Witchcraft is a lot of legends... some of which are true.
Witchcraft is a traditional and mysterious practice that we often associate with Halloween. When you think of a witch, an image quickly comes to mind of an ugly old woman with a hooked nose, stirring a steaming potion that she prepares inside a cauldron. Of course, she is always assisted by her faithful black cat, and helps herself with her crystal ball and other lucky charms.
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Witchcraft is a lot of legends... some of which are true.
Witchcraft is a traditional and mysterious practice that we often associate with Halloween. When you think of a witch, an image quickly comes to mind of an ugly old woman with a hooked nose, stirring a steaming potion that she prepares inside a cauldron. Of course, she is always assisted by her faithful black cat, and helps herself with her crystal ball and other lucky charms.
Well this image is false. The true origin of witchcraft is much more mundane. Without the luxury of modern medicine, when a person was sick or in pain, our ancients could do little. Women then tried to learn herbal healing methods (comparable to some modern homeopathic treatments).
As Christianity spread across Europe, many clergy frowned upon this type of practice. For them, if a person fell ill, it was a punishment from God for a sin committed. The resulting suffering was therefore just and could only end if the affected person found the right path.
Over time, healers began to be accused of various things... including witchcraft. These women, just like the remedies and lucky charms they used, were therefore chased away by the Church.
