Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionHistorySymptomsDiagnosisCausesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
History
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Causes
Treatment
Coping
What Is Wiccaphobia?
Wiccaphobia is the fear of witches or witchcraft, and is part of a group of similar supernatural phobias, such as the fear of ghosts (phasmophobia), fear of magic (rhabdophobia), and fear of demons (daemonophobia).
Today, witches have religious freedom in most countries, including the United States, but fears remain. Modern Wiccaphobia may have a connection toxenophobia, or fear of those who are different, and to certainreligious or spiritual beliefs.
This article discusses the history of Wiccaphobia and the factors that play a role in causing this phobia. It also discusses the signs of this phobia and treatment options.
History of Wiccaphobia
What is at the heart of Wiccaphobia? This fear dates back to the beginning of recorded history, crossing nearly all cultures around the world in some form. Explanations for illness, drought, and other misfortune were commonly thought to be the result of supernatural and mystical forces coming from sorcery, evil spirits, and angry gods.
What is a Witch?
The term “witch” can be synonymous with terms like charmer, conjurer, enchanter, necromancer, blesser, occultist, sorcerer, and warlock, and eachconjuresup all sorts of imagery (yes, pun intended). Witches are commonly associated with both nature (medicinal plants, animals, elements) and the supernatural (deities, spirits), and are known for being practitioners of magic(k); performing rituals, using incantations, and casting spells.
Witchcraft is a broad category that includes Wicca, paganism, neopaganism, folk magic, and other new-age spiritual practices like astrology and tarot cards.
Wicca itself is a nature-based spiritual movement that was officially recognized as a religion in the United States in 1986.Wiccan practices typically involve the worship of deities (usually a female goddess), connecting with the divine through nature, and celebration of sabbats that mark the changes of the seasons and special holidays (Samhain/Halloween). The full moon is also a special time, according to various pagan traditions.
You cannot lump all witches together, as traditions are drawn from a variety of ancient practices from the druids, Egyptians, mystics, and so on.Witches can be solitary, or they can be part of acoven(for example: a group of 13 witches) that distinguishes themselves from other covens, similar to the way Christians have different denominations.
There are also a variety of symbols and objects associated with witchcraft, such as pentacles, candles, black cats, crescent moons, full moons, brooms, potions, black cauldrons, and so on. These can all become triggers for the fear associated with witches and witchcraft.
Witchcraft - Good or Evil?
In some cultures, witchcraft is divided into either good or bad; white or black; protective or destructive. The “bad witches” are thought to be maligned with evil spirits and cast spells to take advantage of people or cause misfortune to strike their enemies. The “good witches” use their craft to fight against evil forces and provide their services to help people with their health, finances, and relationships.
Wicca, and other pagan groups, have their own code of ethics, that suggests magic should be used to help people, and only if no harm is caused to others. It is important to them to try to live in harmony with others and the environment.However not all witches are the same, and some practice dark arts with selfish or malevolent intent.
The Burning Times
Ancient religious texts have linked witchcraft with evil spirits and the devil, with one of the oldest stories being in the Bible about the “witch of Endor” who communicated with the spirits of the dead. In Christianity and other Abrahamic religions, divination is a sin, and sorcery is strictly forbidden.
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” Deuteronomy 18: 10-12 Holy Bible, New International Version
The Burning Times began with the 1487 release of theMalleus Maleficarumor “Witches' Hammer.” The book detailed how to convict and kill a witch and was popular in Europe through the late 17th century.
Fear of witches also carried over to the English colonies in North America, where witchcraft was considered a capital offense. The most famous witch hunts occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, but a trial in Virginia finally brought the mass hysteria to light.
RecapWiccaphobia was common throughout history, particularly in 14th century Europe through the 17th century in the United States.
Recap
Wiccaphobia was common throughout history, particularly in 14th century Europe through the 17th century in the United States.
Fear of Witches Across Cultures
Fear of witches is not isolated to Judean, Christian, and Muslim religious beliefs, nor is it a faint remnant of the past. There are Native American groups such as the Navajo that describe “skinwalkers” and “shapeshifters;” who are bad witches that cause harm to people, animals, and property. The “Navajo Witch Purge” took place in 1878 where 40 suspected Navajo witches were killed.
In various African and Asian communities, witches seem to take on the role ofscapegoat, blamed for natural disasters, disease, election outcomes, and personal misfortune and illness.Some believe witches are literally or spiritually cannibals and they “eat the souls” of their victims.
In Africa, an accusation of witchcraft remains a serious matter, as witches are associated with evil and all forms of disease, misfortune, and death. It is normal in many cultures to wear amulets, drink potions, and recite specific incantations to combat the effect of witchcraft. Often, people will seekwitch doctorsto help them fight against a witchcraft attack. The witch doctor seeks guidance from spirits to devise a remedy that often involves various rituals and ceremonies.
