Wicked Good
I recently watched a movie called Bell, Book, and Candle with Jimmy Stewert and Kim Novack. The movie was about a modern-day witch living in New York City's Greenwich Village. When she encounters a charming publisher (James Stewart), she decides to make him hers by casting a love spell. It is a cute movie, but Kim's cat, Pyewacket, captured my attention. Why? Because I know that there is always a hidden meaning in the names of people, places, and things. Here is what I discovered.
The term pyewacket is most famously associated with a familiar spirit in the lore of witches. Originating in the 17th century, the term was first recorded during the infamous witch trials in England. Specifically the trial of an accused witch named Elizabeth Clarke. Elizabeth was approximately 80 years old when tried in 1645. Her occupation was known as a cunning woman or folk healer.
To clarify, cunning women are known for their knowledge of herbal remedies, charms, and folk medicine. As a result, many rural communities relied on in the absence of formal medical care. However, their work also made them vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft,
especially in times of social or religious unrest. In Clarke's case, her role as a healer, combined with her age and social isolation, contributed to her becoming a target of Matthew Hopkins' witch-hunting campaign.
Magic
According to records from that time, local witchfinder Matthew Hopkins claimed to have encountered several familiar spirits while interrogating Clarke. In this case, the cat was called Pyewacket.
The name has since entered the realm of folklore and popular culture, evolving in meaning and association.
Judge and Jury
Furthermore, Matthew Hopkins operated largely independently but had associations with certain Puritan elements within the English church. During the English Civil War, Puritan beliefs and influence were on the rise. For instance, within Parliamentarian-controlled areas, where Hopkins primarily conducted his witch-hunting activities. Puritans held strong views against anything associated with perceived Catholic "superstitions" or the occult. So, this included folk healing and so-called "pagan" practices, which they often saw as linked to witchcraft.
Hopkins was not an official agent of the church, nor did he hold any religious office. However, his witch hunts aligned with the Puritan moral framework that viewed witchcraft as a severe threat to godly society. His association with the Puritanical ethos of the time, particularly in East Anglia (a region with strong Puritan leanings). Consequently, this granted him a degree of local support and legitimacy. Likewise, Hopkins' witch-finding activities, not officially sanctioned by the church, were fueled by fears of evil promoted by Puritan leaders. Those individuals saw his work as a means to "purify" the community.
On second thought
In addition, one prominent figure during the Salem witch trials was William Stoughton, the chief magistrate who presided over the Court of Oyer and Terminer, established to prosecute the accused witches. Stoughton was a staunch Puritan and played a vital role in the trials, often siding with spectral evidence and supporting the harsh measures against the accused. Another notable official was Samuel Sewall, a judge who later publicly repented for his role in the trials.
So, five years after the trials, he stood before Boston's Old South Church congregation and confessed his guilt. He presented a written statement, read aloud by Reverend Samuel Willard, expressing sorrow for his actions and seeking forgiveness from God and the community. Meanwhile, Sewall acknowledged that his judgments may have led to unjustly taking innocent lives, and he humbly accepted responsibility.
Moreover, Sewall declared an annual day of fasting and prayer for himself and his family to atone for his involvement in the trials. This yearly observance demonstrated his continued remorse and commitment to seek forgiveness. Consequently, the Massachusetts General Court declared January 15 as a day of fasting and soul-searching across the colony. Sewall's public repentance was notable because few other officials admitted wrongdoing, making him one of the few figures from the trials to acknowledge and express regret for the tragedy that had unfolded.
Piety or Prude
Above all, to understand the historical context of Pyewacket, one must consider the climate of fear and superstition surrounding witches during the 1600s. In the years following the Reformation, England and much of Europe were gripped by religious conflicts and a sense of instability. As a result, communities became increasingly wary of anything that seemed "unholy" or unnatural. So, this fear of witchcraft culminated in accusations and trials that targeted primarily women.
For example, in the case of Elizabeth Clarke, Pyewacket was cited as one of her familiars—a spirit or animal (cat) often believed to aid witches in their supernatural deeds. Thus, Pyewacket was emblematic of society's darker fears, representing the mysterious and potentially malevolent forces believed to linger just beyond the edge of the known world.
Understanding & Growth
Subsequently, Pyewacket evolved from a feared familiar spirit into a cultural symbol with various interpretations. In modern culture, the term appears in literature, film, and even pet names, often with a slightly whimsical or supernatural connotation.
For example, the 1958 film Bell, Book, and Candle, which I explained as my reason for this post, is about a cat named Pyewacket. A cat who is the familiar with the film's protagonist, a witch portrayed by Kim Novak. In this adaptation, Pyewacket is portrayed not as a harbinger of evil but as an adorable companion, embodying the mischief and allure often associated with witchcraft in popular media.
As a result, this shift in Pyewacket's representation demonstrates society's changing perceptions of the supernatural—from something dark and dangerous to something more benign and entertaining.
Nevertheless, the legacy of Pyewacket has had a lasting impact on the way familiar spirits are perceived today. The name evokes a sense of mystery and the unknown, harkening back to when the line between reality and superstition was thin. Modern interpretations of Pyewacket serve as a reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with the occult and the supernatural.
Nothing to Fear
So, as you enter into the new month of November, remember the history of the Salem witch trials. Many people may be misunderstood or even feared, but we must not rush to judgment. And if we do, remember the Reverend Samuel Willard and consider his act of contrition in the light of social hysteria. Not all things are as they appear. In fact, a cat may just be a cat.
