The curse of the jade scorpion is a legend that has captivated people's imaginations for centuries. It is said that this cursed artifact has the power to bring misfortune and tragedy to anyone who possesses it. The origins of the curse are shrouded in mystery, with many conflicting accounts and legends surrounding its creation. According to one legend, the jade scorpion was created by an ancient sorcerer who wanted to punish those who betrayed him. He enchanted the scorpion with a powerful curse that would haunt anyone who possessed it. It is said that the curse would bring bad luck, illness, and even death to those who fell under its influence.
It is said that the curse would bring bad luck, illness, and even death to those who fell under its influence. Over the years, the jade scorpion has passed through many hands, each owner suffering the consequences of its curse. Some have claimed that the scorpion has the ability to manipulate people's minds, causing them to act out of character and make terrible decisions.
Cry Witch at Colonial Williamsburg
The polished wood gleams in the glow of flickering candles. It’s nighttime, and little moonlight breaks through the circular window panes in their cream-colored frames.
Several dozen visitors have gathered in the courtroom of Colonial Williamsburg‘s red-brick Capitol building to serve as the jury in a recreated trial of Grace Sherwood, the “Virginia witch”. In the dimness, their 21st-century garb is slightly shrouded, and the atmosphere seems at least a little like 1706.
A midwife who sometimes sported pants, Mrs. Sherwood did not remarry after her husband’s death in 1701. She was tried several times on charges like bewitching her neighbors’ crops. Then in 1706, a local farmer named Luke Hill accused the 46-year-old of practicing witchcraft and thus causing his wife to miscarry. On July 10 of that year, Mrs. Sherwood’s hands were tied, and she was thrown from a boat into the Lynnhaven River. Able to swim, Mrs. Sherwood untied her hands and rose to the surface — thus proving that she was a witch. (Drowning would have established her innocence.) Court records indicate that she spent seven or eight years in gaol as punishment.
Colonial Williamsburg’s mock trial takes place after this water test. Because she’s charged with a capital crime, the trial takes place in the Capitol, presided over by the Royal Governor. Her water test failure is presented as evidence of her guilt, as is the statement that her devil’s marks (birthmarks) did not bleed when punctured and testimony that she never takes Communion. Mr. Hill testifies that, after Mrs. Sherwood visited his farm, his “pigs began to act peculiar-like and die”.
Unfortunately for Mrs. Sherwood, defendants cannot be sworn, and anything she says in her own defense cannot be counted as evidence. On the other hand, there is no protection from self-incrimination. There is neither the presumption of innocence nor the recognition of the (derived) right to face one’s accuser. When the prosecutor declares that Mrs. Hill, appearing as a witness, is “afraid to be in the same room as the witch”, the Governor-judge directs Mrs. Sherwood not to look at Mrs. Hill and assures the witness that God will protect her.
Despite the fact that this trial mocked fundamental principles of Western justice, natural science, and common sense, Mrs. Sherwood was convicted 44-13 by the jury and sentenced to hang. (Your humble blogger was among the 13.) According to a CW guide, juries convict Mrs. Sherwood in about 80 percent of the mock trials. She is, however, entitled to appeal to the Governor.
In real life, history suggests that Mrs. Sherwood returned to her farm after serving her time in gaol and lived there until her death c. 1740. England’s last law against witchcraft was repealed in 1951.
On July 10, 2006, Governor Tim Kaine informally pardoned Mrs. Sherwood.
I fell in love with travel on a trip to Mexico when I was nine years old. Since then, I’ve travelled the globe from Israel to El Salvador. I’ve skied the Swiss Alps and hiked national parks like Acadia, Zion, Shenandoah, and Virgin Islands. I’ve marvelled at masterpieces in the Prado, the Uffizi, the Huntington, and the National Gallery of Art. I’ve stayed in a cabin on a mountaintop in Norway and on a kibbutz along the Sea of Galilee, and been kicked out of the Ritz at the Place Vendôme. I’ve taken cooking classes from New England to the Caribbean, and watched a chef prepare traditional shakshuka in the kitchen of his restaurant in Tel Aviv. I weave historical research and my personal experiences together in writing this blog. I hope you find it helpful. Read more …
Others believe that it possesses a malevolent spirit that torments its owners until they are consumed by despair. There are countless stories of individuals who have encountered the curse of the jade scorpion. Many claim that their lives took a drastic turn for the worse after coming into contact with the artifact. Some even attribute their financial ruin, failed relationships, and personal tragedies to the curse's influence. Despite the many warnings and tales surrounding the jade scorpion, there are still some who seek to possess it. Some believe that they can harness its power for their own gain, while others are simply drawn to the mystique and intrigue surrounding the cursed artifact. However, those who have attempted to possess the jade scorpion have often met a tragic end, reinforcing the belief in its curse. Whether the curse of the jade scorpion is real or simply a myth, it remains a captivating and chilling tale. It serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the dangers of tempting fate. The legend continues to be told and retold, ensuring that the curse of the jade scorpion will live on in the imagination of those who hear its haunting story..
Reviews for "The Fatal Charm: Unraveling the Curse of the Jade Scorpion"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Curse Jade Scorpion" based on the positive reviews I had seen. However, I was incredibly disappointed with the book. The plot was confusing and scattered, and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. I also felt that the writing style was lacking and did not flow smoothly. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Curse Jade Scorpion" had an interesting premise, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. I found myself struggling to stay engaged and lost interest in the characters and their struggles. The ending also felt rushed and unsatisfying. I was hoping for more from this book, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver.
3. Amanda - 2/5 stars - I typically enjoy mystery and suspense novels, so I picked up "Curse Jade Scorpion" with high hopes. However, I was disappointed by the predictable twists and turns, which made the plot feel cliché. The writing style was also lackluster, failing to create a sense of tension or excitement. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to avid mystery readers.