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Janet Paisley as seen through objects from the Glasgow Women’s Library Collections

Curated and written by Giovanna MacKenna.

Janet sitting in front of a blue background. Around her neck is a silver chain with a pentagram on it.

Witchcraft was based on love, Janet believed, she practiced it and found interest and solace in its trappings.

Witchcraft

Make
nothing
except love
and love will make
you.

Janet Paisley

A quilt, runes, cards, and a book called 'How to turn your ex-boyfriend into a toad & other spells'
A quilt, runes, cards, and a book called ‘How to turn your ex-boyfriend into a toad & other spells’

Janet suffered continued abuse at the hands of her husband, the father of her seven children. The violence began before they were married, erupting during a family celebration: “It was the first time the man I would later marry had attacked me, in full public view. It took six men to stop him throttling me.”

'You can't beat a woman' anti-violence against women badge