Signs of Being a Witch Throughout history, witches have been feared and persecuted due to their alleged supernatural powers and association with dark magic. While the witch trials of the past are now recognized as a horrific chapter of human history, many people continue to hold a fascination with witchcraft and the signs that may indicate someone is a witch. Although the concept of identifying witches based on certain characteristics is largely a product of superstition and ignorance, folklore and popular culture have perpetuated some common signs that are associated with witches. It is important to note that these signs are purely fictional and do not reflect reality. One of the most pervasive stereotypes associated with witches is their supposed ability to communicate with animals, particularly black cats. According to popular culture, a witch and her familiar, often depicted as a black cat, share a mystical bond that enables them to understand each other.
Being a witch in the modern day is much more acceptable with religions such as Wicca and Paganism diversifying beliefs and reducing stigma. However, if you were born centuries ago, you would likely have faced the witch trials.
As early as the fifteenth century, mass hysteria swept across the globe leading to hundreds of thousands of innocents being labelled as a witch and cruelly tortured or murdered. 5 You have a birthmark Witch hunters proclaimed that a witch could be identified by a permanent marking of the devil on the body and these could take the form of scars, birthmarks, warts or blemishes.
According to popular culture, a witch and her familiar, often depicted as a black cat, share a mystical bond that enables them to understand each other. This belief is rooted in ancient beliefs that cats possessed supernatural powers and were able to see beyond the physical realm. However, in reality, people who are affectionate towards animals or have an affinity for cats are not necessarily witches.
11 signs you are a witch
Whether you simply feel out of place or firmly believe that you’ve mastered psychic attunement, there could be more to you than you think.
Being a witch in the modern day is much more acceptable with religions such as Wicca and Paganism diversifying beliefs and reducing stigma. However, if you were born centuries ago, you would likely have faced the witch trials.
As early as the fifteenth century, mass hysteria swept across the globe leading to hundreds of thousands of innocents being labelled as a witch and cruelly tortured or murdered. Research by Stay in Devon even allows you to test how you’d fare in the Witch Trials and what your punishment would be.
Many of the Witch Trials victims exhibited what were deemed to be signs of witchcraft. From physical traits to personal preferences, here’s 11 indicators that may suggest that you have magic running through your veins…
1 – You are female
Although men were also tested as witches, women were four times more likely to be accused of witchcraft than men during the sixteenth century. Between 1500 and 1660, almost 80,000 suspected witches were sentenced to death in Europe. Around 80% of those accused were women.
2 – You are older than 65
The majority of those accused of witchcraft during the sixteenth century were old women with little to no income. One of the eldest victims of the Witch Trials was 77-year-old Margaret Scott, who was executed in Salem on September 22nd, 1692. She was accused because she begged from her neighbours after her husband died and left her destitute.
3 – You are a cat lover
Generally speaking any animal lover would at least raise eyebrows however, cat lovers were seen as the ‘witchiest’. A black cat is the animal most commonly associated with witchcraft. Witches were often accused of having familiars – an animal-shaped spirit or demon who served as a domestic servant, companion and spy.
4 – You enjoy sewing, knitting or arts and crafts
Embroiderers and knitters beware! In the Early Modern Period, creatives could find themselves in serious trouble. During the Pappenheimer Family Witch Trials in Germany in 1600, the Pappenheimer family were tried and executed after being accused of assisting a common thief in murdering pregnant women and making candles out of their foetuses. If neighbours saw you regularly crafting, they could accuse you of compiling materials to cast spells with, or even making an effigy of the devil.
5 – You have a birthmark
Witch hunters proclaimed that a witch could be identified by a ‘permanent marking of the devil’ on the body and these could take the form of scars, birthmarks, warts or blemishes. During the North Berwick Witch Trials in 1950, a young servant called Gilly Duncan confessed to being a witch after prosecutors found a ‘devil’s mark’ on her neck.
6 – You are divorced or widowed
If you were divorced or widowed during the witch trials you would be more likely to be accused of being a witch. Poor women who didn’t have husbands in particular would be vulnerable. During the 1662 Bury St. Edmunds Witch Trials, two elderly widows, Rose Cullender and Amy Denny were accused of witchcraft, purely because they were elderly and lived alone.
