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[[Category:Cultural references]]

Revision as of 15:59, 3 October 2009

A Witch was a (usually female) practioner of magical arts, though not all magicians would have consider themselves witches. Some cultures 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) Several Witchcraft Acts were passed by the government prohibiting its practice. The last Witchcraft Act, which was enacted in 1736, was not repealed until 1951. (DW: The Dæmons)

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, KAC: A Girl's Best Friend)

In the early 21st century, neopaganism gained in popularity. These included violent young gangs. One, the Witch Kids, spread across the United States. They rejected technology and knowledge and gloried in violence and superstition spread across the United States. (NA: Cat's Cradle: Warhead) Another called themselves the Ravens. (DWM: Ravens)

Across space, the Travelers of the 26th century, who had originated on Earth, honoured ancient gods and conducted rituals. The Travelers used puterspace as a way to experience mystic realities without drugs. (NA: Love and War)

Other references

Humans

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

Other species

The Seeker, too, worked as an agent for Faction Paradox. (source?)
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.
These witches might be related to the Carrionites.
Witch