Black magic has been a controversial and mysterious topic throughout history, and it continues to intrigue and captivate people's imaginations in America today. From its origins in ancient civilizations to its modern practices, black magic is believed to involve the use of supernatural powers for malicious purposes. Despite its existence being often dismissed as folklore or fantasy, there are still those who claim to practice or be affected by black magic in America. The main idea that stands out is the enduring fascination and belief in black magic in America. Although many people view black magic as mere superstition or entertainment, there are individuals who genuinely believe in its power and practice it. This belief in the occult and dark forces is amplified by popular culture, including movies, books, and television shows that often portray black magic in a sensationalized manner.
The Salem Witch Trials only officially lasted a few months in 1692. But those few months ended with the executions of 14 women and 6 men. The toll would have likely been far higher had the governor of Massachusetts intervened.
The Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate had come before the markers of the witch memorial to do for the victims of the trials what Lincoln did for the Civil War dead at Gettysburg to consecrate and remember, to explain their legacy in American life. His body is buried where he was tortured to death, somewhere among what is now the Howard Street Cemetery visited with this site in my Salem Witch Trial Sites- Itinerary Part C.
This belief in the occult and dark forces is amplified by popular culture, including movies, books, and television shows that often portray black magic in a sensationalized manner. This further contributes to the fascination and mystique surrounding the topic. Historically, black magic has been associated with rituals, spells, and summoning of spirits to achieve various objectives.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
A trip to Salem, Massachusetts without a visit to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial would be sadly incomplete. It is a Must See Gem & a Top 5 Salem Witch Trials Sites , located conveniently downtown. The Memorial consists of 2 parallel, low, stone walls, lined with benches engraved with the names of the 20 victims executed during the 1692 Witch Trials Executions. Along with the names are their execution/ death dates & form of execution- 19 were hanged & 1 was “pressed”, slowly crushed to death by stones. Spread out, each bench bearing a separate name makes you realize how many 20 people really are. It does not include the 5 names of those who died in jail, 4 awaiting trial or execution and a newborn baby, born in jail to a mother (along with a 4 year old sister) accused as ‘witches’. Background info on each of the 25 who paid with their lives is discussed in my Salem Witch Trial Victims post . The Salem Witch Trials Memorial was built & dedicated in August 1992, the 300th Anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials & Executions. A peaceful little nook in a park-like setting, it maintains a quiet, somber presence despite being carved into the heart of downtown. Between the parallel, bench-lined walls standing tall guard are Black Locust trees. Calmly watching over, they are the very type of trees it is believed that the accused were hanged from.
The entrance stones of the walkway are inscribed with the pleas of the accused: ‘Oh Lord! Help Me! God knows I am Innocent! Wholly Innocent of such Wickedness!’ – ‘I would confess, I would save my life… I do not plead guilty.’ – ‘I can deny it to my dying day.’… It would be easy to miss, driving by, or even walking, if you didn’t pay attention. It is quiet, understated & simple. Not touristy, not showy, just reverent remembrance of the innocents & their sacrifice. Reading the quotes, & their names, and the jarring end, “Hanged” is an emotional experience. You can feel the fear and desperation in their pleas. You can’t help but feel a growing, helpless panic as you read them. Knowing their fate. You feel a desperate hunger for the opportunity to go back and instill modern logic & reason, and bring the judges, the accusers, the witnesses to their senses. Sick in your gut for their terror & their pain & the tragedy, but also because you imagine with a shiver had it been you. Their pain is no more, cut short 300 years ago, but we feel its stain, still today. Mourning these souls that I never knew makes me ever grateful for my minor difficulties in this world today. I am blessed. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is Free & always open. It’s between Charter & Derby Streets, behind the Peabody Essex Museum.
