In Which We Discuss Witches
Witch Trivia & Witch Art & Witch Book
The countdown is on. I had my cover reveal earlier this month. That was fun! And I’ve sent out a round of ARCs. What’s next? I’m prepping all my “ad” images, and I’m writing guest posts for my online book tour in September. 😳
My book, Bloodstone, is about witches. Good ones and bad ones. So, I thought I’d share some witch trivia today.
10 Things You Might Not Know About Witches
King James VI of Scotland believed witches existed and were actively plotting treason against him. He wrote a book about witches and demons titled Daemonologie. It was published in 1597.
In medieval Europe, witches were women who used black magic (bad magic) against others.
Witchcraft could be thwarted with counter-magic provided by the cunning folk, who practiced white magic/good magic.
Dame Alice Kyteler (c. 1260) was the first recorded person condemned for witchcraft in Ireland. She was an influential noblewoman, but people didn’t like her due to her Dutch heritage. She was accused of:
renouncing the church — therefore, she obviously worshiped the devil
sacrificing animals to her demon lover
having relations with said demon lover
asking demons for advice
holding coven meetings and burning candles in the church at night without permission
making dark magic ointments and potions from body parts of unbaptized children, worms, skulls, and chicken innards, which she used to corrupt her husbands
And lastly, for bewitching and then killing her four husbands
She escaped before the trial, never to be seen again. Her servant wasn’t so lucky.
Witches are associated with animals. It’s considered one of their defining features. In some parts of the world, witches can shapeshift into animals or the their spirit travels from their body and takes the form of an animal. In other places, witches have animal helpers, known as "familiars."
German churchman and inquisitor Heinrich Kramer, aka Henricus Institor, wrote The Malleus Maleficarum. He wrote how to identify a witch by a “witch’s mark” — any unusual mole, wart, spot on the body. He wrote that torture was an awesome way to get confessions.
In the Middle Ages, you might be a witch if you were … independent, defending yourself, poor, or if you knew how to swim — since if you could swim, it’s because the water rejected you. And water rejects witches I guess.
In Sweden, Easter is celebrated with Påskkäring, or the Easter Witch. Children dress as witches and go door to door for treats on Maundy Thursday. This tradition comes from the 15th century, when it was believed that Easter was the witches’ Sabbath.
Befana, a good witch, is part of the Christmas celebration in Italy. She was busy when the Three Kings stopped by to invite her to go with them to see the Christ Child. She changed her mind and set out, but she got lost. So, now she heads out every January 5th to deliver candy and toys to children.
Witch Art
To celebrate my book, I illustrated seasonal witches. Here they are. If you’re inclined, you can buy them on shirts, mugs, etc. at my print-on-demand (POD) shops.
My POD Shops: RedBubble | Zazzle | TEEPUBLIC
Witch Book
And lastly, Bloodstone is up for presale! Get it now! You’ll love it!
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | B&N | Books2Read
Aww, your seasonal witches are so cute!