I found witchcraft through research on my family lineage. Prekker, once Prikker a few generations ago, comes from regions of Europe we know today as the border between Germany and the Netherlands. Prikker, directly translated to pricker in English — among many indeterminate possibilities — could refer to the practice of pricking witches. During the 16th and 17th centuries, a pricker was responsible for poking and prodding accused victims of witchcraft. Upon the pricking of the victim’s flesh, if they did not bleed, the area of the body was labeled the “Devil’s Mark.” Believed to be bestowed upon those who made pacts with Satan himself, the blemish was deemed solid evidence for execution.
My obscure discovery transformed into peculiar intrigue, but I hesitated to learn more. Through popular culture and personal experiences, hysterias of witchcraft and the occult were inseparable from my perception of the topic. Chants of devilry accompanied scriptures warning of unforgivable evils complimented banned books on library shelves. As a young girl, an adult once scorned me for playing with flowers inside a small pool of water. Accused of occultist intentions, I was chastised and told to beg God for forgiveness. Whether in church or child’s play, the fear of unspeakable ideas lingered within me — because, as always, the devil is in the details.
Being a product of my personal growth, I’ve since severed the ties of institutional religion with my understanding of the world. I’ve allowed myself to identify patriarchal influences within my environment and resist my subordination to those influences. To confront my fears was to confront myself. Nevertheless, I severed the tie.
I welcome you to interact with the media I’ve provided and sever the ties that may be bound to you.
Paige Prekker