Since the only known remains & exact location of an executed Salem Witch Trial victim is at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, nearby, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial serves as a grave marker for mourners to show their respects for all the executed. The remains of the others have been lost to history, taken away in the night by loved ones and buried in secret, except Giles Corey. His body is buried where he was tortured to death, somewhere among what is now the Howard Street Cemetery visited with this site in my Salem Witch Trial Sites- Itinerary Part C . The actual site of the hangings has been rediscovered in recent years. It has a small memorial and is also visited in my Salem in a Day Part C Itinerary . Nearby Danvers (Salem Village & start of the 1692 Witch Hysteria) has an equally moving & beautiful Memorial to the Witch Trial Victims that I discuss in my post Salem Part A.
One of the Salem Witch Trial Memorial walls lines the Old Burying Point Cemetery , c 1637, aka Charter St. Cemetery. Just yards away from the Memorial to those executed, at least 2 of the 1692 Witchcraft ‘Judges’, John Hathorne & Bartholomew Gedney now lie. Others who were accused (& not executed), as well as family members of the victims, & some who even testified against them rest here, too.
The Cemetery also includes a Mayflower passenger, the only one anywhere that you can visit with the original gravestone at the site where they were buried. Captain Richard More was laid to rest here in the late 1600s. Richard had a very interesting tale of his own. He was not a Pilgrim, himself (which was a religious distinction, though “pilgrim” & wrong year of death was added centuries later to his headstone). Though, he was shipped over with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower at 6 years old. Without their parents, he made the journey along with 3 little siblings, ages 4- 8. All of the siblings died that 1st winter. He would have been at the 1st Thanksgiving & he grew up in Plymouth colony, before moving in his adulthood to Salem. He survived the 1692 witch trials & was buried there a few years after. He may have been the oldest surviving male and only missed being the very last living Mayflower passenger by just a few years.
It is the 2nd oldest cemetery in the U.S. The oldest is in Duxbury, also in Massachusetts, & is the 8th oldest maintained cemetery in the world. The Cemetery is small, Free, and open Dawn to Dusk, year round.
- See our Plymouth, Mass Itinerary & Posts to Explore the Mayflower Pilgrims, the 1st Thanksgiving & Plimoth colony:
These objectives can range from causing harm to individuals or influencing events in one's favor. In America, there are reports of rituals being performed for personal gain, revenge, or even for influencing political or business matters. However, it is important to note that these claims often lack solid evidence and are subject to skepticism and disbelief. Despite the skepticism, there are instances where black magic believers claim to have experienced negative effects or been victimized by practitioners. These experiences can involve physical ailments, financial losses, or even psychological distress. In some cases, individuals may seek help from spiritual healers or experts in the supernatural to counter the effects of black magic. Overall, black magic remains a topic of fascination and intrigue in America. While skepticism and lack of empirical evidence prevail, there are individuals who genuinely believe in its power and practice it. Whether it is a mere superstition or a reality yet to be fully understood, the allure of black magic persists in the hearts and minds of many..
Reviews for "Investigating Allegations of Black Magic in America's Cults and Sects"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Black magic in America". The book promised to delve into the history and cultural significance of black magic in America, but instead, it felt more like a collection of random anecdotes and opinions. The author seemed to have a limited understanding of the subject matter and often relied on stereotypes and misinformation. Overall, the book lacked depth and failed to provide any new insights or perspectives on the topic.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Black magic in America" was a complete waste of time. The writing was scattered and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. It felt like a hodgepodge of loosely related ideas, with no clear direction or purpose. Additionally, the author's bias was evident throughout the book, making it hard to trust the information presented. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject of black magic in America.
3. David - 2 stars - I found "Black magic in America" to be highly misleading. The title led me to believe that the book would explore the history and practice of black magic in America, but instead, it focused primarily on the author's personal experiences and beliefs. While personal stories can be interesting, they should not be presented as a comprehensive study of a subject. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach and was left disappointed by the lack of depth and research in this book.
4. Emily - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Black magic in America", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The author touched on some interesting topics, such as the influence of African and Caribbean cultures on black magic practices in America, but these discussions were brief and lacking in substance. The book seemed to skim the surface of the subject without delving into any real depth or providing a comprehensive analysis. While it may serve as a starting point for those new to the topic, I would advise readers to seek out more in-depth and well-researched books on black magic in America.