Witchcraft
Witchcraft
Witchcraft (pronunciation: /ˈwɪtʃ.kræft/), also known as Wicca (pronunciation: /ˈwɪk.ə/), is a practice of magical skills, spells, and abilities. The term is often associated with the belief in supernatural, magical faculties that can be exercised by individuals and certain social groups.
Etymology
The word "witchcraft" derives from the Old English wiccecræft, a compound of "wicce" ("witch") and "cræft" ("craft"). In Middle English, the term was spelled "wicche-craft", which became "witchcraft" in Modern English.
Related Terms
- Magic (supernatural): The application of beliefs, rituals or actions employed in the belief that they can subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces. It is often seen as the source of witchcraft's power.
- Wicca: A modern Pagan, witchcraft religion. It was 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.
- Spell (paranormal): A spoken or written set of words in a specific sequence intended to effect a magical outcome.
- Paganism: A term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism. This was either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian population, or because they were not milites Christi (soldiers of Christ).
- Occult: "Knowledge of the hidden" or "knowledge of the paranormal", as opposed to facts and "knowledge of the measurable", usually referred to as science.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Witchcraft
- Wikipedia's article - Witchcraft
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