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Witchcraft is the use of alleged supernatural powers of magic. A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft. Traditionally, "witchcraft" means the use of magic or supernatural powers to inflict harm or misfortune on others, and this remains the most common and widespread meaning. [ 1 ] According to Encyclopedia Britannica, "Witchcraft thus defined ...
History of magic. The history of magic extends from the earliest literate cultures, who relied on charms, divination and spells to interpret and influence the forces of nature. Even societies without written language left crafted artifacts, cave art and monuments that have been interpreted as having magical purpose.
e. The roots of European witchcraft trace back to classical antiquity when concepts of magic and religion were closely related, and society closely integrated magic and supernatural beliefs. Ancient Rome, then a pagan society, had laws against harmful magic. In the Middle Ages, accusations of heresy and devil worship grew more prevalent.
e. Goetia (goh-eh-TEE-ah[1]) is a type of European sorcery, often referred to as witchcraft, that has been transmitted through grimoires —books containing instructions for performing magical practices. The term "goetia" finds its origins in the Greek word "goes", which originally denoted diviners, magicians, healers, and seers. [2]
Medieval Europe also saw magic come to be associated with the Old Testament figure of Solomon; various grimoires, or books outlining magical practices, were written that claimed to have been written by Solomon, most notably the Key of Solomon. [ 11 ] In early medieval Europe, magia was a term of condemnation. [ 12 ]
The Discoverie of Witchcraft and The First Part of Clever and Pleasant Inventions by Jean Prevost, both published in 1584, are considered the seminal works of magic. [3] Scot's volume became an exhaustive encyclopædia of contemporary beliefs about witchcraft, spirits, alchemy, [4] magic, and legerdemain, as well as attracting widespread attention to his scepticism on witchcraft.
Wicca (English: / ˈ w ɪ k ə /), also known as "The Craft", [1] is a modern pagan, syncretic, earth-centered religion.Considered a new religious movement by scholars of religion, the path evolved from Western esotericism, developed in England during the first half of the 20th century, and was introduced to the public in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant.
Esotericism. Magic, sometimes spelled magick, [1] is the application of beliefs, rituals or actions employed in the belief that they can manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces. [2] It is a category into which have been placed various beliefs and practices sometimes considered separate from both religion and science.