European witchcraftEuropean witchcraft can be traced back to classical antiquity, when magic and religion were closely entwined. During the pagan era of ancient Rome, there were laws against harmful magic. After Christianization, the medieval Catholic Church began to see witchcraft (maleficium) as a blend of black magic and apostasy involving a pact with the Devil.
Black magicBlack magic (Middle English: nigromancy), sometimes dark magic, traditionally refers to the use of magic or supernatural powers for evil and selfish purposes. The links and interaction between black magic and religion are many and varied. Beyond black magic's historical persecution by Christianity and its inquisitions, there are links between religious and black magic rituals.
Apotropaic magicApotropaic magic (From Ancient Greek: , romanized: apotrépō, lit.'to ward off') or protective magic is a type of magic intended to turn away harm or evil influences, as in deflecting misfortune or averting the evil eye.
Deal with the DevilA deal with the Devil or Faustian bargain is a cultural trope exemplified most famously by the legend of Faust, who was signed a contract with the demon Mephistopheles in exchange for knowledge and pleasure. Similar stories are also elemental to many Christian traditions. The pact between a person and the Devil or another demon generally involves trading one's soul for diabolical favours, which vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame and power.
Magic (supernatural)Practice of supernatural beings and forcesThe Magician, an illustration from the Rider–Waite tarot deck first published in 1910Magic, sometimes spelled magick, is the application of beliefs, rituals or actions employed with the intent to manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces. It is a category into which various beliefs and practices have been placed, sometimes considered separate from both religion and science.
SupernaturalSupernatural phenomena or entities are those beyond the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latinsupernaturalis, from Latin super- 'above, beyond, outside of' + natura 'nature'. Although the corollary term "nature" has had multiple meanings since the ancient world, the term "supernatural" emerged in the Middle Ages and did not exist in the ancient world. Many cultures around the world lack concepts or reject distinctions between the natural and supernatural.
DemonEvil supernatural beingFor other uses, see Demon (other).Bronze statue of the Assyro-Babylonian demon king Pazuzu, c. 800–700 BCE, LouvreA demon is an evil or malevolent supernatural entity, though they can be benevolent too. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in folklore, mythology, religion, occultism, and literature; these beliefs are reflected in media including fiction, comics, film, television, and video games.
OccultThe occult (from Latin'hidden, secret') is a category of or supernatural beliefs and practices which generally fall outside the scope of organized religion and science, encompassing phenomena involving a 'hidden' or 'secret' agency, such as magic and mysticism. It can also refer to paranormal ideas such as extra-sensory perception and parapsychology. The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to astrology, alchemy, and natural magic.
Early modern EuropeEarly modern Europe, also referred to as the post-medieval period, is the period of European history between the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, roughly the mid 15th century to the late 18th century.
Middle AgesA medieval stained glass panel from Canterbury Cathedral, c. 1175 – c. 1180, depicting the Parable of the Sower, a biblical narrativeDurationc.
AnthropologistAn anthropologist is a social scientist engaged in the practice of anthropology. Anthropologists study aspects of humans within past and present societies. Anthropologists are trying to understand the "big picture" of what it means to be human for a group of people in the world. Social anthropology, cultural anthropology and philosophical anthropology study the norms, values, and general behavior of societies.
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