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A '''witch''' is a female practitioner of witchcraft; a male practitioner is a wizard.

A '''witch''' is someone who practices witchcraft. The name can be used for either male or female practitioners. 

 

Witchcraft is a loose group of beliefs, practices, or rituals that can be variously adopted by almost anyone of any faith. Witchcraft isn't strictly a religion although it is generally practiced by people with religious beliefs. Witchcraft does not have any staple beliefs but instead consists of many different beliefs drawn from many different places. The practice of natural medicine, folk medicine, spiritual healing, divination, and shamanism can also be applied under the umbrella term of witchcraft. More modern practices such as the practice of alternative medicine as well as New Age healing techniques (such as Crystal healing, herbalism, Reiki, and aromatherapy) can also technically fall under the witchcraft umbrella. Some practices (such as certain herbal remedies) go far back into human history although it is virtually impossible to distinguish exactly the lineage of many of the practices considered witchcraft.

 

Wicca can technically be considered a witchcraft tradition, however because Wicca is more codified and has more defined traditions and practices as well as a large adherent population, Wicca is generally considered it's own belief system.

==Europe==

==Europe==

In Europe--both Catholic and Protestant areas-- from 1350 to 1650 several hundred thousand witches were executed--often by burning--after legal proceedings. One-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men.  In Exodus 22:18 the Old Testament specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death.  

In Europe--both Catholic and Protestant areas-- from 1350 to 1650 several hundred thousand witches were executed--often by burning--after legal proceedings. One-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men.  In Exodus 22:18 the Old Testament specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death. A famous British case was the [[Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

A famous British case was the [[Pendle Witch]] trials of 1612 AD.

 

 

==Colonial America==

==Colonial America==

The most famous episode was the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which 19 accused witches were hanged (none were burned).  

The most famous episode was the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which 19 accused witches were hanged (none were burned).  

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.  

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.  

==Indians==

==Indians==

Most of the American Indian tribes believed in witchcraft and practised magic. The tribes have all become Christian, but rumors of witchcraft still abound.<ref> See Martha Royce Blaine, "They Say He Was Witched." American Indian Quarterly 2000 24(4): 615-634. 0095-182x; Ekkehart Malotki, ''Hopi Stories of Witchcraft, Shamanism, and Magic '' (2001). 290 pp.</ref>

Most of the American Indian tribes believed in witchcraft and practised magic. Many Native Americans have converted to Christianity, however the old traditions of many of the tribes are still practiced and kept alive today.

 

==Modern Usage==

==Modern Usage==

The term [[witchhunt]] is also used to denote a political crusade against a particular group.

The term [[witchhunt]] is also used to denote a political crusade against a particular group.

Witchcraft remains prevalent in Black Africa, and in Haiti.  

Witchcraft remains prevalent in Africa as well as Haiti. In many African countries, there is great fear and often paranoia about witchcraft and it's effects. People are often attacked or even killed because they are suspected of being a witch by their neighbors.

 

Today [[Wicca]] is a re-invented form of witchcraft.<ref> Helen

Berger, ''A Community of Witches: Contemporary Neo-Paganism and Witchcraft in the United States (1999)</ref>

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Salem Witch Trials]]

* [[Salem Witch Trials]]

* [[Wizard of Oz]]

* [[Wizard of Oz]]