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Summary:
I added this photo because it is the way many people view witches. They are made out to be a evil, green faced, pointed hat wearing, mole covered lady. Which is not the case. The witch has become an easy Halloween costume that people poke fun at, which is unfortunate because there has been so much pain and suffering experienced by people who were accused of doing witchcraft.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom and belief are what has made this photo so recognizable. It has been known that the common thought of witches are green faced, evil people. Which has inspired these photos.

Limitations / Flaws:
The flaws of this picture is that Witches have been victim to stereotyping.Witchcraft is a religion and lifestyle for individuals and it's not right to have others stereotype them based on their values. Often people have a limited view of Witches, as I said before, the green faces, long crazy hair, pointed hat, evil, scary looking people, that others often think poorly on. It is unfortunate that people have such a limited view of others religions, it would be great if people were more open minded.

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Summary:
This photo represents what people view as witchcraft. It is often believed that a person who practices witchcraft has made a deal with the devil to practice to dark magic.
When reading other articles studying witchcraft that the devil whom is helping the witch is seen as a cow, Minotaur, or another animal.
As shown in this photo,  it is a witch ceremony taking place with the devil in an animal form.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom, history of witches have led to a common knowledge type situation. Often in the past it has been said that animals have been a representation of the devil, which is shown in this video.

Limitations / Flaws:
In this photo there are some strange aspects that have me wondering about what is really taking place.  This looks like this may be a very dark representation of witchcraft. This may limit people to the idea that this is the only type of witchcraft witch may lead to more negative thoughts and stereotypes.

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Elements in Relation to Witchcraft : Photo #1 

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Elements in Relation to Witchcraft : Photo #1 

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Summary:
In this photo it shows the elements used when preforming witchcraft. The natural elements are important in completing rituals because it is said that Witches pull their power from the elements. Including in this photo are the key elements are Fire, Earth, Water, Wood, and Metal. These are the strongest elements used when doing witchcraft.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Once again, ancient wisdom is the reason for belief. It has been said that in the past the elements have been very important for witches to practice witchcraft by pulling energy from the elements.

Limitations / Flaws:
This picture has some flaws, there are some additional elements that are said to not be as important as the others. There are four main elements Fire, Earth, Water, and Air/Wind. When reading about this it seems that many people believe that Metal and Wood are not elements. People doubt that the these are real elements that are being used, so this means that witchcraft is not real.

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16 Different Types of Witches : Article #3

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16 Different Types of Witches : Article #3

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Summary:
When you think of witches you most likely think of one generic type. In this interesting article it outlines the different types of witches including where they originate, a few facts about what the witches do to earn their name, and some religious factors as well.  Some examples are the sea witch, this witch draws their power from the water elements. They feel strongest near the water when they can work with sand and shells and drift wood.
Similar to the sea witch is the element witch, they study and practice using the elements. Fire, water, earth, and water. Before reading this article I assumed that all witchcraft was the same, turns out I was mistaken and this article made for a very interesting read.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom, based on the past knowledge of witchcraft witches have morphed into different variations of witches.

Limitations / Flaws:
There are some flaws when this author is explaining the other variations of witches/witchcraft. Personally , I find it hard to believe some of these witches are as they appear. The kitchen witch is a little hard to understand, this witch completes spells and rituals with the supplies found in the kitchen. This may be a little confusing to readers and may leave them with some doubt. A limitation or flaw of this article is that the information in it may not be repeatable.

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When we think of witches there are probably very specific images and stories that come to mind. The evil queen from Snow White, Nancy from The Craft, or even just a woman riding around on a broomstick might pop into your head when you think about witchcraft and the people who practice it in their daily lives.

But contrary to what superstitions and pop culture would lead you to, there are so many different witches out there. The world of Paganism, Neopaganism, Wicca, and more is large and vast and the witches in each are all different and unique.

Below are 16 examples of the different types of witches one can possibly become and some of the facts behind what sets each apart in the world of witchcraft. 16 different types of magical beings with their own beliefs, skills, and practices-no broomstick included.

1. Traditional Witch

Traditional witches are witches who have a base in the history of witchcraft and the Old Craft that came before Wicca. They take a historical (traditional) approach to their practice and often will study their ancestors or other folklore attached to witchcraft. Traditional witches want to honor the "old" ways of practicing their craft, and will often focus on working with the local history and spirits of where they are or where they've come from. While these witches do old history and customs in high regard, there are absolutely contemporary traditional witches practicing today.

