Hexing

The Hexing Tradition in Britain and Ireland: A Historical and Paranormal Examination

The History and Background of Hexing

Hexing, or witchcraft as it was often referred to during periods of persecution, has a rich and complex history in Britain and Ireland. Rooted deeply in folk beliefs and practices, hexing became a focal point for fear and suspicion during the infamous witch hunts that swept across Europe from the 15th century through the 18th. In Ireland, the practice was often intertwined with the belief in banshees and fairies, while in Britain, it was associated more closely with malevolent magic and black magic.

In 1632, a significant case involving hexing emerged in Kilkenny, Ireland, where a woman named Margaret Barry was accused of using witchcraft to torment her neighbors. The trial, which took place over several months, resulted in her eventual execution, highlighting the severe consequences faced by those accused of such crimes. In England, the infamous Pendle witch trials of 1612 included multiple accusations of hexing and black magic, leading to the deaths of several individuals.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Case of Bridget Cleary (1895)

One of the most notable cases involving hexing in Ireland was that of Bridget Cleary. On February 2, 1895, Bridget Cleary disappeared from her home in Mullingar, County Westmeath, and was found two days later bound, gagged, and severely beaten. She claimed to have been taken by fairies, a common belief at the time among rural communities.

Local healer Catherine Conroy administered traditional remedies, which included binding Cleary’s legs with red thread and placing her in an iron chair. When Cleary began to recover, her husband Michael Cleary took her home. However, she died on February 13 from internal injuries and poisoning. The case caused a sensation and sparked intense debate about the belief in fairies and witchcraft.

#### The Hexing of Sir Henry Wotton (1590)

A more historical example is the alleged hexing of Sir Henry Wotton by Lady Rosamund Clifford, who was his sister-in-law and cousin. Wotton fell ill after a visit to Clifford’s Castle at Corfe in Dorset during 1586 or 1590. He complained of persistent nightmares and mysterious pains until he died on October 24, 1595. His physician, Edward Daniel, suspected that Clifford had used witchcraft against him.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Kilkenny Trials (1632)

In the Kilkenny trial, Margaret Barry was accused of using a magical ointment and herbs to curse her neighbors. Local women testified that they had seen Barry applying the mixture to a candle, which would then be used in rituals aimed at causing harm or misfortune.

#### The Pendle Trials (1612)

During the Pendle trials, many witnesses described seeing the accused witches casting spells on their victims. For example, Elizabeth Southerns (aka Old Demdike) was accused of using a “hex bag” to cast hexes upon her neighbors. These bags often contained objects meant to cause harm or bring bad luck.

Investigations or Research

#### The Role of Medical Evidence

Medical records from the period offer some insight into the physical manifestations claimed by victims. For instance, in the case of Bridget Cleary, doctors noted signs of physical trauma and poisoning that suggested a violent assault rather than supernatural interference. However, the prevailing belief in witchcraft meant that many cases were not thoroughly investigated for natural causes.

#### The Work of Anthropologists

Modern anthropologists have studied the cultural context surrounding hexing to better understand its role within folk traditions. Dr. Margaret Murray’s work on British witchcraft in the early 20th century provides valuable insights, although her theories about a widespread pre-Christian cult are now widely disputed by modern scholars.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Hexing remains an intriguing and often mysterious practice that continues to fascinate historians and paranormal enthusiasts. While many of the cases from the witch trials era have been reevaluated in light of contemporary knowledge, there is still a strong cultural belief in the power of curses and hexes among certain communities.

In recent years, there have been reports of modern-day hexing incidents. In 2019, a man in County Galway was accused of casting a curse on his neighbors following a dispute over land use. The incident led to increased interest in the practice and renewed discussions about its cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Were all accusations of hexing true?

A: Most cases were likely motivated by disputes or misunderstandings, with some possibly involving real physical harm. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a widespread practice of hexing as described in historical texts.

Q: How did people defend themselves against hexes in the past?

A: Common practices included seeking out local healers or priests for exorcisms and protection rituals. Some also used charms, amulets, and herbal remedies to ward off curses.

Q: Are there any ongoing legal cases involving accusations of hexing today?

A: Hexing is not typically considered a crime in modern law, so few cases end up in court. However, there have been instances where individuals have been accused and the community has taken action through informal means or traditional remedies.

Q: How do contemporary beliefs about hexes differ from historical practices?

A: Modern beliefs tend to be more focused on self-protection rather than harmful intent. While some communities still hold onto traditional practices, there is a greater emphasis on rational explanations for supposed supernatural occurrences.

Q: What role does technology play in modern witchcraft and hexing claims?

A: Technology has not significantly impacted the practice of hexing itself but has led to increased awareness and documentation of cases. Social media platforms can spread rumors and accusations more rapidly, sometimes leading to public backlash against those accused.