In the realm of folklore and superstitions, the image of a witch conjures up an array of terrifying thoughts and mystifying tales. One such intriguing narrative is that of a witch attending the "Zabbath," a gathering of witches believed to occur under the moonlight. These clandestine meetings have been the subject of fascination and fear for centuries. Legend has it that a witch would make her way to the Zabbath by employing various means - from riding a broomstick, to using potions and spells. The purpose of these gatherings was said to be twofold: firstly, for witches to commune with one another, exchanging knowledge and sharing experiences; and secondly, to pay homage to their patron deity or entities, often symbolized as dark forces. Witches believed that during the Zabbath, they could tap into a wellspring of supernatural power and enhance their magical abilities.
Hans Fründ, Report on Witchcraft in Valais
It had been developed from a long tradition of ecclesiastical and secular persecution of the practice of illicit magic, an act deemed wildly heretical. An understanding of the existence and reality of the Sabbath grew rapidly in the fifteenth century due to its wide appearance in a multitude of contemporary texts.
Witches believed that during the Zabbath, they could tap into a wellspring of supernatural power and enhance their magical abilities. It was said that they could fly through the air to reach these gatherings, crossing vast distances with swiftness and stealth. The Zabbath was also a place where witches could cast new spells, partake in rituals, and engage in divination to predict the future.
Origins of the Witches’ Sabbath
“These translations by Michael Bailey, with his rich and up-to-date introductions and notes, will finally give readers of English access to these sources, which are essential for any historical work worthy of the name.” —Martine Ostorero, author of Le diable au sabbat. Littérature démonologique et sorcellerie (1440–1460)
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While the perception of magic as harmful is age-old, the notion of witches gathering together in large numbers, overtly worshiping demons, and receiving instruction in how to work harmful magic as part of a conspiratorial plot against Christian society was an innovation of the early fifteenth century. The sources collected in this book reveal this concept in its formative stages.
The idea that witches were members of organized heretical sects or part of a vast diabolical conspiracy crystalized most clearly in a handful of texts written in the 1430s and clustered geographically around the arc of the western Alps. Michael D. Bailey presents accessible English translations of the five oldest surviving texts describing the witches’ sabbath and of two witch trials from the period. These sources, some of which were previously unavailable in English or available only in incomplete or out-of-date translations, show how perceptions of witchcraft shifted from a general belief in harmful magic practiced by individuals to a conspiratorial and organized threat that led to the witch hunts that shook northern Europe and went on to influence conceptions of diabolical witchcraft for centuries to come.
Origins of the Witches’ Sabbath makes freshly available a profoundly important group of texts that are key to understanding the cultural context of this dark chapter in Europe’s history. It will be especially valuable to those studying the history of witchcraft, medieval and early modern legal history, religion and theology, magic, and esotericism.
“These translations by Michael Bailey, with his rich and up-to-date introductions and notes, will finally give readers of English access to these sources, which are essential for any historical work worthy of the name.” —Martine Ostorero, author of Le diable au sabbat. Littérature démonologique et sorcellerie (1440–1460)
“These are extremely important texts that merit wide attention in English. They are absolutely crucial to understanding the origins of ecclesiastical concern over what common people had long described as witchcraft but had been largely dismissed as impossible and/or illusory since the tenth century.” —Walter Stephens, author of Demon Lovers: Witchcraft, Sex, and the Crisis of Belief
“This is a revealing volume of texts, newly translated by Michael Bailey, an expert in the history of witchcraft. They include secular as well as religious writers, given that witchcraft was a felony as well as a heresy.” —Malcolm Gaskill, Fortean Times
Michael D. Bailey is Professor of History at Iowa State University and the author of five books on magic, superstition, and witchcraft, including Battling Demons: Witchcraft, Heresy, and Reform in the Late Middle Ages, also published by Penn State University Press.
Hans Fründ, Report on Witchcraft in Valais
Claude Tholosan, So That the Errors of Magicians
Anonymous, Errors of the Gazarii
Johannes Nider, Anthill
Anonymous, The Vauderie of Lyon
A Pair of Fifteenth-Century Trials
Download a PDF sample chapter here: Introduction
While the perception of magic as harmful is age-old, the notion of witches gathering together in large numbers, overtly worshiping demons, and receiving instruction in how to work harmful magic as part of a conspiratorial plot against Christian society was an innovation of the early fifteenth century. The sources collected in this book reveal this concept in its formative stages.
Descriptions of the Zabbath vary, but common characteristics include a secluded location, such as a desolate forest, cave, or even a secluded mountaintop. These settings were chosen for their supposed mystical energy and isolation from the mundane world. Many tales also speak of music, dancing, and feasting at the Zabbath, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly revelry. Fear of the Zabbath and its attendees has long been pervasive. In medieval Europe, where accusations of witchcraft were taken very seriously, these gatherings were viewed as malevolent and heretical. In fact, many witch trials and executions were based on the mere suspicion of participation in such gatherings. The concept of witchcraft and the Zabbath have captivated the human imagination for centuries, giving rise to countless works of literature, art, and popular culture. From Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to modern-day TV shows, the image of witches attending the Zabbath has become deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. While the beliefs and rituals surrounding the Zabbath may seem fantastical to some, they offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of spiritual practices and mythologies that have shaped our world. Whether seen as symbols of power, rebellion, or demonic forces, the allure of the witch and her clandestine journey to the Zabbath continues to captivate and intrigue..
Reviews for "The Significance of Food and Drink in a Witch's Zabbath"
1. Sarah - 2 stars:
I was really looking forward to "Witch going to the zabbath" after hearing so much hype about it, but I was left disappointed. The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and their motivations were unclear. The writing style was also jarring, with awkward sentences and poor grammar. Overall, I found this book to be a major letdown.
2. Mark - 1 star:
I couldn't even finish "Witch going to the zabbath". The plot was confusing and convoluted, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The pacing was all over the place, with slow moments dragging on and action-packed scenes feeling rushed. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural. It's rare for me to abandon a book, but this one just wasn't worth my time.
3. Emily - 2 stars:
I had high hopes for "Witch going to the zabbath" as I'm a fan of supernatural thrillers, but this one missed the mark for me. The story was predictable, and I found myself guessing the twists and turns early on. The writing was also lackluster, with repetitive phrases and cliché descriptions. I couldn't connect with the main character, who felt flat and uninteresting. Overall, this book failed to captivate my attention and left me feeling underwhelmed.
4. Christopher - 1 star:
I found "Witch going to the zabbath" to be incredibly boring. The pacing was extremely slow, and the author seemed to focus more on unnecessary details rather than developing a compelling plot. The book lacked tension and suspense, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The ending was lackluster and didn't provide a satisfying resolution. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating read.