The German witch trials were a dark and gruesome part of history during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. **These trials were a period of widespread hysteria and paranoia that led to the persecution and execution of thousands of men and women accused of practicing witchcraft.** At the time, there was a growing fear and superstition surrounding witchcraft, fueled in part by the religious beliefs of the time. **The Protestant Reformation had brought about a deeply conservative and religious society, which viewed witchcraft as a threat to the established order and religious doctrine.** This fear was further stoked by the publication of the influential book "Malleus Maleficarum" (The Hammer of Witches) in 1487, which provided a manual for detecting and prosecuting witches. The German witch trials began in the late 15th century and reached their peak between 1560 and 1630.
Ritual Function: Conclude Summer’s Cultivation of Great Work
Sun: Virgo ♍︎
Moon: Pisces ♓︎
Exact Calendar Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Suggested Celebration Planning: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, after moon enters Pisces at 9:56 am and before exact full that night at 9:36 pm.
Planetary Magick by Day of the Week: Waxing Mercury magick.
Then at Mabon we settle into the molds that new landscape provided our emotional waters, allowing our hearts to be molded into the new form our work sculpted, tapping elemental water s powers of acceptance. Suggested Celebration Timing Best observed Monday, December 11, 2023 after moon enters Sagittarius at 6 11 am, or 13 hours to exact dark on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 6 32 pm.
The German witch trials began in the late 15th century and reached their peak between 1560 and 1630. **During this period, tens of thousands of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft and subjected to brutal interrogations, torture, and execution.** In some regions, the witch trials were driven by local disputes, personal grudges, or political rivalries.
Wiccan Holiday Calendar - Esbats and Sabbats
Here is a list of Pagan Holidays for the Year for the Northern Hemisphere (all times given are EST). We will be adding more dates and information through the year so be sure to check back.
Dates for the Southern Hemisphere are now shown as well with (SH) next to them.
July 2023: The sun continues to burn bright during the long summer days and warm nights. A great time to get into the water at the beach, lake or pool and feel the power of water letting it wash away the old and bring you the new. It is also a great time to slow down, count your blessings and work on divination and meditation.
August 2023: Harvest time is time to reap the benefits of what you have been growing all year. Remember though to take some time to save some of the bounties up for the coming winter.
1: Lammas (Lughnassadh) - The First Harvest
30: Full Moon (Blue Moon)
September 2023: Fall comes to many areas, a time to prepare for the coming cold and celebrate home and family. Store your harvest, enjoy the cooler days and evenings by getting out into nature for long walks coming home to some comfort food.
23: Mabon/Fall Equinox
(SH Spring Equinox)
October 2023: The dark half of the year begins. It is a time of reflection and honoring your ancestors and friends who have crossed over as the veil between the worlds is the thinnest. Divination and psychic messages, meditation and journaling are commonly practiced now.
31: Samhain - Witches' New Year
November 2023: A time for meditation and reflection as winter sets in. Work to develop and strengthen your connection to the Divine, to let go of things that no longer serve you, and connect with family and friends.
December 2023: Enjoy the company of family and friends at the height of winter. It is a good time to reflect on the previous year and look forward to the new one ahead taking stock of things you want to change or improve.: A good time to focus on your preparations for spring, determining what new projects you want to start or plans for the future.
21: Yule/Winter Solstice
Many accused witches were often elderly, poor, or otherwise marginalized individuals. **The trials often followed a similar pattern. Accusations of witchcraft would be made, usually by a neighbor or acquaintance, and an investigation would ensue. This would involve torture and the use of dubious evidence, such as the presence of a devil's mark or the ability to float.** Confessions were often obtained under duress or torture, leading to a high conviction rate. Once convicted, witches would be subject to various forms of execution. **These included burning at the stake, hanging, or drowning. In some cases, witches would be subjected to additional torture, such as being stretched on a rack or having their limbs broken.** The executions were often public spectacles designed to instill fear and deter others from engaging in witchcraft. **The German witch trials eventually began to decline in the late 17th century through the efforts of reformers, jurists, and intellectuals who questioned the validity of the trials.** Increasing skepticism about the existence of witches and the use of torture as a means of extracting confessions played a role in ending the hysteria. **The Enlightenment period also brought about a shift in attitudes toward superstition, leading to a more rational and skeptical approach to witchcraft.** In conclusion, the German witch trials were a dark chapter in history characterized by widespread fears, superstition, and the persecution of thousands of individuals. **The trials were fueled by religious beliefs, local conflicts, and social prejudices, leading to the torture and execution of many innocent people.** It is a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the need for critical thinking and a fair justice system..
Reviews for "Witchcraft in Germany: Comparing the Trials to other European Countries"
- Maria - 1 star - The German witch trials was a tedious read for me. The author seemed more interested in providing a historical account of the trials rather than immersing the reader in the narratives of the accused witches. It lacked the personal touch that could have made the book more engaging. Additionally, the writing style was bland and the pacing was very slow. I was hoping for a more captivating exploration of this dark period, but sadly, this book fell short of my expectations.
- Robert - 2 stars - As someone who is interested in the subject of witch trials, I had high hopes for this book. However, I found it to be quite disappointing. The author focused too much on the legal and procedural aspects of the trials, which made it feel more like a history textbook than a narrative. I wanted to get a sense of the atmosphere and the psychological impact on the accused, but that was sorely lacking. The book lacked depth and failed to engage my interest, ultimately leaving me unsatisfied.
- Laura - 2 stars - The German witch trials was a letdown for me. While the subject matter is intriguing, the execution of the book left much to be desired. The writing felt dry and detached, making it difficult for me to connect with the stories of the accused witches. I was hoping for a more immersive experience, but instead, I was left feeling disconnected from the characters and their experiences. Overall, I found the book to be a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating period in history.