Magic ~ A History

Our Past

An ancient Greco-Roman tradition tells us that “magicians possessed arcane secrets and the ability to channel power” from any number of ancient polytheistic pantheons. This belief in the power of magicians can be traced back to the earliest civilizations, where people sought supernatural assistance for various aspects of life.

Evidence of magical practices can be found in historical documents, such as papyrus from the 1st century CE, which include magical recipes and spells. These writings provide insight into the rituals and beliefs of ancient civilizations.

In ancient Rome, magic spells, charms, and amulets were widely used. People turned to magic to gain an advantage over rivals in war and love. It was believed that these magical practices could influence the outcome of events and bring success.

Even religious texts mention the connection between magic and spirituality. In the Gospel of Matthew, the “wise men” or Magi who visited Jesus at his birth were astrologers, demonstrating the association between magic and divination.

As Christianity spread, magic became increasingly demonized. Missionaries sought to discredit and suppress pagan rituals, rites, and manuscripts by associating them with evil forces. By the 4th century CE, magic was considered a tool of the devil, and practitioners were seen as heretics.

During the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, the battle between magic and religion intensified. Christian authorities in Europe conducted widespread trials and executions of alleged witches, resulting in the infamous European witch trials. Tens of thousands of people, mostly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and faced torture and death.

One pivotal moment in the persecution of witches was the publication of “Malleus Maleficarum” or “The Hammer of Witches” in 1486. This book, although technically banned by the Church in 1490, perpetuated the belief that witches were a threat to Christianity and must be hunted and killed. Its influence led to numerous witch trials and mass executions.

This was in 1486 – a mere 536 years ago. 

This book, which was technically banned by the church in 1490, but was still reprinted 13 times in the next 40 years causing these deaths:

• Geneva, Switzerland, 1515 – 500 accused witches were burned at the stake
• Como Italy, 1526 – Charges lead to 1000 executions
• France, 1571 – witchcraft hysteria led to claims of over 100, 000 witches “roaming the countryside”

In 1580, Jean Bodin wrote “On the Demon-Mania of Sorcerers” after which the gates opened for children testifying against parents, entrapment of witches, and torturous devices were used. and after this  Protestant religions took on the mantle of hunting witches as well.

• Germany’s witch execution rates rose higher than the rest of the combined content.
• Between 1500-1660 it is estimated that 50,000-80,000 suspected witches were executed, including estimates of:
  • 26,000 in Germany
  • 10,000 in France
  • 1,000 in England
  • 4,400 in Scotland
  • and 4, in Ireland 

The witch trials were not limited to Europe.  By the 1680s, the “Enlightenment Period” led to the end of witch-hunts in Europe, at a time when the hunts had quite literally jumped ship, and the mantle was taken up by the American colonies. 

In the American colonies, the Connecticut Witch Trials and the more infamous Salem Witch Trials resulted in the arrest, imprisonment, and execution of numerous individuals. The hysteria surrounding witchcraft led to the loss of innocent lives and left a dark mark on history.

Deaths on the newly colonized soil were: 19 by hanging, one man crushed with rocks after refusing to give a plea, and 5 died while still imprisoned before the proceedings were put to a halt and the rest were pardoned by the Superior Court of Judicature. 

America’s witchcraft trials came to an end in 1693 – just 329 years ago.

The “Enlightenment Period” of the late 17th and 18th centuries, caught up with the Americas and attitudes towards witchcraft began to shift. Rationality and skepticism gained prominence, leading to the decline of witch-hunting and a more secular worldview.

Our Present ~ Neopaganism

Fast forward to the 20th century, and we witness a resurgence of interest in magick and witchcraft. Yet, the English Parliament repealed its final laws against witchcraft only 71 years ago (1951), which signaled a significant turning point. This paved the way to the second half of the 21st century seeing a resurgence of new Paganism, called Neopaganism. 

The movement has seen the likes of prominent figureheads playing crucial roles in this resurgence:

• Gerald Gardener, the figurehead of the modern Wicca movement
• Raymond Buckland, Gardener Convert & spearhead of the Seax Wica tradition
• Alex Sanders, founder of the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca
• Zsuzsanna Budapest, founder of Dianic Wicca
• Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, founders of McFarland Dianic
• Émile Zola, founder of Naturalism
• Helena Blavatsky started the resurgence of Occultism
• Francesco Petrarch, founder of Humanism

Wicca & Witchcraft

However, these are all based on their own form of following and religion, but, their contributions and teachings brought witchcraft and Wicca into the public eye, and Wicca has been recognized as a legitimate religion by various institutions. Wicca has recently been accepted by the IRS and other sources as a true religion and their symbolisms have been added to databases for religious markings, including the U.S. Military.

It is important to note here that witchcraft in and of itself is not a religion, it is a practice. Some of us may call on various Goddesses and Gods for assistance,  but it is a practice of beliefs in one’s natural ability, and in the elements surrounding us. But because of the modern witchcraft movement bringing Wicca to the forefront as a religion, we can come out openly in society and say, “I am a witch.” 

I generally say, “I am Pagan.” because it is better understood and I do follow the old ways. Though many in society may not understand,  many in our own family or friendship circle may not understand, we are able to gather again and not be in hiding. 

Our Future

We have Facebook and blogs and Instagram and podcasts and everything else to connect to our kindred. We are no longer legally persecuted and hunted. And we are here to stay.

The history of magick is a complex tapestry woven throughout human civilization. From ancient times to the present day, the perception and treatment of magick and witchcraft have evolved significantly. While there are still misconceptions and prejudices, we have come a long way from the times of persecution and can now openly embrace our beliefs and practices as modern witches. The journey continues, and as we move forward, it is vital to honor our past while shaping a future that embraces diversity, acceptance, and the power of magick.