witchcraft (the Old Religion)

Generally, the use of amulets (or talismans), magical "potions," magical rituals, and/or spells. For example, The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft (1980) describes a "cure" for jaundice: "12 large earthworms, baked on a shovel and ground to powder, drunk in potion." The author, Kathryn Paulsen, added parenthetically: "Somewhat poisonous effects have been noticed from this recipe." For madness, she recommended consuming a drink containing mild honey and salt--before sunrise and from a seashell; and for strength, a black spider between two slices of buttered bread.