Portuguese witchcraft refers to the practice of witchcraft and folk magic in Portugal. Throughout history, Portugal has had a rich tradition of witchcraft and beliefs in magical practices. In Portuguese witchcraft, witches, known as bruxas in Portuguese, were believed to have supernatural powers and the ability to cast spells, curse others, and perform magical rituals. These witches were often feared and considered to be in league with the devil. One aspect of Portuguese witchcraft is the belief in the evil eye, a curse caused by another person's jealous or envious gaze. It was believed that some individuals had the ability to cast this curse upon others, resulting in misfortune and bad luck.
Witchcraft and Cancer in the Narrative of a Portuguese Woman
An 83-year-old Portuguese cancer survivor and amputee structures her illness narrative around the etiology of an upper limb's sarcoma, pointing to witchcraft as the root of her malignancy, through a prayer spoken by a neighbor. This is not a self-explanatory claim, since she must have the ability to blend the principles of a naturalistic thought - disrupted cells - with the supernatural, but with such a logical robustness that it can make sense to her and to others, convincingly grasping, containing and defining the ontological intricacy and interconnectedness of the multiple elements shaping her experience of bewitchment and illness.
Keywords: Devil; Portugal; cancer etiology; entangled ontologies; illness narrative; witchcraft.
It was believed that some individuals had the ability to cast this curse upon others, resulting in misfortune and bad luck. To ward off the evil eye, various protective amulets and charms were used. Another important element of Portuguese witchcraft is the involvement of spirits and the spirit world.
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Translation of witchcraft – English–Portuguese dictionary
It was believed that witches had the ability to communicate with spirits, particularly through the use of mediums. They would often hold seances and perform rituals to communicate with these spirits, seeking their guidance and assistance. In addition to these beliefs, Portuguese witchcraft also incorporated elements of Catholicism. This syncretic tradition blended elements of the Catholic faith with traditional folk magic practices. Witches would often use Catholic symbols and prayers in their rituals, combining the supernatural with religious beliefs. During the Inquisition, witchcraft in Portugal came under heavy persecution. Accusations of witchcraft were taken very seriously, and many individuals, primarily women, were accused and subjected to torture and execution. The fear of witchcraft persisted for centuries, with the last case of witchcraft being tried in Portugal taking place in the early 20th century. Today, while belief in traditional witchcraft has significantly declined in Portugal, there still remains a vibrant folk magic tradition in rural and remote areas. Traditional practices, such as healing rituals, divination, and the use of protective charms, continue to be carried out by a few practitioners. Overall, Portuguese witchcraft has a long and complex history, intertwining superstitions, folk beliefs, and religious elements. It reflects the cultural fabric of Portugal and the enduring fascination with the supernatural and the occult..
Reviews for "The Witches of Portugal: Famous Figures in Portuguese Witchcraft History"
1. John - 2 stars:
I found "Portuguese witchcraft" to be quite disappointing. The book promised an intriguing exploration of a unique cultural practice, but it fell short in delivering any substantial information. The author seemed more interested in sharing their own theories and speculations rather than presenting factual evidence or historical context. It felt more like a collection of personal anecdotes rather than a scholarly work on the topic. Overall, I would not recommend this book to someone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Portuguese witchcraft.
2. Sarah - 1 star:
I was extremely dissatisfied with "Portuguese witchcraft." The book was poorly written, littered with grammatical errors, and lacked any coherent organization. It seemed like the author simply threw together a bunch of random information without any regard for structure or clarity. Additionally, the content itself was shallow and superficial, offering no depth or insightful analysis. I was hoping to learn more about the history and practice of Portuguese witchcraft, but all I got was a disjointed mess. Save your time and money and look for a better resource on the subject.
3. David - 2 stars:
"Portuguese witchcraft" was not what I expected. While I appreciate the attempt to shed light on a lesser-known topic, I feel that the book didn't provide enough substance. The information presented was vague and lacking in detail, leaving me with more questions than answers. The author also failed to include adequate references or citations, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information presented. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore Portuguese witchcraft in a meaningful and informative way.
4. Emily - 3 stars:
I was somewhat disappointed with "Portuguese witchcraft." While the book did offer some interesting insights, it failed to meet my expectations in terms of depth and breadth of coverage. The information provided felt surface-level and generic, lacking in the detailed exploration and analysis I was hoping for. Additionally, the writing style was rather dry and lacked the engaging narrative that would have made the book more enjoyable to read. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre introduction to the subject, but it left me wanting more substance.
5. Michael - 2 stars:
I regret purchasing "Portuguese witchcraft" as it didn't live up to my expectations. The book started off promising, but soon turned into a disjointed collection of unrelated stories and anecdotes. It lacked a clear structure and coherence, making it difficult to follow along or find any meaningful insights. I was hoping for a comprehensive study on Portuguese witchcraft, but all I got was a jumbled mess. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-researched and informative exploration of the subject.