Witchcraft Essay

The Problem Of Sorcery And Witchcraft Essay
In the chapter "The Problem of Sorcery and Witchcraft in the Age of Reformation," the section "John
Calvin: Witchcraft and the Reformation" discusses what is considered witchcraft, and why it is. In
his "Sermon of Deuteronomy," John Calvin does this by distinguishing the roles of "Enchanters,
Sorcerers, Calkers, workers with Familiars, and of such as ask counsel of the dead," within context
of both old and new testaments and the church reformation. In doing so, Calvin maintains the
concept of surrendering "a soul to the devil" in accordance to the continuing belief of witchcraft. In
relation to other documents within the chapter, the overall concept referring to an intensifying fear
of witchcraft is based on theological events in sixteenth–century Europe during the church
reformation. The document by Calvin provides one of three viewpoints regarding witchcraft during
this era; the three viewpoints being Protestant, Catholic, or the notion that witchcraft in general is
not real. However, despite the differences of opinion, all sides seem to agree on the concept that
witchcraft in general is not good.
In this particular document of the chapter, John Calvin, taking the protestant approach, describes the
concept of witchcraft as a pact between the devil and a witch; the witch being someone who
practices things such as enchantments, sorcery, speaking with the dead, etc. This relationship
between the devil and the witch is a direct result of what Calvin describes as:
Satan's
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Witchcraft Essay Examples
"Witchcraft is all about power, imagined and real" (Rieti 3). The concept of witches (and witchcraft)
has widely been gendered, with most depictions of such creatures being female entities. Interestingly,
the imaginary power of female witchcraft has inhabited the minds of many, with both positive and
negative connotations gaining popularity in films. Thus, the seduction of feminine power has
become a threat to mankind, entailing the demonization of such power. Accordingly, feminine power
must be contained or be expelled in order to maintain a harmonious society. Brian De Palmer's
Carrie depicts the challenges of an adolescent woman who doesn't subscribe to societal norms and
experiences taunts, which provokes the emergence of her...show more content...
However, Carrie defies the norms of teenage girls, showing a lack of interest in boys, albeit her
circumstances doesn't allow the start of heterosexual relationships. Additionally, Carrie has no father
figure, leading to her mother, Margaret, being the dominant authority in her life. Essentially, all the
main characters are women, with men acting as pawns for their significant other. Thus, the expected
gender dynamics of male dominance over women cannot take place. Ultimately, the maternal
figure that is present is destructive and fails to relinquish control of her daughter to a proper male
authority. For instance, Margaret denies Carrie's request of going to the prom with Tommy,
claiming "After the blood, comes the boys, sniffing, slobbering like dogs" (Carrie 1976).
However, Margret is not enough to control Carrie, leading her daughter revealing her powers and
granting her agency. Consequently, Carrie's agency comes at a price, her choice of attending prom
leads her to ultimate humiliation. At prom, Pigs' blood is dumped on her when she was crowned
Prom Queen. As a result, Carrie hallucinates everyone laughing at her and unleashes her power
onto the crowd. In a way, Carrie White creates a true equality as she kills men, women and children,
regardless if they are innocent or not. The film acts as a cautionary tale of what happens when
female power is uncontrolled and available to the discretion of the female user, demonizing

Witchcraft In The 16th Century Essay
There are many assortments of beliefs on who was more likely to be accused of witchcraft in the
16th century. I personally believe that women, particularly widows, and the poor were the first and
most likely to be accused of witchcraft in their communities rather than the rich or people with
authority. In these male dominated societies in the 16th century women were not very respected.
Arthur Miller's The Crucible and The European Witch Hunts wrongly accused many people from the
outskirts of society of witchcraft, causing fear of many people's lives.
Women were discriminated against greatly during the 16th century during the peak of witch trials
and hunts. Women had no say in the community that they lived in unless they were married to a man
with authority in their town, village, or city. The men dominated society for up until 1920 when
women were granted the ability to vote. Women acted as house wives who...show more content...
The majority of the poor people that lived on the streets of various cities and towns during this time
were accused of witchcraft. As depicted in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the two poor widowed
women of Salem were the first to be accused. Both women admitted to witchcraft so that they
would go to jail instead of being executed in front of the town. Many of the accusations around the
world for witchcraft came from the disliking of other people. in the Crucible, Abby started to
accuse anyone she did not like of witchcraft just so she could see them out in jail or executed, so
that she wouldn't have to deal with them anymore. As she accused John Proctor of witchcraft
because she wanted him to hang, so the word of her committing adultery with John did not come to
the attention of the court. In The Crucible it was all about who knows who, and these things cannot
be supported by examples or facts, but I bet that it was a popularity contest everywhere

