The experiences of John Godfrey, a herdsman from Andover, epitomized those traits that would later lead many to the gallows. In New England, a step behind those across the pond, the same process can be uncovered and is evident in the story of one man. It wasn’t until the return of skeptical thinkers and the beginning of the Enlightenment that it finally abated. As the hunts ramped up, much more latitude was provided, and those who exhibited certain characteristics and were vulnerable to such accusations suddenly found themselves without that protection. In Europe, before the witch hunts entered an aggressive phase, both religious and secular authorities were hesitant to accept charges based upon accusations alone and certainly required more than simply ethereal evidence while providing those accused with the rights of due process of law. This would result in what was a seemingly abrupt explosion of accusations, trials and executions culminating in the tragedy in Salem Village in 1692. The people of early 17 th to early 18 th century New England had brought with them and instilled in their descendants the beliefs influenced by their European heritage, including a tacit understanding that witchcraft and magic were real and people existed who were willing to use it for malevolent purposes. A collective mentalité can take root over the course of many generations or find solid ground in periods of new attitudes and reinterpretations. We gravitate towards the practices with which we were raised.” It is that simplicity which so often sets the parameters within which groups of people operate. “Religion,” wrote Dan Brown in Angels and Demons, “is like language or dress.

Salem Witchcraft Trial / Wikimedia Commons

The Enemy Within by John Putnam Demos