Mr. C. J. S. Thompson (renowned expert in magic
lore) relates: In the midst of the field a throne was built very sumptuously,
on which stood a great and mighty Ram goat to whom at a certain hour of
the night they all went to do reverence.
'The reverence and homage which they do unto him is by turning their
shoulders and bowing down their heads as low as they can. He which is newly
assumpted into this brotherhood doth first with words wicked and abominable,
blaspheme and renounce all, the holy points and mysteries, vowing unto
the devil his faithful service for ever with many other execrable ceremonies,
vows and oaths, which being accomplished, they mingle themselves together
and many devils with them in likeness of young gentlemen and beautiful
dames without shame or respect.
There are certain oyles and oyntments with
which they anoynt themselves, which deprive them of their right sense,
making them imagine they are transformed into birds or beasts, deceiving
not only themselves with this error, but oftentimes the eyes of others,
for the devil and other enchanters so dazzle and deceive our sight, turning
and transforming men into beasts to the seeming of those which behold them,
though in truth it was nothing so, but the sorcerers think themselves in
their imagination to be transposed. Sometimes they anoynt themselves with
other oyntments whose operation maketh them think they are like fowls and
can fly in the air. '"
(intervening account above quoted from Alonso de Castro, 16th Century,
Italy)
Mr. Thompson continues with an account from De Lancre (also 16th century)
describing the devil as he presides at a Sabbath gathering of witches :
'He is seated on a black chair, with a crown of black horns, two horns
on the back of his neck, and one on the forehead which sheds light on the
assembly; the hair bristling, the face pale and exhibiting signs of uneasiness,
the eyes round, large and fully opened, inflamed and hideous, with a goat's
beard. The neck and rest of the body deformed, and in the shape of a goat;
the hands and feet of a human being.'
The oath to the demon had to be pronounced in the centre of a circle
traced on the ground, accompanied by the offer of some pledge, such as
the garment of the novitiate. The edge of the circle was supposed to establish
a mark which the demon could not cross. Heavy perfumes, such as vervain,
with burning incense and lighted tapers, always formed part of the ceremonial.
The smoking brazier, which entered largely into the ritual, was believed
to act on the demons, and was constantly fed with all kinds of those vegetable
and animal substances that would produce the most smoke. The presence of
toads or familiars, which were sometimes dressed up by the witches in scarlet
velvet with little bells, is mentioned in connexion with the Sabbaths."
Source: C.J.S. Thompson, Mysteries and Secrets of Magic; Witch picture by Monagrammist HF (Hans Franck - 15th century)