Bright Blessings Witches, Witchlings, and Witchlets! Welcome to the third post in Printable Witchcraft’s new series – Answer a Witchcraft Question from Google! I, the Resident Witch of both Printable Witchcraft and Candle Cross Coven, will be answering these queries that range from the very simple to the more complex. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
“Are most books about Witches written by men?”
A NOTE
While it is common for a Witch to be thought of or referred to as a woman, I know that Witches can be any gender/genderfluid/genderless. However, because this question from Google was posed in the way that it was, I am approaching the answer in the same way.
THE FASCINATION WITH WITCHES
Before we get into answering this question, let’s take a look at the impact that Witches have had on history itself. Outside of the current day influence, Witches have been the subject of writings since recorded history came into being. Magickal practitioners have been a hot subject of interest since well, always.
Now why do you think that is exactly? Well, the common thread among all of these accounts and stories is that these Witches break societal expectations – expectations put into place by men.
A WOMAN’S PLACE
According to the patriarchy, women are expected to be quiet, subservient, feminine, weak, modest, etc. among other qualities.
Witches are none of these things.
Perhaps it’s a Witch’s fearlessness that terrifies men, or the fact that Witches grow old unapologetically. Maybe their inherent power frightens the menfolk. Does a Witch’s sexual prowess intimidate a fellow? If a Witch is deemed undesirable by a man, do they no longer have the right to exist?
WITCH LIT
In response to this witchcraft question posed on Google, I say yes; most books about Witches are written by men. I believe this to be done in order to control the narrative surrounding both Witches and the Craft, especially in earlier writings. For example, the Malleus Maleficarum is responsible for instigating witch hunts that affixed bullseyes to the backs of Witches. Guess who authored the book? A man.
IN CONCLUSION…
Well there you have it, Witches. Another day, another post in the Answer a Witchcraft Question from Google. What are your thoughts surrounding this question? Do you agree with my answer? Let me know in the comments. And as always, Bright Blessings and Happy Crafting!
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