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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.
Pages in category "Witchcraft in folklore and mythology" The following 52 pages are in this category, out of 52 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. A.
The history of Wicca documents the rise of the Neopagan religion of Wicca and related witchcraft-based Neopagan religions. [a] Wicca originated in the early 20th century, when it developed amongst secretive covens in England who were basing their religious beliefs and practices upon what they read of the historical witch-cult in the works of such writers as Margaret Murray.
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.
The Witches by Hans Baldung (woodcut), 1508. The most common meaning of "witchcraft" worldwide is the use of harmful magic. [16] Belief in malevolent magic and the concept of witchcraft has lasted throughout recorded history and has been found in cultures worldwide, regardless of development.
[a] The number of witch trials in Europe known to have ended in executions is around 12,000. [70] There were an estimated 110,000 witchcraft trials in Europe between 1450 and 1750, with half of the cases seeing the accused being executed. [71] Witch hunts began to increase first in southern France and Switzerland, during the 14th and 15th ...
Hecate, the chthonic Greek goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, necromancy, and three-way crossroads, [21] appears as the master of the Three Witches. In ancient Greek religion , Hecate as goddess of childbirth is identified with Artemis , [ 22 ] who was the leader (ηγεμόνη: hegemone ) of the nymphs .
Witches still go to cross-roads and to heathen burials with their delusive magic and call to the devil; and he comes to them in the likeness of the man that is buried there, as if he arises from death. [42] Merlin is said to have been born from the relationship of an incubus with a mortal (illumination from a 13th century French manuscript)