Everyone needs a little Magick in their life.
The roots of Modern Day Witchcraft (like Wicca) have roots back to 25,000 BC. Female figurines, images, and pictures of been discovered throughout Europe... all supporting a theory of a "Great Mother Cult".
Throughout the centuries there have been many attempts to put an end to worship of the Goddess... all in vain. Goddess worship has stood the test of time.
Are you a man or a woman?
Witchcraft has gradually evolved over time... and will continue to do so. Throughout the ages the term "Witch" has labeled healers, medicine men, seers, and every mystical practitioner in between. Not all "Witches" worship the Goddess, as witches are labeled as such in many areas, religions, and traditions of the world.
Up until around 1020 AD, "Witches" were seen in a positive light... healers...wise ones... seers. Many of them also understood how to use plants and nature for healing, and used these skills to help others.
All of that changed under Pope Benedic VIII.
He executed the first "heretic" (a Witch) in 1022. Thus, the "burning times" had begun, and would continue for over 753 years in Europe. People of all races, creeds, and religions...including children, were killed in mass throughout this time.
Torture and death for "Witches" was commonplace.
In fact, in Scotland, James I wrote "Daemonlogie"...which explained various "methods" of determining who was a Witch.
One method was to find the "Witches Mark", which was a place on the body that felt no pain. Thus, suspected Witches were tormented with needles over every inch of the body in an attempt to find the "Witches Mark" and prove they were a witch.
Another method was to bind an accused Witches hands and feet together and throw them into a river. It was believed (by James I) that since water is a holy substance, it would keep Witches pushed to the surface. Unfortunately, the accused would die either way. If they sank, they'd typically drown. If they floated, there were burned at the stake.
The burning times forced most real Witches to practice in secret.
Starting in 1930, there has been a slow re-emergence of Witchcraft, of multiple traditions.
The leader of the "new age" movement of Witchcraft is and was Gerald Gardner.
Once the "Witchcraft Laws" were repealed in 1951, Witchcraft starated to grow more rapidly. 2 main "new age" groups emerged... one headed by Gerald Gardner, and one headed by Doreen Valiente. Gardner was the main influencer of the Wicca tradition until his death in 1964...and still is a major influencer.
Valiente has been just as important, howerver... as she wrote the Wiccan Rede, and integrated beautiful poetry, lore, and mystique into commonly used rituals and spells.
The number of people involved in Witchcraft has continued to grow into the millions. Popular Witchcraft authors such as Starhawk, Cunningham, Buckland, Telesco, and Ravenwolf have contributed to this modern day resurgence.
There still are a lot of misconceptions...and many Witches still are not comfortable coming out of the "broom closet"... though tolerance has slowly improved, it is still not even close to where it needs to be.
Are you a man or a woman?