According to Christian belief, if a woman sold her soul to the Devil, the Devil would kiss the woman in some place on her body. This place, often marked by a scar, mole, blemish, etc., would be insensitive to pain and would not bleed when pricked or punctured. This resulted in the practice of “Witchfinders” using a pointed, awl-like tool (see bodkin) to prod a woman’s body in order to determine if she was a Witch.
Congratulations to An Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft author Moss Matthey, winner of a 2024 Kindred Spirit Award!
Kindred Spirit is the UK's leading guide to all things mind, body and spirit. Each year, they celebrate the people who make a...