Why Do Witchcraft Exist
Witchcraft still does exist today, just in different forms. The most popular type of witchcraft is
called Wicca. Wicca is the older name for Witchcraft. Most people think that witches will harm a
human with their "supernatural powers", which most people know as black magic. In modern day
the Wiccans distance themselves from Christianity because it is a mostly male– dominated
religion.The Wiccans are matriarchal and stand up for women's rights. They have fought to eliminate
Christianity in schools and government and have even sought to have pagan holidays, such as
Halloween and winter solstice, observed as Wiccan holidays.
In the past men have been sorcerers in some pagan groups, such as Druids. Today witchcraft is a
female dominated

Witchcraft As A Religion
Witchcraft
What is witchcraft? Witchcraft is the practice of magic, black magic and the use of supernatural
beings.Though witchcraft is associated with demons and Satan it's just misunderstood. And though
it has some downsides to it, as a whole, it's just praising and praying to different gods and most
witches use it as a way of work to make money, medicine, and healing. People have wondered about
whether witchcraft is a religion and have asked the question "Is witchcraft considered a religion?"
Witchcraft is part of the religion "Wicca, which is a modern form of paganism mainly found in
the 20th century England."(Wigington) Many assume witchcraft to be a religion but the fact is
that different people have different answers because it all depends on who you ask. Though it
really does not matter to the Pagans or Wiccans. Wondering how witchcraft came about? Well,
Raymond says "witchcraft started as a way for people in ancient times to gain more food. They
would carve a bison from the wood being killed by a spear, then pray to the god of hunting and
the brave warriors that went out would come back with their kill, with a spear in the same place
as the wooden bison. Back during their time there was also a large mortality rate so people would
pray to the goddess of fertility and cast spells by doing the same thing as when they would go out to
kill bison, but they would carve the animals mating so that the birth rate could help balance out the
high deaths" (Buckland 12).

Witchcraft Research Paper
Witchcraft has been around since the beginning of time. People used this as an explanation for
good and bad things that they didn't understand otherwise. Ancient to Modern day, there have
always been very diverse theories on the idea of witchcraft. The word "witchcraft" derives from the
Saxon wicca and translates to "wise person." Wicca is the religion started by Gerald B. Gardner in
the 1940s and has definable beliefs. The believe in the worship in a God or Goddess.. Its
Indo–European root comes from the word "weik" and is related to words in multiple western regions
like "magic' and "religion." Through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the interpretation of
"witches" or "witchcraft" has varied. Whether they are evil or magical is very harshly debated and
argued.
In some traditions, they are believed to be evil and dishonest devil worshippers or possessed by
wicked...show more content...
They studied verdicts and punishments. Between 1650 and 1710, about 40 people were executed in
English colonies. Half of these victims perished as a result of the Salem trials of 1692. Organized
witchcraft trials continued to be held throughout Europe and even the English colonies in North
America. These so called "witches" were burned at the stake or hung in front of whole villages. If
not burned at the stake or hung, they were tortured to get "confessions." Modern day, total deaths in
western Europe range from 40,000 to 50,000.
Some examples of witchcraft would be, the children's movie " The Wizard of Oz." In this movie,
witches fly on brooms and wear tall pointed hats. This movie is a prime example of both sides of
witchcraft. One of the witches, the Wicked witch of the West, is the evil witch. However, glenda,
the good witch of the South, is a nice witch. This movie explains both sides of witchcraft very well.
Another example is the 1987 play " Which Witch" and the musical

