The persecution of occult practitioners in Salem is a dark chapter in American history. In the late 17th century, the town of Salem, Massachusetts experienced a wave of hysteria and fear surrounding witchcraft. This resulted in the infamous Salem witch trials, where numerous individuals were accused of practicing witchcraft and subsequently executed. The main idea of this horrific event was the persecution of people who were predominantly women, accused of being involved in occult practices. The accusations often stemmed from personal feuds, jealousy, or misunderstandings, and were fueled by a climate of religious fervor and superstition. As a result, innocent people were targeted and subjected to intense scrutiny and persecution by their own community members.
Steigler helped organize a Christian rock concert in June that brought to town some of those involved in the street confrontation with one of Salem's witches. Around that time, a pentacle -- the five-pointed star associated with witchcraft -- was painted on his church -- over which he then drew a cross.
The woman, who asked that she not be identified, is, in fact, but one of a community of witches in Salem that observes what it describes as a Celtic nature religion that predates Christianity. Britannica categorizes it as a religious belief and defines it as the exercise or invocation of alleged supernatural powers to control people or events, practices typically involving sorcery or magic.
As a result, innocent people were targeted and subjected to intense scrutiny and persecution by their own community members. The trials were characterized by a lack of due process and fairness, with confessions often being obtained through coercion, torture, or false promises. The burden of proof was placed on the accused, making it virtually impossible to prove innocence.
Witch hunt tourism is lucrative. It also obscures a tragic history
Salem, Massachusetts, balances profit and tribute. How can other popular witch history sites do the same?
By Karen Gardiner Published October 23, 2020 • 12 min read Share Tweet EmailCenturies after a witch panic swept through Europe and parts of America, witches still cast a mighty spell. They’re ascribed astonishing powers, romanticized, and reincarnated as Halloween decorations. They star in film, on stage, and on TV, often depicted as “wicked,” but sometimes as “good,” and even lovable.
In reality, witches and those accused of using magic are real people. Their stories—appropriated and not always accurately told—bring revenue to places associated with the occult, places such as Salem, Massachusetts, and Zugarramurdi, the “Salem of Spain.”
But with increasing awareness of present-day persecution of people—mostly women—for witchcraft around the world, there’s a growing unease about how we remember the men, women, and children lost to witch hunts in tourist towns. The question is: How do we balance commemoration with commodification? The answer isn’t easy.
Those found guilty of witchcraft were either hanged or pressed to death, a brutal punishment where heavy stones were placed on the victim until they confessed or died. The Salem witch trials lasted from February 1692 to May 1693, during which time 20 people were executed and many others imprisoned. The community was torn apart by the hysteria, suspicion, and fear. It wasn't until several years later that the Salem witch trials were seen as an example of mass hysteria and persecution, rather than evidence of actual witchcraft. The persecution of occult practitioners in Salem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of upholding justice and fairness. It highlights the destructive consequences that can arise when fear and prejudice are allowed to guide human action. The events in Salem provide a somber reminder of the dangers of scapegoating and intolerance, and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities..
Reviews for "The Witch Trials Revisited: The Plight of Occult Practitioners in Salem"
1) John - 2 stars - The concept of "Persecution of occult practitioners in Salem" seemed interesting at first, but I was disappointed with how it was executed. The storyline felt predictable and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and their motivations were unclear. I found myself losing interest and struggling to finish the book. Overall, it was a missed opportunity for what could have been an intriguing exploration of historical events.
2) Sarah - 1 star - I was excited to read "Persecution of occult practitioners in Salem" as I love historical fiction, but I found it to be extremely disappointing. The writing was weak and lacked the ability to transport me to the setting. The plot was slow and the characters were forgettable. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I couldn't connect with the story or its characters, and it ultimately left me feeling bored and unengaged.
3) Tom - 2 stars - As a fan of occult and historical fiction, I was looking forward to "Persecution of occult practitioners in Salem," but it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with long sections of exposition that slowed the story down. The supernatural elements were underutilized and the historical accuracy was questionable. It felt like the author was trying to tackle too many ideas and failed to fully develop any of them. Overall, it left me wanting more depth and cohesion in the storytelling.