Secret History of the Witches

The word ‘witch’ evokes strong reactions, some shaped by a millennium of persecution—but it also resonates with much older spiritual heritages having to do with women’s wisdom and power. It is time to restore cultural memory of the wisewomen and of our ancestral heritages which were not simply “lost,” but suppressed. In this course, we uncover the rich legacies of the witches as we trace them through the cultural record: oral tradition, historical literature and witch trial records.

An Anglo-Saxon monk revealed something important in writing of people who "bring their offerings to earth-fast stone and also to trees and to wellsprings, swa wiccan taeca∂--as the witches teach." This was a crucial recognition that people regarded witches as teachers—in fact, spiritual authorities—who were inspired by reverence for Earth, Water, and the powers of Nature, These wisewomen were attuned to the cyclical rhythms of the land—its plants and animals—and offered foreknowing counsel to their communities. The Irish attributed to them “the knowledge of the raven's head”.

Guided by Max Dashu, land witch and founder of the Suppressed Histories Archives, participants will engage with long-hidden cultural heritages. examining how names like "wisewoman," "healer," and "diviner" reflect a legacy of women as spiritual leaders. Her extensive research encompasses over 50,000 images and a wealth of knowledge from early medieval literature, archaeology, and folklore. We’ll look at legendary witches such as Tlachtga, Libuše, and Hei∂, and explore the seership of the Scandinavian völur and their ecstatic sei∂-trances. Drawing from her extensive research on women's history, your teacher Max Dashu will introduce you to the multifaceted identities of witches as healers, seers, and spiritual leaders across diverse cultures. Participants will delve into the historical roots of witchcraft, examining how societal perceptions devolved from reverence to persecution. We will investigate the sacred practices of wise women who served their communities with herbal lore, divination, and ceremonies that honored the Earth and its cycles.

Through the lens of archaeology, folklore, and early literature, we will analyse the significance of artefacts such as cauldrons, wands, and crystal balls in the context of ritual and magic. The course will also address the socio-political dynamics that fueled the witch hunts of the late medieval and early modern periods, highlighting the intersection of gender, class, and religion in these tragic events.

By reclaiming the legacy of witches and honoring their contributions to spirituality and community, this course fosters a deeper understanding of the female Divine and our hunger to reclaim these ancient practices, which are our birthright. Join us in this joyful rematriation.