Witch's mark

This article is about the hypothetical body mark. For the magical symbol, see Witch mark. For the novel, see Witchmark.
Detail of the oil painting Examination of a witch by Tompkins Harrison Matteson (1853)

A witch's mark, devil's mark or stigma diabolicum was a bodily mark that witch-hunters believed indicated that an individual was a witch, during the height of the witch trials. The beliefs about the mark differed, depending on the trial location and the accusation made against the witch. Use of the term is found earliest in the 16th century, and reaching its peak in 1645, but then essentially disappearing by 1700.[1]

The Witch or Devil's mark was believed to be the permanent marking of the Devil on his initiates to seal their obedience and service to him. He is said to create the mark by raking his claw across their flesh, licking the skin to produce a death skull pattern, or using a hot iron to produce a blue or red brand. The Devil was thought to mark the individual at the end of nocturnal initiation rites.[2]

The witch's teat was a raised bump somewhere on a witch's body. It is often depicted as having a wart-like appearance.

  1. ^ "Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Western Tradition" Richard M. Golden, Library of Congress vol 4, Q-Z, 2006
  2. ^ Devil's mark Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft. New York: Facts On File.1989. p. 99