Okay, so I’ve been diving into this whole “historical witchcraft” thing, and let me tell you, it’s a rabbit hole! I started with a simple question, you know? Like, what actually was witchcraft back in the day? Not the Hollywood stuff, but the real deal.
Digging Through the Dirt
First, I hit up the library – yeah, the physical one with actual books. Felt kinda old-school, but it was awesome. I pored over some dusty old texts, history books, and even some translated trial records. Super intense, and sometimes really sad.
Then, I moved online. Finding good sources was tricky, though. Lots of fluff and, frankly, nonsense. I stuck to academic sites, university archives, and places that seemed legit. You gotta be careful with what you believe online, right?
Making Sense of It All
So, after all that reading, I started to piece together a picture. It wasn’t just one thing. “Witchcraft” could mean herbal remedies, folk magic, local customs… Sometimes it was just about being different, or being a woman with power, or even just being unlucky.
- Herbalism: A lot of it was about knowing plants – which ones could heal, which ones could harm. This was valuable knowledge, especially when doctors weren’t around.
- Folk Magic: Think charms, rituals for good luck, protecting your home, that kind of thing. It was woven into everyday life.
- Accusations: This is the dark part. People got accused for all sorts of reasons – jealousy, fear, personal vendettas. It was often about power, or lack of it.
My Own Little Experiment
I even tried making a simple charm, based on some of the old texts. Nothing crazy, just a little pouch with herbs for protection. It felt…grounding, I guess? Connecting to something older. I researched each herb carefully, making sure I understood its traditional uses and meanings.
Still Learning…
I’m definitely no expert, but it’s been a fascinating journey. It makes you think about how we view the world, how we treat each other, and how history can get twisted and misunderstood. It’s ongoing process, I keep reading and learning something new everyday.
