witching

Witching refers to the practice or experience of witchcraft, the use of supernatural powers to influence events or people, or the state of being a witch. The term is used across cultures with varying meanings, from ritual act and spellcraft to broader folklore about bewitchment.

Etymology and usage. The word derives from Old English forms such as wicca and wicce, referring to a practitioner of witchcraft. The verb bewitch, and the gerund witching, entered English to describe activities associated with magic and enchantment. Over time, witching has carried both descriptive and folkloric connotations, ranging from benevolent spellwork to feared or illicit practices in many traditions.

Historical context. In early modern Europe and colonial America, accusations of witchcraft led to trials and executions, shaping a long history of persecution and social tension. Witchcraft has also appeared in mythologies and legal codes around the world, sometimes as a criminal accusation, sometimes as a sacred or folk practice. In the 19th and 20th centuries, revived interest in occultism and neopaganism popularized more eclectic conceptions of witching.

Modern practice and culture. In contemporary contexts, witching is often associated with neopagan and witchcraft traditions such as Wicca, which emphasize harmony with nature, ritual observation, and ethical guidelines. In everyday language, witching can describe acts of charm or bewitchment, or the performance of ritual magic. The concept of the witching hour—an alleged time of peak magical activity—persists in folklore and popular culture, though it has no scientific basis.

Ethics, law, and representation. Modern discussions of witching frequently address historical injustices, ongoing discrimination, and debates about the role of magic, religion, and spirituality in society, as well as media portrayals that may distort reality.