| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

I am so excited for today as it marks the launch of the Halloween Shop. It feels like a museum pop-up to me. Each special set is signed and dated. I don't know if they'll be offered again, so be sure to order now.

The pre-sale has slightly lower pricing and allows your order to be prioritized so it ships in early October. Thank you for supporting my shop!
​Seal of the Week: My favorite Witch

The perfect seal for Halloween — a witch astride her broom, wielding a hammer, with the cryptic inscription, "All have their hobbies." Amidst this tableau, one's compelled to reflect on the dual nature of human history—a timeless wellspring of humor coexisting with the somber specter of witch hunts and persecution.

At its heart, the image of the witch and her hammer alludes to the infamous "Malleus Maleficarum," known colloquially as "The Witches' Hammer." This chilling opus stands as a cornerstone of the grim epoch of European witch trials, a dark chapter in history that is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 individuals. The author of this malevolent manifesto, motivated by personal demons, unjustly castigated women for his own desires, unleashing a crusade to cleanse society of perceived sin.

In contemplating the saga of "witches" and their relentless persecution, one is reminded of the profound peril faced by those who dared to defy convention, particularly women who dared to exist beyond the rigid confines of patriarchal norms. It is a somber narrative, urging us to reckon with the inequities and power dynamics that have historically plagued our society.

This captivating seal assumes a prominent role in my Halloween shop. Available in an easy-to-use, friendly peel-and-stick format, you can pre-order a colorful set, which will ship in about 10 days. Note: All seals in the Halloween shop are collector's edition sets signed and dated by Kathryn Hastings!

Our Witch Barbara

In the quaint village of Velké Losiny, nestled in the heart of Europe, there exists a jewel of hand papermaking that has withstood the tests of time. And now, exciting news comes from across the Atlantic as Kathryn Hastings acquires the full stock of this remarkable paper in the United States.

Velké Losiny is not just a picturesque European village; it’s a place steeped in history. This village has endured not only the ravages of wars but also the infamous medieval witch trials, in which 56 people, including the paper mill owner’s wife, Barbara, tragically met their end at the stake.

Yet amidst trials and tribulations, Velké Losiny mill endures, emerging from behind the Iron Curtain with rich tradition, unmatched production, and a community of dedicated artisans. What sets Velké Losiny paper apart is meticulous craftsmanship and quality—long-fiber cotton and linen foundation create unmatched crispness and strength. The paper's purity shines through; free of acid thanks to a calcium buffer and finest raw materials.

It's not just a product; it’s a piece of living history, a tangible link to a bygone era that refuses to fade away.

Previously, I had carried small sets of this paper with 20 sheets or so. I now am launching them in boxes of 50 and 100 loose sheets, starting with this gorgeous rose-watermark paper. It is true heirloom paper, which you can use in your life and also pass on to loved ones too.

A Brief History of Witches & the Law

Witchcraft has a long and complex history intertwined with laws that have evolved over time. Here’s a brief overview of the history of witchcraft and the laws surrounding it.

It was believed that witches were lighter than air, and were often weighed during trial.

Early Beliefs and Persecutions Witchcraft, often associated with the supernatural and magic, has ancient roots. In the ancient world, various civilizations had beliefs in magic and witchcraft, but it wasn’t until the medieval period in Europe that witch hunts and trials became prevalent. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the fear of witchcraft spread across Europe.

Papal Bull and Malleus Maleficarum (1484) Pope Innocent VIII issued a papal bull in 1484, which recognized the existence of witches and authorized their persecution. The publication of the “Malleus Maleficarum” in 1487 by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger further fueled the witch hunts. This treatise outlined methods for identifying, trying, and punishing witches. Witchcraft Acts in England (16th and 17th centuries) The Witchcraft Act of 1542 was the first English law against witchcraft. It criminalized the practice of witchcraft but did not prescribe the death penalty. The Witchcraft Act of 1563, however, introduced the death penalty for those convicted of invoking evil spirits. These laws remained in effect until 1736 when the Witchcraft Act of 1735 replaced them. The 1735 act made it a crime to claim magical powers, but it did not prescribe the death penalty.

