Witchcraft (38 pages found in this category)


Witch’s broomstick

Broomsticks smeared with flying ointment were supposed to give witches the power of flight.

Witch’s familiar

Demonic spirit who attends upon a witch, possessing magical powers that can be used for good or evil. Often taking the form of a small animal such as a cat.

Witchcraft Act 1542

Redirected to Witchcraft Acts.

Witchcraft Act 1563

Redirected to Witchcraft Acts.

Witchcraft Act 1604

Redirected to Witchcraft Acts.

Witchcraft Act 1735

Sometimes dated 1736, an Act of Parliament that repealed the statutes concerning witchcraft throughout Great Britain, including Scotland.

Witchcraft Acts

Series of Acts passed by the Parliaments of England and Scotland making witchcraft a secular offence punishable by death.

Witchcraft in Orkney

Witchcraft in Orkney possibly has its roots in the settlement of Norsemen on the archipelago from the eighth century onwards. Until the early modern period magical powers were accepted as part of the general lifestyle, but witch-hunts began on the mainland of Scotland in about 1550.