Seely wights

Fairy-like creatures at the centre of a shamanistic Scottish cult that existed in the 16th century. Members claimed to be able to enter into a trance which allowed them to fly out at night on swallows, and join with the seely wights.

Black cat

The numerous folk beliefs about black cats, and cats in general, are often contradictory. Superstitions surrounding black cats are almost certainly some of the most prevalent even today, along with the number thirteen and walking under a ladder.

Osculum infame

Ritual of a witch paying homage to the Devil by kissing his genitals, anus or feet.

Alice Nutter


One of the 11 men and women found guilty of causing harm by witchcraft in the Pendle witch trials of 1612, unique among the accused in being a respectable wealthy widow.

Newes from Scotland

1591 pamphlet describing the North Berwick witch trials in Scotland, detailing the confessions given by the accused witches before the King.

Maleficium

Act of sorcery, historically usually performed by a witch, intended to cause harm or injury.

Witch’s broomstick

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

Witchcraft Acts

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

Witchcraft Act 1735

Sometimes dated 1736, an Act of Parliament that repealed the statutes concerning witchcraft throughout Great Britain, including Scotland.