Enlightening. Well researched. I know very little of the topic, having ditched History, but you layed out your points well. It would have been interesting for you to have written more in-depth about religion, ie paganism etc, and its roles in the witch-craze, but this worked well.

Much love,Aero

Here I am, as I promised!

Just out of curiosity: Have you seen Black Adder? There's an episode where the "witch-craze" is shown in a wonderfully hilarious way.

And I'm always impressed by your research...

I suppose you know the true cause of the Black Death: not many cats around to keep the vermin population under control... (OK, so I'm biased ;))

*Historians recognise Jews, heretics and witches as the best known scapegoat groups* What about gypsies?

*only the earliest examples of wicked and deviant women* Lilith comes to mind...

*This woman lives alone in the woods, and spends her days working at her cauldron, her frightening features illuminated with eerie green light* Blame Shakespear for it, I'd say. :)

Anyway, as a pagan and a feminist, I really liked your essay. Many of the facts stated I had already read elsewhere, but your presentation was practically flawless.

I might use it for reference in the future, if you don't mind. Giving full credit, of course.

Oh, and it goes to my favs list.