The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

published in 1487 and backed in full by the church caused thousands of deaths, this also set a violent tone even by the standards of time. this book set a trend through out Europe and the early establishments of the united states up until the late1700 , but because of this book and all the controversy, surrounding it, it caused the witchcraft community, to go under ground. my thought is how does this information, effect us in our daily lives, and those of us who are in the pagan community? does it make us feel and think differently, even today? knowing that 10's and thousands of people were killed, does it make us watch the society we live in today , more carefully?


I know that myself personally I let Everyone Know that i am a Druid, and that i follow my family tradition, but what does everyone else do?

Group persecutions like that tend to provide an identity to the afflicted.

The Chinese, during the reign of the Manchus were required to wear qeues so they were readily distinguished from the Mongols and Manchus. Many still sport them.

Many Native American's are trying to regain their cultures which are quickly disappearing. They want their "land back", but before the white man bought it from them they didn't understand the concept of land ownership.

My great grandmother kept a storefront sign that said "Irish Need Not Apply" as a momento to "remind us where we came from".

I think that remembering those who were persecuted is a fine way of maintaining culture. Maintaining contempt for those who persecuted is self defeating, though.

Well of course it does, the same things always happen over and over again when politics and religion are used in the same sentence. People fear what they do not understand, and it saddly it has repeaded itself over and over again through out the centuries.

You can't blame one book for the pagan traditions being forced underground, that started happening with the rise of Christianity hundreds of years before.

In the same way Judaism oppressed Christianity in its early years, and so on and so forth.

Wicthcraft (Wicca) is just being accepted in the military these days. Just as there are women still being burnt as witches in the world. I for one am a warior and a witch. US Army. Staff Sergeant.

You know, judging by what that manuscript was part in, you'd think it was more entertaining... fire and brimstone style. But it's really not. It's kind of boring.

But I find it interesting how more people believe in witchcraft now than any of the inquisition's victims ever did.

Persecution will never end..it just evolves..it didn't start with that manuscript and it won't end with my statements..it will always be there..in the background.

I dont think it affects us too much. Except for the truly sick of mind who would use something like that as a means to justify their own sickness.

As I recall, MALLEUS MALEFICARUM was written by two german men who were representatives of the Inquisition in Northern Germany. These men were obsessed with the sexual 'depravity' that was occuring around them both in the nobles and the commoner. The methods of accusation and interrogation that occurred in this area led to wild tales in order to cover up more mundane but just as punishable offenses.

Witches were accused of imparing marital judgement and putting men under a glamor of their lustful ways. The MALLEUS MALEFICARUM was in my opinion merely a way to try to create a reference book for other inquisitors to freely accuse nearly anyone without providing much in the way of helping innocents defend themselves. It was considered factual and scientific without any base of study or peer testing. It had the backing of the church and therefore was considered above reproach.

Today we have just as similar situations where someone with the backing of a government or church is able to attempt to put out 'factual theories' that have little reality supporting them. Everything from the usefulness of torture in interogations to the placement of dinosaurs in biblical history. These 'faith based' studies are done by people who have an agenda for their study and could care less about real tests to their theories. Just like MALLEUS MALEFICARUM, these are nothing more than a tool or a weapon to use for an end purpose and have no basis in real learned communities.

The books, names, and the governmental or religious powers have changed but not the persecution, the torture, and killing in many parts of the world.

The military Chaplains accept Wicca and it is in their religious guidebook. This allows more freedom of religion in the military. Don't expect any Pagan priestesses or priests yet. That will take time.

LTC Retired US Army

if it had not been that book.. it would have been someone else. People did not understand the "witches" and so feared them. There is a lesson we must remember. And of course I feel bad for those that had to die. From this and from every other time one part of society was judged and killed for silly reasons by another.

But the main lesson I take from it is... ( and yes I think alot of groups need to get this) yes it happened... yes we need to remember so it never does again... but now get past it.. I doubt anyone you will meet here in the us will be someone that burned a witch.. so saying all Christians are responsible is silly ( and no I am not saying anyone here said that... but I have heard it)

hooah to the army folks, i understand the points and views, i find it rather interesting everyones thought and how it varies from person to person, how it has made some changes, but not many how people can still be judged, when the religion is older then christianity

I think the actual doccument bears little import to today's society except as a reminder of the potential for abuse of power.

I dare say that amongst the vicims that were persecuted by the church and states for 'witchcraft" damned few, if any, were actually witches. This was a convienient charge for which it was almost impossible to prove innocence. A true witch, who would have thought there was no power over them from the "God" of the persecutors would have had little issue 'recanting" their "evils ways" and getting out of the inquisition. The innocent, however, who had nothing to "recant" and maintained their righteous innocence until the end, were the ones who were tortured, burned and killed.

Sad when you think about it. They mostly killed people who believed just like they did.