7 – You believe in ghosts
Even your personal beliefs were subject to scrutiny, so if you admitted to believing in ghosts you could be in danger. Victims of witchcraft would often claim they were being tormented by the spectres of those they had accused. Spectral evidence played a key part in condemning the supposed witches during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, as nine-year-old Betty Parris and eleven-year-old Abigail Williams accused Tituba, a slave, of having attacked them in her ghostly form.
8 – You love silver jewellery
Long associated with the moon and lunar energy, silver is the metal most associated with witches due to its reflective and conductive qualities. It is believed that witches often carry amulets to bring good luck and the closer to the body these amulets are, the more powerful their magic is believed to be.
9 – You are left-handed
Left-handedness is less common than using your right hand to write. As a result, witch hunters associated left-handedness with magic and assumed that who used their left hand were practicing witchcraft and consorting with the devil.
10 – You have no children
Childless women were often accused of witchcraft as accusers believed that witches were cannibals. This led 367 victims to be indicted during the Valais Witch Trials, men were also accused of abducting and consuming children. In contrast, having more than five children could also draw attention from jealous neighbours who would accuse you of conceiving children via magic or Satan.
11 – You have red hair
Red hair was rare during the sixteenth century so redheads were often stigmatised and accused of witchcraft. Additionally, the Malleus Maleficarum stated that red hair, green eyes and freckles were some of the physical signs of sorcery and devil worship.
As early as the fifteenth century, mass hysteria swept across the globe leading to hundreds of thousands of innocents being labelled as a witch and cruelly tortured or murdered. Research by Stay in Devon even allows you to test how you’d fare in the Witch Trials and what your punishment would be.
Another sign often associated with witches is the presence of a large, protruding or crooked nose. This belief dates back to the Middle Ages when individuals with unconventional physical features were often accused of being witches. This stereotype reflects the misguided notions of the past rather than any factual evidence. Additionally, witches are often depicted as having birthmarks or distinct markings on their bodies. These markings are believed to be indicative of their involvement in witchcraft. Such beliefs originated from the idea that witches formed pacts with the devil, resulting in physical marks on their bodies. While birthmarks exist and vary among individuals, they are not a reliable sign of someone being a witch. Lastly, witches are often portrayed as solitary individuals who live on the outskirts of society or in secluded cottages. This perception stems from the fear and suspicion that surrounded women who lived independently and possessed herbal knowledge or skills related to healing. However, it is important to remember that independence and solitude are not inherently witch-like traits. In conclusion, the signs associated with being a witch are largely based on misconceptions, superstitions, and cultural stereotypes. It is essential to distinguish between fiction and reality and to respect individual beliefs and practices. Witchcraft, as practiced by modern-day witches, is a diverse spiritual path that emphasizes personal growth, connection with nature, and healing rather than the malevolent acts portrayed in folklore and popular culture..
Reviews for "The Healing Touch: Recognizing Signs of Witchcraft in Natural Remedies"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "I really wanted to enjoy 'Songs of Being a Witch', but I found it to be quite disappointing. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, with too many characters and storylines that were never fully developed. The writing style was also quite choppy and hard to follow, making it difficult to really get into the story. Overall, I felt like the book had a lot of potential, but it ultimately fell short for me."
2. John - 1/5 stars - "I couldn't even finish 'Songs of Being a Witch' because it was so poorly written. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, and the characters lacked depth or any redeeming qualities. The author seemed to be trying too hard to create an atmospheric setting, but it came across as forced and overdone. I was really disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone."
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "While the concept of 'Songs of Being a Witch' was intriguing, the execution was sorely lacking. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself bored throughout most of the book. Additionally, the characters were shallow and unrelatable, making it difficult to care about their fates. The ending also left much to be desired, as it felt rushed and unresolved. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and would not recommend it to others."
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'Songs of Being a Witch', but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was heavy-handed and overly descriptive, making it hard to stay engaged in the story. The plot meandered without much direction, and the climax felt rushed and unsatisfying. I wanted to enjoy this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations."