SH+2013+P5+Witchcraft

Witchcraft:

(Kyra Stek) Aim:

 The use of witchcraft in stories is often used to portray villains, those of which use black magic and corrupt those around them. An author states, “...but truth be told, many of these haggard old women have no past; they exist merely to drive the plot of the story” (Witches in Western Literature). Oftentimes those with powers and a grasp of magic are seen as evil and unnatural. The reason for this is often how witchcraft is represented; in fairy tales and the like, witches are seen as wicked beings who manipulate others with their powers to do their own bidding. Naturally, the selfishness of the witch is legendary as well. However, witches also have a different purpose in writing other than merely being a plot device or an automatic antagonist. Writers may use them to help the protagonist in their story, to guide them to a “correct” path. Witches may also prove a point in stories, such as teaching lessons, or providing an example for the audience. This is usually stated explicitly, by way of using the witch’s appearance to bring up a red flag. This technique usually makes the author’s intent obvious.

"Witches in Western Literature." Goodman Theatre Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.

"Witches in Scottish Literature." National Library of Scotland. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.

(Brie Zehner) Historical: The word witchcraft comes from Wicca which means “the wise one”. According to an article called Witchcraft Hsitory, “The earliest records of the concept and practice of witchcraft can be traced to the early days of humankind…However, it was not until 1000 AD that the practice of Witchcraft and witches invoked the wrath of priests, Christianity, and members of the society” (Witchcraft History). After the spread of Christianity, witches were seen as evil. They were considered to make pacts with the devil. Witches were believed to engage in practices such as flying, invisibility, killing, taming black wolves and cats to spy on people, and others. The first crusade against witches was held in 1022; a witch was burned to death. In 1498, Pope Innocent VIII issued a declaration that confirmed the existence of witches in society, although the killing of witches had already been authorized by Pope Gregory IX in 1200. The practice of burning witches at the stake continued for hundreds of years, well into the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. By that time, however, more methods had come up for killing witches. Suspected witches were pleaded their innocence were stoned to death or were thrown into water to prove their innocence. Many innocent men, women, and children suffered horrible, painful deaths.

Linder, Douglas. "A History of Witchcraft Persecutions." A History of Witchcraft Persecutions. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. "Witchcraft History." Witchcraft History. N.p., 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

Rebecca Miehl

 Audience: The use of witchcraft has been directed towards the following types of people. Witchcraft was one of those alternatives. For those that that didn’t want to be apart of religions that everyone wanted to be apart of. It was directed towards those people that respected nature and other natural parts of life. “Wicca is primarily a religion that worships nature, and sees all creation as sacred” (Witchcraft History). Witchcraft is not approved of by others religions, main reason being that it is considered “The Devil’s Work”. So these people and anyone currently that wants to practice witchcraft in an accepted environment should be apart of Wicca. While others outside the religion will not approve the people that want to move forward have a place where it is accepted. According to a warning website about what new witches should be aware of if they seek to possess these great powers, “The terms 'Imp', 'Evil Spirit' and 'Demon' are fairly accurate. They are very strong. The more intelligent ones are capable of working their own Magic to breach your defenses” (Herne). He warns witches that are looking to be involved in the religion Wicca that there are greater and more evil forces out there that all should be aware of. When looking to join Wicca new members are advised to make sure they can handle it and when the time comes be able to defend themselves.

"Witchcraft History." Witchcraft History. N.p., 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

Herne, Erik. "Warnings and Cautions for the New Wiccan or Witch." Warnings and Cautions for the New Wiccan or Witch. Celtic Connection, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.

Lillian Stack



Cultural: Witchcraft started many centuries, and many people thought it was bad. “Witchcraft, an earth based religion, was practiced in almost all the societies and cultures across the world according to local beliefs and traditions” (Witchcraft). Many people perceived that anything to do with witchcraft is dark, and not someone that they want to be. Several people were executed because people thought that were witches, or they practiced witchcraft. Witches usually put hexes, and curses on people that they despise. The pentagram is used for several different things. They use it for healing, protection against others, and other uses of magic. Itself the pentagon is a symbol for the basic elements, such as fire, water, air, earth, and spirit.

“Witchcraft the Wonderful Craft of the Modern Day Witch.” Witchcraft. N.p. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

“Traditional Witchcraft.” Traditional Witchcraft. N.p. 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.