2. Gardnerian Witch

Gardnerian Wicca is a practice of Wicca that came about in the 1950s and because of Gerald Gardner, often considered to be "The Father of Wicca", spread across the world. Those who practice Gardnerian Wicca have strong ties to nature, challenge societal norms, and have many rituals that are the foundation of their practice. In order to be a Gardnerian witch you must be initiated, members cannot initiate themselves. There is also an incredibly structured system of advancing as a witch and with your practice as you grow and learn more about your craft.

3. Alexandrian Witch

Founded in the 60s by Alex and Maxine Sanders, Alexandrian Wicca is a British derivative of Wicca and witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca has a lot of similarities to its sister Gardnerian Wicca, but also pulls elements of ceremonial magick and Qabalah as well. Alexandrian Wicca is seen as "more eclectic" and is less structured than Gardnerian Wicca. They follow the belief of "if it works, use it." Witches still must be initiated in order to practice, and there are degrees and levels of advancement that can be achieved as a witch moves along in their practice. Their covens meet on new moons, full moons and during Sabbat festivals

4. Correllian Witch

Correllian-Nativist Tradition, or Correllian Wicca, was founded in the late 20th century by Caroline High Correll. She claimed to come from a line of hereditary witches, and was a psychic, spiritual healer, and herbalist. Heavily influenced by her supposed lineage and Aradian witchcraft, she was head of the church until her death in the 1940s. Correllian Wicca was not recognized as Wicca until the 1990s, and was seen more as eclecticism and universalism. Correllian Wicca is one of the most widespread practices still in existence today.

5. Sea Witch

A sea witch has strong ties to water and the ocean and uses that element often in her practice. Sea and ocean magick will often use sand, shells, driftwood, or other elements that come from that place. Sea witches feel connected to water and anciet folklore involving sirens etc.

6. Kitchen Witch

Also known sometimes as a hearth witch or a home witch, kitchen witches create most of their magick in the home or in the kitchen. They are very home-based, often incredibly nurturing, and love to make their home a truly special and sacred space. Kitchen witches love to cook and brew and use herbs, sometimes gathered from their own garden. When practicing they combine their own personal and individual magical energy with essential oils, herbs, food, and everyday objects to create their spells, rituals, and magick.

7. Hedge Witch

Hedge witches practice what's known as "hedge jumping" which is venturing out of this world and into the Otherworld. Hedge witches can communicate with the spiritual world and can send messages between both worlds. Hedge witches practice astral projection as well as work with herbs and Earth based magick. But what makes them specifically a hedge witch is their ability to cross the "hedge" aka: the boundary between this world and the spirit world. It's thought that the "flying on a broomstick" legend was a misunderstanding based on hedge witches "flying" into the siritual realm.

8. Dianic Witch

Dianic witches practice the most feminist of all witchcraft practices. Followers of the Cult of Diana are all women, so no men allowed. Dianic witches worship the Goddess through all three of her aspects-Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Rituals and worship can vary, but all have feminist aspects and come from a feminist standpoint.

9. Elemental Witch

Elemental witches study and practice based on the four elements: earth, air, wind, and fire. An elemental magick is work based on and honoring each element. An elemental witch may have an altar for each specific element. Elemental witches call on the elements when casting spells and performing rituals, and may even have an element that they personally identify with and work towards finding.

10. Ceremonial Witch

Ceremonial witches have many practices, but ceremonies and rituals are practices that they hold in especially high regard. Ceremonial magick is worked into most of the elements of their practice. They likely work a ritual or ceremony into whatever they're casting or trying to accomplish. Ceremonial witches often call on specific beings and spiritual entities to assist them with whatever they're casting.

11. Green Witch

Also called garden witches or forest witches, green witches are highly connected to the earth the energy that it possesses. They may have their own garden where they grow their own herbs, but they also study their area and practice with local plants and their own environment. Green witches use plants/greenery in their spells and magic and sometimes, even their cooking and in their home. Green witches are often very natural and love to be in nature and near anything "green"-plants, trees, flowers, etc. They do this to be as close to Mother Earth, and the spirit she encompasses, as possible.

12. Hereditary Witch

A hereditary witch is a witch that was born into witchcraft. It is a part of their family and/or their lineage. Their magick and practice are passed down from previous generations, though they may work with their own individual practices as well or instead of their families. However, there is still choice. Hereditary witches must be born into witchcraft, but if you do not choose to practice witchcraft you won't STILL be a hereditary witch.

13. Cosmic Witch

Cosmic witches are contemporary witches who look to the cosmos, astrology, and astronomy and work those elements and celestial energy into their practice. Also called "Star Witches", these witches often follow the planets and the alignment of the stars and base their spells and rituals on the different placements.

14. Secular Witch

Secular witches still cast spells, use crystals, herbs, oils, and candles, but they don't attach spirituality to their practice. Secular witches don't worship a deity or higher being-their practice is entirely non-religious. They don't believe in the power behind energy or that there is energy in their work. This isn't to say that a secular witch CAN'T be spiritual, it's simply that their work is not. The two are entirely separate.

15. Solitary Witch

A solitary witch can be any type of witch, but they choose to practice alone rather than with a coven. This could be by choice or because they haven't found a group to work with yet. There are also legends that solitary witches are reincarnations of witches who have been practicing for generations and at puberty, their knowledge is awakened. Since they already remember and understand the craft, their need for a coven is less than a newer witch.

16. Eclectic Witch

An eclectic witch does not have one set religion, practice, tradition, or culture that they pull from. Their practice derives from many sources and, ultimately, becomes the witch's own. They may worship a higher being, or their practice may be primarily secular, or it might be its own kind of spiritual. An eclectic witch ultimately makes their own "rules" with their practice-it is entirely unique based on the individual witch.

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These Are The 16 Types Of Witches Creating Magic All Around You

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When we think of witches there are probably very specific images and stories that come to mind. The evil queen from Snow White, Nancy from The Craft, or even just a woman riding around on a broomstick might pop into your head when you think about witchcraft and the people who practice it in their daily lives.

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History of the Salem Witch Trials : Article #2 

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History of the Salem Witch Trials : Article #2 

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Summary:
This article provides a brief overview/history of the Salem Witch Trials. It includes where the witch trails were held, Massachusetts, and when 1692 and 1693. About 200 were thought to have made a deal with the devil and were actively practicing witchcraft. This article is full of information from a brief summary of the history, how the "witch hunt" was organized and executed.
The struggle of the Salem village's that led to the mass hist-aria. As well as some illustration's of what it is believed that the witch trails would be like.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom points towards the reasoning behind the burning of the witches at the Salem witch trails. I also believe that proof of verbosity has a little bit to do about this. People prosecuted others because they believed that there was so much evidence pointing towards these people being witches. Which then lead to the final test, a push to preform witchcraft or die.

Limitations / Flaws:
I am not to sure what the limitations or flaws may be in this article. I think it offers good information, due to the fact that the Salem Witch Trails are very common knowledge at this point so its all real information. The only aspect that one may see flaw in is a thought limitation of not believing that this information is true or has some false parts to it.

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A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials

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One town’s strange journey from paranoia to pardon

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Summary:
In this article it talks about the history of witches. It starts off with a approx 3 minute video talking about the evolution of witches. How they came to be, what they sacrificed, and some common thoughts or misconceptions regarding witchcraft.
Then it talks about the origin of witches, where they came from. Then it touches on the Salem Witch Trials.And ends with, Are witches are real? Followed by the book of shadows, It is suggested to be the modern day book of witches.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom is the strongest reason for belief. In every urban history regarding supernatural witches will always make an appearance.

Limitations / Flaws:
With many articles I have looked though researching this topic is authors tend to pick apart the Salem Witch Trails and talk more about that when they should really be focused on the history of witchcraft. Thus causes limitations finding certain information. I was really interested in the history and modern witchcraft, this article also gave me some great information.

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Witches were perceived as evil beings by early Christians in Europe, inspiring the iconic Halloween figure.

Images of witches have appeared in various forms throughout history-from evil, wart-nosed women huddling over a cauldron of boiling liquid to hag-faced, cackling beings riding through the sky on brooms wearing pointy hats. In pop culture, the witch has been portrayed as a benevolent, nose-twitching suburban housewife; an awkward teenager learning to control her powers and a trio of charmed sisters battling the forces of evil. The real history of witches, however, is dark and, often for the witches, deadly.

The Origin of Witches

Early witches were people who practiced witchcraft, using magic spells and calling upon spirits for help or to bring about change. Most witches were thought to be pagans doing the Devil's work. Many, however, were simply natural healers or so-called "wise women" whose choice of profession was misunderstood.

