The Status of Witchcraft in the Modern World

Authors

  • Ronald Hutton University of Bristol

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/pome.v9i2.121

Keywords:

Witchcraft, witch trials, satanic panic, Paganism

Abstract

Contemporary Pagan Witches have for the most part abandoned the foundation myth that they represent the survival of an ancient religion forced underground during the era of European witch trials. They have transformed older models of witchcraft to serve the needs of modern spirituality. Yet those same older models present problems to publics and governments around the world, where witchcraft persecutions and panics over 'ritual abuse' continue. Scholars of historical witch trials still have a role to play in educating people about the psychological realities of witchcraft and the dangers of panic and persecution.

Author Biography

  • Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol
    A leading authority on history of the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, on ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and on the global context of witchcraft beliefs. Also the leading historian of the ritual year in Britain and of modern Paganism.

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Published

2007-12-17

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Hutton, R. (2007). The Status of Witchcraft in the Modern World. Pomegranate, 9(2), 121-131. https://doi.org/10.1558/pome.v9i2.121