Salem Witch Trials (1692) The Salem witch trials in colonial Massachusetts were a series of hearings and prosecutions that resulted in the execution of 20 people, primarily women, accused of practicing witchcraft. These trials were not conducted under English law but were influenced by superstitions and local beliefs. Listen to this week's podcast episode ​ Repeal of Witchcraft Laws (18th century) Over time, belief in witchcraft began to wane, and the Enlightenment period led to a more rational and secular worldview. As a result, many European countries and American colonies repealed or relaxed their witchcraft laws in the 18th century.

Witch Hill (The Salem Martyr) by Thomas Satterwhite Nobel, 1869, New York Historical Society

A Divination Tea

For those seeking to embrace the mystical energies of this time of year, here’s a herbal tea recipe known as Divination Tea, which I learned from Sally Morningstar’s Witches Tarot. Ingredients: 1 tsp of fresh thyme 1 tsp of fresh or dried yarrow 1 tsp of dried mugwort 1 cinnamon stick 4 cloves 1 bay leaf A ceramic or glass container Orange blossom honey 1¼ cups of spring water Instructions: Place all the herbs into a ceramic or glass container. Pour boiling water over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged, and cover the container. Let the mixture steep for approximately five minutes to allow the herbs to release their flavors and energies. After steeping, strain the tea to remove the herb particles. Sweeten your Divination Tea with orange blossom honey to your desired taste. This honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the herbal blend. 🍯 Lastly, savor your tea mindfully. Stay relaxed, and avoid operating machinery or vehicles for at least two hours after drinking it. Letter writing is a great option during this time.

This Divination Tea offers a sensory journey that can help you tap into the mystical aura of this season and enhance your intuition. Enjoy the experience and let your senses guide you!

Divination Tea is a safe blend, but please exercise caution and avoid it if you’re pregnant, on medication, or dealing with mental health issues.

On the podcast: Salem Witch Trials

The newest podcast episode is all about the Salem Witch Trials. It's a bit of a longer episode since I did a deep dive with story telling, the historic context, as well as a letter from that ominous summer in 1692.

There are many WTF moments in the story, including the introduction of spectral evidence, which was the practice of using the supposed visions or spectral appearances of witches or spirits as proof of witchcraft during trials, without any tangible or factual evidence.

Please listen to the episode here and share with your friends!

Another Salem Tragedy

A story I didn't cover in the podcast... George Jacobs was one of the unfortunate individuals caught up in the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 in colonial Massachusetts. Born in Salem in 1620, he lived a long and relatively uneventful life until he became embroiled in the hysteria that swept through the town.

George Jacobs, an elderly man during the Salem witch trials, had been married twice, an uncommon feat in his time, and had a family. He was known for his outspoken personality, which didn't sit well with his neighbors.

The witch trials began in 1692 when young girls, including Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, accused people of practicing witchcraft. In May of that year, George Jacobs was accused by some of these girls, including Ann Putnam Jr. and Mercy Lewis. Despite his protests of innocence, he was found guilty and executed by hanging in August 1692.

One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Jacobs was the testimony of his own granddaughter, Margaret Jacobs. She claimed that he had appeared to her in spectral form and forced her to sign the Devil's book. This testimony was especially damaging, as it came from a family member.

After his execution, Jacobs' body was buried near the hanging site, on what was believed to be his farm. However, over time, the exact location was forgotten. In the 1950s, developers unintentionally unearthed his remains while bulldozing the former farm site. It wasn't until the 1970s that the bones were identified as likely belonging to George Jacobs. Forensic testing revealed signs of osteoarthritis, which George Jacobs may well have had as he walked with two canes.

In 1992, during the 300th anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, Jacobs' remains were properly reinterred at the Nurse Graveyard, located at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, associated with another witch trial victim, Rebecca Nurse, who we met in the podcast. This marked a solemn closure to Jacobs' tragic story, emphasizing the enduring importance of justice and remembrance.

Kay