History Of Witches - What Is A Witch?

What is a Witch?

The word “witch” derives from the Old English word wicca.  Originally dating back to the 15^th Century, wicca  meant “wise one”, with the earliest references to these words in Old English always seeming to be associated with fortune telling and “teaching”.  Along with this, a “wise one” or more commonly a “wise woman”, was a particular, respected person within a community. Women who had the skills of midwifery or holistic healing with natural plants were once highly thought of.

There is great documentary, “The Burning Times” (which can be watched on Amazon) which explains the beginning of the destruction of an organic way of life, This happened once the Witch Hunters arrived, working for monetary gain, beginning around 1586.  

The last execution for witchcraft in England took place in 1716, when Mary Hicks and her daughter Elizabeth were hanged. Janet Horne was executed for witchcraft in Scotland in 1727. The Witchcraft Act of 1735 put an end to the traditional form of witchcraft as a legal offense in Britain. Thereafter, being discovered to practise mediumship or healing did not mean a life sentence.

The word ‘witch’ still to this day can bring up illusions of old hags with warts and scary Halloween masks.  Is that really how it was?  Next time you picture a witch like this, remember the thousands of innocent women who were murdered for trying to help others.

Thankfully nowadays people who have compassion and empathy or who have healing or psychic skills, are no longer tainted with the same brush.

Thanks for reading.

Anya - 600052