Though commonly associated with wizened, black-robed hags and broomsticks, the practice of witchcraft has existed since ancient times and throughout nearly every civilization. Here’s what you need to know about this ancient practice and its long history.
Early History
The concept of witchcraft and magic has been around for thousands of years. There is evidence that people in Africa, Egypt, and China practiced forms of magic as far back as 3000 BC. Although it’s hard to pin down when exactly early civilizations began practicing witchcraft, historians do know it was believed that there were certain people – usually women – who could harness magical powers.
These beliefs led to a lot of executions in early cultures, such as the Greeks and the Han Dynasty of China. Today, we know that most people accused of witchcraft probably didn’t actually practice magic. However, we do know they used what we would now call science (ie. herbs and potions) for healing, which made them seem like witches at the time.
During Medieval times (roughly 1000–1500 AD), European Christian societies had an epidemic of witch hunts. More than 40,000 people were executed for practicing witchcraft during these years. Although modern science had not explored, and medicine still had not reached its current level of development, it’s important to remember that centuries ago, magic wasn’t necessarily considered bad or evil. People just viewed it differently than we do today. It wasn’t until the early 15th century that witches became synonymous with devil worship. Religion also played a big role in how people viewed magic during Medieval times. Dating back at least as far as Ancient Greece, witchcraft was understood as a magical practice focused on communing with nature and certain spirits..
Wicca
Wicca is a Neopagan religion that gained notoriety in England during World War II. The origins of modern Wicca are tied up with Gerald Gardner and his coven, called The Bricket Wood Coven. Wiccans believe that all religions share common elements—such as worshiping a god or goddess—and use rituals and spells for different purposes. These spells and rituals vary depending on what kind of magic you want to do: healing or protection, clairvoyance or fertility, etc. Wiccans don’t think witches (the same term used by Christians) should be feared. Instead, they try to reach out and educate non-believers about their practices. Wiccans don’t believe in practicing non-consensual spells, and thus will never perform a love spell on an unwilling or unknowing participant.
Paganism
Over time, many different cultures developed their own definitions of witchcraft and modern Paganism draws upon those traditions. These traditions differ in how they conceive witchcraft and magic. Some believe that magic is a science that can be studied and practiced like other sciences; others insist that magic is something innate in each person. Each Pagan path has its own beliefs about deities, practices, and ethics. Despite these differences, a common thread runs through all types of paganism, and it’s not just spells and rituals. Instead, it’s a shared attitude toward life, rooted in respect for nature. Paganism goes back centuries. Though the world’s ancient religions didn’t consider themselves pagan – as that was a word coined by Christians during the end of the Roman Empire to differentiate between those who followed Christ’s teachings and those who did not.
Modern Witchcraft
Modern witchcraft is a diverse, decentralized religion that developed in England during the early 20th century. Unlike traditional witch covens, which are typically composed of thirteen members who are related by blood or marriage, modern witchcraft covens are made up of an eclectic mix of people. Instead of worshipping Satan, which led to accusations and hangings centuries ago, modern witches worship multiple deities and focus on individual healing and empowerment.
These days, modern witchcraft can be found in any number of Pagan religions or spiritual paths. Whether a witch is Wiccan, Gardnerian, Hellenic, Kemetic, Druid, Heathen, or even a Theistic Satanist, the one thing they all have in common is the practice of magic.
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