Importance Of Witchcraft In Society
The gradual acceptance of witches in society.:
What do you think about when you think of witches? Quite some time ago, witches were
portrayed as evil, hideous creatures with green skin, an abnormal big nose, generally wearing a
black cloak and a pointed hat, and riding a broom across the sky cackling like an old delirious
woman. Today, they are seen as good, beautiful women with fair skin, nice features and a good
figure. What about witchcraft? Witchcraft has been around as long as human civilization. It is an
earth base religion, one in sync with nature. Witches today generally practice good magic. Their
belief is that the magic you practice will come back to you in threefold whether good or bad.
Witches are accepted in present day...show more content...
The Catholic Church began as a persecuted religious community in the Roman Empire. It was illegal
to practice Catholicism in the Roman Empire in its earliest days, but with the new emperor,
Constantine, it became legal and was the official religion of the Empire. Today we can find many
similarities between the catholic mass and witchcraft rituals such as: The burning of candles and
incense.
The alter in the catholic church is at the front and center is used to celebrate the "Mysteries of the
Mass". The alter is similarly used in witchcraft, to casted certain spells, to hand tools and magic and
to perform sacrifice.
Both Catholics and Witches pray to images and statues.
The conclusion is undeniable that occult is within the foundation of the Catholic Church. The
acceptance of witchcraft can not be denied. The catholic church does embrace the rituals of
witchcraft, but not the demonic practices of witchcraft.
The practicing of witchcraft gave women the power to heal, the power over life and death, and
respect within the community. oftentimes, having these powers elevated ones' status within the
community. But all of this wasn't always so. Several centuries ago the Salem witch trials occurred,
creating a fear of witches. Witches were blamed for sicknesses and natural disasters. People kept
pointing fingers

The Importance Of Witchcraft In The World
Witchcraft is a term used to describe the belief and practice of magic. (Muscato) It can be found
in a variety cultures and religion across history. In the Catholic faith, witchcraft is forbidden by
God. (Witchcraft) "The evil eye is a most neglected topic in research on the ancient Israelite
language and religion. Despite the ubiquity of this belief in the ancient Near East, some scholars
still deny its existence in the Hebrew Bible. This essay attempts to demonstrate that the malevolent
eye is attested in the language of the ancient Israelites. A cognitive linguistic analysis of several
figurative expressions in the wisdom literature reveals that these were motivated by the conviction
that the eye of certain people served as a magical instrument of harm. Especially noteworthy is the
fact that the evil eye is ascribed to the black magician." (Witchcraft)
S– In initiating a witchcraft ceremony, we need to understand what exactly happens in a ceremony.
First, there is casting in a circle. Then there is calling of the elements. Calling upon the Gods.
Building of elements. State the purpose of the ritual. Thanking the Gods. Release the circle.
(Witchcraft: World ofWicca) One needs to know whether or not they want to be part of the
witchcraft ceremony. The reason as to why witchcraft happens is so that the people performing
witchcraft can connect with the gods and goddesses they people in a witchcraft ceremony "pray".
This is occurring because we want to connect with gods and

