The Witch Craze (also called: 'Burning Times') and Inquisition.

This is what i've read in 'Wicca Made Easy' book by Phyllis Curott:

In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII published a papal edict authorizing the use of torture to elict confessions of Witchcraft (which has yet to be rescinded).

Two years later, two german monks published a handbook called 'Malleus Maleficiarum', an anti-woman screed on how to fulfill the Pope's orders, and in 1542, Pope Paul III established the Holy Office of the Inquisition (which also continues to this day).

It is considered that the Witchcraze, or Burning Times started in the late 1300s and finally ended 500 years later in the early 1800s.

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See also, if You wish:
> [ About witch-hunting and about the 'Burning Times' ],
> [ Inkubus Sukkubus - 'Burning Times' ].

About witch-hunting and about the 'Burning Times'.

I've watched a film in the internet, where this topic (of burning times, of witch-hunts) was explored.

Perhaps many would disagree, but not all of killed people were witches, yet they were called such during the trials.

Conclusion of this film was that term 'Witch' was used to accuse individuals unwelcomed by land-rulers.


'So... this guy is problematic and needs to be killed. We have no law reason to do so? Let's just call him/her a Witch'.


While there were people who truly hated witchcraft, many were tolerant... as the wise women were good at herbalism and at healing common peasants. Landowners tended to ignore them, as they were useful - not only because peasant morale-raising practices.

During the 'Burning Times', real Witches were a minority among people accused of Witchcraft and killed because of that reason.


Also, i think that term: 'Witch' was used in Sectarian Wars, between Catholics, Protestants and Lutherans, probably Calvinists as well.

(by definition, Sect is movement of religious protest).

Inkubus Sukkubus - 'Burning Times'.