The Difference Between Magic and Witchcraft (Research Paper Sample)

The Difference Between Magic and Witchcraft
Witchcraft and magic have a relation to the encounters that deal with control of the supernatural. They are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Each sphere has what it makes it unique and different from the other. In most cases, witchcraft and magic appear as themes when humanity is faced with bad experiences such misfortunes, harm and accusations. Because of similarity, they are often used by people differently regardless of their different definitions and intellectual histories. These two terms are used by people to fulfill their emotional and practical needs in many cultures. In previous centuries, magic and witchcraft developed because people needed to fulfill specific desires. In most cases, people that utilized magic and witchcraft were people struggling with natural phenomenon. It was the time before modern science kicked in and started being used in place of magic and witchcraft. In this regard, there is the need to demystify the difference between magic and witchcraft.
Magic and witchcraft differ in terms of usability. Both witchcraft and magic have a foundation in magic. They all depend on magic for them to make sense to the people depending on them. in this regard, magic is a concept which encompasses the behaviors and beliefs of people whereby the action and the results have a connection with the mystical realm. It means that they do not have any scientific validation making it difficult to make sense for the science people. In most cases, it is an idea or belief which is exhibited through rituals and spells, and other objects such amulets and talismans. Chiefly, magic tries to provide ways that could be used to abate anxieties and insecurities by providing assistance from the supernatural realm. The supernatural forces are used to provide a solution to the individual’s insecurities and anxieties. When it comes to witchcraft, the focus is on the engagement of magic and sorcery by certain individuals. In other words, there are magicians and witches who exist hence bring creating the connection between the two terms. In other words, their existence is based on their dependency to magic. However, witchcraft be a form of magical experience that is performed illegally.[. Pamela A. Moro, "Just a Moment..," Just a Moment.., accessed July 28, 2022, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/9781118924396.wbiea1]
Many churches and states used the issue of witchcraft and magic as a point to get attention from people in medieval times. Between the 15th and 18th century, many people were accused of being witches or practicing magic. In this regard, most of them were put on trial and eventually persecuted. It was attributed to the hysteria of malevolent satanic witches were on course to cause harm to the Christian believers. It was a concept that was widespread across Europe. With this, many people who practiced magic were put on trial and accused of being worshippers of the devil. When one was suspected of such, they were put on trial and they were subject to punishment which varied in different regions across Europe. In Europe, the Catholic Church had its roots deep and it categorized magic into two categories. There was magic which was natural in the sense that it was believed to be used in recognition of natural phenomenon like things that were created by God. The second category was the demonic magic which focused more on using magic for evil purposes. It was a type of magic that was frowned upon because the church believed that it was associated with demons and evil powers.[. Lumen, "The Witch Trials | Western Civilization," Lumen Learning – Simple Book Production, accessed July 28, 2022, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-herkimer-westerncivilization/chapter/the-witch-trials/.]
Furthermore, the church was strict on anyone who possessed magic. During this time, the concept of the Bible and Satan was taking center stage and there was an increase in fear. The fear was instigated by the belief of the world coming to its end. Immediately, all witches were labeled as malevolent and outright devil worshippers. Many Christians believed that they had renounced their Christianity to serve the devil. As Christians, the go to move was to arrest them and persecute them. Many Christians believed that they followed the devil to gain more powers that they would use to control others and go against the Christian religion. During the Great Hunt, there 80,000 accusation followed by 40,000 deaths. With spread of empirical knowledge on witchcraft, many people who were arrested were persecuted and tried wrongfully.