Q-TPie, and to whomever else it may concern:
Witchcraft was a religoin, or grew out of religion in Norhtern and Western Europe. They were destroyed by Christians because they were worshiping "false gods" or whatever. I hope these same Christians don't try to destroy any greek orgs, but it never hurts to learn from the past.
YoungOne,
Actually, witchcraft is STILL a religion in the form of pagan practices. Many Many people still practice witchcraft and Wicca--it's main source of practice--is the fastest growing religion in North America.
Witchcraft falls under the umbrella term 'Paganism'. Paganism consists of several different religions including: Shamanism, Norse, Wicca, Witchcraft, Celtic/Faerie Magick, VooDoo, Druids, and many others. Pagan Practices are actually the oldest known religion known to man. All religions are based from it. Paganism was here long before Christianity. Witches first were recognized as such while many peoples were still secluded in tribes. Each tribe or community had a 'medicine man/woman' or a community 'witch' that they would go to to find out information (prophecies) or for healing. Witches mostly made herbal remedies to help with illness. Because they knew this trade, they were considered magickal. They did spells to see the future or to help a community member. They also believed in many gods/goddesses, as did the people. As tribes moved and settled in areas, the tribes would learn from each other and use each other's knowledge. Christianity began to form, and Christians had to meet in seclusion and secret because they were, at that time, the minority. As Christianity grew, many Christians still practiced Paganism in their homes and attened Christian churches at various times. This was very common. The Church had a hard time competing with the Pagan practices because frankly--they were more fun. They wanted to draw the people to them, and only them--which would give them power. This was the beginning of the corupt churches in Europe and England. More people wanted to be involved in Paganism because it was a practice that allowed them to do many things without being condemned. The Church then came up with their plan, declared paganism evil and anything pagan was of the 'devil'(which most pagans don't believe that the 'devil' exists, however during that time, people were practicing both or only one). This scared many people into converting totally to Christian ways. Those who did not convert were usually tortured and killed--as you know many were burned at the stake. Also, the church began to come up with rules or ideas of how to know if someone was a witch. Simple things began to be declared a pagan ritual item. Women mostly were the culprits because at that time, women were still 'evil' in their own sense. Basic household items, used everyday, became items only a witch would aquire. Innocent--CHRISTIAN--women were even put to death because the would own such items as a broom, a culdron, herbs. These were all common items for every woman because 1) brooms were used to sweep the house 2) culdrons were used to cook 3) herbs were used for food. The Church would send people out on witch hunts, they even built holding houses just for witches where they would torture anyone who was declared a witch--later on to be killed. Even through these times, pagan practices still remained in tact--also very secretive which is why we don't know much about older magick and witchcraft. When the Puritins crossed the Atlantic and came to America, they brought with them their fear of witches into Salem. The rest is history. Even through all the hard times, pagan practices still exist and are well and thriving to this day--inculding witchcraft. Many people believe that it is a thing of the past, but they are wrong, witches are everywhere and they are growing in numbers everyday.
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