17 Ways Witches Were Spotted Through History and Their Terrifying Trials
Take a journey back to a time when fear and mystery ruled communities and being different could be dangerous. This article unveils 17 real methods people used to spot witches throughout history. Alongside these detection techniques, you’ll hear about some of the scariest witch trials that actually happened.
From simple tests that decide someone’s fate to dramatic courtroom showdowns, these stories reveal the extremes of human fear and superstition. Get ready to explore how accusations could quickly spiral out of control, profoundly impacting lives and communities. It’s a glimpse into a past where myths and fear could dictate life and death.
The Northern Moravia Witch Trials (Late 17th Century)
In late 17th century Northern Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic, the witch hunt enthusiasm led to the execution of hundreds, sparked by seemingly minor incidents. One pivotal moment occurred during a mass when an old woman was seen saving Communion bread to feed her cow, hoping to increase milk production.
Misinterpreted as witchcraft, this act triggered a series of trials that were financially motivated, as local judges profited from the proceedings. The widespread executions eventually caused alarm among the elite, fearing they might be next. Political pressure finally ended the trials, leaving a legacy of brutality initiated by greed and superstition, reflecting on the destructive power of witch hunts fueled by economic incentives and mass hysteria.
Pricking and Scratching Test
This test involved using needles or pins to prick the accused’s body to find the “witch’s mark”—an insensible spot that did not bleed or feel pain. Witch hunters believed these marks, possibly moles, scars, or birthmarks, were made by the devil and were proof of a witch’s covenant with evil forces. The pricking test was widely employed across Europe and in some American colonies during the peak of witch hunts.
If a witch’s mark was found during the pricking, it almost always resulted in the conviction and execution of the accused. The test was highly subjective, and the implements used could be manipulated, leading to false positives. Accused witches were often tortured further or put to death based on this questionable evidence.
Weighing against a Bible
The weighing against a Bible was a method used to determine if someone was a witch by comparing their weight to that of a Bible. Witches were believed to be lighter than the sacred text, signifying their lack of spiritual substance. This test was occasionally used in parts of Europe as a way to seek tangible proof of witchcraft. The idea was that a true witch could not outweigh a holy object.
If the accused was lighter than the Bible, it was taken as evidence of their involvement in witchcraft, leading to severe penalties, typically execution or imprisonment. However, this method was not as common or as widely accepted as other tests due to its obvious unreliability and the difficulty in balancing a human against a book.
Suffolk Witch Hunts (1645)
In 1645, Suffolk, England, particularly around Bury St. Edmunds, became notorious for its witch trials, largely due to Matthew Hopkins, the self-proclaimed “Witchfinder General.” That year alone, 124 trials resulted in 18 executions during a single event. Hopkins targeted vulnerable community members, including the elderly and those involved in local disputes.
One notable victim was the 80-year-old Reverend John Lowes, who wasaccused and executed after a coerced confession. These trials were fueled by a mix of profit motive, religious extremism, and wartime societal strains, demonstrating how witch hunts could exploit community tensions for personal gain.