9 minute read
Personality Profile
Which Witch is Which
Advertisement
Witches were perceived as evil beings by early Christians in Europe, inspiring the iconic Halloween figure. Images of witches have appeared in various forms throughout history—from evil, wart-nosed women huddling over a cauldron of boiling liquid to hag-faced, cackling beings riding through the sky on brooms wearing pointy hats.
In pop culture, the witch has been portrayed as a benevolent, nosetwitching suburban housewife; an awkward teenager learning to control her powers and a trio of charmed sisters battling the forces of evil. The real history of witches, however, is dark and, often for the witches, deadly.
Early witches were people who practiced witchcraft, using magic spells and calling upon spirits for help or to bring about change. Most witches were thought to be pagans doing the “Devil’s” work. Many, however, were simply natural healers or so-called “wise women” whose choice of profession was misunderstood.
It’s unclear exactly when witches came on the historical scene, but one of the earliest records of a witch is in the Bible in the book of 1 Samuel, thought be written between 931 B.C. and 721 B.C. It tells the story of when King Saul sought the Witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet Samuel’s spirit to help him defeat the Philistine army.
The witch roused Samuel, who then prophesied the death of Saul and his sons. The next day, according to the Bible, Saul’s sons died in battle, and Saul committed suicide.
Other Old Testament verses condemn witches, such as the oft-cited Exodus 22:18, which says, “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Additional Biblical passages caution against divination, chanting or using witches to contact the dead.
Witch hysteria really took hold in Europe during the mid-1400s, when many accused witches confessed, often under torture, to a variety of wicked behaviors. Within a century, witch hunts were common and most of the accused were executed by burning at the stake or hanging. Single women, widows and other women on the margins of society were especially targeted.
Between the years 1500 and 1660, up to 80,000 suspected witches were put to death in Europe. Around 80 percent of them were women thought to be in cahoots with the Devil and filled with lust. Germany had the highest witchcraft execution rate, while Ireland had the lowest.
The publication of “Malleus Maleficarum”—written by two wellrespected German Dominicans in 1486—likely spurred witch mania to go viral. The book, usually translated as “The Hammer of Witches,” was essentially a guide on how to identify, hunt and interrogate witches.
“Malleus Maleficarum” labeled witchcraft as heresy, and quickly became the authority for Protestants and Catholics trying to flush out witches living among them. For more than 100 years, the book sold more copies of any other book in Europe except the Bible.
In Virginia, people were less frantic about witches. In fact, in Lower Norfolk County in 1655, a law was passed making it a crime to falsely accuse someone of witchcraft. Still, witchcraft was a concern. About two-dozen witch trials (mostly of women) took place in Virginia between 1626 and 1730. None of the accused were executed.
Are Witches Real?
One of the most famous witches in Virginia’s history is Grace Sherwood, whose neighbors alleged she killed their pigs and hexed their cotton. Other accusations followed and Sherwood was brought to trial in 1706.
The court decided to use a controversial water test to determine her guilt or innocence. Sherwood’s arms and legs were bound and she was thrown into a body of water. It was thought if she sank, she was innocent; if she floated, she was guilty. Sherwood didn’t sink and was convicted of being a witch. She wasn’t killed but put in prison and for eight years.
Modern-day witches of the Western World still struggle to shake their historical stereotype. Most practice Wicca, an official religion in the United States and Canada.
Wiccans avoid evil and the appearance of evil at all costs. Their motto is to “harm none,” and they strive to live a peaceful, tolerant and balanced life in tune with nature and humanity.
Many modern-day witches still perform witchcraft, but there’s seldom anything sinister about it. Their spells and incantations are often derived from their Book of Shadows, a 20th-century collection of wisdom and witchcraft, and can be compared to the act of prayer in other religions. A modern-day witchcraft potion is more likely to be an herbal remedy for the flu instead of a hex to harm someone.
Today’s witchcraft spells are usually used to stop someone from doing evil or harming themselves. Ironically, while it’s probable some historical witches used witchcraft for evil purposes, many may have embraced it for healing or protection against the immorality they were accused of.
But witches—whether actual or accused—still face persecution and death. Several men and women suspected of using witchcraft have been beaten and killed in Papua New Guinea since 2010, including a young mother who was burned alive. Similar episodes of violence against people accused of being witches have occurred in Africa, South America, the Middle East and in immigrant communities in Europe and the United States.
Publishers Note: Many thanks to the people who pulled together this information at history.com and gave us permission to publish. Please subscribe to their newsletter for more topics like this.
