In the shadow of Scotland’s rugged landscapes and mystical lochs, the 18th century was a time of transformation for beliefs in witchcraft and magic. Although the infamous witch trials had mostly ended by the early 1700s, the echoes of these beliefs lingered. The Scottish Enlightenment was in full swing. It brought with it scientific advancements and progressive ideas. Yet the magic of Scottish folklore, charms, and old superstitions persisted. This fascinating blend of enlightenment beliefs and magic traditions gives us a unique glimpse into how beliefs in witchcraft in 18th Century Scotland evolved. Not as mere remnants of the past, but as living parts of Scottish life and culture.
1. The End of the Witch Trials Era
By 1736, the Witchcraft Act of 1563 was repealed in Scotland, officially marking an end to witch trials. Prior to this, thousands had been accused, and many executed, in a period of intense persecution. But while legal punishment for witchcraft in 18th Century Scotland was fading, beliefs about witches, magic, and supernatural forces remained ingrained in the minds of the Scottish people.
Unlike the trials of previous centuries, 18th-century accusations were rarely formal. Instead, they became whispers within communities, reinforcing cultural beliefs without legal consequences. People still attributed certain misfortunes—sudden illness, crop failures, or unexpected deaths—to malevolent forces. The idea of the “witch” lingered as a powerful symbol of unknown, sometimes dangerous, magic.
2. The Persistence of Folk Magic
Despite scientific advancements, folk magic remained a part of daily life in 18th-century Scotland. Cunning folk—those who practiced benign forms of magic—were often called upon for healing, divination, and protection against malevolent forces. These practitioners-usually older women or local healers-held a unique role as both trusted and feared members of their communities.
The magical practices they offered ranged widely. From simple charms for luck or love to more complex rituals intended to protect against supernatural harm. Amulets and charms crafted to ward off the “evil eye” or protect livestock were common. Many Scots still trusted in these practices to secure their well-being in a world where misfortune could strike at any time.
3. The Scottish Enlightenment’s Influence on Witchcraft Beliefs
Many people still held beliefs in magic and witchcraft in 18th Century Scotland. The influence of the Enlightenment—a period of intellectual flourishing centered in Edinburgh—introduced a shift in attitudes however. Figures like David Hume, Adam Smith, and their Enlightenment beliefs promoted reason, science, and skepticism. This conflicted with older beliefs in witchcraft and supernatural explanations.
However, Enlightenment beliefs didn’t erase superstition; rather, it added new layers to the conversation. Many people, including those in intellectual circles, were intrigued by ghost stories, divination, and the concept of second sight (the ability to see spirits or foresee future events), which persisted in the Scottish Highlands. Some thinkers even debated whether these supernatural experiences had scientific explanations, showing that fascination with the mystical still held sway.
4. Highland Traditions and the Influence of Second Sight
The Scottish Highlands, more remote and less influenced by urban Enlightenment beliefs, remained a stronghold for magic and supernatural belief. Here, the concept of “second sight” was particularly significant. Those believed to possess this gift were thought capable of glimpsing events before they happened. These were often tragic or momentous ones, like death or disaster.
Scottish Highlanders took these predictions seriously, weaving them into the fabric of daily life. Scottish folklore recounted countless stories of seers and forecasters, and their second sight predictions carried weight within the community. The Scottish lowlands, influenced more by Enlightenment thinking, were somewhat skeptical of such powers. But even there, tales of second sight endured, symbolizing the unbreakable link between Scotland and its mystical heritage.
5. Ghosts, Fairies, and Otherworldly Beings
Beyond witches and seers, Scotland was alive with tales of otherworldly beings. Fairies, in particular, were woven into Scottish folklore and were often believed to interact with, or even meddle in, human lives. In 18th-century Scotland, it was not uncommon to hear stories of people who had encountered the “fae” or other mystical creatures, especially in rural areas where the landscape itself seemed enchanted.
These beings were not always friendly, and stories of abductions, curses, or strange omens attributed to fairies or spirits were widespread. People avoided certain areas known to be “haunted” or avoided at certain times, especially around Samhain, when the veil between worlds was thought to be thinnest.
6. The Legacy of Witchcraft in 18th Century Scotland
Even as it stepped into the Age of Reason, beliefs in magic and witchcraft in 18th Century Scotland adapted rather than vanished. They lived on through folk and magic traditions, storytelling, and even in literature and art. The Scottish fascination with the mystical has remained strong, influencing writers like Sir Walter Scott and later even inspiring modern pop culture portrayals of magic and witchcraft.
The 18th century was a time of transition, where belief and skepticism coexisted, and magic continued to play a role in everyday life for many Scots. Today, Scotland’s legacy of witchcraft and folklore is preserved in its rich cultural history, with ancient rituals, eerie tales, and supernatural legends as reminders of a time when magic and reason walked side by side.
This era in Scotland reminds us that even in an age of progress, old beliefs have a way of holding on. The result is a captivating blend of science, magic, and tradition that still enchants the Scottish landscape today.
If you enjoyed this post, why not investigate the subject further by reading Beyond the witch trials: Witchcraft and magic in Enlightenment Europe, available to download as a free pdf! Also, for more articles on all things witchcraft, check out our other blog posts in The Grimoire.
