The most significant difference between England and New England during their witch hunts and trials was their ways of punishing. In New England those who confessed to their supposed crimes were not put to death like in England just imprisonment. Only those who denied the accusations were executed. It is said that one hundred and fifty people were accused of witchcraft and of those fifty-five were found guilty and convicted. After time these prisoners were set free and in the 1711, the General Court declared the use of spectral evidence unlawful and they reversed twenty-two of the guilty convictions. Finally in 1957 the Common Wealth of Massachusetts reversed the remaining convictions. At this time they also acknowledged the errors that has been made so long ago, and that because of those mistakes a lot of incorrect information and made it's way to the forefront.
How Was Witchcraft Reinvented?
The religion of Witchcraft seemed to have vanished, but it only appeared that way due to the large number of witches who had gone into hiding. Even though underground they continued to practice their ways, passing their traditions on to family members and sometimes a select few that were allowed initiation into a coven. The religion of Witchcraft was still very much alive. Unfortunately most who practiced were too afraid to come forward and combat the vicious rumours being spread about their religious beliefs.
In 1921 a woman named Dr .Margaret Murray published a book entitled "Witch Cult in Western Europe". In her book she discussed a pre-Christian religion called Witchcraft. Although there were many people who disputed her opinions, the book itself held important information and brought the religion of Witchcraft out from the shadows and once again into the publics eye. Dr. Murray's second book "God of the Witches" came out in 1931, it's purpose was simply to elaborate on her previous opinions and comments. Trying to once again open the closed doors of communication.
England repealed the last Witchcraft law in 1951, replacing it with a new law the Fraudulent Mediums Act. This opened the door for many authors, allowing them to no longer be afraid of publishing a non-fiction book based on Witchcraft, and other Pagan religions. Some of the first to take this step was the late Gerald Gardner who formed the religion of Wicca. Another was Raymond Buckland who was initiated in Perth, Scotland, and was considered responsible for bringing Gardnerian Wicca to the United States. Also Sybil Leek and Laurie Cabot, they to came to America bringing with them and writing about their own family and European traditions, many others followed in their footsteps.
Now a days the definition of Witchcraft differs depending on who you ask, ranging in a variety of aspects and factors such as; magic, religion, spirits as well as ritual. Throughout history there have been many well known witches both real and fictional. A few of these include, the North Berwick Witches of Scotland sixteenth century. A group of witches put to death, when they were accused of causing a storm, with the intention of killing King James the first. Dr .Margaret Jones was the first witch to be executed throughout the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the sixteen hundreds. She was accused when her patients became sickened, when in reality her patients her became sick when they did not take their prescribed medicine. Some of the more famous fictional witches include Samantha from the much loved television show "Bewitched", another example is the famous movie character Harry Potter, from series of movies directed towards a younger audience. The last example is the delightful Sabrina from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. A show for younger audiences, where the world of magic is dealt with in a fun, and positive way.
The views on Witchcraft has changed in the minds of many a lot since the days of persecution. Many now promote Witchcraft as a Pagan religion, which is not associated with Christianity or the Devil. Stating most witches actions foster only the best of intentions. People today are becoming more and more drawn to reconnecting with the old ways. Witchcraft as a Religion just keeps growing in both it's beliefs and practices as well as it's numbers.
