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

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

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 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 Old Testament specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death.  

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 [[carnival]] figures.  

 

In 19th century romanticism, witches and the occult 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 [[carnival]] figures.  

==Modern Usage==

==Modern Usage==

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Harry Potter]] characters

 

*[[Harry Potter]]  

== References ==

== References ==

[[category:Paganism]]

[[category:Paganism]]