The Burning Times

In ancient times, the witch was both male and female. They held a special place in village life due to their unique knowledge of herbs, plants, nature, energy and medicine. This knowledge was passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth before folks could write, later it was written down in books that were then inherited.

Women, with their natural tendency for being able to focus on their intuition and their ability to nurture children, became more adept than men at witchcraft.  It was the men’s job to hunt, show strength and protect the women while they practised their craft. This enabled women to get even better at their practise and this gave them power and status.

Over the years, some, especially mainstream religions, became jealous of the power and influence they had and so they encouraged negative ideas about witches.

In the period from the 15^th to the 17^th centuries, known as the Burning Times, the false ideas held about witches led to the death of countless innocent people in Europe and the New World. Think torture, ducking stools, hanging, burning at the stake. Although some men were executed, the majority were women. Some believe that the inherited trauma of those times still affects witches today.

In recent times, the media has continued to present a distorted picture of witches, further confusing the issue.

The prejudice against the witch runs deep and that belief is still held by some.

It’s our mission to change that.