It's unclear exactly when witches came on the historical scene, but one of the earliest records of a witch is in the Bible in the book of 1 Samuel, thought be written between 931 B.C. and 721 B.C. It tells the story of when King Saul sought the Witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet Samuel's spirit to help him defeat the Philistine army.

The witch roused Samuel, who then prophesied the death of Saul and his sons. The next day, according to the Bible, Saul's sons died in battle, and Saul committed suicide.

Other Old Testament verses condemn witches, such as the oft-cited Exodus 22:18, which says, "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Additional Biblical passages caution against divination, chanting or using witches to contact the dead.

'Malleus Maleficarum'

Witch hysteria really took hold in Europe during the mid-1400s, when many accused witches confessed, often under torture, to a variety of wicked behaviors. Within a century, witch hunts were common and most of the accused were executed by burning at the stake or hanging. Single women, widows and other women on the margins of society were especially targeted.

Between the years 1500 and 1660, up to 80,000 suspected witches were put to death in Europe. Around 80 percent of them were women thought to be in cahoots with the Devil and filled with lust. Germany had the highest witchcraft execution rate, while Ireland had the lowest.

The publication of "Malleus Maleficarum"-written by two well-respected German Dominicans in 1486-likely spurred witch mania to go viral. The book, usually translated as "The Hammer of Witches," was essentially a guide on how to identify, hunt and interrogate witches.

"Malleus Maleficarum" labeled witchcraft as heresy, and quickly became the authority for Protestants and Catholics trying to flush out witches living among them. For more than 100 years, the book sold more copies of any other book in Europe except the Bible.

Salem Witch Trials

As witch hysteria decreased in Europe, it grew in the New World, which was reeling from wars between the French and British, a smallpox epidemic and the ongoing fear of attacks from neighboring native American tribes. The tense atmosphere was ripe for finding scapegoats. Probably the best-known witch trials took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.

The Salem witch trials began when 9-year-old Elizabeth Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams began suffering from fits, body contortions and uncontrolled screaming (today, it is believed that they were poisoned by a fungus that caused spasms and delusions). As more young women began to exhibit symptoms, mass hysteria ensued, and three women were accused of witchcraft: Sarah Good, Sarah Osborn and Tituba, an enslaved woman owned by Parris's father. Tituba confessed to being a witch and began accusing others of using black magic. On June 10, Bridget Bishop became the first accused witch to be put to death during the Salem Witch Trials when she was hanged at the Salem gallows. Ultimately, around 150 people were accused and 18 were put to death. Women weren't the only victims of the Salem Witch Trials; six men were also convicted and executed.

Massachusetts wasn't the first of the 13 colonies to obsess about witches, though. In Windsor, Connecticut in 1647, Alse Young was the first person in America executed for witchcraft. Before Connecticut's final witch trial took place in 1697, forty-six people were accused of witchcraft in that state and 11 were put to death for the crime.

In Virginia, people were less frantic about witches. In fact, in Lower Norfolk County in 1655, a law was passed making it a crime to falsely accuse someone of witchcraft. Still, witchcraft was a concern. About two-dozen witch trials (mostly of women) took place in Virginia between 1626 and 1730. None of the accused were executed.

Are Witches Real?

One of the most famous witches in Virginia's history is Grace Sherwood, whose neighbors alleged she killed their pigs and hexed their cotton. Other accusations followed and Sherwood was brought to trial in 1706.

The court decided to use a controversial water test to determine her guilt or innocence. Sherwood's arms and legs were bound and she was thrown into a body of water. It was thought if she sank, she was innocent; if she floated, she was guilty. Sherwood didn't sink and was convicted of being a witch. She wasn't killed but put in prison and for eight years.

A satirical article (supposedly written by Benjamin Franklin) about a witch trial in New Jersey was published in 1730 in the Pennsylvania Gazette. It brought to light the ridiculousness of some witchcraft accusations. It wasn't long before witch mania died down in the New World and laws were passed to help protect people from being wrongly accused and convicted.

Book of Shadows

Modern-day witches of the Western World still struggle to shake their historical stereotype. Most practice Wicca, an official religion in the United States and Canada.

Wiccans avoid evil and the appearance of evil at all costs. Their motto is to "harm none," and they strive to live a peaceful, tolerant and balanced life in tune with nature and humanity.

Many modern-day witches still perform witchcraft, but there's seldom anything sinister about it. Their spells and incantations are often derived from their Book of Shadows, a 20th-century collection of wisdom and witchcraft, and can be compared to the act of prayer in other religions. A modern-day witchcraft potion is more likely to be an herbal remedy for the flu instead of a hex to harm someone.

