Witchcraft - Revision history

Occultwiki at 16:49, 15 November 2024

2024-11-15T16:49:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 15 November 2024
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	During the 20th century, interest in witchcraft in English-speaking and European countries began to increase, inspired particularly by Margaret Murray's theory of a pan-European witch-cult originally published in 1921, since discredited by further careful historical research. Interest was intensified, however, by Gerald Gardner's claim in 1954 in ''Witchcraft Today'' that a form of witchcraft still existed in England. The truth of Gardner's claim is now disputed too.		During the 20th century, interest in witchcraft in English-speaking and European countries began to increase, inspired particularly by Margaret Murray's theory of a pan-European witch-cult originally published in 1921, since discredited by further careful historical research. Interest was intensified, however, by Gerald Gardner's claim in 1954 in ''Witchcraft Today'' that a form of witchcraft still existed in England. The truth of Gardner's claim is now disputed too.

	The first [[paganism\|Neopagan]] groups to publicly appear, during the 1950s and 60s, were Gerald Gardner's Bricket Wood coven and Roy Bowers' Clan of Tubal Cain. They operated as initiatory secret societies. Other individual practitioners and writers such as Paul Huson also claimed inheritance to surviving traditions of witchcraft. The [[Wicca]] that Gardner initially taught was a witchcraft religion having much in common with Margaret Murray's hypothetically posited cult of the 1920s.		The first [[paganism\|Neopagan]] groups to publicly appear, during the 1950s and 60s, were Gerald Gardner's Bricket Wood coven and Roy Bowers' Clan of Tubal Cain. They operated as initiatory secret societies. Other individual practitioners and writers such as Paul Huson also claimed inheritance to surviving traditions of witchcraft. The [[Wicca]] that Gardner initially taught was a witchcraft religion having much in common with Margaret Murray's hypothetically posited [[cult]] of the 1920s.

	Various forms of Wicca are now practised as a religion of an initiatory secret society nature with positive ethical principles, organised into autonomous covens and led by a High Priesthood. There is also a large "Eclectic Wiccan" movement of individuals and groups who share key Wiccan beliefs but have no initiatory connection or affiliation with traditional Wicca. Wiccan writings and ritual show borrowings from a number of sources including 19th and 20th-century [[ritual magic\|ceremonial magic]], the medieval [[grimoire]] known as the ''[[Key of Solomon]]'', [[Aleister Crowley]]'s [[Ordo Templi Orientis]] and pre-[[Christianity\|Christian]] religions. A survey published in November 2000 cited just over 200,000 people who reported practicing Wicca in the United States.		Various forms of Wicca are now practised as a religion of an initiatory secret society nature with positive ethical principles, organised into autonomous covens and led by a High Priesthood. There is also a large "Eclectic Wiccan" movement of individuals and groups who share key Wiccan beliefs but have no initiatory connection or affiliation with traditional Wicca. Wiccan writings and ritual show borrowings from a number of sources including 19th and 20th-century [[ritual magic\|ceremonial magic]], the medieval [[grimoire]] known as the ''[[Key of Solomon]]'', [[Aleister Crowley]]'s [[Ordo Templi Orientis]] and pre-[[Christianity\|Christian]] religions. A survey published in November 2000 cited just over 200,000 people who reported practicing Wicca in the United States.

Occultwiki: /* Modern movement */

2024-10-17T15:22:06Z

Modern movement

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	==Modern movement==		==Modern movement==
	Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. In the 1960s and 70s, interest in witchcraft as an alternate religion spread throughout Europe and the United States. [[Sybil Leek]], considered one of the most famous modern ~~witches~~, helped spread accurate information about witchcraft.		Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. In the 1960s and 70s, interest in witchcraft as an alternate religion spread throughout Europe and the United States. [[Sybil Leek]], considered one of the most famous modern [[witch]]es, helped spread accurate information about witchcraft.

	Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''~~Charmed~~''~~, ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'',~~ and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.		Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''[[The Craft]]'' and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, [[African diaspora religion\|traditional]], and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.

	[[Wicca]]n beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.		[[Wicca]]n beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca.

	==See also==		==See also==

Occultwiki at 16:10, 4 October 2024

2024-10-04T16:10:12Z

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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 [[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.		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 [[amulet]]s 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.

Occultwiki: /* Modern movement */

2024-09-20T16:40:16Z

Modern movement

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 20 September 2024
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	==Modern movement==		==Modern movement==
	Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''Charmed'', ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.		Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. In the 1960s and 70s, interest in witchcraft as an alternate religion spread throughout Europe and the United States. [[Sybil Leek]], considered one of the most famous modern witches, helped spread accurate information about witchcraft.

			Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''Charmed'', ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.

	[[Wicca]]n beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.		[[Wicca]]n beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.

