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The Witches' Caldron

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog
 

Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing

For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and babble

Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and caldron bubble"

William Shakespeare

The Halloween witch is a familiar sight during the Halloween season. You can see her in her black cloak and black pointed hat riding her broomstick or stirring her caldron and always with her friend, the black cat. And don't forget the cackle.

We see her image on decorations and greeting cards. We find her in stories, poems and legends. We see her in the movies and cartoons. She is sometimes a good witch, and many times vilified.

The witch is often depicted as an old and usually evil woman. Her hair, white and straw-like. Her nose is long and dotted with a big hairy wart. Her hands are bony. And she usually is up to no good. And oh yes, sometimes, that green face!

Witches have had a long history with Halloween. Legends tell of witches gathering twice a year when the seasons changed, on April 30 - Beltane and the other was on the eve of October 31 - All Hallow's Eve.

The witches would gather on these nights, arriving on broomsticks, to celebrate a party. Superstitions told of witches casting spells on unsuspecting people, transform themselves into different forms and causing other magical mischief.

Are these just stories or legends, or is there any truth to the stereotypical Halloween witch? Most likely not. But no matter what, the Halloween witch is fun whether good or bad!

The Witch's Broomstick 

     The Witch's Caldron

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