witchs

Witchs is a common misspelling of witches, the plural noun for a person who practices witchcraft. Across cultures, witches are portrayed as individuals who use magic, spells, or charms to influence people, events, or the natural world.

Historically in Europe, belief in witchcraft led to persecution, trials, and executions from roughly the 15th to the 18th century, with many accused people, predominantly women, prosecuted as witches. Modern scholarship views witchcraft as a social, religious, and cultural phenomenon that reflects concerns about gender, power, illness, and poverty rather than a single system of magic.

Folklore and literature assign witches a wide range of roles, from healers and herbalists to sorcerers and malevolent figures. Common motifs include magical tools such as cauldrons, broomsticks, and familiars—spirits or animals believed to assist the witch.

In contemporary contexts, some people identify as witches as part of neopagan or religious movements (notably Wicca), while others maintain folk traditions or rely on literary depictions. Modern witchcraft often emphasizes ritual practice, ethical frameworks, and seasonal or nature-centered celebrations, though practices vary widely between individuals and communities.

Note: The term witches carries diverse meanings across cultures and historical periods; the standard English plural is witches.