#139 – WITCHES, PLEAS

Just in time for Halloween, we begin our multi-episode coverage of “magic” by taking a look at the witch in Western European culture with the editor of The Skeptic, Deborah Hyde (@Jourdemayne). In a wide-ranging conversation we talk about the alleged powers of witches, the difference between the more benign figure of the Cunning Woman and the culturally monstrous figure of the witch as viewed during Witch Crazes and Witch Hunts.

Mentioned in the episode

• Deborah last visited us in episode 108, Skeptics Talking About Monsters.
• QED Con
• The Lancashire Witches
• Werewolf Trials vs. Witch Trials

Witch movies you might enjoy

• The VVitch (2016)
• Haxan (1922)
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
• The Blair Witch Project (1999) — but watch the pseudo-documentary first, Curse of the Blair Witch
• Blood on Satan’s Claw (1970)
• The Devil Ride’s Out (1968)
• Burn, Witch! Burn! (aka Night of the Eagle) (1962)
• Curse of the Demon (aka Night of the Demon) (1958)
• Black Sunday (1960)
• The Witchfinder General (aka The Conqueror Worm) (1968)
• Season of the Witch (aka Hungry Wives) (1972)

Music

• Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys
• Intro Music: Lapse by Mystified