What Do We Know About Witches‪?‬

The What Do We Know About? series explores the mysterious, the unknown, and the unexplained. From black cats and broomsticks to spellwork and rituals, what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to the history of witchcraft? Find out the truth about witches in this nonfiction book for young readers!

Witchcraft originated in ancient societies—especially around the Mediterranean—and included pagan traditions, folk magic, and healing practices based in nature and well-being. Shamans were consulted for help and were respected by their communities. This attitude shifted as Christianity became more popular across Europe. Suddenly, witches were no longer considered to be wise individuals, but evil tricksters who might cause harm. People began fearing witches, and historic anti-witchcraft events, such as the Salem witch trials, led to the deaths of many women. But are witches actually scary individuals in pointy hats who want to cause chaos in the world around them? Or are they simply people who are connected in a special way to the natural and spiritual world? Find out what we actually know in this nonfiction chapter book.