
The very best counter-agent to fear is information. Not the propaganda pushed by any number of faith based sects, or the "scary" stories and images of popular fiction, but from the source.
If you wanted information about the USA, you would not ask the French, nor would you ask a Buddhist to explain Christianity.
Witches do exist, not all of us practice the above stated "Witches Rede". We are very personal in our spiritual paths and trying to force us all under the umberella of the "rede" is again is like asking the pope to explain Christian Science.
I would say the best way to know a witch, or anyone else for that matter, is to analize their behaviour. People who "walk the walk" no matter their chosen spiritual path are the "good guys".
I know of people who claim a faith based spiritual path that in their everyday life behave in ways I consider unethical or just plain dishonest, the going to "sacred space" and being absolved of their wrong doings, does not make them better if they continue to behave the same way.
I also know people who follow several of the accepted (and a few just barely known) spiritual paths that are labled "witches" and "pagans" and "heathens" etc. who are honest, hard working, caring human beings. As I said, it is the behaviour of people that ultimately tells you "what" they are.
In knowing, we transend our fears.
How do you counter witchcraft?
The easiest was is to do a cleansing of yourself and your home. Protection spells, anti-curse/jinx/hex spells, etc. work wonderfully.
Forever. If you're a Christian, how do you think God created everything? By clapping his hands together and everything just sprung from his mind? That's very Zeus-Athena-ish, don't you think? If you have a link to Ancient Egypt, how do you think the pyramids were built? On pure human strength? Not likely. Strengthening spells and potions must have been used.
Can anyone practice witchcraft?
Many people practice witchcraft, even some that do not know they are practicing.
Wiccans are the most popular of the groups of the day, claiming to practice "white magic".
Druids practice witchcraft, they reached a popularity in the 80's.
Some Satan worshippers, believing that they draw their power from the prince of darkness, Satan.
Witches that do not follow any organized set of beliefs practice it.
When people chant or meditate they are practicing witchcraft. They are attempting to draw upon a higher power that is not of the creator of the universe, hence they are practicing a "craft".
For the Christian witchcraft, the occult, fortune telling, etc, is forbidden.
Most people do not consider witchcraft a reality, but it is. To deny it is like putting your head under the covers when its dark out. It's still going to be dark outside, denying the existence does not change it.
AlsoNot all Pagans are witches, nor do all witches call or consider themselves Pagan. In AdditionThe practice of witchcraft is not limited to the use of Magic...It can, but is neither all inclusive of, nor limited to; the use of herbs for healing, as well as magic; the art of controlling ones own mind, through study, meditation, and practice; the control of ones body, through yoga, bio-feedback, and moving meditations; the performance of Rituals and Rite; the Sabbat and Esbat observances; as well as, a deep and abiding love and respect for nature. Witchcraft is practiced by people all over the world, from all walks of life, all colours, ages, and genders are represented in our numbers.
We do not all believe exactly the same way, nor practice in the exact same manner, but we are all respectful of one another's paths and the paths of all others we encounter.
Which people were most likely to be accused of witchcraft?
Answer
Christians, enough said. I don't wish to be mean to Christians, but it's the truth. A large number of religions accuse (read persecute) witches, the inquisition certainly tipped the scale toward Christians, but you are forgetting such diverse groups as the Hopi and several other Native American tribes, East Indians (see link below), several tribes in Africa, Jews and Muslims.
Please note, in most (but not all) cases the definition of "witch" tends to be one who does ill toward others, but all such definitions can be interpreted to the views of the persecutor.
When was witchcraft first discovered?
Real witches were rarely found out. They knew how to disguise themselves. Often, during the Salem witch trials, little old ladies growing herbs would be burned, or small children because they were easily affected by a chemical found in dry rye seeds that would make them hallucinate. The Christian's looked for any excuse. Often, a beautiful young woman would be burned at the stake simply because of her looks. If she 'allured men' or 'made them think dirty thoughts' then she was regarded as a witch for her seductive powers... *rolls eyes*
reet this is prob true but i think witches aliens goblins and deamons are def the result of sum 1 eatin the wrong mush rooms {magic) that's y ppl can draw them cos they were seen. only fantacy from the effects of LSD. its def a thery.???
People who have both Christian and Wiccan beliefs?
There are also a goodly number of Pagans (not Wiccans) who have strong Christian overtones.
i do not know.
sorry everyone
Because vacuum cleaners are too heavy.
________
Actually, witches don't really fly on broomsticks. It is a common misconception that was created by Hollywood. Witches/Wiccans "ride" on broomsticks, or run around with it between their legs, at the Beltane (May 1st) celebration to encourage fertility, jumping over a bonfire with it. Flying on broomsticks were associated with Samhain (Halloween) because it "sold better".
Why do people still believe in witches?
Because there are people who identify as witches today, both of the alternative religion/Wiccan/Pagan variety, and people who honestly believe they can cast spells with a wand whilst wearing a pointy hat and flying on a broom ala Harry Potter.
How to lift a witchcraft spell?
Get a Black Candle, and a Cauldron or a Bowl. The Black Candle should be taller than the Cauldron or the Bowl.
