"WITCHCRAFT" IN SPAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 1514, 9 November 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)

"WITCHCRAFT" IN SPAIN.

A STRANGE STORY.

THE CASTING OF A SPELL. 'A telegram from Castellon do la Plana says that a strange affair occurred in a maritime village belonging to the Birrriana township. The incident recalls tho scenos of Shakespeare" "Macbeth." A few •weeks ago tho rumour circulated throughout the village that a pretty young girl. Teresa Sanchez, had become the victim of the envy of an old woman who had succeeded in bewitching her. Teresa's father confided his fears and suspicions to his family and to intimate friends; and subsequent observations seemed to confirm the suspicions of witchcraft. Tho beautiful Teresa was undoubtedly the victim of some spell. She was bewitched, suffered hallucinations, and had htranrro attacks of " ecstacies," during which phantasmagoric visions and demoniacal sarabands defiled before her distracted imagination. Teresa pronounced incoherent words, and invoked imaginary legendary beings,, which she saw depicted upon the walls of the houses. " Poor Teresa, she's bewitched and spellbound," said the neighbours. Near the village dwelt the old woman credited with the exercise of powers of witchcraft upon whom fell suspicion. Tho entire village decided to visit the woman, conducting Teresa into her presence. The latter prostrated herself before the " witch," demanding, in suppliant fashion, release , from the spell. ■The story relates that tho " witch" was deeply Effected, rind shed tears, but with astute-prudence promised solemnly to undo tho results of the witchcraft. This oath pronounced, the inhabitants, with guileless ignorance, returned home satisfied. This incident has . occurred in Spain in the twentieth century, and is agitating the V large towa of Burxi«na. ~ . , V(i ... v . 'j ■_ . ■