planet-ruler

plural planet-rulers

1. historicalA white witch.

   In the late nineteenth century white witches were still sometimes known as ‘planet-rulers’.

   1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 614

   2 more examples

   There is a little fold, called ‘Prickshaw,’ in this township of Spotland, which fold was the home of a notable country astrologer, in Tim Bobbin's time, called ‘Prickshaw Witch.’ Tim tells a humourous^([sic]) story in his works, about an adventure he had with this Prickshaw planet-ruler, at the old Angel Inn, in Rochdale.

   1855, Edwin Waugh, Sketches of Lancashire Life and Localities, page 25

   Other ‘planet rulers’, who may or may not have extended their services beyond astrology and herbalism were James Trenham and Alfred Broughton.

   2005, Owen Davies, Murder, Magic, Madness, page 35