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
Alien entities, the Fendhal (DW: Image of the Fendahl) and the Dæmons (DW: The Dæmons) undoubtably affected Humanity, specifically Human notions of witchcraft.
As late as the 20th century, in England, witches both "white" (benevolent) like Miss 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 honored 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 the occultist, Max Stael also lived in the area and plotted to resurrect the Fendhal (DW: Image of the Fendhal)
- 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 I. (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 practioner 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.
