Definition and terms

The definition of witchcraft is the alleged use of supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft.

Historically, witchcraft has always been considered negatively; in early modern Christian Europe, people believed that witches were in league with the Devil and used their powers to harm people.

Since the mid-20th century, Witchcraft has become the self-designation of a branch of neopaganism, especially in the Wicca tradition following Gerald Gardner, who claimed a religious tradition of Witchcraft with pre-Christian roots.