Women’s reproductive rights in the hands of male relugious zealouts - still terrifying. This fantastic piece draws me to think how women have forgotten or deny their body wisdom & power but DEEP down they hear the witch whispering within. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Be careful when you write these things because it aims to provide an explanans for witch hunting. As you stated rightly in your text, the printing press was important to diffuse ideas much more broadly then ever before. But it was also important for literacy and brain plasticity (« the letter. Box ») and thus an important tool to cultural evolution ( see Joe Henrich on this). But claiming that the printing press is somewhat causal to witch hunting is absurd. It is just an augmented mean for the diffusion of ideas. It is like claiming that the invention of the telephone is causal of murder or genocide. I also do not like your tone for diminishing Gutenberg (« a white probably ci-gendered male of German descendence) .
Thank you Sarah for the wise words. The witch trials were in the past but I can’t help but compare it with what is happening today with our reproductive rights. I think the men in the Supreme Court are the modern-day “witch hunters”. Goddess help us!
As well they should be, yes? No matter how much worldly power men have, women still hold the fundamental power of bringing life, along with their innate wisdom; as Sarah and Katie put it, "the witch within" and, "instinctual wisdom."
This was fascinating. I would have never thought to connect the printing press and witchhunts. And I appreciate the way you thread the needle between that and the modern day online echo chambers of toxic masculinity.
Indded a cautionary tale - and all too timely. I didn't know that demonizing "witches" had its root in the Old Testament. Out of curiosity, I searched for translations of that Bible verse (there are both Greek translations from the Hebrew, and subsequent translations, including the King James translation in common use today. Much of the latter would not have considered the context in which Exodus was written. I found this article about the history of the possible mistranslation (and subsequent propagandization) of the Hebrew word "mekhashepha" of interest.
In an excellent 2017 article in Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, the author offers this speculation: "The Septuagint was written by Jewish scholars in ancient Egypt, who were fluent in both Greek and Hebrew. that lends credence to the theory that the Hebrew word really did refer more to herbalists or poisoners, not maleficent spell-casters."
The root (pardon the pun) of modern pharmaceutical medicine is based on plant medicine, but knowledge of this has been removed from our everday world so that Big Pharma can profit.
I wonder if there is not an equal need for those who practice herbalism and know its ancient roots, like you, to educate us more broadly about what the ancients--including many smart and powerful women across millennia--knew and practiced, to the benefit of the afflicted among them. How could that knowledge transform our view of the wise women among us?
I have kids and no cat, but I have some modest herb knowledge and used to be active in the midwifery and doula spaces. There was a magazine called The Compleat Mother that drew a straight line from witches to midwifery and often noted that they were still “burning us.” I loved that little zine!
In Scotland, and likely in other countries as well, some witchcraft accusations explicitly cited 'midwifery' as a valid reason for a woman to be burned at the stake...
Thank you for writing this! I was reading ‘Witchcraft a history in three trials’ earlier this year and was shocked at how eerily similar it is to modern day misogyny/racism/othering. I would absolutely be burned at the stake in another era
Interesting article! But I take issue with the following claim: "At no other point in history have women faced such a large-scale, legally sanctioned, and religiously endorsed campaign of violent misogyny as during the period of European witch hunts". I would say that violent misogyny is pretty commonplace today within fundamentalist Islam, and I view it as one of the greatest threats to Western civilization, as their actions are not confined to "the manosphere".
This is brilliant analysis linking together historic events in a meaningful way. Understanding the persecution of witches as an attack on female knowledge and solidarity enabled by new technology makes much more sense than a bizarre religious enthusiasm that spiked suddenly. Perhaps we could make the same parallel between MAGA and social media. Misogyny and its hold on power is robust and persistent. Thanks.
