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Dr. William Griggs played a significant role in the infamous Salem Witch Trials that took place in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century. As the town's physician, Dr. Griggs was responsible for examining the afflicted girls who claimed to be under the influence of witchcraft and determining their cause of affliction. In the winter of 1692, Dr. Griggs first examined two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, who exhibited strange behavior, including convulsions, fits, and claims of being tormented by witches.

A little to the east of Amlwch Port, Anglesey there is a similarly named village, called Llaneilian, dedicated to a saint called Eilian (almost an identical name to the saint at Llanelian-yn-Rhos). This church also had a well half a mile away which started off as a healing well, but developed a reputation as a powerful cursing well.

The ritual at this well resembled that at the well near Old Colwyn, Conwy, and involved writing a person s name on a piece of slate before casting the slate into the well. The well is reputed to have first appeared in the 6th century as the answer to the prayers of a thirsty St Elian, and in response the saint prayed that whoever came to the well should have their prayers granted.

Griggs first examined two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, who exhibited strange behavior, including convulsions, fits, and claims of being tormented by witches. Unable to find any physical explanations for their symptoms, Dr. Griggs concluded that they were victims of supernatural powers.

curse

Also referred to as a hex, a curse is used in black magic to bring misfortune or even death to the victim. It is a spell that is usually spoken; it may take the form of a simple statement wishing ill on the person, or it may be in the form of an intricate chant or ritual. Since it is negative, it would be done only by a Black Magician and never by a Witch, whose creed does not permit the harming of any person or thing.

As with all magic, the intent is most important. To simply say "I curse you" is seldom effective. There must be absolute hatred to generate sufficient power to make the curse effective. A deathbed curse is supposed to be especially effective since the perpetrator literally puts every last ounce of energy into it.

Many of the witchcraft trials of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries contained evidence that someone believed themselves cursed after the accused was seen to "mutter to herself." At her trial in 1493, Elena Dalok was accused of bringing rain at her command, and it was said, "she has cursed very many who never lived in this world thereafter." Kittredge reports that in 1596, Goody Jones, of Barking, was approached by a neighbor to give her some medicine for the colic. Instead, Goody Jones "fell down upon her knees, and after many curses and evil speeches, prayed that (her neighbor) might never be cured. . . since which time (she) . . . doth lay in great misery, and can find no ease." Francis Moore of Huntingdonshire, England, said in 1646, "if she cursed any cattle, and set her dog upon them, they should presently die." At the same trial Elizabeth Weed of Great Catworth confessed, "whomsoever she cursed and sent her cat unto, they should die shortly after." Historically, there have been "family curses" in which a family has been cursed, perhaps "to the seventh generation."

Old wishing wells are found throughout Britain. Less well known, there are also cursing wells. Such a one is to be found at Llanelian-yn-Rhos, in North Wales,

near Colwyn Bay. At this well, ill-wishers could toss down the well a lead box containing the name of the one they wished harm upon. For a fee, the well keeper would retrieve the box. In similar vein, in Haiti a curse may be placed on a person, for a fee, by a Boko, or black magician. The Boko will then play perpetrator and victim against one another, removing or replacing the curse for the highest bidder.

Although the word hex is most often applied in a negative sense, like "curse,"

positive hexes can be found in the Pennsylvania Dutch form of witchcraft.

(see also Blasting and Poppets)

DAG H DA see GODS

The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-paganism © 2002 Visible Ink Press®. All rights reserved.

As news of the girls' affliction spread, more young girls in Salem began exhibiting similar symptoms. Dr. Griggs was called upon to examine and diagnose them, contributing to the hysteria that gripped the town. He documented their symptoms, which included hallucinations, throat constriction, and contortions, and believed that they were being bewitched. Dr. Griggs' involvement went beyond mere diagnosis. He actively participated in the interrogations and trials of individuals accused of witchcraft, using his medical expertise to provide testimony against them. He firmly believed in the existence of witches and supported the idea that these men and women were responsible for the girls' afflictions. However, as the trials progressed, doubt began to plague the community. Some started questioning the validity of the claims made by the afflicted girls, including the role of witchcraft in causing their symptoms. It is worth noting that Dr. Griggs himself seemed to question the supernatural explanation at times and even suggested that the girls' affliction might have a more natural cause. Despite this wavering belief, Dr. Griggs continued to contribute to the trials, helping to condemn many accused individuals to their deaths. His medical expertise lent credibility to the accusations, and his involvement solidified the notion that witches were indeed tormenting the girls. The Salem Witch Trials eventually came to an end when the governor of Massachusetts dissolved the court and pardoned those convicted of witchcraft. The trials left a dark stain on the history of colonial America, and Dr. Griggs' role in the events remains a topic of debate. Some argue that Dr. Griggs genuinely believed in the existence of witchcraft and was merely acting according to the knowledge and beliefs of his time. Others suggest that he used his position to maintain power and influence in the community. Regardless of his motives, Dr. Griggs played a significant part in the tragic events that unfolded during the Salem Witch Trials, forever leaving his mark on history..

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