Lodowick Muggleton
A True Interpretation of the Witch of Endor
"A True Interpretation of the Witch of Endor" by Lodowick Muggleton is a theological treatise written in the early 18th century. The work delves into the biblical account of the Witch of Endor as described in the Old Testament, specifically addressing the nature of Familiar Spirits and the interactions between the living and the deceased, particularly focusing on King Saul's encounter with the witch and the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Muggleton seeks to clarify what it means for spirits to exist without bodies and critiques prevailing notions about the afterlife and witchcraft. The opening of the treatise presents Muggleton's intent to interpret the Biblical text regarding the Witch of Endor, questioning the commonly held belief that spirits can exist independently of their bodies. He argues against the idea that the witch raised Samuel to communicate with Saul, suggesting instead that what was perceived as Samuel's voice was a product of Saul's own guilty conscience. Muggleton explains that the familiar spirits witches purportedly communicate with are rooted in their own imaginations rather than entities external to themselves. This foundational argument sets the stage for Muggleton's exploration of scripture and his challenge to longstanding interpretations surrounding necromancy and the nature of spiritual existence.