A Brief History of Witchcraft

Witchcraft generally means the practice of, and belief in, magical skills and abilities that are able to be exercised individually, by designated social groups, or by persons with the necessary mysterious secret knowledge. It is a complex concept that varies within different areas and social groups and so it is difficult to define and assumptions about the meaning or significance of the term should be applied with caution.

It often occupies a religious or medicinal role and is presented within societies whose culture includes a magical worldview. Traditional witchcraft is close to what is known as paganism aka the worship of nature. Witchcraft and paganism are both opposed by Christianity. Although witchcraft can share common ground with the likes of sorcery, paranormal and spiriualism, it is usually seen as distinct from these when examined by sociologists and anthropologists.

It originated with the human civilisation. People’s fear of the unknown and role in affecting our lives created witches and their craft. Some men also practiced it. Witches were mediators between humans and super powers such as spirits and angels. When a witch was successful at something it was known as magic which could not be easily explained by other people. They prayed to higher powers/spirits for help and guidance by performing rituals and this process was known as witchcraft.

Witchcraft, an earth based religion, was practiced in almost all the societies and cultures across the world according to local beliefs and traditions.

Research of witchcraft shows the belief system predates most well known religions. It dates 40,000 years back to the Paleolithic period. Since then, it has evolved and its current form is very much different 1000 years ago. Most likely, it did not have a name yet at that time. Each coven performs witchcraft differently.

In ancient times, it was known as ‘craft of the wise’ as people who followed the path of nature and understood its forces were considered to be wise. They had the knowledge of herbs and medicines, gave wise counsel and were Shamanic healers and also leaders in their village and community. They believed nature to be superior to humans and humans were a part of nature.

Chief Seattle said, “We do not own the earth; we are part of it.” Witches believed that what humans took from nature or used, they had to return in kind to maintain the balance. The modern man has forgotten this and witches believe we have paid the price in the form of ecological and environmental disasters.
      
The traditional witchcraft is a religious belief system that has been handed down through many generations through traditions and conventions.

The different types of witchcraft around the world may have some regional and social dissimilarity but the one common feature of all types of witchcraft is that it is an earth based religion.