The concept of witchcraft and the belief in its existence have persisted throughout recorded history. The Magic Circle by John William Waterhouse, 1886 9.2.1 British America and the United States.8 Historical and religious perspectives.5.2 European witch-hunts and witch-trials.In contemporary Western culture, most notably since the growth of Wicca from the 1950s, some modern pagans and new agers self-identify as witches, and use the term witchcraft for their self-help, healing and divination rituals. Modern witch-hunting is found in parts of Africa and Asia.Ī theory that witchcraft was a survival of a European pagan religion (the witch-cult hypothesis) gained popularity in the early 20th century, but has since been discredited. As with the cunning-folk in Europe, Indigenous communities that believe in the existence of witchcraft define witches as the opposite of their healers and medicine people, who are sought out for protection against witches and witchcraft. Anthropologists have applied the term witchcraft to similar beliefs and occult practices described by many non-European cultures, and cultures that have adopted the English language will often call these practices 'witchcraft', as well. European belief in witchcraft gradually dwindled during and after the Age of Enlightenment.Ĭontemporary cultures that believe in magic and the supernatural often believe in witchcraft. In some regions, many of those accused of witchcraft were folk healers or midwives. European witch-hunts and witch trials in the early modern period led to tens of thousands of executions. Often they would be formally prosecuted and punished, if found guilty or simply believed to be guilty.

Suspected witches were also intimidated, banished, attacked or killed. It was thought witchcraft could be thwarted by protective magic or counter-magic, which could be provided by cunning folk or folk healers. In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have attacked their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings. Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others.

The Witches by Hans Baldung (woodcut), 1508

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