Dr. Skip Clark is a retired professor of Medieval and Early Modern History who has taught at several colleges and universities. His specialty areas of study include the history of witchcraft, history of science, history of medicine and astrology.
What’s New in the History of Witchcraft? Every year, dozens of books and articles appear in journals and university presses all over the world on the ever fascinating topic of witchcraft. For many years, I have brought some of these new insights to Brushwood to share. We have learned so much from others, and our perceptions have changed as we have expanded our knowledge. Come and share what’s new! All Welcome. Sankofa: FRI, July 18, 1:00-2:30 p.m. East Shire
Salem Witches after 30 years. About 30 years ago, I gave my first workshop here at Brushwood, on the Salem Witch Trials. Since then, a remarkable number of books and articles have appeared, significantly changing what we all thought we knew from past history classes. I will share some of these fascinating discoveries! Come and contribute your own discoveries as well! All Welcome. Sankofa: SAT, July 19 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. East Shire
Creation of the Witches’ Sabbat(h) Although alleged witches of the 16th and 17th centuries often were thought to practice alone, it was the idea of a community of witches, meeting in secret at night in a far away place, at a Sabbat, that really captured the early modern imagination. Viewed as a danger to Christian society, those forming this community were “discovered” and tried. Where did this idea of people gathering in a large community to do evil arise? How did it develop? These topics and others will be explored. All Welcome. Sirius Rising: TUE, July 22, 11:00 -12:30 p.m. East Shire
Paganism and Christianity: Communities in Conflict. During the first three centuries of our era, the fledgling Christian community developed in a largely pagan world, gradually becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire. We will look at the ways in which these various religious communities clashed and accommodated each other. It’s a fascinating tale of conflicts and compromises . All Welcome. Sirius Rising: THU, July 24, 11:00-12:30 p.m. East Shire
Witchcraft and Magic After Salem. Just because the witch trials ended in Salem, the beliefs and persecutions did not end. Come and learn about survivals and transformations of these beliefs as they were found in a number of American communities and towns. All Welcome. Sirius Rising: SAT, July 26, 11:00 12:30 p.m. East Shire