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A '''witch''' is a male or female practitioner of [[Wicca]] or witchcraft.

A '''witch''' is a female practitioner of witchcraft.  In modern times this has also included [[Wicca]].

In the past many witches were burnt at the stake - most of, if not all, these witches knew nothing of [[Wicca]] or witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them. In Exodus 22:18 the [[Bible]] specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death. A famous case is the [[British]] [[Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

In the past many people accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake or executed in other ways - it is generally agreed that most of these people knew nothing of witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them. It is interesting to note that one-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men.  In Exodus 22:18 the [[Bible]] specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death. A famous case is the [[British]] [[Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

In romantic times, witches became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular carneval figures.  

In romantic times, witches became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular carneval figures.  

See also:

See also:

*[[Harry Potter]] characters, female

*[[Harry Potter]] characters, female

== References ==

== References ==

* [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/kjv/kjv-idx?type=DIV2&byte=312664 Exodus 22]

* [http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/kjv/kjv-idx?type=DIV2&byte=312664 Exodus 22]