WOW! Lately my thoughts have been occupied by the connection between women’s sexual repression and misogyny. My experience has been that men basically want to practice “wham bam thank you ma’am” and become angry and defensive if there is any indication that what they want to do sexually is not only NOT pleasurable but often painful and/or distasteful! I see the connection between genital mutilation and men not wanting to find out what is pleasurable to a woman and being offended that what they like isn’t “appreciated”! I see the connection between being taught that our bodies are shameful and therefore that a woman’s sexual satisfaction is unimportant! And, I totally get the undercurrent of fury carried quietly by so many women!
I am part of a group of spiritual women, I grow herbs and I often connect with nature in the forest, I cook with my senses and invent recipes, and I feel deep within that lost voice of the feminine intuition, that urge to listen to my body and honour myself more 🧚🏻♂️ I read a lot about midwifery while I was pregnant with all my babies. I feel that our intuition at a global level has been dormant for centuries and recently some things are shifting. I don’t even know why I am writing about this 🫣 I usually write about parenting, motherhood and travels. I just wanted to thank you for this wonderfully constructed article 🙏
I frequently remind my readers that a full blown witch hunt is alway only a breath away, born on the whispers of men loathe the idea of women with autonomy and power. And now they are calling us baby killers again.
Women’s reproductive rights in the hands of male relugious zealouts - still terrifying. This fantastic piece draws me to think how women have forgotten or deny their body wisdom & power but DEEP down they hear the witch whispering within. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you! That deep, instinctual wisdom holds so much power. I hope more women start tuning in and embracing it.
Well-said.
Be careful when you write these things because it aims to provide an explanans for witch hunting. As you stated rightly in your text, the printing press was important to diffuse ideas much more broadly then ever before. But it was also important for literacy and brain plasticity (« the letter. Box ») and thus an important tool to cultural evolution ( see Joe Henrich on this). But claiming that the printing press is somewhat causal to witch hunting is absurd. It is just an augmented mean for the diffusion of ideas. It is like claiming that the invention of the telephone is causal of murder or genocide. I also do not like your tone for diminishing Gutenberg (« a white probably ci-gendered male of German descendence) .
oh snap Katie this man does not like your tone!
Thank you Sarah for the wise words. The witch trials were in the past but I can’t help but compare it with what is happening today with our reproductive rights. I think the men in the Supreme Court are the modern-day “witch hunters”. Goddess help us!
Indeed, that is precisely what they are, in the latest incarnation.
Religulous zealots indeed. Scratch the surface of any zealotry, and you will always find JEALOUSY. Men have always been zealously jealous of women.
As well they should be, yes? No matter how much worldly power men have, women still hold the fundamental power of bringing life, along with their innate wisdom; as Sarah and Katie put it, "the witch within" and, "instinctual wisdom."
Very true indeed.
This was fascinating. I would have never thought to connect the printing press and witchhunts. And I appreciate the way you thread the needle between that and the modern day online echo chambers of toxic masculinity.
Indeed, and with Elon Musk turning Twitter into the new 4chan on steroids, it will only get worse.
Brilliant historical commentary - love its multiple context. Will share it with some important friends.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it—and appreciate you sharing it!
Excellent BBC podcast series The Coming Storm starts with the same premise to examine right wing politics in the internet age. Good stuff!
Yes, a fascinating podcast. I’ve just finished listening to Adam Gatehouse’e second instalment which I thoroughly recommend.👍
Thanks for this history reminder. We don't seem to evolve much - just rinse & repeat.
Unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself.
And even if it doesn't repeat itself exactly, it sure does rhyme!
Indded a cautionary tale - and all too timely. I didn't know that demonizing "witches" had its root in the Old Testament. Out of curiosity, I searched for translations of that Bible verse (there are both Greek translations from the Hebrew, and subsequent translations, including the King James translation in common use today. Much of the latter would not have considered the context in which Exodus was written. I found this article about the history of the possible mistranslation (and subsequent propagandization) of the Hebrew word "mekhashepha" of interest.