Witchcraft in the 16th Century Essay
The origins of 16th century witchcraft were changing social, economic and religious conditions in
Europe and America. The desire to find a scapegoat for the change resulted in a genocide known as
the Burning Times that lasted more than a century. вЂЁвЂЁWitches were accused of casting spells
on unfortunate victims and were often sentenced to death by hanging, drowning or by being burned
to death.
History of The persecution of people practicing witchcraft in the 16th century began in England in
1589. However, the country's concern with witchcraft had been growing throughout the century,
largely in response to the current social, economic and religious conditions in the country. Although
people accused of practicing witchcraft had been...show more content...
Besides testimony, witches were also identified by midwife's examination. If any black marks were
found on the accused's body, the mark was often considered Satan's mark and proof that she was a
witch.вЂЁвЂЁ Significance The 16th–century witch hunts resulted in the deaths of nearly 50,000
people. The majority of the accused and sentenced were poor and elderly women who did not have
a stable place in society.вЂЁIt is theorized that the witchcraft hysteria was in response to women's
growing role in society. During the 16th century, single, unmarried and independent women
represented a societal shift that a large portion of the population was uncomfortable with. The result
was genocide and what some have called a holocaust. Society, including women, rejected the notion
of unmarried women living alone, without a husband or family, or women who did not go to church
and abide by prevailing social norms.вЂЁвЂЁ
In the 17th century, the presence of witches reached incredible attention with accusations and
executions of people accused of witchcraft. The fear caused by these trials and executions spurred
many people to become the accuser rather than become the accused. The snowball effect this caused
culminated in a mass hysteria in Europe and the colonies. Today, it is speculated that many of the
people who were accused and ultimately executed for witchcraft were innocent. History Witchcraft
has long been a part of our world's history. Fear of witches eventually

Essay about Witchcraft
Witchcraft
Many religions have been misunderstood by people. Sometimes their ignorance and beliefs cannot
be opened up to the truth. Witchcraft is one of those religions. The majority of people have
sometimes compared Witchcraft to Satanism or any religion dealing with the occult. In fact,
Witchcraft is sometimes referred to as the "Old Religion", and is completely different from the
misconceptions of people. It is certainly one of the most misunderstood religions. It will continue to
remain to be misunderstood if people insist on keeping a closed mind on the subject and believe the
stories and rumors that have been misconstrued over the years. Witchcraft is considered to be one of
the oldest religions dating back to...show more content...
Gardner. In the mid–1960's several Americans went to England and brought back the teachings of
Gerald Gardner thereby forming the modern Witchcraft of today. "The word 'witch' is derived from
the Old English meaning wicca, it is pronounced 'witcha' meaning male witch , and wicce,
pronounced 'witcheh' meaning female witch" (Russell 12). Witches believe in the Goddess and the
God. They are believed to be the sole creator of the universe. The Goddess represents Mother
Nature or Mother Earth. She is associated with the moon, fertility, the hunt, and Modern Witchcraft.
She has many names but is commonly known as Diana. She has many names and many shapes, but
over all, the Goddess is anything a witch wants her to be. The God is named "The Horned God". He
represents the sun, grain, and is seen in the woodlands. The witches associate The God with Pan, the
Greek god of fertility. This is one of the reasons that many Christians believe Witchcraft to be evil.
During the time of the persecution of witches, the Christians mistook the worshipping of the fertility
god, Pan, as the worshipping of Satan, who the Christians believed to be horned, have a tail, hairy
legs, and hooves. The misconceptions of Witchcraft have been inaccurate and misleading. The
biggest misunderstanding about Witchcraft is its affiliation with Satanism. Satan is a demonic
figure from the Christian belief, not from Witchcraft. In Witchcraft there is no deity that is

Causes and Effects of Witchcraft.
INTRODUCTION
Beliefs and practice of magic and witchcraft is a phenomenon that has captured the minds of
millions since the beginning of history. These so called witches have caused fear, hatred, interest,
widespread panic and variety of other emotions in other people from all over the world. Every
society and civilization on this planet have all some form of witchcraft in their history, witchcraft
itself ha e deep history of its own causing it to be recognized in literature and modern society.
Beliefs in witchcraft is a common phenomenon in some developing nations, particularly, Tanzania as
well as sub–Saharan Africa. This belief has a very pronounced effect on the day to day lives of the
believers. It burdens the economies of the...show more content...
v. Contract with the Devil (Satan) It is believed that the devil (Satan) makes contract with humans
and such contract has to be fulfilled through life–destroying requirements from the devil to his/her
clients. Human beings make contracts with the devils (Satan) for the purpose of earning riches,
money and prosperity through performing evil deeds such as the offering of ones sons, daughters,
wife, husband, relatives or other human blood. These are considered to be the terms and conditions
of the devils contract and devil worship. In today's situation, this is highly spread among Tanzanians
particularly rich people and business class in Tanzania and Africa in General.
vi. The trend of albino murders in recent years The trend of albino murders in recent years is a
very clear example of the damage that can be done by witchcraft, in this case affecting the
livelihoods and lives of an already–disadvantaged group.
Less high profile, but probably more destructive overall, is the damage done to ordinary Tanzanian
citizens through witchcraft–related threats. I have come across many examples where Tanzanians,
usually those who have had some financial or social success, are held to ransom, threatened with
curses. I have seen up close how this can hold people back from achieving their full potential – they
can spend a lot of time (and money) fighting off these threats and they can have very damaging
psychological effects. If success is punished in this way,

