The Witching Hour

 

2022: Europa: Stories and Myths - Guernsey Witches (Design - Keith Robinson)

On the 52p stamp Guernsey witches convene after dark on the headland at Le Catioroc for 'Le Sabbat des Sociers'

then they fly home, but not a broomsticks in sight, for in Guernsey they have invisible wings. Most convenient. They stop for a rest on the way home and conveniently the old houses in the west of the island have a bit of granite sticking out from their chimneys known as 'witches seats'

The bottom row of stamps depict £1.10 'Witch in the Hedge' who flew too low and was discovered at daybreak by a farmer's wife. The witch warned her not to tell a living soul but she could not keep the secret and told her husband and was immediately struck deaf. Next is the story of 'Jean Falla and the Witches'. The local fisherman had unwittingly offended on of the sisterhood and got caught in a storm at sea. In the howling wind he heard unearthly laughter and saw a group of women flying overhead, including one he recognised. After reaching home safely he treated all women from then on with respect. Lastly in the 16th and 17th Century 103 people were found guilty of witchcraft in Guernsey and burnt alive. It is said they still haunt the street steps of the island's capital.

So not a broomstick or black cat in sight. I will have to remedy that...

2020: SEPAC - National Gallery Artwork (Catskin by Frances Lemmon)

Sunday Stamps theme this week is - Scary/Halloween - spooky times are at  See It On A Postcard