Even though the countries and their kings are busy fighting witches and sorcery throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, several of these monarchs actually use magic to protect themselves.
Bezoar stones, fossilised shark teeth and gemstones are thought to possess great powers. They are used by several regents as protection against powerful sorcery. Elizabeth the First, queen of England, who rules in the late 16th century, has her own royal magician John Dee, and she always carries a red coral to protect herself against sorcery.
In Denmark, King Christian the Fourth strictly condemns all use of witchcraft or sorcery. In 1617, he issues a law that even prohibits white magic. Until then, white magic has been regarded more leniently, and country people have made use of it for generations.
But even this witchcraft-spurning Danish king carries a magic amulet made of jade. Some say it protects against kidney stones, while others claim it wards of witchcraft. Medical experts don’t agree on what constitutes legal remedies against disease and what is pure devilry. And even the regents – appointed by God – are not always completely sure.