Edinburgh Scotland is a unique city with a magick all its own. Castles, underground vaults, ghosts, and a long history this city does not disappoint. One of the most interesting highlights is the Witches’ Well near Edinburgh castle. Witches have a difficult history. We must do all we can to never forget that, lest it happen again. The castle is located on the Esplanade and rises high above the city. Just to the right as you approach you will see the Witches’ Well.
According to the Edinburgh Castle site ” Persecution of witches can be dated back to at least the 10th century, and continued throughout the medieval period until well after the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s….Over two years [in the 1590s], at least 60 women and men were brought from North Berwick to Edinburgh Castle and brutally tortured. They usually confessed to consorting with the Devil, and many were duly hanged or burned on the open ground now occupied by the Esplanade.”
The plaque at the Witches’ Well sight is less of a monument to the persecution of an ancient religion, and more typical tourist sign. But nevertheless and ever the more it is what it is, and is certainly worth a visit if you’re able.
This is only one of many sacred sites in Scotland that hold their own magick and mystery. Arguably the most famous Witch in Scotland was Isobel Gowdie. She has been the subject of many novels, and even a classical piece of music which you can listen to here:
This magickal piece composed by James MacMillan. Unfortunately there are very few known facts about Gowdie and many of the other Magickal humans who lost their lives for practicing these traditions. You can read more about her and the infamous trial at the Spooky Scotland website. While you are at the Witches’ Well you may wish to say some words of honoring for Isobel Gowdie, and all the other Witches who came before. Their struggle and their memory is still with us today. You may also wish to leave a small biodegradable offering of water, fruit, or perhaps flowers like thistle (the national flower of Scotland.) After all what is remembered lives.
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