ABSTRACT
Familiar spirits were central to Stearne’s witchcraft theory. However, the concept of familiars served as an icon for numerous medieval and early modern concerns, including human-animal boundaries, morality, and sexuality. In the past few decades research into the concept of familiar spirits has highlighted the importance and prevalence of these supernatural creatures in English witchcraft beliefs. Few scholars have directly discussed the epistemological basis of the witch-theories articulated by Stearne in his pamphlet. In A confirmation Stearne referenced published trial pamphlets and works by English demonologists, whose ideas were founded upon even earlier traditions. Popular and learned demonological beliefs are the most plausible way to explain the early modern concept of familiar spirits – an argument proffered by Sharpe, Oldridge, and Johnstone. The integral place of familiars in witchcraft lore, narratives, and trials was further cemented through the hugely influential witchcraft trial at St Osyth, Essex, 1582, during which fourteen women were tried and two were executed.
