Mary Bliss Parsons (not to be confused with the first witch trial of Mary Lewis Parsons) was shrouded in mystery. She wandered the swamps at night, had a knack for finding hidden keys and knew how to throw the most spectacular fits. Any other Puritan woman would have been called "Witch" and thrown in jail. But not this Mary. We talk about Puritan fears, politics and the righteous balance of religion and reputation.

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Chapters

00:00 The Context of Witch Trials in Springfield

02:59 The Role of Community in Witchcraft Accusations

05:59 The Impact of Fear on Native Communities

09:05 The Dynamics of Gender and Accusations

11:49 Mary Bliss Parsons: A Case Study

15:08 The Interplay of Wealth and Witchcraft Accusations

18:02 The Influence of Childbirth on Witchcraft Beliefs

20:53 The Vulnerability of Women in Childbirth

23:37 The Role of Religion in Witchcraft Accusations

26:45 The Intersection of Fear and Motherhood

34:28 The Bridge Between Sex and Birth

36:46 Cultural Perspectives on Childbirth

39:07 Spiritual Practices and Birth Experiences

40:34 The Role of Women in Childbirth

42:39 The Impact of Superstitions on Women

44:02 Witch Trials and Community Dynamics

46:36 Testimonies and Accusations

51:31 The Influence of Gossip on Witchcraft Accusations

01:04:28 The Impact of Childbirth and Death on Community Dynamics

01:06:59 Testimonies and Accusations: The Witchcraft Narrative

01:08:56 The Role of Gossip and Community Relationships

01:11:46 The Intersection of Abuse and Witchcraft Accusations

01:14:27 Defamation and Legal Proceedings in Witch Trials

01:17:13 The Aftermath of Witch Trials and Community Changes

01:20:58 The Legacy of Witchcraft Accusations in Family Histories

01:26:03 Connecting Historical Events to Modern Perspectives