Witchcraft, Sorcery, & Magic In a fantasy world, Harry and the other students at the Hogwarts School learn how to be witches and wizards. But in our world, what does practicing witchcraft really entail?
Witchcraft is the practice or invocation of supernatural powers through magic and sorcery. Belief in the existence of both good and evil forces is inherent to witchcraft, and various forms of witchcraft have been practiced worldwide since ancient times. European witchcraft can be traced back to the pre-monotheistic pagan era, while Shamans and Voodoo priestesses have practiced their rituals throughout recorded history. The 20th century saw a revival of a type of neo-paganism, known as Wicca. This contemporary religion is based on a worship of nature and a fertility goddess. This modern version of 'witchcraft' is quite different from Harry Potter's.
Find out more about witchcraft and magic: Witchcraft> By Charles Alva Hoyt
