Counter witch trials refer to a period in history when individuals sought to challenge and oppose the prevailing witch trials that plagued societies during the 15th to 18th centuries. These counter witch trials emerged as a response to the belief in witchcraft, which was widespread and deeply entrenched in many communities. During this time, witch trials were conducted to identify and persecute individuals believed to be practicing witchcraft. Accusations of witchcraft often arose due to societal fears, religious beliefs, or personal vendettas. These trials resulted in the torture, imprisonment, and execution of thousands of individuals, primarily women. The counter witch trials formed as a reaction to the injustices and, at times, atrocities committed during the witch trials.
The lecture will be followed by a book signing with Dr. Baker and his work, A Storm of Witchcraft.
Baker of the Salem State University History Department will talk about why folk magic was far more common in colonial New England than most of us realize. Daisy wheel marks, witch bottles, well-worn shoes by fireplaces or a horseshoe over a doorway are examples of the counter-magic employed to protect homes and families from evil.
The counter witch trials formed as a reaction to the injustices and, at times, atrocities committed during the witch trials. They were characterized by attempts to challenge the legitimacy and fairness of the proceedings, appealing to reason, evidence, and compassion. One significant example of counter witch trials is the Salem Witch Trials in colonial Massachusetts, which took place from 1692 to 1693.
Deliver Us From Evil: Counter-Magic in Early New England — October 3, 2018
This looks really interesting! I love learning about early American folk magic, healers, etc.
Per the Facebook event:
“Emerson W. Baker of the Salem State University History Department will talk about why folk magic was far more common in colonial New England than most of us realize. Daisy wheel marks, witch bottles, well-worn shoes by fireplaces or a horseshoe over a doorway are examples of the counter-magic employed to protect homes and families from evil. They are also evidence that New Englanders dabbled in magic, and feared witches and supernatural forces long after the Salem witch trials ended.
The lecture will be followed by a book signing with Dr. Baker and his work, A Storm of Witchcraft.
This lecture is $10.00 for the general public and free for members of The Gables. Advance tickets will go on sale for this lecture mid-July, 2018.
For more information, email [email protected], or call 978-744-0991 ext. 152.
Emerson “Tad” Baker is interim dean of Graduate and Professional Studies and a professor of History at Salem State University. He is the award-winning author of many works on the history of and archaeology of early New England, including A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience. He has served as an advisor for PBS-TV’s American Experience and Colonial House. Baker is a member of the Gallows Hill Project team who recently confirmed the witch trials execution site, and he has co-authored an iPhone app on the witchcraft crisis.”
This event takes place on October 3, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. Salem, MA 01970. Enjoy!!
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Per the Facebook event:
“Emerson W. Baker of the Salem State University History Department will talk about why folk magic was far more common in colonial New England than most of us realize. Daisy wheel marks, witch bottles, well-worn shoes by fireplaces or a horseshoe over a doorway are examples of the counter-magic employed to protect homes and families from evil. They are also evidence that New Englanders dabbled in magic, and feared witches and supernatural forces long after the Salem witch trials ended.
During these trials, several individuals were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. However, a growing number of individuals, including religious leaders, began to question the evidence and proceedings of the trials. Reverend Increase Mather and his son, Cotton Mather, prominent religious figures at the time, expressed doubts about the validity of the trials and the use of spectral evidence. They argued that it was imperative to have solid evidence and a fair trial before condemning someone as a witch. Additionally, other members of the community, such as Governor William Phips, became increasingly concerned about the mounting number of accusations and executions. As a response, he halted the trials and dissolved the court responsible for handling witchcraft cases. The counter witch trials during the Salem Witch Trials played a crucial role in ending the mass hysteria surrounding witchcraft accusations and highlighting the need for fair trials based on concrete evidence. In addition to the Salem Witch Trials, counter witch trials also occurred in other parts of Europe, such as the Vaud Witch Trials in Switzerland during the 17th century. These trials were notable for the emergence of skeptical attitudes and demands for solid evidence, leading to reduced reliance on torture and increasingly balanced legal proceedings. Overall, counter witch trials represented a significant turning point in the history of witch trials. They marked the beginning of the decline in the belief in witchcraft and the recognition of the importance of fair trials and evidence-based justice. These efforts paved the way for the eventual abandonment of witch trials and the recognition of the harm caused by baseless accusations and persecution..
Reviews for "The Intellectual Revolution: How Rational Thought Transformed Counter Witch Trials"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Counter Witch Trial" as I love fantasy novels, but I was left disappointed. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with many unexplained elements. The characters were also quite underdeveloped and lacked depth. It felt like the author was trying to include too many ideas in one story, which made the overall experience frustrating. Despite some interesting concepts, the execution fell short for me.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Counter Witch Trial" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was tedious and repetitive, making it difficult to get invested in the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, with characters spouting exposition instead of having meaningful conversations. Furthermore, there were numerous grammatical errors and typos throughout the book, which further detracted from my reading experience. I wouldn't recommend this novel to anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a fan of fantasy and magic-themed books, I was excited to read "Counter Witch Trial." However, I found it to be quite predictable and lacking in originality. The world-building was weak, with not enough depth or detail to truly immerse myself in the story. The pacing was also uneven, with sections that dragged on unnecessarily and others that felt rushed. Overall, while "Counter Witch Trial" had potential, it failed to deliver a captivating or unique reading experience.
4. Michael - 2 stars - While "Counter Witch Trial" had an intriguing premise, I felt that the execution was lackluster. The writing style was bland, and the narrative lacked the necessary suspense and tension to keep me engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked relatability, making it difficult to care about their fates. Additionally, there were several plot holes and inconsistencies that further diminished my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I found "Counter Witch Trial" to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.