Why Is Witchcraft Important
WITCHCRAFT The first thing you need to learn about witchcraft is that it's not inherently evil.
Many modern Neopagans and Wiccans strongly resemble with this concept, and profess codes that
prevent them from performing magic on a person without their request. It is extremely powerful,
extremely dangerous, and often permanent. The concept of a magic–worker influencing another
person's body or property against their will was present in many cultures, as traditions in both folk
magic and religious magic have the purpose of countering malicious magic or identifying magic
users. Witchcraft of a socially acceptable sort may then be introduced to identify the supposed
evil–doer so that punishment may be carried out. Some modern commentators...show more content...
One source, pagan author Judika Illes, tells that herbs picked on Midsummer's Eve were to be most
powerful, especially if gathered on Bald Mountain near Kiev during the witches' annual revels
celebration.
Using blood in magic is a pretty ancient concept, just about every culture has some kind of magic
involving it. Beliefs related to witchcraft and magic in these cultures were at times influenced by the
prevailing Western concepts. Due to the foresight of White and Burr, the Witchcraft Collection has
become a rich source for students and scholars of the history of superstition and witchcraft
persecution in Europe.
Botanicals should be gathered, "During the seventeenth minute of the fourteenth hour, under a dark
moon, in the thirteenth field, wearing a red dress, pick the twelfth flower on the right.". The
collection focuses on witchcraft not as folklore or anthropology, but as theology and as religious
heresy. In the introduction of a collection of trial records pieced together by Russian scholar Nikolai
Novombergsk, he argues that Muscovite authorities used the same degree of cruelty and harshness
as Western European Catholic and Protestant countries in persecuting witches. Fire. But fire can also
be dangerous, no one would think to tell you not to use it to cook your meals. Mexican Indians gladly

Witchcraft Essay
Witchcraft is a fascinating subject that comes out of many regions of the world. There have been
time periods in which witchcraft was a prominent feature in society, and there has been times when
it has died down. One of the most interesting things about witchcraft is how it has physically
changed, how the concept of witchcraft has changed, and how people perceive and view it has
changed over centuries.What many people do not know is that witchcraft is actually still practiced
today in the US and all over the world. After a Religious Identification Survey by the City
University of New York in 2001, it was found thatWicca, which is what current day witches call
themselves, was the country's fastest–growing religion, with 134,000 people,...show more content...
This was largely meant to discourage people for practicing these villainous acts of treachery. The
bible even goes as straightforward as to say "Do not practice divination or sorcery" (Leviticus
19:26). Many other primary and secondary sources cite the bible for their argument, in fact
arguments are largely based around them.
An example of using a bible to prove a point is on a website called Harry Potter Power. It is about
witchcraft in terms modern era literature. Many authors such as JK Rowling have written using
heavily influenced witchcraft in their work, and it is essential to the plot of the book. C.S. Lewis
has similar magical stories, but he does not think witchcraft to be good, or valid. He says, "People
all across America are being deluged with books on witchcraft. And the situation is going to get
worse, not better. For witchcraft brings you into contact with demons" (Harry Potter Power/destroy).
One might think that a website with the name, Harry Potter Power would talk of the power a
fantastic book can imbue someone with, but in reality, the website talks about how books such as

