Witchcraft What is witchcraft According to Wikipedia witchcraft

Witchcraft

What is witchcraft? • According to Wikipedia, witchcraft is the use of certain kinds of alleged supernatural or magical powers.

Who practices witchcraft? • A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft. While mythological witches are often supernatural creatures, historically many people have been accused of witchcraft or have claimed to be witches.

Do you believe in magic? • Witches, witchcraft, and magic has been around since the beginning of time. It began as a tribute to the gods and goddesses as a way to guarantee a healthy season of crops and harvest. During the harvest season, bad weather, sickness, and shortage of food caused stress and misfortune onto the village. Therefore, the people began to perform magic to increase the likelihood of a successful season and life.

The History of witchcraft. • The Celts, 700 BC-100 AD, were descendants of Indo-European people who first began using witchcraft in their everyday lives. The Celts were very spiritual people who worshipped gods and goddesses. They believed in reincarnation where they believed that they would ascend to Summerland wait for rebirth.

The History of witchcraft. • The Druids were the priests of Celtic region and remained in power until the 4 century AD. It took 20 years of schooling and intense study to become a Druid.

Paganism • The religious beliefs and practices grew into a larger religion known as Paganism. Pagan means “country dweller. ” Over several centuries, Paganism’s beliefs and practices were turned into potion making, ointments, casting spells, and magic. This became known as witchcraft.

Paganism • Prior to the 14 th century, witchcraft became known as the practice of healing through the use of spells, concoctions, and predicting the future. Witchcraft also became known as “demon worship. ”

Black Magic • Black magic is performed with the intentions of hurting, harming, and destroying another human. This is what we today associate with witchcraft and magic.

Witchcraft in North America • When the European’s landed in North America, they brought their culture, beliefs, and witchcraft with them. However, witchcraft was not so welcome here in New England. In fact witchcraft was deemed evil and associated with the devil. This led to many trials, most notably, the Salem Witch Trials.

Salem Witch Trails and Puritanism • To understand the Salem Witch Trials, we must first understand the language. Pilgrims-The early settlers in North America. They came to America in 1620 and landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts from England. They brought their culture with them that we commonly associate our identity with. Puritans-The Puritans were from the 16 th and 17 th centuries of England. They were people who were seeking “purity” of worship from the Roman Catholic Church. This formed the branch of Christianity known at Protestant. Quakers-Another form of religion. This religion began is the 17 th century of England. They were dissatisfied with the Roman Catholic Church and the newly named Protestant Church.

Salem Witch Trails and Puritanism • Puritan Language Continued John Calvin-A Puritan theologian who protested against the Roman Catholic Church. Calvin built theology known as Calvinism believed that your ticket to heaven was not completed through good deeds on earth, but you were pre-destined or hand picked by God to make it to heaven. If you were chosen by God all your sins were forgiven and you were cleared of all damnation. Salem Massachusetts-Was founded in 1629. This village sits at the mouth of Naumkeeg River. Salem means “peace. ” The government of Salem was built in 1692.

Salem Witch Trials • The Salem Witch Trials are the most controversial trials in American history. They began in 1692 as the result of witchcraft conspiracy in both the Salem Village and Salem Town, Massachusetts. The trials ended with the death of 20 people, 14 men and 6 women and the imprisonment of 175 people.

Salem Witch Trials Burial Site

Salem Witch Trials Burial Site

Salem Witch Trials Burial Site Bridget Bishop "I am no witch. I am innocent. I know nothing of it. "

Salem Witch Trials Burial Site Rebecca Nurse "Oh Lord, help me! It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands. . "

Salem Witch Trials Burial Site

Salem Witch House

Witchcraft Today • Witchcraft today can be viewed in two totally separate lights, good versus evil. Today we are captivated by magicians. Magicians perform at children’s birthdays and other child social events. We are amazed by their tricks and astounded by the unknown.

Witchcraft Today • On the other side, the ideas of witchcraft is viewed as evil and • morally wrong. Believe it or not, some people out there still believe in witches and witchcraft. Today the modern practice that is associated with witches and witchcraft is voodoo (ism). Do you know that tattoos are seen as ties to witchcraft?

Harry Potter • The infamous Harry Potter series are all based on wizardry and witchcraft. In fact, in many schools nationwide, the Harry Potter series are banned due to the content in the novels. To date, the Harry Potter series has made an excess of 15 billion dollars. That’s a lot of money for something that isn’t even proven.