Witchhunt: A History of Witches According to an Herbalist

What does it mean to be a “witch”? This class explores the history of witchcraft, witch-hunting, and women’s healing practices through the lens of herbalism, feminism, and decolonialism. In this lecture we will cover the roles of women as herbalists, midwives, healers, and community caregivers and how changing religious, political, economic, and medical systems shaped perceptions of women’s healing knowledge.

We’ll examine texts including Witches, Midwives, and Nurses, and Witches by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdra English and Witchunting by Sylvia Federici, as well as witch inquisitor Heinrich Kramer’s Malleus Maleficarum, while considering the complicated relationship between witch-hunting, the enclosure of common lands, the rise of professional medicine, and the regulation of women’s bodies and reproductive knowledge. 

Finally we’ll discuss the concept of the modern witch and how lessons from the past can inform us as modern herbalists and folk-knowledge keepers, and explore first-hand some herbal remedies that have stood the test of time.

Program Notes:

Environment:
Class will be held inside the farmhouse.

Supplies:
A pencil and notebook are recommended. 

Logistics:
Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin the class on time.

Disclaimer:
This class is intended for audiences ages 16 and up, or with parental discression as we will be discussing heavy themes around the history of witch-hunts. By participating, attendees assume responsibility for their own health and use of plant materials.

Cancellation:
All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here.

About the Instructor:

Calyx Liddick is a certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist, field botanist, wildcrafter, activist, writer, and mother of two. She was born and raised in the mountains of central Pennsylvania. She sees the human body as an ecological microcosm, and that by reconnecting to the land we can heal the land as well as ourselves. In her practice, she integrates the long, rich history of traditional herbalism with modern, scientifically sound research. Calyx is a graduate of the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and is the founding director of the Northern Appalachia School. Find out more at northernappalachiaschool.com.