Witchcraft trials, superstitions, and the practices of the accused is a topic that has been much studied in the past few decades. Most historians focus on the witch hunts of Europe or the Salem witch trials of Massachusetts.
But, there are many parts of the United States that have a rich history of superstitious folk tradition that don’t get as much attention. Thomas White’s book, “Witches of Pennsylvania: Occult History & Lore,” reveals that the Keystone State has quite a wicked history of its own.
But, there are many parts of the United States that have a rich history of superstitious folk tradition that don’t get as much attention. Thomas White’s book, “Witches of Pennsylvania: Occult History & Lore,” reveals that the Keystone State has quite a wicked history of its own.
| At just under 100 pages, this isn’t a long book. Yet it is densely packed with information which introduces the reader to the cultural influences that bred a complex system of folk belief in Pennsylvania. White explains in his introduction that he purposely chose not to cover every cultural group historically present in the region for a few reasons. Native Americans, like other indigenous groups, were typically shamanic cultures and therefore had their own unique ideas about concepts such as magic, healing, and the spirit world. However, most Native American customs from the Northeastern United States were recorded only by European observers, if at all. Therefore historical observations of Native practices can often be rife with misunderstanding and bias. |  CLICK to view this book! |
White says that African Americans also had a fascinating spiritual tradition which included hoodoo and “conjure.” However, these practices were not documented as well in Pennsylvania as they were in some of the Southern states. It is the European American traditions that are focused on in this book, most especially the Pennsylvania Germans.
White begins by explaining that Pennsylvania’s early identity as a colony run by William Penn and the Quakers created an environment that was tolerant of diverse beliefs. This made Pennsylvania a desirable destination for immigrants seeking the freedom to practice their religions.
An influx of German groups brought various Christian sects to the colony and later to the state. Many of these immigrants brought a wide range of traditional folk beliefs and customs with them. These folk practices mixed Christianity with pre-Christian customs which had been common in Germany, making the Pennsylvania Germans a group known for both witchcraft and the folk healers who use their own magical means.
Though this is a serious historical survey, White’s prose flows easily. His accessible writing style plus the fascinating subject matter makes this an exceptional book which is enjoyable to read. Anyone interested in historical witchcraft, Pennsylvania German culture, or folk tradition in general will appreciate this book. Click here to view it on Amazon.
An influx of German groups brought various Christian sects to the colony and later to the state. Many of these immigrants brought a wide range of traditional folk beliefs and customs with them. These folk practices mixed Christianity with pre-Christian customs which had been common in Germany, making the Pennsylvania Germans a group known for both witchcraft and the folk healers who use their own magical means.
Though this is a serious historical survey, White’s prose flows easily. His accessible writing style plus the fascinating subject matter makes this an exceptional book which is enjoyable to read. Anyone interested in historical witchcraft, Pennsylvania German culture, or folk tradition in general will appreciate this book. Click here to view it on Amazon.
 | My name is Carolyn Emerick, and I write on the history, myth, and folklore of Northwestern Europe. Explore this website for more on European history, mythology, and folk tradition. Please check out the section for my books! And, please follow me on Facebook! |
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