The History of Witchcraft

The history of Witchcraft can be traced back as far as the
Paleolithic period some 40,000 years ago. Archeologists have
discovered cave paintings from this period that depict
witchcraft in it’s basic form. Our ancient ancestors would
not have considered themselves witches but they were using
practices associated with witchcraft today.

Witchcraft has evolved since that time and was much more
commonly referred to as such beginning before medieval
times. The practice of witchcraft was fundamental to many
cultures of this period and was widely practiced in Europe
where it is most often referenced. The emergence of
Christianity as the main religion of the period would bring
untold misery to those practicing witchcraft.

Many so called witches of this time, who for the most part
were healers using basic herbs to treat their villages, were
persecuted as a result of edicts from Pope John XXII in
1320. The history of witchcraft was mainly peaceful until
this time as witches were not directly sought out by the
inquisition, but this edict authorized the inquisition to
prosecute sorcerers as well.

Estimates of those killed during this period range from
40,000 to 100,000, a large number of which were brutally
slain out of revenge or jealousy more than for actually
practicing witchcraft. Burning at the stake was the original
method of execution but this later changed to hanging in
many regions as it was less barbaric. Witchcraft would be
practiced in secrecy for centuries as a result if this
treatment.

Modern day practices are broadly referred to as neopaganism,
although this term does not accurately represent the many
varieties followed in modern times. Traditional witchcraft
as a way of life with very limited direct structure is
probably the most common but there are more regimented
religious forms of witchcraft. Wicca is perhaps the most
well known of these and is very much a religion involving
witchcraft.

During the history of witchcraft no overarching principles
were laid down that governed all covens or witches, which
led to each coven practicing the arts in their own way as
directed by their individual leadership. Solo practice is
also wide spread and unique, again following the persons own
beliefs.

Witchcraft continues to slowly change as time passes and it
will continue to do for as long as it is practiced. You are
invited to discover more about Traditional Witchcraft and
its History at <a target=”_new” href=”http://www.squidoo.com/iswitchcraftreal/”>Is Witchcraft Real</a>.

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