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Difference between revisions of "Witchcraft"
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In time periods and current localities where belief in malicious magic practices exists, practitioners are typically forbidden by law as well as hated and feared by the general populace, while beneficial magic is tolerated or even accepted wholesale by the people — even if the orthodox establishment opposes it. | In time periods and current localities where belief in malicious magic practices exists, practitioners are typically forbidden by law as well as hated and feared by the general populace, while beneficial magic is tolerated or even accepted wholesale by the people — even if the orthodox establishment opposes it. | ||
Probably the best-known characteristic of a witch is her ability to cast a spell – a set of words, a formula or verse, a ritual, or a combination of these, employed to do magic. Spells traditionally were cast by many methods, such as by the inscription of [[rune]]s or | Probably the best-known characteristic of a witch is her ability to cast a spell – a set of words, a formula or verse, a ritual, or a combination of these, employed to do magic. Spells traditionally were cast by many methods, such as by the inscription of [[rune]]s or [[sigil]]s on an object to give that object magical powers; by the immolation or binding of a wax or clay image (poppet) of a person to affect them magically; by the recitation of incantations; by the performance of physical rituals; by the employment of magical herbs as amulets or potions; by gazing at mirrors, swords or other specula ([[scrying]]) for purposes of [[divination]]; and by many other means. | ||
The ability to work with a [[familiar]], a kind of totem animal or spirit, was often considered evidence of a witch's power. | The ability to work with a [[familiar]], a kind of totem animal or spirit, was often considered evidence of a witch's power. | ||