Occultwiki: /* Practices */

2024-09-20T16:37:28Z

Practices

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 20 September 2024
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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 ~~sigils~~ 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.		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.

Occultwiki: /* Modern movement */

2023-10-12T17:23:32Z

Modern movement

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 12 October 2023
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	Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''Charmed'', ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.		Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''Charmed'', ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.

	~~Wiccan~~ beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.		[[Wicca]]n beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.

	==See also==		==See also==

Occultwiki: /* Modern movement */

2023-10-12T17:23:01Z

Modern movement

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 12 October 2023
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	==Modern movement==		==Modern movement==
	Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the Harry Potter series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft", which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. ~~Widespread accessibility to related material through internet media~~ such as ~~chat rooms and forums is also thought to be driving this development~~.		Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as ''Charmed'', ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and the ''Harry Potter'' series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft," which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Even films that depict witches as malevolent, such as the ''[[The Witch]]'' (2015) or ''[[Hereditary]]'' (2018) are viewed favorably by modern witches.

	Wiccan beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.		Wiccan beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.

Occultwiki at 08:44, 21 October 2022

2022-10-21T08:44:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:44, 21 October 2022
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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 ~~runes~~ or sigils 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.		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 sigils 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.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the Harry Potter series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft", which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Widespread accessibility to related material through internet media such as chat rooms and forums is also thought to be driving this development.		Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan literature has been described as aiding the empowerment of young women through its lively portrayal of female protagonists. Part of the recent growth in [[Paganism\|Neopagan]] religions has been attributed to the strong media presence of fictional pop culture works such as Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the Harry Potter series with their depictions of "positive witchcraft", which differs from the historical, traditional, and Indigenous definitions. Widespread accessibility to related material through internet media such as chat rooms and forums is also thought to be driving this development.

	Wiccan beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.		Wiccan beliefs, or pop culture variations thereof, are often considered by adherents to be compatible with liberal ideals such as the Green movement, and particularly with some varieties of feminism, by providing young women with what they see as a means for self-empowerment, control of their own lives, and potentially a way of influencing the world around them. This is the case particularly in North America due to the strong presence of feminist ideals in some branches of the Neopagan communities and the long tradition of women-led and women-only groups such as in Dianic Wicca. The 2002 study ''Enchanted Feminism: The Reclaiming Witches'' of San Francisco suggests that some branches of Wicca include influential members of the second wave of feminism, which has also been redefined as a religious movement.

	==See also==		==See also==

Occultwiki at 12:30, 19 February 2022

2022-02-19T12:30:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:30, 19 February 2022
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	In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have attacked their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings. It was thought witchcraft could be thwarted by protective magic or counter-magic, which could be provided by cunning folk or folk healers. Suspected witches were also intimidated, banished, attacked or killed. Often they would be formally prosecuted and punished, if found guilty or simply believed to be guilty.		In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have attacked their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings. It was thought witchcraft could be thwarted by protective magic or counter-magic, which could be provided by cunning folk or folk healers. Suspected witches were also intimidated, banished, attacked or killed. Often they would be formally prosecuted and punished, if found guilty or simply believed to be guilty.

	European [[witch-~~hunts~~]] in the early modern period led to tens of thousands of executions. Although some folk healers were accused of witchcraft, they made up a minority of those accused. European belief in witchcraft gradually dwindled during and after the Age of Enlightenment.		European [[witch-hunt]]s in the early modern period led to tens of thousands of executions. Although some folk healers were accused of witchcraft, they made up a minority of those accused. European belief in witchcraft gradually dwindled during and after the Age of Enlightenment.

	==Practices==		==Practices==

Occultwiki at 12:28, 19 February 2022

2022-02-19T12:28:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 19 February 2022
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	In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have attacked their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings. It was thought witchcraft could be thwarted by protective magic or counter-magic, which could be provided by cunning folk or folk healers. Suspected witches were also intimidated, banished, attacked or killed. Often they would be formally prosecuted and punished, if found guilty or simply believed to be guilty.		In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have attacked their own community, and often to have communed with evil beings. It was thought witchcraft could be thwarted by protective magic or counter-magic, which could be provided by cunning folk or folk healers. Suspected witches were also intimidated, banished, attacked or killed. Often they would be formally prosecuted and punished, if found guilty or simply believed to be guilty.

	European witch-hunts ~~and [[witch trials~~]] in the early modern period led to tens of thousands of executions. Although some folk healers were accused of witchcraft, they made up a minority of those accused. European belief in witchcraft gradually dwindled during and after the Age of Enlightenment.		European [[witch-hunts]] in the early modern period led to tens of thousands of executions. Although some folk healers were accused of witchcraft, they made up a minority of those accused. European belief in witchcraft gradually dwindled during and after the Age of Enlightenment.

	==Practices==		==Practices==