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Occult Science

A guide to the occult, mysticism, and literature

Introductory Information

A Dress Historian Explains the History of the Witch Hat

Where does the iconic black pointed witch's hat come from? What is the history of the witch hat? Did it come from Medieval European sumptuary laws? British Alewives? Quakers? Let's sit down and unpack the very interesting history of the flat-brimmed, conical, black witch hat.

La Befana of Italy

Befana is a legendary figure of an old witch who brings children gifts on the night of January 5th, Epiphany Eve in Italy.  

Image of Befana

Image: WikiMedia Commons

For More Information, see:

Christmas in Italy: The Befana Tradition by Italy Magazine 

Epiphany (Christian) in New World Encyclopedia

The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola

Taste of Italy: Festa della Befana - The Folklore, Festival & Food

 

The Legend of the Broomstick

Witches in Images

book page image

Oraculo Mignon

A witch brewing a potion in a cauldron in Spanish. Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Macbeth Consulting the Witches

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Witches in a Hay Loft

c. 1807. Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Les Sorcières ou Tandem

c. 1900, Jean Veber, French. Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Jusepe de Ribera - Hecate, Procession to a Witches' Sabbath

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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A Visit to the Witch (1882)

by Edward Frederick Brewtnall  Image: Wikimedia Commons

painting of witch

The Witch in the Cherry Garden drawing in Gerda's boat with her crutch

Eleanor Vere Boyle, 1872. Image: Wikimedia Commons