The Witch Hunts of Papua New Guinea

I am lucky to live in the UK where Witchcraft is viewed with an open mind and an open heart. There are festivals, markets, masked balls, specialist museums, exhibitions dedicated or have a large aspect of them dedicated to the history of Witches and Witchcraft. There are also many artists who's arts and crafts are inspired by the magical realms and historians who make a lifetime study of the subject. There are also many working white witches and Wiccans who do magic for good purposes and I might add also for fun and for relaxation. Not to mention children up and down the country and across the world who love the world of Harry Potter! Even last weekend I had a fun time making poppets, and listening to talks about the witches of Northamptonshire at Kettering Museum. These talks highlighted that most Witch trails mainly picked on the poor, usually outcasts characters and were mainly started as neighbourhood disputes. It was easy if cattle died or someone got sick to point a finger at some poor old lady or man and shout "WITCHCRAFT'"rather than look into another cause especially as knowledge of science was somewhat lacking during these times. Some people accused of being a witch where done for others to gain their money, land and for revenge and had nothing at all to do with magic, flying on brooms and the wearing pointy of Hats. Innocent men and women died because of ignorance surrounding Witchcraft!

Sadly watching the news report on BBC news website about the witch hunts in Papua New Guinea, Witchcraft is still being used as an excuse for ignorance and to persecute innocent people!
I just hope that enlightenment will reach these people as it did our ancestors, but sadly I feel not before more innocent people have the finger of Witchcraft and blame pointed at them!

The witch hunts of Papua New Guinea can be viewed here on the BBC news website. Please note content may not be suitable for children.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-44333447/the-witch-hunts-of-papua-new-guinea