Witchcraft And Religion
Witchcraft and worshipping is frowned up by society but why? Where are the standards held to it?
According to the Bible, Witchcraft and worshipping Satan is condemned and deems no entry into
heaven. Witchcraft is the practice of black magic, the use of spells and invocation of spirits.
Witchcraft, Fortune tellers, and necromancy (communication with the dead) are all Satan's
counterfeits to holy spirituality. Deuteronomy 18:9–12 says "Let no one be found among you who
sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens,
engages in witchcraft or casts spells or who is a medium or spiritists or who consults the dead.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the lord." The word sorcery is translated from the
Greek word pharmakeia meaning pharmacy. Witchcraft and spiritsm involves ritualistic use ofmagic
potions and...show more content...
Satan is only as powerful as God allows him to be but that is still pretty substantial. First Samuel
15:23 says, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
Witchcraft is the most powerful way for Satan to excel in counterfeiting what God does. Satan
was created by God to be the most powerful of angelic beings. He soon later rebelled and took one
third of the angels (or demons) with him in his rebellion. Satan was created to be a perfect being
however pride caused him to fall since he wanted the praise and worship reserved for God alone.
Satan's ultimate goal is to oppose God in any and every way possible which makes Witchcraft
such a sinister crime, because you are denouncing God and accepting Satan as your spiritual
guide. God loves all his children as a spiritual father, so worshipping a being whose one drive is
hatred is frowned upon to society. The bible is very direct on its stance on Witchcraft and Satan and
that is why it is so scandalous and stigma is so stinging in

Essay about Witchcraft
Beginning in the Middle Ages and through the seventeenth centuries, an infiltration of witchcraft
persevered throughout Europe. The witch craze resulted in the torture and persecution of witches.
More than 100,000 of witches who were tried were centered in the area of southwestern Europe.
The mass hysteria of witches was denounced because of their rejection of God and their pact with
the devil, which resulted in harsh punishments and accusations. One reason for the persecution of
witches was they were thought to be the cause of bad harvests, epidemics, natural disasters, and
personal tragedies. Witches also had a part in the religious aspect of Europe. The witches were
persecuted because of the lack of a main religion, which was...show more content...
(Document A7). Roger North, brother of Chief Justice Exeter explains that if a judge were to go
against the public opinion, then the townspeople would think he is not religious and would then
possibly be accused. (Document A6) This is an indication that people of all social classes could be
targets. In Europe it can be concluded that many had xenophobia of different people or prejudices,
but they were held mostly against older women. This is because during the Renaissance people had
fears of the supernatural and forces of nature or God, which led to the beliefs of superstition.
Therefore, the future mass hysteria of witches would be denounced based on the Renaissance views.
In the Middle Ages to the 16th century it can be finalized that the elderly, female, and poor working
class were the majority of the accused (Documents D1, 2,3). Statistics drawn from the contemporary
court records conclude that most of the suspected witches were above the age of 50 and 80% of
females were executed for witchcraft. The trials of witches were centered in southwestern Europe
because these bordering areas lacked a strong central authority and were places of social chaos.
W.Fulbecke believed that witches aimed at the destruction of others through the spread of their own
diseases to others, based on their pact with Satan (Document C1). Kramer and Sprenger were two
Dominican monks who held a conspicuous bias towards women and the elderly (Document