Today's witchcraft spells are usually used to stop someone from doing evil or harming themselves. Ironically, while it's probable some historical witches used witchcraft for evil purposes, many may have embraced it for healing or protection against the immorality they were accused of.

But witches-whether actual or accused-still face persecution and death. Several men and women suspected of using witchcraft have been beaten and killed in Papua New Guinea since 2010, including a young mother who was burned alive. Similar episodes of violence against people accused of being witches have occurred in Africa, South America, the Middle East and in immigrant communities in Europe and the United States.

Sources

About Wicca. The Celtic Connection.
Case Study: The European Witch Hunts, c. 1450-1750 and Witch Hunts Today. Gendercide Watch.
The Salem Witch Trials. Oxford Research Encyclopedias.
Witchcraft: Creation of the "evil other." Susan Moulton, Sonoma State University.
Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia. Encyclopedia of Virginia.
Witchcraft: The Beginnings. University of Chicago.
Witches and Witchcraft: The First Person Executed in the Colonies. State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Library Services.
Demonology: The Malleus Maleficarum-Proliferating Witch Hysteria. Mount Holyoke College.
The Persecution of Witches, 21st-Century Style. The New York Times.
Women and Witches: Patterns of Analysis. The University of Chicago Press.

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Witches were perceived as evil beings by early Christians in Europe, inspiring the iconic Halloween figure.

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Summary:
In this video this women shares her opinion on witchcraft not being a negative, but a spiritual religion. She believes that witchcraft is a religion and should be accepted more open-minded. She describes discovering magic is linked to ancient wisdom, like the Catholics have the bible. However, one of the most interesting aspects of her interview is when she states that witchcraft and Satan are not linked. She claims that Satan has nothing to do with this religion and will never. Satan is evil and her religion believe that only the Divine is evil. She says that nothing in the real world is evil. If you are walking in a jungle and you get mulled by a tiger, it is not evil, it is an accident.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom is told in this video when she talks about the history of her religion. I also think that ideology support, she believes that this is her religion, and because of that it can do no wrong. She completely disregards all the information and history thought to be negative about witchcraft.

Limitations / Flaws:
The biggest flaw in this video is it completely goes against what everyone else is saying about witchcraft. Every other article, video, common knowledge that I have encounter has said that witches get their power from the devil, and many practice dark magic. Some of the content in this video has left me wondering about other alternative individuals believe when it comes to witchcraft.

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Summary:
In this video you will hear about different ways to detect a witch. All witches were thought to be unmarried, middle aged women. They are thought to made a deal with the devil to practice witchcraft. By doing so the devil would give the women a, Witches mark. Which would later aid in the gathering of witches to be tested. There is also talk of how a witch would be accompanied by a familiar witch is a demand discussed as an animal, usually a black cat. Now, an interesting part in this video is the test that were done to see weather or not the person was a witch. One example is the accused would be pushed off a cliff. If the person flew to safety they were a witch. If they died, they would die an honorable death.

Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom results in the stories about witches being told. Mystical energy due to the practicing witchcraft. Also proof of verbosity, an overwhelming amount of history/thought of witchcraft being real.
Limitations / Flaws:
A limitation of this article is weather or not theses practices are real. This video does seem a tad dramatic and seems very Hollywood. If this information is true then it is fascinating but I see some flaws.

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Summary:
This documentary is extremely interesting and is a great video to get an overall well rounded view and knowledge on witches and witch craft. This video discuses the history of witches, the hardship that fell on those accused of being one. Are they real or are they just the product of human overactive imagination? Is this a religion, or could it be something else more sinister. It also talks about to old legions of individuals whom were thought to be witches, and what they did to deserve that title.
You will also hear from many professionals in their fields.
Red Flags / Reasons for Belief:
Ancient wisdom is the strongest reason for belief, it has been said for years that witches have been in folk tails and legends. It has been known that witches have been practicing witchcraft, which then resulted in the burning of the witches. I would also think that mystical energy is another red flag or reason for belief. Witchcraft, whether you believe it or not, is a mystical type of energy performed by practicing witchcraft.
Limitations / Flaws:
While many of these stories have no real evidence it is still thought to be evidence by many. This video is also

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Erin McLaughlin Working individuallyTopic : Witchcraft 

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Erin McLaughlin Working individuallyTopic : Witchcraft 