Samantha Humphreys

Had I been unfortunate enough to have existed a few hundred years ago, instead of now, I would almost certainly have been burned at the stake. Alternatively I may have been drowned in a nearby river for my bohemian aspirations and approaches to a healthier mental lifestyle.

Indeed, in my early twenties I was called a witch on many an occasion, mainly by undesirable beings I acquainted. This was for the boring but predictable reason that I wore black a lot and was dark haired, rather than it being the aura of mystery that clearly surrounded me! (wink).

Back then, I was far more reserved; I would not have admitted to many of the things that scored credit in my mental well-being ratings. For example, my autumn leaf crunching habit—crunching with my feet, that is—my leaf collecting habit (always useful for an artist to have) or my aversion to using artificial lighting in the morning unless absolutely essential (yes, I will sit in the dark eating my breakfast) as it is far more conducive to a fabulous gradual start to the day than putting the light on. I don’t care who knows now of course because individuality is to be embraced so it is much easier to find a place in the world in which to sit comfortably.

I have been tutoring English GCSE since earlier this year. In the literature we study, themes of misogyny and equality are common. Currently, we are discussing Macbeth, and the Essex Witch Trials have come up to provide context. In Shakespeare’s time, many believed in the occult and psychic powers, often respecting the boundaries of these beliefs, yet there was no respect for the women who were practicing witches. Witchcraft was used to explain any behavior from women that went beyond what men in society deemed acceptable, whether it was healing with herbal teas or being attractive and ‘bewitching’ to men.

Women accused of witchcraft faced trials and were put through tests to show if they were guilty or not. No matter the outcome, many died.

I find it interesting that I live in a village where witchcraft is part of the history embroidered through the foundations of the beautiful houses that ooze history, juxtaposed and standing strong with the twenty-first century new builds. These structures tell tales not only in their powerful architecture but also of the natural energy that beats from them like a heartbeat. These aged villages that are scattered through Britain seem to thrive like a tree growing in nutrient rich soil. The soil they are flourishing in though is intrigue, mystery and wonder. What about the witches who lived here before me, weaving their ‘spells’ in order to live in harmony with nature? I try to imagine how they felt to live in fear of facing accusations knowing that once that day came, there would be no hope.I believe that’s a story worth looking into, a deep dive into the past that could reveal how their legacy intertwines with our contemporary lives, inspiring a rediscovery of the magic that still lingers in the air.