Political power was at the root. "Witches" were just a convienient scapegoat.

well I dont really worry about it, I do make sure before mentioning that I do black and white magick that the person I let know is not gonna run after me with an axe or a cross (please no offence intended here) to try and stab me or starts causing me trouble or ask em to curse anyone, as if they do ask I reply simply: if you wish for a cusre the curse will be on you.

I dont play games in this field I do what I must and what I have learned or am learning to do.

I dont play games but I am also not suicidal so I am cautious but not fearing society.

KCRC - my point exactly. The book was written as a means of supporting the irrational and political persecution of both the sexual 'sins' of the time and as a means of infiltrating politics with the power of the church. No one was safe from accusations. However, if you were powerful enough or wealthy enough, it was a small matter to confess to being a victim under a spell from some poor woman scapegoated as a witch because you kept lusting after her or used your power/wealth and had an affair with her.

Yes and no.

I am aware of the "cleansing" efforts, but sometime one person lacks the power to effect a change. (Then there is also the question of whether I should attempt to render change...)

This cleansing has been in effect currently, with ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and the Sudan, as well as the Kurdish activities in Iraq (and Turkey).

Humans are strange beings. They like to have something to hate and fight. Don't know why, but it is in our nature.

Even if it is the fact that you hate those who hate.

that books scares me more as a woman then anything else! They believed that women are more likely to give into the ways of the Devil. So women were the targets more often then not because they were lustful and sinful creatures.

So if i were to speak out, be naggy, or not do my duties as a woman to my husband i could be punished as a witch. or at least be questioned as one O_O

i personal feel scorned for my beliefs on boths sides of the pendulam actually.

Just to add a bit of comedy relief to this thread partaining to the Hammer of Witch's...

No body suspects the Spanish Inquisition!!!

Now that that is out of the way, the Hammer of Witch's was only written as a guide book on the how to extinguish the world of witch's. Made by two bishops who wished to manipulate their followers into dominance over society.

Several among you are having a learned discussion. KCRC, Felix, CT Tyler...you boys excluded, the rest of you, I invite you to read before comment. This is NOT a journal boast because it does nothing to affect my stats BUT it IS included in my journal if you want (and should) take a look for yourselves. Read, read, read.

The way in which the Malleus Maleficarum effects me and my practice of the craft today, is it makes me mindful of the fact that the pendulum swings first one way then the other.

The freedoms we have enjoyed in the last few years to be more open about our lifestyles and practices, will sadly, and I believe inevitably be rescinded by those who believe they have cornered the market on "righteous" behavior. Next time around we may not be burned for our beliefs, but we may not be hired for the jobs we are qualified for, we may not be allowed to live where we would like to, and in a worst case scenario we may be imprisoned or segregated for practicing our beliefs.

This has played itself out over and over again in many times and places before - the "Burning Times" were but one chapter in this story. Only fools would believe it can't happen again.

I believe that book has carried into the society of today in too many ways. The pagan community is still looked down upon because of it. People remember the killing of 10s of thousands because of what they were. And they remember that what those people were, is considered "wrong".

The fact that people look down upon the pagan community and that acts of violence are still made against the community makes me watch society very carefully and keep to myself with my interests.

I am pagan and i find if u tell someone that they look at u like u are some kind of evil person. This reaction does not stop me from telling people. I prefer to tell people to see how ignorant they can be

Actually, some of todays opinions scare me.
(there are schools banning the harry potter books, and they're complaining about the movie the golden compass... whats wrong with it, the only thing in it is magick...nothing against Christianity)
There are those who practice and know about the craft and then those who absolutely know nothing about it and dishonor it greatly. There is nothing horrible about it if it's practised honorably but a lot of the public are still scared of it because of the media. Now, please tell, this is a question the bugs me.... why in the world would people believe in a FICTIONAL movie!! they base the facts on that.
And again, why would you discriminate on such beautiful and colorful paths of witchcraft when most of the religions that discriminate against it are causing wars?
Here's a question for them:
If you can have a religion that causes wars, why can't i have one that promotes peace?

Sincerely me,
Blair Cresent (*

It makes me watch what I say to others, I do not mention my beliefs unless and until the subject has been brought up. There are people still who do not understand and fear pagans in any and every sense, who will go into a tirade about how they feel about the pagan community.

I think it does as well. I would like to read that book, but can not find it. I do know that it was published in the 1400's and was used to prove the existence of witchcraft.

I bought the book a few years ago. Barnes and Noble or was it Amazon? Don't remember now but I do remember that I wasted my money. Can we say ,Booooring? Sold it to a co-worker for $20 us. Might look good on the self but I personally wouldn't even remoting think about buying it again. Total waste. Wait for the movie.

And what's so bad about a book that helps to keep order and instructs good G_dly men to help clear the earth of the devil's co-workers? You wouldn't want to have people kill just anyone, now would you?

