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==Definition==
==Definition==
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.
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, but 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 different sources. The practices of natural medicine, folk medicine, spiritual healing, divination, and shamanism can 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, 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 the exact lineage of those practices considered witchcraft.
==The Difference Between Wicca and Witchcraft==
==The Difference Between Wicca and 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 its own belief system.
Wicca can be technically 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 its own belief system.
==Europe==
==Europe==
==Romantics==
==Romantics==
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.
==Native Americans==
==Native Americans==
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.
Most Native American tribes believed in witchcraft and practiced magic. Some Native American tribes have converted to Christianity, but the old witchcraft traditions of a number of tribes are still practiced and kept alive today.
==Atheistic witchcraft==
==Atheistic witchcraft==
Individuals who subscribe to [[atheism]] sometimes practice witchcraft and magic.<ref name=Illes>{{Cite book|title=Weiser Field Guide to Witches|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=qdWOXc4jDs8C&pg=PA30&dq=wiccan+atheism&hl=en&ei=XlbZTcXzAeO_0AGbm_T7Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAzge#v=onepage&q&f=false|quote=Non-Wiccan witches may belong to any spiritual or religious tradition or none—agnostic or atheist witches are typically considered non-Wiccan.|author=Judika Illes|publisher=Weiser Books|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref><ref name=Buckland>{{Cite book|title=Wicca for Life: The Way of the Craft - From Birth to Summerland|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oJVo58KTVKkC&pg=PA95&dq=wiccan+atheism&hl=en&ei=XlbZTcXzAeO_0AGbm_T7Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAjge#v=onepage&q&f=false|quote=You can even be an atheist and do magic. Magic is a practice and, in itself, does not involve any connection with deity.|author=Raymond Buckland|publisher=Citadel Press|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref> An organization dedicated to the public acceptance of witchcraft known as ''The Realm of White Magic'' states that this is possible because "witchcraft is a lifestyle choice not a spiritual belief system."<ref name=Seashell >{{Cite web|title=Witchcraft, Wicca and/or Paganism|url=http://www.whitemagic.com.au/bbs/newitch.html|quote=Witchcraft is a lifestyle choice not a spiritual belief system (even an atheist can be a witch).|publisher=The Realm of White Magic|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref> In the past, witchcraft was often viewed as a precursor of atheism.<ref name=Association>{{Cite book|title=John Locke, Toleration and Early Enlightenment Culture (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History)|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=dRb-P3HRuvkC&pg=PA260&dq=atheism+and+witchcraft&hl=en&ei=GEjpTZSDHsX40gHcwvWqAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEIQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=atheism%20and%20witchcraft&f=false|quote=At other points, the association of atheism, heresies, idolatry and witchcraft was stated by Bacon in the Advancement of Learning in ways that simultaneously differentiated and yet assimilated them.|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref><ref name=Pfleiderer>{{Cite book|title=Renaissance Magic and the Return of the Golden Age: The Occult Tradition and Marlowe, Jonson, and Shakespeare |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=fLFhCYXFiVcC&pg=PA80&dq=atheism+and+witchcraft&hl=en&ei=GEjpTZSDHsX40gHcwvWqAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC0Q6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=atheism%20and%20witchcraft&f=false|publisher=[[University of Nebraska Press]]|quote=Of central importance for the present study is the fact that Marlowe was in contact with several of the most advanced and open-minded scientists and philosophers in Europe, and he was intensely and no doubt uncomfortably aware that among the tools used to suppress freedom of inquiry were accusations of atheism and witchcraft.|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref> However, some who subscribe to atheism have often stood in opposition to the practice of witchcraft.<ref name=Opposition>{{Cite book|title=Atheism and Secularity: Issues, concepts, and definitions|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Z1hbaAHsAlUC&pg=RA1-PA145&dq=atheism+and+witchcraft&hl=en&ei=PkrpTaaDHqTf0QHxzLW0AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=atheism%20and%20witchcraft&f=false|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|quote=In the Hyderabad State, the belief in witchcraft and sorcery is still deeply entrenched in the minds of the people. In 1983, leaders in the district administration in Medak invited the Atheist Centre to help dispel such superstitions.|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref>
==Modern Usage==
==Modern Usage==
The term [[witchhunt]] is also used to denote a political crusade against a particular group.
The term '''[[witchhunt]]''' deontes a political crusade against a particular group.
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.
Witchcraft remains prevalent in Africa as well as Haiti. People throughout African countries live in great fear and paranoia about witchcraft and its effects. People are often attacked or even killed because their neighbors suspect them of being witches.
==See also==
==See also==