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Witchcraft and the Patriarchy: Unearthing Herstory
Ashley Michaud • October 13, 2023
In the annals of history, the tales of witches, their trials, and persecution have been etched into our collective memory. However, beneath this male-dominated narrative lies another story, one that has been overshadowed, marginalized, and often erased - herstory. Before delving into the atrocities committed against those accused of witchcraft, it is crucial to recognize the empowering aspects of womanhood, which were celebrated and revered in ancient times.
The Awe-Inspiring Power of Women
In ages past, women held a profound connection with the cycles of life. The ability to bring forth new life, nourish it with their breast, and provide sustenance from their bodies was considered nothing short of miraculous. Women embodied the nurturing and providing aspects of Mother Nature herself, reflecting the innate magic of their gender.
The Patriarchal Reframe
Over time, these empowering qualities underwent a patriarchal reframing. The very traits that made women formidable, such as their ability to speak out, share knowledge, and demonstrate strength, were no longer celebrated but instead vilified. Women who possessed these qualities were perceived as threats to the male-dominated power structures.
These wise women were the guardians of sacred knowledge, possessing a vast array of skills encompassing the observation of seasonal customs, the art of healing, stargazing, divination, and the ability to foresee and understand the future's roots in the past and present. They held the spiritual lives of their communities dear, and this precious knowledge was transmitted through generations primarily through oral traditions, songs, and memory rather than written records.
The Great Mother and Nature Worship
For thousands of years, cultures worldwide venerated a mother goddess, the embodiment of both masculine and feminine energies, a symbol of creation, and the mysteries lying within and between polarities. This devotion to the Great Mother nurtured a profound spiritual connection and guided humanity in understanding the mysteries of life.
The Patriarchal Takeover
However, it is no mere coincidence that the deliberate disconnection from the Great Mother occurred, alongside the banishment of goddess worship from the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, a patriarchal takeover transpired, and humanity was estranged from its nurturing parent. This shift introduced a controlling, profit-driven, and ego-centric "father figure" represented by patriarchal religions.
The notion of sacred bodies, communal living, and service became incompatible with the emerging capitalist ethos. Thus, the destruction of community connections and shared wisdom commenced, replaced by greed, control, and ego. The church, wealthy landowners, and merchant classes sought to transform the masses into a labor force obedient to the pursuit of money. To achieve this, they needed to convert the mystical into a machine.
The Suppression of Women's Magic and Power
This transition was accompanied by the suppression of spiritual beliefs, the eradication of sacred initiation practices into adulthood, and the disempowerment of women's magical agency. Without the Great Mother, both men and women were left in a state of spiritual infancy, inundated daily with fear to ensure obedience and dependence.
The patriarchal structures constructed to maintain this dynamic have persisted through the ages, affecting women in various ways, even in contemporary society. Examples include "mansplaining," the gender pay gap, body hair removal standards, and various forms of violence, all perpetuating the narrative that women are inherently flawed and need "fixing."
The Christian Co-Option of Pagan Traditions
While Christianity became established across Europe, the transition wasn't instant. Pagan beliefs vastly outnumbered Christianity. Consequently, the church assimilated pagan deities, turning them into recognizable Christian saints, and incorporated pagan festivities into Christian holidays. For instance, December 25th, originally a pagan solstice celebration, was repurposed as Christmas. This adaptation was more straightforward than inventing entirely new celebrations.
The Great Mother's Demotion
Yet, when Christianity finally took root, it sought to erase pagan influences entirely. Suddenly, the Great Mother was reduced to the status of a virginal intermediary between humanity and a male God. Statues of the mother depicted her without hands, symbolizing her sterilization and sanitization. However, the term "virgin" deserves reclamation, as it once signified sexual independence and strength rather than the contemporary association with sexual inexperience.
The Persecution of Wise Women
In the witch hunts that followed, women, particularly healers, midwives, and those with knowledge of herbal lore, bore the brunt of the persecution. Women's ability to practice practical everyday magic, such as healing, herbalism, midwifery, and potion-making, was seen as a threat to the emerging patriarchal order. The Church, in conjunction with emerging male medical practitioners, sought to assert control over the medical domain, leading to the persecution of knowledgeable women.
The Hammer of the Witches
In 1484, the Church produced a manual for hunting witches known as "The Hammer of the Witches." This manual outlined alleged witch activities, which provided a framework for their persecution. It presented witches as conspirators who consorted with demons to manipulate crops, birth, and curses. Such accusations would later become absurd, targeting anyone with a cat, knowledge of herbalism, or even the ability to communicate with animals.
The Sadistic Tortures of Accused Women
During the witch hunts, countless women endured unspeakable torture. They were stripped naked, shaved, and subjected to cruel examinations by men. The "witch prickers" used seemingly blunt silver rods to identify witches, piercing their flesh, causing excruciating pain. The torture methods employed were sadistic, and women were subjected to agonizing ordeals.
The Ostracization of Wise Women
The witch hunts not only inflicted physical torment but also tore apart communities. Older women, often the carriers of traditional wisdom and customs, became targets. They moved from house to house, sharing stories and wisdom. However, these practices posed a threat to the modernizers who sought to dismantle established traditions and relationships.
The Birth of a New, Compliant Model of Femininity
The witch hunts fundamentally reshaped societal expectations of women. In Renaissance Europe and North America, a new model of femininity emerged. Women were expected to be obedient, submissive, and sexless. Menstrual blood and women's reproductive cycles, once revered, became sources of shame and sin. Women were relegated to the role of mere reproducers, and their power was systematically dismantled.
Unearthing the Truth: Embracing Herstory
As we revisit the witch hunts and other historical events, we must question the motives behind the accounts we encounter. His story was penned predominantly by men with agendas to uphold the Church's supremacy and suppress the voices of women. To reclaim herstory, we must critically examine and share alternative narratives, each shaped by our perspectives, feelings, and beliefs. By doing so, we reconstruct history from a more inclusive and accurate lens.
The witch hunts were not just a dark chapter in history; they were a femicide of unimaginable proportions. Women, healers, midwives, and wise women paid the price for their knowledge and independence. It is our duty to remember their stories and honor their resilience. By unveiling herstory, we unravel the shackles of the patriarchal narrative and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Unearth the magic within you and reclaim your power. Let's embark on a transformative journey together. Contact me now for personalized coaching sessions and rediscover the strength and wisdom rooted in herstory.
Resources:
- WITCH, By Lisa Lister, along with her other works out of the UK
- Caballé, A. (2012). "The Hammer of Witches: A Complete Translation of the Malleus Maleficarum." Cambridge University Press.
- Starhawk. (1979). "The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess." HarperOne.
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