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For centuries, the practice of witchcraft was regarded as an evil and foul tradition, and witches had been hunted and killed, often by cruel and painful methods, usually by staying burnt alive at the stake. Dread of witches and witchcraft was widespread during many places of Europe and in some regions of a newly settled America. The witchcraft delusion was an epidemic affecting all people, and even a basic accusation of becoming a witch, despite the absence of any real evidence, was generally adequate to condemn an person to torture and death.

Thankfully, modern-day society has moved beyond such superstition and insanity, and currently, witches are cost-free to practice varying traditions of witchcraft openly and with out concern of persecution. The Wiccan religion is perhaps the most very well recognized form of modern day witchcraft, thanks in portion to films and media focus. However, there are a number of types of modern-day witchcraft staying practiced right now, however most have roots in ancient cultural traditions.

Modern witchcraft in western culture can be largely attributed to the influence and practices of 3 precise individuals. The very first is Gerald Gardner, sometimes referred to as the Father of contemporary Witchcraft. In the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Gerald Gardner started establishing various covens throughout Britain in an attempt to revive the foundations of the old religion, which is closely related to contemporary Wicca.

Gerald Gardner was a public figure who wrote several books on the subject of witchcraft, helping to cast the old traditions in a new and optimistic light and reshape society's viewpoint of witchcraft.

Yet another personal of note is Margaret Murray, a British scholar who studied ancient witchcraft and also wrote of old religions, preceding Gerald Gardner's perform by more than 20 many years. Her books are regarded as necessary reference sources for practitioners of modern-day Wiccanism.

The 3rd individual credited with influencing the contemporary witchcraft motion is Alexander Sanders. Alexander studied witchcraft as a young boy, as it was a family tradition passed down by his grandmother. Alexander also established several covens all through Britain, and proclaimed himself the "king of witches."

While Wiccanism may possibly be the most common tradition of witchcraft studied and followed by contemporary society, other old traditions however exist. Native Americans and indigenous tribes positioned in Central and South America nonetheless practice shamanistic magic. Similarly, tribes in Africa and Australia look to their tribal witch medical doctors whenever tribal magic might be needed, whether it be asking the gods for a superior hunt, or looking for to expel a sickness from a tribe member.

In Louisiana and Haiti, Voodoo is practiced, and similar traditions this kind of as Santeria in the Spanish Islands, as well as other offshoots of voodoo this kind of as Hoodoo and Macumba.

Most types of witchcraft share common denominators -- rituals, spellcasting, and calling on the gods for support or wisdom. Usually, most forms of witchcraft are also regarded as "white", or great, and are meant for healing and good effects, instead than to induce hurt, curses, or ill will in the direction of an individual.

Whilst a lot of books and resources are readily available for those interested in Wicca and other forms of witchcraft, men and women should also take care not to treat witchcraft lightly or as a type of entertainment. Spells and rituals are best left to expert witches who have many a long time of practical experience and have studied extensively.