A new witch trial

National | But now it's witch vs. witch-as Christians pray for peace | Roy Maynard

These are tough times for the witches of Salem. Though its high unholy day is coming up, the Boston-area town that has cashed in on the 17th-century trials finds itself divided by warring witches. Laurie Cabot, the woman designated by then-Gov. Michael Dukakis as the Official State Witch, is battling her former female friend over domestic issues-and dominance of the tourist trade. And to their dismay, the neo-pagans are being prayed for by Christians in the community.

On an October weekend, Salem's streets are filled with tourists and the odd hangers-on who are attracted to the place. Banners advertise the town's "Haunted Happenings" festival. Most of the tourists know the story: In 1692, a group of girls began accusing townspeople of witchcraft. The court allowed "spectral" evidence (which could not be proven) and it hanged 19 people (one accused witch was pressed to death). The trials were halted and the remaining prisoners were freed when one of the girls accused the governor's wife of witchcraft. The Puritan town leaders later acknowledged their fault.