In an excellent 2017 article in Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, the author offers this speculation: "The Septuagint was written by Jewish scholars in ancient Egypt, who were fluent in both Greek and Hebrew. that lends credence to the theory that the Hebrew word really did refer more to herbalists or poisoners, not maleficent spell-casters."
The root (pardon the pun) of modern pharmaceutical medicine is based on plant medicine, but knowledge of this has been removed from our everday world so that Big Pharma can profit.
I wonder if there is not an equal need for those who practice herbalism and know its ancient roots, like you, to educate us more broadly about what the ancients--including many smart and powerful women across millennia--knew and practiced, to the benefit of the afflicted among them. How could that knowledge transform our view of the wise women among us?
I have kids and no cat, but I have some modest herb knowledge and used to be active in the midwifery and doula spaces. There was a magazine called The Compleat Mother that drew a straight line from witches to midwifery and often noted that they were still “burning us.” I loved that little zine!
In Scotland, and likely in other countries as well, some witchcraft accusations explicitly cited 'midwifery' as a valid reason for a woman to be burned at the stake...
Makes sense---it's the double whammy of power. Women who can bring forth life in themselves, AND help other women to do so.
Obviously, a real threat to men. /s
Very true indeed
Thank you for writing this! I was reading ‘Witchcraft a history in three trials’ earlier this year and was shocked at how eerily similar it is to modern day misogyny/racism/othering. I would absolutely be burned at the stake in another era
An astrologer---who's a wiccan priestess---once told me I'd been killed for being a witch in several previous incarnations. Creepy!
A brilliant article, thank you!
Thank you for reading, glad you enjoyed it!
I love articles that make connections I haven’t come across before <3 Something I aim to do as well :)
Really fascinating insight- thank you!
Thank you!
Sharing widely. On and off social media. Thank you.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Interesting article! But I take issue with the following claim: "At no other point in history have women faced such a large-scale, legally sanctioned, and religiously endorsed campaign of violent misogyny as during the period of European witch hunts". I would say that violent misogyny is pretty commonplace today within fundamentalist Islam, and I view it as one of the greatest threats to Western civilization, as their actions are not confined to "the manosphere".
And trans ideology-absolutely misogynist in its views and reaction to women who challenge it.
This is brilliant analysis linking together historic events in a meaningful way. Understanding the persecution of witches as an attack on female knowledge and solidarity enabled by new technology makes much more sense than a bizarre religious enthusiasm that spiked suddenly. Perhaps we could make the same parallel between MAGA and social media. Misogyny and its hold on power is robust and persistent. Thanks.
WOW! Lately my thoughts have been occupied by the connection between women’s sexual repression and misogyny. My experience has been that men basically want to practice “wham bam thank you ma’am” and become angry and defensive if there is any indication that what they want to do sexually is not only NOT pleasurable but often painful and/or distasteful! I see the connection between genital mutilation and men not wanting to find out what is pleasurable to a woman and being offended that what they like isn’t “appreciated”! I see the connection between being taught that our bodies are shameful and therefore that a woman’s sexual satisfaction is unimportant! And, I totally get the undercurrent of fury carried quietly by so many women!
I am part of a group of spiritual women, I grow herbs and I often connect with nature in the forest, I cook with my senses and invent recipes, and I feel deep within that lost voice of the feminine intuition, that urge to listen to my body and honour myself more 🧚🏻♂️ I read a lot about midwifery while I was pregnant with all my babies. I feel that our intuition at a global level has been dormant for centuries and recently some things are shifting. I don’t even know why I am writing about this 🫣 I usually write about parenting, motherhood and travels. I just wanted to thank you for this wonderfully constructed article 🙏
Gabriela, brilliant comment! I, too, think there's a global shift going on. It's always darkest before the dawn.
I frequently remind my readers that a full blown witch hunt is alway only a breath away, born on the whispers of men loathe the idea of women with autonomy and power. And now they are calling us baby killers again.