What Is a Witch Mark?
A witch mark appears in various forms associated with witches and the practice of witchcraft.
The different types of witch marks are:
- Any natural mark on the witch’s body
- A raised lump or teat-like protuberance
- The Devil’s mark
- A sign or symbol to ward off witchcraft
We’ll take a look at the various kinds of witch marks, what they signified, and why they were considered confirmation that the person who had them was a witch.
Marks on a Witch’s Body
A witch’s mark can be an irregular mark on the body said to indicate that a person could be a witch. However, as there are very few human beings who don’t have some type of birthmark, freckle, wart, mole, scar, age spots, or other natural blemishes upon their skin, it would mean everyone in the world is a witch. And that is patently not true.
During the witch trials of the Middle Ages, “prickers” were employed. A pricker was an “expert” with a sharp tool that was used to test for invisible marks. It was systematically jabbed all over the witch’s body. If she didn’t yelp or cry out, that was a sign that an invisible mark existed in that place.
Some favourite places to search on the body included the armpits and even under the eyelids.
Sometimes hereditary witches claim that a certain mark has been passed down the generations within a family. Sybil Leek (1917-1982), the infamous witch and astrologer of the New Forest, Hampshire, England, and later of Los Angeles, claimed to have a hereditary mark that appeared on various female members of her family.
Today, symbolic marks are often made during Wiccan initiation rites. They may take the form of a pentacle or other meaningful pattern. They are merely traced with a finger onto the initiate’s forehead and/or other points of the body by the High Priest or Priestess.
What Is a Witch’s Teat?
The idea that people sought assistance from supernatural beings has been around forever. Witches had their “familiars.” These entities had to be sustained, so it was said that witches had an extra, hidden nipple that fed blood to the familiar. According to the witchfinders, a teat could be any raised lump, bump, or skin tag.
And What About the Devil’s Mark?
Similar to the witch’s mark, the Devil’s version was placed upon the skin when the witch pledged allegiance to the Devil. The mark was made by the Devil raking his claws across the skin or by burning the witch with a branding iron.
Many people tried to disfigure themselves in order to remove a possible mark or teat, but the scars themselves were deemed evidence enough.
How Did the Idea of Witch Marks on the Skin Begin?
No one is certain where the idea of witches bearing certain marks began. They are probably rooted in ancient superstition as a way to explain birthmarks and blemishes. However, the idea really took hold during the witch trials of the late Middle Ages. Witches were ritually searched, both externally and internally, in a humiliating and tortuous manner.
What If I Have a Witch Mark on Me?
Don’t worry for one second. As mentioned previously, it would be a very unusual person who hasn’t got one or more naturally occurring marks on their skin. Of course, if you notice that you have one of an odd or changing appearance, you must consult a medical practitioner. Having any kind of mark or natural skin formation does not mean you are a witch.
I’ll repeat it clearly. The mark, blemish, wart, mole or scar on your body is nothing to do with witchcraft.
And, again, if you are concerned, you must get a medical opinion as soon as possible.
Previously published by the author at Exemplore
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