This is a most interesting thread. However, I must express some opposing opinions.

harpgirl - I've probably known more witches than you; they are all really good people, just like all the autoharp players I know.

Amergin -- Don't be so quick to condemn Murray. I find some of her theories a bit problematic, others fascinating. BTW, she never claimed to be an historian. Her field was literature, the only means by which a woman of her time could become involved in archaeology. Russell Hope Robbins, in "The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology" gives a "conservative" estimate of 200,000 persons murdered for "witchcraft" in a 200 year span.

Barry and Susan of DT -- I loathed "Susannah Martin" upon first hearing. The tone, the text, the details. all condemn this innocent woman who was murdered by the Salem Theocrats.

On the other hand there are songs such as "The Two Magicians," "Scarborough Fair" and "John Barleycorn."

One could also work this old prayer into a song:

Earth, Earth, Earth, O Mother Earth!
May the All-wielder, the Everlord grant you
acres a-waxing, upwards a-growing,
pregnant with corn and plenteous in power,
whole hosts of grain shafts and of shining plants!
Blossoms of broad barley
waxing of white wheat ears,
harvest of the whole land.

Excuse my rant -- Tom