Know the opponent, through all means necessary and at your disposal.

the women who died in those days died horrific deaths....the witches hammer....i think about that all the time....

people are so busy thinking on ways to find faults with us, they dont bother thinking of their own..

I don't think it effects us much in this day and era. I mean, it seems pretty mundane compared to many other events that have happened through out time. Many worse or more well known and such.

Of cause it does as many on this site would agree most people in this world hate people who are different and it hasnt changed much over the centurys

A sadist journal, written be a sick twisted Fraternity of sick minded, and spiritually corrupt priest.. all the way up to Cardinals.

I'm a Veteran and when the Military allowed Pagans to practice openly, I thought it was a wonderful thing.

Whether you're a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, if you're a Wiccan or Pagan, you're entitled to the same religious rights as people of other faiths. You can have the word "Wiccan" imprinted on your dog tag, you can pray to your own gods or goddesses, and you can even attend services and rituals held on your base, if you're fortunate enough to be in an area that has other Pagans in it. They will also permit pentagrams on Vets' headstones.

In 2001, the revised edition of the U.S. Air Force Personnel Data System (MilMod) included Dianic Wicca, Druidism, Gardnerian Wicca, Pagan, Seax Wicca, Shamanism, and Wicca.

If the Military can accept Paganism/Wicca as valid religions, then I say we've come a long way.

its rather funny that you bring this up, considering today was the first time i read up on it

I currently am trying to find a religion that satisfies my beliefs and have looked into wicca as an option. I am reading up on the religion and practice in order to respect fellow wiccans and see if it is what i am looking for.

When i think about all of those people who died for thier beliefs, it makes me want to continue practicing wicca and witchcraft in order to keep thier beliefs alive. They died for a cause they truly believed in, and i hope they all would like to think it wasnt in vain. These people were tortured, and died. If people stopped practing witchcraft, then what was the purpose of standing up for your beliefs at all? They died for a reason, they died for a purpose; so all of us could continue to practice discriminant free.

I do not understand politcians and probably never will tho i learn alot here in vampire rave is common to happen to, most of us.

I'm reading this book right now. I just started it. it is pretty much a manual to finding and destroying "witches." It's really scary actually. Especially since it was responsible for the slaughter of millions of people who were supposedly witches.

still today our religion is being ridiculed and if you have children you need to hush hush till they are teens. I dont publically say what i am just that i am religious just dont participate in any church related religion. it seems to get me off without feeling looked at.

The "Malleus Maleficarum" was far more a treatise against women generally, and against multiorgasmic women specifically, than EVER it was against any other group. For anyone who actually reads this vile publication, it becomes instantly clear that the only true hatred being spewed forth constantly in its pages is against all females, regardless whether they are allegedly involved in paganism or witchcraft.

In Question Six of the "Malleus Maleficarum," it proclaims definitively that: "All witchcraft comes from carnal lust, which is in women insatiable."

And there it is... the truth finally revealed, finally admitted: It is a female's "insatiable" (i.e., multiorgasmic) capacity that truly identifies her as a "witch" and, thus, makes her worthy of death. This has nothing whatsoever to do with her beliefs, her religious practices, her dress, or anything else about her. It is her female sexual capacity, far superior to that of males, that according to men of that Age was the true Capitol Offense.

In fact, the very title itself specifically targets females, only: the word "maleficarum" is feminine and refers exclusively to female witches, not male. Had it referred to male witches or even males and females together, the title word would have been "Maleficorum."

And how does this affect us today? The same venomous misogyny that fills this repugnant publication is still, even today, inherent in all Judeo-Christian-Islamic religion and all societies based thereon. While not as openly expressed in most Western societies, yet such hatred for females, fueled largely by male jealousy for their inherently "insatiable" orgasmic potential (which jealousy was the foundational motivation for both the "Malleus Maleficarum" and the near-genocidal slaughters of females that followed), remains with us still... and thus, still poses just as great a threat to females and, thus, to civilization as a whole as ever it did during the 14th-18th Centuries. While no longer state-sanctioned, yet women continue to daily suffer the gravest injuries and atrocities worldwide largely as a continuing result of male hatred and jealousy for the female's wonderful sexual superiority. The "Malleus..." was simply one of the rarer admissions by the actual Powers-That-Be of that age-old jealousy and resentment.

This is the source, the fountainhead, of the "rift of separation, there from the beginning..." separating males from females, as spoken of in the Gnostic Gospels (Gospels of Thomas and Philip). And until such time as Science is finally willing to unblock the stonewalling on sex research such as to finally permit a true study into the "Male Refractory Period" (the "down"-time following male orgasm) that keeps men forever from being able to fully accompany and enjoy with females their unlimited sexual and emotional capacity, this endless "rift" between the sexes will continue... and with it, the age-old male jealousy and female suffering... which the "Malleus Maleficarum" is perhaps the most infamous and detestible manifestation.

At least, that is... so far to date.