Salem, Mass.
September 21st, 2005
The site of the Salem Witch Trials
We spent 3 days in Salem Mass. and had an absolutely terrific
time. We saw all of the historical sites and some of the witch houses. We
poked into and around many many witchcraft stores, bought books on magic or
healing/ depending on which Innis it was, and even had Tarot Card readings
for both of us! I am now well equipped with everything I need to begin
learning the art of chakra work and Michael has taken a serious interest in
the ancient art and practice of The Runes, or “throwing of the bones” as it
was called in the past.
The town is a hoot! Halloween is definitely the main event. There are
reportedly 1500-2200 wicans/witches currently residing and working in Salem.
We learned that 30% of the town’s annual income is made in just one month,
October. Apparently it is even crazier then than Mardi Gras is in New
Orleans. If you want a really cool witch’s costume, you can find gorgeous
ones there, complete with long, purple velvet lined black capes and
impressive hats and wicked shoes.
The historical Witch Trials are pretty well represented. Attending the
Witch Museum was sort of like going to a Chucky Cheese without all of the
automation. There were life size dioramas built into the walls of a large
room with a lighting enhanced narration depicting the history of what
happened in 1692 which resulted in the hanging of 19 witches, mostly women,
and the unbelievable “pressing to death” of a preacher by repeatedly laying
heavier bolder size rocks on his chest until all of his air and life was
pressed out of him! I am re-reading The Scarlet Letter and The House of
Seven Gables for a more complete experience.
We are currently sailing at 11.3 kts into the Boston Harbor, preparing to
meet and spend a week with Kirstin and Adam. The 4 of us will sail from
Boston to New York and then do some hoofing it around the great city.
More later, Jeri and Michael
