Medieval witchcraft

Discover the crude concoctions, love potions and aphrodisiacs cooked up by Medieval witches and court physicians

The first time a witch rode a broom in popular culture could have been in the illustrations of a book published in 1451. French poet Martin Le Franc’s Le Champion des Dames (The Defender of Ladies) shows two women flying with sticks between their legs, although only one is clearly a broom. At least, that is the oldest evidence we have of the legend of witches flying on brooms.According to Witchcraft in Europe, 400-1700: A Documentary History, edited by University of Pennsylvania history…

witches with animal heads flying. in another medieval woodcut

Buy a cheap copy of La Sorcière book by Jules Michelet. La Sorci re, Jules Michelet's celebrated history of witches and witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, is presented here in English.Originally... Free Shipping on all orders over $15.

In Greek mythology, Circe was the daughter of gods Helios (the personification of the Sun) and Perse, a nymph. Born without usual goddess-like features, she taught herself witchcraft through herbs and poison and became a formidable sorceress #folklorethursday @FolkloreThurs

"The Secret Rendezvous" by French painter Pierre-Charles Comte, ca. 19thc. In private collection 💖

Personal effects of a "mad genius" by Craig Conley

Witches' Familiars 16th Century Illustration showing Elizabeth Stile feeding her familiars On 26th of February 1579, four woman were tried at Abingdon Assizes. Their names were Elizabeth Stile, a 65 year old widow from Windsor, Mother Dutten from Clewer, Mother Dewell from Windsor and Mother Margaret, who lived at the almshouses in Old Windsor. They were accused of killing several people by the means of bewitching with a 'poppet'. "In folk-magic and witchcraft, a poppet is a doll made to…