Witches and Hallucinogens (Theory later Debunked)

It wasn't until 1976, when Linnda Caporael gave the first evidence suggesting that the Salem witch trials began as a result of an outbreak of rye ergot. This is a type of fungus that produces hallucinations and was likely in the bread and similar grains the townspeople of Salem were consuming. Those who consume ergot may appear bewitched, when in reality they are just really high. 

The common symptoms of ergot are paranoia, hallucinations, twitches and spasms, cardiovascular trouble, and stillborn children. To me, this sounds exactly like the symptoms exhibited in those who believed a witch had influence over them. Although, it is worth noting that some who were supposedly bewitched may have had ergot poisoning, while others were succumbing to the hysteria surrounding the situation. 

Studies have shown that witch hunts rarely occurred when people did not consume rye. Witches and rye seem undoubtedly connected during this time period, and it would be hard to rule this out as a contributing factor of what happened in Salem. 

In the 1740s, there was a dramatic shift in perception regarding ergotism. Instead of a vile and demonic possession, ergot symptoms became a mark of holy possession instead. The visions, trances, and muscle spasms as previously mentioned were now understood as "religious ecstasy." This developed into a period of religious revival that contributed to the Great Awakening. The idea of secular rationalism came to the forefront of people's conscious, and religion was severely downplayed. Who would have thought that a major turning point in American history could have began from one fun guy (fungi)? 

Ergot pictured above.