The paper seeks to prove that witchcraft is alive and well in modern society just like it was perceived to be in the ancient times. The paper will look at the definition of witchcraft, its use in the society, its effect in the society, the rituals involved, it practices at home or in governments.
Introduction
In the documented human history, the concept and belief in witchcraft have persisted. In both the primitive and advanced cultures, witchcraft has been present in diverse forms. At times, it has been the central theme in many cultures and religions. However, in the scientific quarter, witchcraft and magical powers are believed to lack credibility and as such cannot be quantified through experimental testing (Petrus, & Bogopa, 2007).
Etymology and definition
There are different definitions for the term witchcraft depending on the context of its use. The English dictionary describes witchcraft as using sorcery or magic. Being in communication with the devil or other familiar spirits. The English dictionary further describes it as an influence or fascination that is irresistible. The Bible dictionary denotes the term to mean one that knows (Ruickbie, 2004). It is used in a manner that represents both masculine and feminine.
Predominantly, the concept of witchcraft that has been known in the western world drives mostly from the Old Testament that spread widely during the Early modern times. These beliefs later lost their prominence during the age of enlightenment that changed how witchcraft was viewed (Van Wyk, 2004). The modern-day or contemporary witchcraft is a branch of paganism that is practiced by Wiccan or modern witches. The English meaning of the word witchcraft includes diverse activities, practices beliefs, and forms.
Beliefs, Rituals, and Uses of Witchcraft
Generally, witchcraft refers to practices that are believed to influence the other people’s mind, body or even property without their consent and against their will. These practices are believed to undermine the accepted social and religious orders. Traditional folks from ancient civilization such as Egypt and Babylon supports the belief in malicious magic power being used to influence other against their will and cause harm. These include diseases, bad luck, and unexplained death, the loss of the ability to get children, sickness, and death in animals.
Some of the rituals that are performed in witchcraft include casting of spells. Spells are the means used to carry out a supernatural action. Various methods are used to cast spells such as inscription of symbols, signs, and letters to object to transfer magical powers to them. other are physical rituals, magical herbs, potions, amulet, and the use of gazing mirrors.
The second ritual of witchcraft is Necromancy. This is conjuring the spirit of the dead for purposes of prophecy, divination, among others. This practice is believed to be speaking to the devil who speaks back in the form of the dead person whose spirit has been conjured. The third ritual is demonology, it involves summoning and controlling demons. These demons were given the assignment to control the moods, the emotion of other people.
The use of witchcraft in society
In many societies where witchcraft is practiced, it used as a deterrent against evil intentions. While Christianity and other religion view witchcraft as a negative force in the society, those who practice it see it as a powerful deterrent. It used to deter members of the society that would other have ill intentions like stealing, incest, murder among other issues. The fear that the family members of the victims can retaliate against them by the use of witchcraft power deter many from evil practices.
Kent, (2010) argues that witchcraft is used as a powerful educational tool. It is used to pass a lesson that non-conformity to the norm of society is dangerous. Its departure from the set norm of the society brings isolation and destruction. While the practice of witchcraft is prohibited in some society, the fear of the harm that can be afflicted on individuals who break the rules set for social cohesion keeps many in line. This Nyabwari argues that brings social cohesion in the society.
Also, throughout history, witchcraft has been used in government for the various purpose. Akama (2006) states that the mystical power of witchcraft has been present in many ancient African governances set up. The same is true of some of the ancient civilization like the Egyptians and Babylonians. The kings of these kingdoms are known to have turned to witchcraft power whenever they faced difficult times. Also, these kingdoms are known to have in their service witches and magicians as advisers to the king. This was known to make contact with the spiritual world and make contact with the gods on behalf of the king.
Further, witchcraft has been used to solve supernatural problems that are perceived to be beyond human abilities. Many individuals, as well as ancient governments, have been known to seek mystical power to solve problems such as drought, bareness and other natural disasters that require divine intervention (Green, 2003). While there is no recorded literature to support the use of witchcraft in modern-day governments, some practices that are performed in government quarters have been associated with witchcraft.
The effect of witchcraft in society
Witchcraft phenomenon is real in many nations both developing and developed ones. It has profound effects on societies and economies. Effects of witchcraft on the society include the relationship between individuals (Green, 2003). Because of the fear of being bewitched, or a spell being cast on them, a member of the society treated those who practice witchcraft with suspicion. This bad relationship between the witches and other members of the society has often resulted in conflict and deaths. Those who are suspected of committing witchcraft acts have been killed, beaten or expelled from the society. Therefore, many cases of innocent lives being killed for mistakes they did not commit.
The other effect of the witchcraft on society is how people view mishaps. Because of belief in witchcraft, some societies have failed to take responsibilities for the mishaps that befall the society. Disasters that have resulted from irresponsible actions of members of the society has been blamed on the witches. The effect is that people cannot seek better explanations and understanding of occurrences in their lives including accidents or any other misfortunes. Witchcraft becomes an escape hole that negatively affects the lives of the individuals and presents them from comprehending the true events in their lives and leading productive lives.
The third effect on witchcraft on society is the value of life. Those who believe in witchcraft are always under the perpetual fear of misfortune. They rate their lives lowly than those who do not believe in witchcraft powers. Therefore, the quality of lives of the individuals who belief in witchcraft can be considered lower.
Conclusion
The belief in witchcraft transcends generations and civilizations. Throughout the recorded history of man, witchcraft practices and beliefs have continued to evolve. Just like in the ancient times, the belief and practice of witchcraft are alive at homes and other places. The modern world has seen witchcraft developed into a religious sect that has gained acceptance among many people. However, it important to state that the beliefs and practices of witchcraft vary according to cultures and places.
References
Akama, S. et. at (2006).Ethnography of the Gusii of Western Kenya. The Edwin MillenPress. NewYork.
Crawford, J. R. 1967. Witchcraft and Sorcery in Rhodesia.London: OxfordUniversity Press.
Green, M. (2003). Priests, Witches and Power-Popular Christianity after Mission in Southern Tanzania. Cambridge University Press.
Kent, Elizabeth. "Masculinity and Male Witches in Old and New England." History Workshop 60 (2005): 69–92.
Petrus, T. S., and Bogopa, D. L., 2007; Natural and Supernatural: Intersections Between the Spiritual and Natural Worlds in African Witchcraft and Healing with Reference to Southern Africa; Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, Volume 7.
Ruickbie, Leo (2004) Witchcraft out of the Shadows: A History, London, Robert Hale.
Van Wyk, I W C. (2004). African Witchcraft in Theological Perspective HTS 60(4), 2004.
