Observations for the discovery of witches

These ‘rules’ first appeared in The Laws Against Witches And Conjuration, published in 1645. I got it from Killer Cults: Murderous Messiahs And Thier Fanatical Followers by Brian Lane.

1) These witches have a familiar, or spirit, which appeareth to them; sometimes in one shape, sometimes in another, and in the shape of a man, woman, boy dog, cat, foal, fowl, hare, rat toad, etc. And to these their spirits they gave names, and they meet together to Christen them.

2) Their said familiars hath some big or little teat upon thier body, where they sucketh them; and besides their sucking, the Devil leaveth other marks on their body, sometimes like a blue-spot, or red-spot, like a flea biting, sometimes the flesh sucked in and hollow, all which for a time may be covered, yea taken away, but will come again to their old form. And these Devil’s marks be insensible, and being pricked will not bleed; and be often in their private parts, and therefore require diligent and careful search.

3) They often have pictures of clay or wax (like a man, etc. made of such they could bewitch) found in their house, or which they roast or bury in the earth, as the picture consumes, so may the parties bewitched consume.

4) There are other persumptions against these witches; as is they be given to the usual cursing, and bitter imprecations, or some other mischief presently followeth.

5) Their implicit confession, as when any shall accuse them for hurting them or their cattle, they shall answer, ‘You should have let me alone then’, or, ‘I have not hurt you as yet’: These and the like speeches are in a manner of a confession of their power of hurting.

6) Their diligent inquiry after the sick party; or coming to visit him or her unsent for; but especially being forbidden the house.

TBC