The Everlasting Price to Pay for Intelligence and Wisdom
Long after Roman times, women continued the ancient traditions of the old religions, carrying out many ceremonies in their daily lives. They were known as missionaries, counselors, leaders and healers. In Europe, their villages knew them as "wise women." The Christian churches and state branded them as Witches, and condemned them as worshipers of the devil. This "image" of the Witch was reinforced by the art and literature at that time, which are some pretty gruesome drawings and disgusting journalism. Many people today veiw these drawings and that the scripts below them and actaully "believe" it! No wonder Witches have had such a bad rap throughout history!
There is evidence that women did meet in groups to share news and participate in the old Pagan traditions that they were forced to give up. But as the Witch persecutions reached their height, their meetings became more dangerous. Women who gathered at night were thought to be evil. It was the age of superstition and no one doubted the existence of witches. It was difficult for them not to believe when thousands of them were being burned.
In the fourteenth century, people were convinced that it was the end ot the world. I guess it wouldn't be too hard to believe that way when there was a series of epidemics that swept across Europe for the next two hundred years. These epidemics which continued was called the “black plague.” The Priests said that it was God's punishment for sin. During this distressing time, still, people turned to the village “wise woman” in search for help and comfort. By the time it was over, women's ability had become associated with darkness and evil.
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