Witchcraft Essay
Black magic, voodoo, witchery and Satanism are all various meanings, or supernatural practices or
beliefs that refer to the term witchcraft. There are many different definitions referring to the term
witchcraft, but the most commonly accepted definition was provided by Evans–Pritchard 1937.
(Oxford 2017) He distinguishes between witchcraft and sorcery by their technique, and defines
witchcraft as an inherited ability to cause misfortune or death. The user of witchcraft is considered
to be evil or dangerous. Prior to the Enlightenment witchcraft was used as a way for people to
explain the unexplainable.
In the early 1900's the difference between two types of human mystical evil was acknowledged,
amplifications on these two types, and...show more content...
The medieval European witch, who was the most intricate manifestation, is virtually identical to
those witches that resided in Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas. In witchcraft uncertainties
worldwide, women prevail, but it is commonly available to men and women equally. (InSearch
2017) It took anthropology some time to recognize its circulation and its significance since the idea
of a witch is so strange. Ethnographies and explanatory studies amplified exponentially once
anthropology grasped on to the idea. Witchcraft's anthropological and historical literature today is
massive.
The term uncertainty in anthropology is used in an undefined manner to indicate random outcomes,
often the negative kind, rendering life risky. It commonly refers to accidents, the addition of bad
fortune, severe illness, sudden death or other liable event, which are expected but do not exist within
ones bubble of control. (OMICS 2017) Witchcraft surpassed scientific theories of cause and effect,
thus providing explanations for otherwise unexplainable happenings. Systems such as witchcraft
provide explanations for everything leaving no space for uncertainty. Anthropologists have noted
that the feelings of uncertainty, insecurity, and anxiety deriving from the dangerous volatility
disorder, and opaqueness of the market are frequently articulated through the medium of popular
religion, shamanism, witchcraft, and spirit possession. (OMICS 2017)
Death rates went up

Witchcraft Research Paper Topics
In Depth Research of Witchcraft
For my final project, I choose the non–ordinary topic of witchcraft. I was not and am not, interested
in researching this to learn how to become a witch and to practice the craft. My intent in doing this
project stemmed from the fact that I am a Christian. This class has showed me how to have a more
open mind, and how gaining knowledge provides understanding. I wanted to see what is fact and
what is false about the myths and stereotypes about witches and witchcraft. To fully explore this
subject I have found information on the history of witchcraft and its evolution into the religion of
Wicca that is practiced today. I have also looked into how the media today and in the past has
presented witches and the...show more content...
Starting in about the thirteenth century the concept of what a witch was changed that a person who
was called a witch was believed to have it in with Satan and practicing evil. The idea of there being
good witches was no longer accepted, and a series of witch trials began to continued on until around
the end of the 1600's, spreading from Europe to the New World of America. Execution of accused
witches occurred in many counties throughout Europe. Some of common things that witches were
blamed for causing were destructive storms; non–producing crops or animals, diseases, sterility,
death, possession of humans and making them do outrageous acts. The Romans and Greeks were
also known to put some people to death for being witches. People who were in witches in those
societies were believed to move around at night causing the evils of humanity. In most of Europe,
though, a witch was someone who was conspiring with the devil, which during the mid–evil times
was a great offense. The people of this era were very devout in their religion, and the devil was
highly feared. To have a person who was supposed to be connected to the devil was something that
just could not be accepted. Some of the first executions in Europe that occurred for the crime of
witchcraft took place between the years of 1347–1400 in France. Sixty–seven were burned for being
involved with the craft. In the 1400's, the Catholic Church became a key player and influencer in the
persecution of

Witchcraft Essay
Witchcraft
For nearly two centuries, witchcraft seemed to have disappeared. Although it was driven
underground for a time, it is now the fastest growing religion in the United States. There are several
reasons for its disappearance and now, for its return.
Until the fifteenth century, witchcraft was not considered an "evil" practice. It was about that time
that the Catholic church started labeling witches as heretics and sinners because of their belief in
social rebellion. The idea of social rebellion was also a rebellion against the church, which taught
that "It was the duty of the common people to endure the tyranny of authority, no matter how
oppressive." (Donovan 118) There were also the other acts in the rituals of...show more content...
Some tortures included strapping the accused's feet in a pair of metal boots and then filling the
boots with boiling hot oil. The accused were often whipped for their purification, sometimes they
were left out in the open for hours after having been whipped while the torturers went out to lunch.
They had to hang there and wait until they returned and often they received additional torture after
their wait just to be certain they had been purified. Tortures were so extreme that many people took
their practices underground to avoid the Inquisition. Tyagi stated on his website on witchcraft that
up to 90% of the people executed probably were not witches. They were innocents who happened
to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, or have some abnormal traits or habits, or even just
being the wrong person could be a sufficient reason. It was not until after the Salem witch trials that
people really started to see how foolish the entire witch–hunt was. By then, the entire witchcraft
population had been either killed or scared off by the hunters.
But, even after the trials, people still practiced the rituals and beliefs. It became a family religion,
passed down from generation to generation. It also stayed alive in small isolated areas where it was
practiced in folk customs and in their celebrations and festivals. It just

