Witchcraft is a broad term for the belief and practice of magic, often involving spiritual practices like rituals, spells, and incantations, with meanings and forms varying widely across cultures and personal beliefs. Historically, it was often viewed negatively as a way to harm others through occult power, which led to witch hunts and trials, but today it can also refer to Neopagan religions like Wicca, as well as individual spiritual paths. Modern practitioners may use various tools such as crystals and herbs, and their practices are often a personal reflection of their own beliefs and intentions, not conforming to a single standard. 

Historical and negative context

• Perceived evil: Historically, witchcraft was often defined as the ability to use supernatural or occult power to cause harm to others (maleficium), sometimes involving the summoning of evil spirits.
• Witch hunts: This negative perception led to widespread witch hunts and trials, where individuals were accused of causing misfortunes like disease, famine, or social problems.
• Cultural influence: The idea of a witch in a pointy hat, flying on a broom, and using potions is a product of centuries of evolving stereotypes, solidified in the Victorian period. 

Modern practice and positive context

• Spiritual practice: Today, witchcraft is a diverse spiritual practice focused on influencing reality through magic and spiritual means.
• Neopagan religions: Some people practice witchcraft as part of Neopagan religions like Wicca, which have their own specific traditions and beliefs, such as the Gardnerian tradition.
• Personal paths: Many individuals have their own unique witchcraft practice, which can be influenced by a variety of beliefs and may incorporate elements like astrology, nature, and spirit work.
• Tools and symbols: Practitioners may use tools like crystals, herbs, and other objects to focus their intentions and magic. A common symbol in some modern witchcraft is the pentagram, which represents the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
• No single appearance: There is no “standard” dress or appearance for a witch today. What people wear is a personal choice and not a requirement of the practice.
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  Witchcraft is a broad term with varied meanings across different cultures and time periods, but it generally refers to 
  the practice of magic. 
  Traditionally, witchcraft was often understood as the malevolent use of supernatural powers to cause harm or misfortune to others, a belief found in many societies throughout history and around the world. In medieval and early modern Europe, accused witches (usually women) were believed to have secretly used black magic (maleficium) against their communities, sometimes said to have communed with the Devil. 
  In contemporary Western culture, the term has developed alternative meanings:
  A spiritual or religious path: Many modern practitioners of neo-pagan religions like Wicca identify as witches and redefine the term to mean a varied range of ritual practices intended to manipulate natural energy for positive, benevolent, or neutral purposes. For these practitioners, witchcraft is not associated with evil or the Devil.
  A morally neutral practice: The term can also be used broadly to describe the manipulation of occult or supernatural forces regardless of intent, meaning there can be both “good” and “bad” witches. 
  
  Common Practices
  Modern witchcraft practices often involve working with tools and intentions to bring about desired outcomes. These may include: 
  Herbalism: Using herbs, plants, and natural ingredients in potions, remedies, or cooking for their beneficial properties.
  Spell casting: Gathering and redirecting energy (from personal sources, the elements, the moon, etc.) to achieve specific goals, often mundane ones, like helping a loved one or attracting a good opportunity.
  Divination: Using tools like tarot cards, pendulums, or runes to seek guidance or insight into the past or future.
  Working with elements: Connecting with the energies of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water through meditation, rituals, or altars.
  Rituals: Performing ceremonies, often within a ritually cast magic circle, to honor deities, celebrate seasonal changes (Sabbats), or work magic.
  Using specific tools: Practitioners might use items such as crystals, a wand, a ritual knife (athame), a cauldron, or a “Book of Shadows” (a personal journal or spell book).