Grace Sherwood-Midwife, Healer, Widow & Witch
On July 10, 1706, a forty-six-year-old Princess Anne County woman named Grace Sherwood faced an unusual legal procedure. Her hands were tied and she was about to be thrown from a boat into a river as a test to see if she was a witch. For several years neighbors talked of how the midwife, healer, and widowed mother of three had ruined crops, killed livestock, and conjured up storms. Then in January of 1706 Luke Hill formally accused Sherwood of witchcraft. The case passed from the county court to the attorney general of Virginia without any judgment. Finally, authorities in Princess Anne County ordered that the accused be “ducked” in consecrated water to determine her guilt or innocence. By this ordeal, if she sank she would be declared innocent, but if she floated her identity as a witch would be proven. A spot in the Lynnhaven River, off what is today known as Witchduck Point, was chosen, and Grace Sherwood was bound and thrown from a boat. She managed to untie herself and rise to the surface, proving to those present that she was a witch. As punishment for her crime, Grace Sherwood spent seven years in jail. After her release the so-called “witch of Pungo” returned to her home and lived peacefully until her death around the age of eighty.
On July 10, 2006, Gov. Tim Kaine restored Grace Sherwood’s good name, three hundred years to the day since the “ducking” ordeal that condemned her for witchcraft. virginiahistory.org/learn/grace-sherwood-witch-pungo
work. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please wear comfortable shoes for this oneand-a-half hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Tell Me Your Name
October 22nd 5 p.m. Admission: $10 per person Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 703-549-2997 novaparks.com/parks/carlylehouse-historic-park Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and John Carlyle’s plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th-century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts to connect with descendants. Reservations are required as space is limited.
Dogtoberfest in Old Town North
October 1st to 31st Various locations throughout Old Town North 703-836-8066 www.oldtownnorth.org From October 1st through October 31st, Old Town North is going to the dogs with events sure to please our four-legged friends and their two-legged companions, from Paw and Palm reading at the Thursday Farmers Market, puppy pub crawls and trick-or-treating at the Thursday Market, there is much spooky fun to be had.
Spirits of Carlyle House
October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th 6 to 8:30 p.m. (Tours on the half hour) Admission: $10 per person Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 703-549-2997 novaparks.com/parks/carlylehouse-historic-park Carlyle House’s long and diverse history is full of truths, myths and rumors that makes it one of the most visited places on Alexandria’s ghost tours. Come and experience a uniquely haunting tour of the house and grounds by candlelight, perhaps encounter the departed spirits of notable residents and neighbors and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Reservations required due to limited space. Tours are on the half hour.
8th Annual Doggie Trick or Treat
October 24th 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Begin at The Dog Park 705 King Street 703-888-2818 thedogparkva.biz It’s that time of year again. You and your family—especially your doggies—are invited to come to Old Town and trick-or-treat together. There will be treats, sales and a costume contest. Come to The Dog Park in Old Town Alexandria to get your map and have pictures taken, then tour the rest of the participating stores to get more treats and find a sale or two in town.
Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon
October 23rd to 24th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $28 per adult; $15 per youth; free for children five and under and for members George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. During this event, you can explore the farm, meet General Washington, watch beer-making demonstrations, see spinning demonstrations and more. This event is included with admission and is free for Mount Vernon members.
Trick-or Treating at Mount Vernon
October 30th 2 to 6 p.m. Admission: General public: $25 per adult; $15 per youth; Members: $17 per adult; $9 per youth George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Celebrate Halloween with 18thcentury entertainment and activities. Visit Mount Vernon in costume, watch Halloweenthemed Punch & Judy shows, see 18th-century chocolate-making demonstrations and more. Trickor-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.
Trick or Treat at Carlyle House
October 31st 4 to 6 p.m. (or until candy runs out) Admission: Free Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 703-549-2997 novaparks.com/parks/carlylehouse-historic-park Join Carlyle House on All Hallow’s Eve for good old-fashioned trickery and treats. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and action heroes to one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings. Carlyle House staff will be handing out candy in individual bags. In case of inclement weather please, call the museum for event status.
COMING SOON!
The 15th Annual Alexandria Film Festival
November 11th to 14th Admission: $12 per showcase or $75 per All-Festival Pass alexfilmfest.com The Alexandria Film Festival will take place as a hybrid event— virtual, with some in person events. The festival footprint is expanding this year to include a partnership with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which will feature six original films and will be presented with a “live to picture” performance of the orchestra on November 6 and 7. This performance will be in person but will observe current safety protocols such as social distancing. To get the latest information, visit AlexFilmFest.com.
WHY RIDE
So you can get home in time for family dinner.
We’re increasing bus frequency, improving connections and going fare-free! Discover the New DASH Network at dashbus.com/newnetwork.
