Black Cock

From Traditional Witchcraft Wiki Project

The black cock in most traditions is used as an offering, which is not the same as a sacrifice. However, there are also some traditions that do involve sacrificing the animal. The black cock is often associated with so-called infernal powers. But, when you start breaking this down further you will find closer associations with the otherworld, and the more nefarious of its inhabitants.

Therefore, the animal can be used as an offering to procure assistance, it can also be used to threaten or forcefully coerce help, for making contracts, or even for conjuration. In more practical terms this tends to refer to cursing, curing, divination, conversing with the deceased or spirits, and protection.

Although the uses varied tremendously, the premise and how it worked were very similar and hence you tend to see the instance of the animal being killed. But, it is far rarer that the animal would be sacrificed.

The use of a black cock is found in many cultures, a few of these are: Greece, Norway, Orkneys, Ireland, Isle of Man, Germany, France, and Russia.

Folklore

In Welsh folklore the devil, sometimes given the unusual title of 'The old gentleman', was said to appear in the form of a black cock.

It is also said that on a certain day, if a black cock was sacrificed whilst facing east at a crossroads, during dawn, the devil would appear to make a pact or bargain.