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[[File:Urbain Grandier.jpg|200px|left]]
[[File:Angelene Tubbs.jpg|200px|left]]
'''[[Urbain Grandier]]''' was a French Catholic priest who was [[death by burning|burned at the stake]] after being convicted of [[witchcraft]], following the events of the "Loudun Possessions."
A '''[[witch]]''' is a practitioner of [[witchcraft]]. Although the term can be gender-neutral, it is usually used to describe a female who uses [[ritual magic|magic]], while a male engaging in similar practices is called a [[warlock]]. The word witch derives from the Old English nouns ƿiċċa [ˈwittʃɑ] and ƿiċċe [ˈwittʃe] ('sorceress, female witch'). The word's further origins in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European are unclear. The Old English verb ''wiccian'' has a cognate in Middle Low German ''wicken'' (attested from the 13th century, besides ''wichelen'' 'to bewitch').


In 1632, the nuns of the convent of Loudun began to suffer an extraordinary sickness. Doctors were brought in to examine them, but could not determine the cause. Their behavior became increasingly erratic, and rumors began to circulate that they were possessed by [[demon]]s. On the 11th of October, the church employed an [[exorcist]] to drive the unholy spirits out of the girls. The process caused them convulsions, but the exorcist was able to communicate with the demon that was possessing the girls. He gave his name as [[Asmoday]], saying he had possessed the nun as a result of hatred, and was employed at the behest of a magician named Urbain Grandier.
Throughout history there has not been a consistent definition of the term "witch." Johannes Nider and other 15th century writers used the Latin term ''maleficus'' to mean witch—a person who performed ''maleficium'', harmful acts of sorcery, against others.


'''([[Urbain Grandier|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Witch|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 05:55, 2 May 2025

Angelene Tubbs.jpg

A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft. Although the term can be gender-neutral, it is usually used to describe a female who uses magic, while a male engaging in similar practices is called a warlock. The word witch derives from the Old English nouns ƿiċċa [ˈwittʃɑ] and ƿiċċe [ˈwittʃe] ('sorceress, female witch'). The word's further origins in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European are unclear. The Old English verb wiccian has a cognate in Middle Low German wicken (attested from the 13th century, besides wichelen 'to bewitch').

Throughout history there has not been a consistent definition of the term "witch." Johannes Nider and other 15th century writers used the Latin term maleficus to mean witch—a person who performed maleficium, harmful acts of sorcery, against others.

(Full Article...)