Date of Defense
4-1993
Department
Comparative Religion
First Advisor
Dr. Nancy Falk
Second Advisor
Dr. Thomas Lawson
Third Advisor
Dr. Irene Vasquez
Abstract
The word witch evokes many images, thoughts and emotions. Coming to mind immediately is the stereotype of the old crone wearing a long, pointy hat and riding a broom. Also associated with witchcraft are images of women turning people into frogs or being burned at the stake. But when asked about perceptions of modern day witches, people often express feelings ranging from apprehension and fear to disbelief and pity. People joke uneasily about witches, concurrently skeptical and fearful of the powers witches may possess. One common factor in the mythology of the witch has been the ascribed gender. Witches are female. Male « witches do exist, but stereotypically it is women who practice witchcraft.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Rebecca, "Women and Witchcraft" (1993). Honors Theses. 1898.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/1898
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Campus Only