Are witches real?

 Ever wondered what happened to witchcraft in early modern Europe and America? Yes, we know they probably burnt them all to the stake as shown in the movies and documentaries. But are we really sure that they are all gone? 

It often boggles the mind—so many generations of witches, long gone, long forgotten. A lot of people don't concern themselves with this piece of history. But as someone who loves to watch a lot of fantasy shows, it has always been something of interest to me. 

According to research, the last time a witch even existed is dated back to the 18th century. I wouldn't say they successfully executed them all. And so, if we still have witches, that means they've been low-key for about three centuries. 

Why do I think so? We hear whispers about several ancient cults still being run till today. I won't say they're being run necessarily by a 'witch', but anyone dealing with the occult is hypothetically dealing with supernatural powers.

 

Witches were not always feared back then. I'd say they even ran things. People came to heal, to call on spirits to help them, etcetera. If it was once this way, then what changed? You're probably wondering. I believe they were thought to be in cohorts with the devil and would only want to harm and do evil. Hence the hatred and the need to purge the world of their likes. 

Now here is another string line of questions: Were they actually witches? Did those things laid down in history books about them actually happen? Or was it the makings of a crazy man? When I look at popular stories, like the Salem witches and witches from Elizabethan times, I begin to ask these questions. 

I also discovered something. Are you aware that there is a contemporary pagan religion? Wicca is the name of it. It is a group of westerners who engage in nature worship and witchcraft and consider themselves to be followers of a pre-Christian religion with roots in northern and western Europe. It's spread widely and is even now being practiced in the US. 

Interesting, isn't it? 

This all the more fuels my growing curiosity of this world in particular. 

They are called Wiccans, and they possess their own principles even if their religion is out of the ordinary (what we are used to seeing). They believe in causing no harm as their ethical code goes like this: “If it harms none, do what you will.” Contrary to what you might think, Wicca is a large community filled with members and is an accepted religion. 

I'm going to go ahead and ask: why is witchcraft an acceptable religion now and wasn't in the 14th century? I don't think I've gotten a logical explanation yet.

I'll leave you with this, for now.

XOXO