In 17th-century Britain, “proof” of witchcraft could hinge on something as ordinary as a freckle - and on the steady hand of a paid stranger with a pin.
Mention of the Inquisition in this story leads one to think that this witch pricking practice was something the Catholic Church did. But the article fails to mention this practice took place in Protestant England and Scotland, as well as in Protestant America.
Thanks for this. I have just completed a novel and a screenplay on this very subject. Christian Caddell killed 17 of my maternal ancestors - this story lives in my blood.
Different to "witch scratching" where the person who felt he/she was hexed would scratch the face of the "witch" who hexed them, drawing blood, and thus removing the curse.
Mention of the Inquisition in this story leads one to think that this witch pricking practice was something the Catholic Church did. But the article fails to mention this practice took place in Protestant England and Scotland, as well as in Protestant America.
Thanks for this. I have just completed a novel and a screenplay on this very subject. Christian Caddell killed 17 of my maternal ancestors - this story lives in my blood.
Different to "witch scratching" where the person who felt he/she was hexed would scratch the face of the "witch" who hexed them, drawing blood, and thus removing the curse.