Witch

A Witch was a (usually female) practioner of magical arts, though not all magicians would have consider themselves witches.

Some used the term "wizard" to refer to a male witch (DW: The Dæmons) others used witch to refer to practioners of both sexes.

Less advanced cultures had a certain fear of paranoia and would sometimes mistake psychic powers or advanced technology as witchcraft.

History

Significance in Human history

Alien entities, the Fendahl (DW: Image of the Fendahl) and the Dæmons (DW: The Dæmons) undoubtably affected Humanity, specifically Human notions of witchcraft.

During the 17th century in Europe and in Salem Village fear of witchcraft rationalized the trial and the state-approved murder of many innocents. (DW: Image of the Fendahl, PDA: The Witch Hunters)

As late as the 20th century, in England, witches both "white" (benevolent) like Olive Hawthorne (DW: The Dæmons) and evil, still formed covens. (DW: Image of the Fendahl, A Girl's Best Friend)

In the early 21st century, neo-paganism gained in popularity. (NA: Cat's Cradle: Warhead)

The Travellers of the 26th century respected a similar ethos and honured ancient gods.

Self-named Witch Kids, rejecting technology and knowledge and glorying in violence, spread across the United States. (NA: Cat's Cradle: Warhead. DWM: Ravens)

Other references

Humans

• Martha Tyler knew the ancient traditions and posessed second sight because of the Fetch Priory's time fissure, therefore local reputation painted her as a witch. Locals deferred to her and called Granma, as an symbolic sign of respect. A genuine coven of malign witches, led by occultist Max Stael, also lived in the area and plotted to resurrect the Fendahl (DW: Image of the Fendahl)

Martha Tyler actually worked as an agent for Faction Paradox, sent to keep an eye on matters. (source?)

• Sarah Jane Smith and K-9 encountered witches, worshippers of Hecate in 1981. (A Girl's Best Friend)

• In 1215, Turlough found himself locked up as a witch for supposedly conjuring up demons in the court of King John of England. (DW: The King's Demons)

• Susan Foreman found herself accused of witchcraft in Salem Village. (PDA: The Witch Hunters)

Other species

• Though not precisely a witch, the Seer seemd to serve a similar cultural function. (DW: The Ribos Operation

The Seer, too, worked as an agent for Faction Paradox. (source?)

• The Nefrin, Brimo adopted a witch-like persona. (DWM: The Time Witch)

• The Sycorax leader regarded the Doctor as a practitioner of witchcraft. (DW: The Christmas Invasion)

The Sycorax, not understanding their own stolen technology, such as blood control, might have regarded it as a form of witchcraft, though they used it themselves.

• The Carrionites were witch like creatures, as they used voodoo and "spells" to kill their victims. They attempted to overthrow the Earth, but they were stopped by William Shakespeare. (DW: The Shakespeare Code)