Fix the Candle in the middle (bottom) of the Cauldron or the Bowl.
Fill water to the brim of the Cauldron or the Bowl.
Concentrate on the black magic cast upon, and its effects.
Concentrate on the black candle and send all the energy to the black candle with then negativities of the evil spell.
Think that all the effects of the black magic spell will be burnt down as the candle burns.
Light the candle and think taat the spell will be broken.
Let the candle burn till the water flows in and extinguish the flame.
Dig a hole on the earth, as far from your home, where noone will dig again, preferably a forest.
Put the water in to the hole with the candle (remaining peice).
Close the hole and know that the evil spell is no more...
For good results, do in the wanning phase of the moon.
Blessed Be!
ANOTHER THOUGHT
Some people are not comfortable with practicing magic, to counteract magic. If you are one of these people, it is not necessary to do any of the above.
First be sure there really is a spell.
- If someone told you they put a spell on you, confront them and have them lift it. You are in no danger if you did not give this person specific permission to cast upon you. Magic is something that needs your co-operation. And if it is a negative spell the practitioner is in more danger than you are... those of us who actually do this sort of thing are aware of a little thing called the Rule of Three.
If you just "think" there is a spell, either because things are going wrong in your life or because you need an outside cause for your misfortunes, I would suggest you rethink your diagnosis. Most magical practitioners (not the dabblers or whannabees) are ethical and honest people. We do not randomly go willy-nilly casting evil spells on people, even the ones who have been nasty, unkind or even evil to us. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Unfortunately that is the way of the universe.
If you are still convinced there is a spell, and you are not a magical practioner yourself, the best thing I can suggest is to use your own personal spiritual path as a shield. Holy water, symbols of your faith etc. all work without you having to dabble in something you are unfamiliar and un-prepared to work with.
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Traditionally people have made "witches' bottles". These consist of a bottle filled with a mixture of your own urine, hair, bodily fluids etc. plus sharp objects the belief being that this would turn the spell back against the perpetrator. It then needs to be concealed usually by burying.
This are often found in archaelogical digs from the 17th century.
Personally I think this is complete rubbish but if it makes you feel better I am sure it will not do any harm and it is an historically accurate answer.
What are spells to get your crush to like you?
I have had this happen before...you have a crush on this really cute guy or girl but he either likes someone else or he just doesn't like anyone. My spell is flirt a little bit but not to much and if he/she asks for help or anything realted help him or her. Be nice and don't become a desperate jerk. Be patient and stay calm.
There are a few tips to get him/her to start to like you instead of someone else. They are listed below.
Thanks for the advice!!!!! :) I know you might have laughed at the spell part, but hey it doesn't hurt to try lol. The guy I like lives in my neighborhood and I believe his b-day is the day before mine. It seems meant to be :) Anyway, thanks again!
Yes. Belief in witchcraft goes back thousands of years. However, during the time when so-called "witches" were being persecuted, the majority of the people who were executed, were wrongly accused of practicing witchcraft.
What motivated people to accuse the neigbours of witchcraft?
Most all historians agree, fear was the motivating factor behind the accusations of witchcraft in Salem Village. Even though the cause of the fear is not known. This era of New Englander believed witches exist and had the power to do harm.
Can you put magic in a magic wand?
The results of attempting to do magic will be about the same whether you use a wand or not.
Wands are indeed used in many traditions of Wiccan and Pagan witchcraft, but not all practitionners use them. The wand is a tool used in ritual to direct energy and to draw symbols in the air; it represents either Air of Fire (this depends on the tradition). Witches may replace the wand by the athame (a ritual knife or dagger) or even by a pointed finger; in fact, many witches don't even own a wand. Remember: magic comes from within ourselves and from nature, not from the accessories on a witch's altar.
How do you tell your best friend that you're a lesbian?
Information as follows is necessary to be able to answer this question:
- How long you have been friends.
- Whether she is friendly towards other lesbian/gay/bi friends.
But, if she is a true friend and worth keeping, she will not mind and will support you no matter to what gender you're sexually inclined.
Is it possible to become a witch?
Of course you can.
Followers of the Wiccan and Pagan religions are considered witches, though they aren't traditional black hat, green skin and warty nose witches, they are just regular people who tap into the forces of nature to bring about good will.
If you're thinking about becoming a witch, a few tips: beware what you send out, as magick is not something to be played around with. It comes back on you three times as bad if you send out bad energy. Likewise, if you send out good energy, it comes back on you three times as good.
Don't cast any spells on people without their permission as you are breaching their free will. Again, only cast good energies. We work without intent to harm and breaching that will open many wounds that won't heal easily. For example if you cast a spell on your mother so you can get some money off her she might die a few days later, leaving you money in her will. This is the extremity of what you'll be dealing with if you break the laws of magick.
Sure! A Witch is anyone who follows the religion of Wicca.
Just to clear up a matter here... First - yes, the word or title "witch" refers to practitioners of Witchcraft of both genders. Second - Wicca and Witches are related but not the same thing. Generally speaking ALL Wiccans are Witches, but NOT ALL Witches are Wiccan. I am, and know dozens of witches and none of them is Wiccan.