Witchcraft
The concept of witchcraft and the belief in its existence has existed since the dawn of human history.
It has been present or central at various times, and in many diverse forms, among cultures and
religions worldwide, including both "primitive" and "highly advanced" cultures, and continues to
have an important role in many cultures today.
Historically, the predominant concept of witchcraft in the Western world derives from Old
Testament laws against witchcraft, and entered the mainstream when belief in witchcraft gained
Church approval in the Early Modern Period. It posits a theosophical conflict between good and
evil, where witchcraft was generally evil and often associated with the Devil and Devil worship.
This culminated in...show more content...
The Malleus Maleficarum, (Latin for "Hammer of The Witches) was a witch–hunting manual
written in 1486 by two German monks, Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger. It was used by both
Catholics and Protestants[26] for several hundred years, outlining how to identify a witch, what
makes a woman more likely than a man to be a witch, how to put a witch on trial, and how to
punish a witch. The book defines a witch as evil and typically female. The book became the
handbook for secular courts throughout Renaissance Europe, but was not used by the Inquisition,
which even cautioned against relying on the work,[27] and was later officially condemned by the
Catholic Church in 1490. * White witches
Folk magicians throughout Europe were often viewed ambivalently by communities, and were
considered as capable of harming as of healing,[30] which could lead to their being accused as
"witches" in the negative sense. Many English "witches" convicted of consorting with demons seem
to have been cunning folk whose fairy familiars had been demonised;[31] many French
devins–guerisseurs("diviner–healers") were accused of witchcraft,[32] and over one half the accused
witches in Hungary seem to have been healers.[33]Some of the healers and diviners historically
accused of witchcraft have considered themselves mediators between the mundane and spiritual
worlds, roughly equivalent to shamans.[34] Such people described their contacts with fairies, spirits
often

Examples Of Witchcraft
From my understanding witchcraft is what is basically used to explain situations that human kind
believe is unexplainable in terms of science or nature; or simplified reasons of human understanding
of the world around us. These understandings of which most are found in rural or secluded areas,
and in places where wealth is distributed unequally. I also gather from the readings of; Evan
Pritchard, that witchcraft explains functionalism in primitive though lines and in contrast to Fraser
McNeil and Daniel Jordan Smith's readings witchcraft in another context explains structuralism.
Among the Azande's witchcraft serves as an explanation to functionalism in one's life or the way
they choose to live. For example certain things happen to certain people at a certain time for a certain
reason. If he reason is not clear they contribute or associate it with witchcraft. The person has
therefore been bewitched if the reason is not attributed to breaking taboo. Witchcraft is an
explanation of misfortunes in the Azande community which also helps regulate human conduct
(Pritchard: 18). From my understanding this is what maintains order in the Azande communities as
people avoid things that will bring bad luck upon them and generational curses. The Azande do not
entirely dismiss the actual causation...show more content...
There are still gaps in the economy of South Africa post apartheid. This is due to the migrant labour
decrease which resulted to increased unemployment. Certain parts of the country being independent
states which were former homelands of migrant labourers have lost large amounts of their income
resulting to the great obscurity. The social and political manoeuvres post apartheid and the
re–incorporation of Venda into the now known, Limpopo created the now visibleeconomic inequality
or rather uneven distribution of wealth (McNeil). The people of Venda like of Owerri associate quick
wealth with

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Witchcraft Essay