Occult lore
Witchcraft
Direct answer
Witchcraft is a broad term for magical practice, folk belief, occult religion, spellwork, or accusations of harmful magic, depending on context.
Witchcraft is a broad and historically loaded term for magic, practice, identity, or accusation.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Related
- Spell, Grimoire, Discernment, Spiritual Warfare
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The story behind Witchcraft
Witchcraft history includes ancient magic, medieval theology, early modern trials, colonial fears, modern Wicca, and contemporary occult culture.
The spiritual meaning of Witchcraft
Spiritually, Witchcraft asks whether fear and curiosity are being disciplined by truth and charity.
Witchcraft in the Bible
Christian teaching rejects sorcery and occult practice while also requiring truth, mercy, and care not to accuse people falsely.
Why Witchcraft matters
Witchcraft matters because the word has been used for real modern religions, folk practices, fantasy, and dangerous accusations against people.
Sources and editorial method
This entry summarizes the tradition in the Almanac's own words; where no source is listed, it is an editorial summary rather than a primary text, and symbolic readings are named as the tradition's, not as fact.
Recorded here as history and lore. No rite is taught on this page.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Related terms
More in Spells & Occult Terms
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- Malediction Spell
- Petit Albert
- Scrying
- Sympathetic Magic
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Common questions
What is witchcraft?
Witchcraft is a broad term for magical practice, folk belief, occult religion, spellwork, or accusations of harmful magic, depending on context.
Where does witchcraft come from?
Witchcraft history includes ancient magic, medieval theology, early modern trials, colonial fears, modern Wicca, and contemporary occult culture.
What does witchcraft mean spiritually?
Spiritually, Witchcraft asks whether fear and curiosity are being disciplined by truth and charity.
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