The Witchcraft Congress in Philadelphia, held in October 2022, was a groundbreaking event that brought together practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts from all over the world to discuss and explore the history, culture, and contemporary practices of witchcraft. The congress was organized by the International Society for the Study of Witchcraft in collaboration with local organizations and institutions with the aim of fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for this often misunderstood and marginalized tradition. **One of the main focal points of the congress was the examination of the historical roots of witchcraft and its evolution through time.** Participants engaged in discussions, presentations, and workshops that explored various aspects such as witch trials, folklore, and magical practices in different cultures. **Another significant aspect of the congress was the exploration of witchcraft's role in contemporary society.** Experts and practitioners shared their experiences and insights into how witchcraft is practiced, understood, and integrated into modern life.
** Experts and practitioners shared their experiences and insights into how witchcraft is practiced, understood, and integrated into modern life. Topics such as coven-based traditions, solitary practices, and the intersection of witchcraft with other spiritualities were discussed. **The Witchcraft Congress also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and embracing diversity within the witchcraft community.
Philadelphia versus Salem: Preventing Witch Hysteria
Last week, we shared the story of the Mattson Witch Trial, the only known witch trial William Penn presided over. Pennsylvania never reached anywhere near the heights of Salem’s infamous witch hunts. So just how much did Penn’s ideals make a difference in the witch hysteria?
"The Bewitched Man," Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, 1798
The answer lies not within one difference, but many differences. Penn and his Quaker colony had a very different social environment influenced by religion, politics, and education. Penn founded his colony as a “holy experiment” grounded in his plans for religious tolerance, laws created and governed by the people, and a fair justice system. These values changed how witch hysteria affected the communities in Pennsylvania.
Much like the Quakers, Salem’s Puritan founders created their community out of a desire to escape religious persecution in Europe. However, contrary to Penn’s policy of inclusion and tolerance, Salem prohibited any non-Puritans from living in Salem.
“Witches’ Initiation,” David Teniers the Younger, 1647-49
Salem also had a history of persecution for witchcraft. The religious leaders regularly gave sermons warning of the danger of witches and openly advertised the witch hunts that happened throughout Europe. In addition, the court system did not really function and failed to regulate or protect those accused of witchcraft. So in 1692, when the accusations and trials really began to engulf the community, the colony’s government failed to maintain order and sanity.
Anonymous drawing of witches at work from Johann Geiler von Kayersberg, 1517. Cornell University Library.
All of these factors play into the horrible persecution of the 59 people tried in Salem, of which 20 were put to death before anyone could stop the hysteria. By the end of the summer in 1692, 13 women and 6 men were hanged in Salem, Massachussetts for the crime of witchcraft.
Needless to say the hysteria of witch hunts struck hard for centuries throughout Europe and the colonies, leading to severe persecution, shunning, and often death for the accused men and women. Anything mysterious or hard to explain, like cows not producing milk or infant deaths, could be blamed on a witch. Science would later prove the real reasons for such events, but it would come too late to save the many people who were burned, hanged or drowned as witches. Pennsylvania avoided most of this madness, but not entirely, as Margret Mattson and Yeshro Hendrickson’s trial proves.
Written by Mary Barbagallo, Intern
Pennsylvania Colonial Cases – Proprietor vs. Mattson
The Malleus Malficarum of Henrich Kramer and James Sprenger: Translated with an introduction by the Reverend Montague Summers, Dover Publication, Inc., New York, NY, 1971.
The Witch Hunts: A History of the Witch persecutions in Europe and North America, Robert Thurston, Pearson Education Ltd., United Kingdom, 2007.
It is hard to think that those fifty-five men were much closer in time to the Salem witch trials of 1692 than they were to us. It is still harder to think that in Philadelphia that summer in the very week when they were hammering out the most crucial provisions of the Constitution, they could have witnessed, perhaps did witness, in the streets they daily walked, an event that tied them more closely to the dark world of superstition than to the enlightenment they cherished.
** Presentations and panel discussions delved into issues such as gender, race, and cultural appropriation, highlighting the need for understanding, respect, and equality among witches. The congress featured an array of renowned speakers, including scholars, authors, and members of various witchcraft traditions. Attendees had the opportunity to network, learn, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for witchcraft. Overall, the Witchcraft Congress in Philadelphia was a milestone event that brought together individuals from different backgrounds, fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for witchcraft. **It served as a platform for the exploration of the historical and contemporary aspects of witchcraft and promoted inclusivity within the witchcraft community.**.
Reviews for "Witchcraft Congress Makes Witches' Dreams Come True in Philadelphia"
1. John - 1 star
"Witchcraft Congress in Philadelphia was an absolute disaster. The speakers seemed unprepared and the topics discussed were shallow. Instead of providing informative insights into witchcraft practices, it felt more like a group of amateurs sharing their half-baked theories. The event lacked organization, with overlapping presentations and a chaotic schedule. The whole experience left me disappointed and questioning whether the organizers had any expertise or credibility in the field."
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"I had high hopes for Witchcraft Congress in Philadelphia, but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The event felt more like an opportunity for individuals to display their own personal beliefs rather than providing any substantial knowledge or understanding of witchcraft. The speakers were often unconvincing and lacked the ability to present their ideas coherently. Additionally, the lack of diversity in the witchcraft practices discussed made it feel exclusionary and limited. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with what was supposed to be an educational and engaging event."
3. Alex - 2 stars
"Witchcraft Congress in Philadelphia left much to be desired. The topics covered were too surface-level, barely scratching the surface of the diverse and rich world of witchcraft. The speakers seemed more focused on selling their books and merchandise rather than providing valuable insights or experiences. It was also disappointing to see the lack of interactive activities or workshops to engage attendees and deepen their understanding. For such a promising event, I expected much more and left feeling like I wasted my time and money."