sad, sad times......

The Salem Witch Trials



One of the most infamous periods in the history of witchcraft, and really in the history of humanity and religion in general are related to what have since been deemed the Salem Witch trials. The Salem Witch Trials took place in the New World, more specifically the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex of the colony of Massachusetts during the timeframe of Feb. 1692 and May of 1693. During this relatively short timeframe, over 150 people were accused of witchcraft and arrested and or jailed for their accused crimes. Of these people, at least 25 lost their lives. Some due to hanging, at least one man due to stoning, and several in prison awaiting trial and/or sentencing.

Of course, during this time, when what is now America was still a rag-tag collection of fledgling British colonies, much of the governing was done through autocratic religious fundamentalists, and virtually any behavior that did not specifically follow strict religious dogma and doctrine was believed by the masses to be related to witchcraft. Also, at this point there was very little actual understanding by most people about witchcraft, and witches were believed to be devil worshippers or worse. As has been the case throughout much of history, the ignorance of a few led to persecution and even the violent murder of those who were different.

Perhaps the biggest travesty of the Salem Witch Trials was related to the fact that no real proof was required to determine that someone was a practicing witch. Indeed, simple and baseless accusations of illegal and witchcraft related acts were generally all that was needed to brand one a witch. And once a person had been labeled as such by their peers or members of the government or the clergy, there was very little they could do to change people’s minds. Denials were seen as lies to prevent prosecution, and there was really nothing that anyone could say or do to convince others of their innocence. Indeed, it is very difficult to prove a negative in any case.

The initial accusations that spawned the Salem Witch Trials were related to the bizarre and inexplicable behavior of two girls; Betty Parris (age 9) and Abigail Williams (age 11). The girls were described to have had seizures or fits that could not be attributed to any known physical ailment. Soon thereafter, the girls bizarre ailments began to spread to other young women in the village, and the outspoken preacher Deodat Lawson soon decreed that their behavior was due to external manipulations at the hands of witches. From that initial accusation, people who were considered (for any reason) less than upstanding and pious were simply accused left and right of witchcraft. For the most part, they were of such social standing that no one stood up for them. And it was soon clearly demonstrated that if you stood up for a witch, you were likely a witch yourself.

The Salem Witch Trials were a period of extreme injustice for people (witches or not) throughout the colonies and around the globe. To this day, it is not fully known how many people may have been put to death for witchcraft during this period of hysteria.

J. Roslyn Antle, High Priestess

Unfortuneately not much has changed when it comes to the misunderstandings of witchcraft and this beautiful religion. There is still harsh judgement and bigotry involved in this religion. It breaks my heart to think of what happened in Salem and across the world in those times. Pagans/Wiccans are accused of devil worship and rediculous sacrafices of living things....it's all REDICULOUS speculation and judgement based on nothing but FEAR of the unknown! I hope one day this world with practice what the buddha nad many other religions taught which is tolerance......and well, not to sound too judgemental myself but there isn't too many Eastern religions that practice tolerance and comapssion because if they did......we wouldn't still have the problems we have when it comes to religion!
I stand by one of  my favorite quotation's which is....FREEDOM OF RELIGION MEANS ANY RELIGION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessed Be.....Love and Light and ...NAMASTE