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Politics

Poland: The Healing Power of the Whispering Witches

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October 2, 2013

An area in eastern Poland, not far from the border with Belarus is home to the so-called "whispering witches." They are healers who are very much in demand among the local residents. There are about a dozen of the witches -- and their rituals include the use of prayers, medicinal herbs, wax, bread and water.

At times, some of the more prominent witches may have long lines of people waiting outside their houses -- "patients" who come from all over Poland. Sometimes, those who visit the witches are desperate; this may be their last hope. The witches consider themselves close to the Orthodox Church, and are said to donate the fees they receive to the church.

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