Symptoms of Wiccaphobia
A person with Wiccaphobia experiences feelings of anxiety about witches, witchcraft, or related occult symbols. They also avoid places or situations that might involve exposure to witches or witchcraft. There may even be a fear that one is becoming a witch themselves. When they are exposed to the source of their fear, people may experience symptoms of anxiety such as:
Sometimes people with this phobia will experience a panic attack if they encounter witches or witchcraft.Panic attacksare sudden and intense episodes of extreme fear that can include a sense of unreality, feelings of impending doom, or the sense that death is imminent.
RecapSymptoms of Wiccaphobia are similar to the symptoms of other specific phobias. Physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat and shortness of breath are common, as are emotional and behavioral symptoms such as excessive fear and avoidance behaviors.
Symptoms of Wiccaphobia are similar to the symptoms of other specific phobias. Physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat and shortness of breath are common, as are emotional and behavioral symptoms such as excessive fear and avoidance behaviors.
Wiccaphobia itself is not recognized as a distinct condition in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” often referred to as the DSM-5-TR, which healthcare providers use to diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, Wiccaphobia, like other phobias, would fall under the more general diagnosis known asspecific phobia.
Causes of Wiccaphobia
There are a few different factors that contribute to the development of this phobia. Witch hunts may have been the result of the overarching need for a scapegoat to blame illness and misfortune on. Today, genetics, social learning, media, pop culture, and traumatic experiences can all play a unique role in the fear of witches. Xenophobia, or fear of people who are different, also feeds into this particular phobia.
The Scapegoat and Mass Hysteria
Humans have a deep need to find the reason behind tragedy in order to make sense of it, find solutions, and regain some control over their lives. However, the solution to rid “the evil” from among us is often misguided toward an innocent scapegoat, leading to something far worse than the problem itself.
Witchcraft fevercould be seen as a sort ofmass hysteria.When plagues, droughts, and other economic hardships hit a community, and you have people who seek out a scapegoat to blame it on, it is a recipe for delusional thinking and mass hysteria leading to unfounded witch hunts.
What Are Conspiracy Theories?
As scientists began to make sense of the world around them and education among the average population improved, the degree of mass hysteria decreased.
Mass hysteria and lack of education help explain historical cases of mass Wiccaphobia. However, some people continue to experience this fear today, even in developed countries with high levels of education.
Genetics
It may sound strange to inherit a fear of witches, but it isn’t that straightforward. Anxiety disorders can be genetic, and create a predisposition to develop phobias.Someone who already struggles with anxiety, and then develops a fear related to paranormal phenomena, may be more prone to developing Wiccaphobia.
Is Anxiety Genetic?
Learned Phobia
Additionally, this specific phobia may develop in childhood when the parents, community, or culture teach children that witchcraft is associated with evil and darkness.There are traditions passed through the generations that include folklore, legends, and religious beliefs that perpetuate the fear of witches, ghosts, and monsters. For example, in the United States, some children are not allowed to participate in trick-or-treating for Halloween because it is viewed as the most evil day of the year.
Media and Pop Culture
Depictions of witchcraft in popular media might also factor into this type of phobia. FromSnow WhitetoThe Wizard of Oz, witches are often depicted in a scary or negative way, like a green-skinned hag, with a maniacal high-pitched cackle, brewing up something nasty in their black cauldron.These depictions can cause people to develop irrational fears based on those stereotypical portrayals.
However, in more modern times, the U.S. media is balancing the dark stereotype with shows that popularize witches as more heroic than villainous, likeHarry PotterandCharmed. Several news reports claim an increased interest in witchcraft, especially among young people, and you can easily buy your own witchcraft starter kit on Amazon.
Trauma
What Is Trauma?
Xenophobia
Just as is the case with all people who are ‘different’ from yourin-group, it is human nature to be more guarded with people who have a different appearance, sexual orientation, political view, or spirituality than you do. But when you get to know them individually, you are likely to find you have far more in common than you think. You may even find them to be kinder, funnier, more generous, and more loving than some of your own beloved family and friends. That’s always a head-scratcher.
Getting to know people outside of our in-group helps us overcome biases and stereotypes that fuel anxiety, fear, and even hatred.
While this fear can be upsetting and disruptive, effective treatments can help. While medications are sometimes prescribed to help manage immediate anxiety symptoms, talk therapy is the most common treatment for specific phobias. Two approaches that can be particularly effective are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.
Therapy can be highly effective in relieving symptoms of phobias. Research has found that even just a single psychotherapy session can have positive effects and decrease feelings of fear.
During treatment, your therapist may also want to explore the root of your fear and ask you questions, such as:
If your fear is religious in nature, your therapist may want you to undergo spiritual counseling with your chosen religious leader in addition to or instead of traditional therapy.
What Is Christian Counseling?
Coping With Wiccaphobia
Although pagan-based religions are generally benign, they have been negatively depicted for thousands of years. Wiccaphobia is generally complex and may not be easy to treat.
Successfully overcoming a deep-rooted fear of witchcraft requires an honest exploration of your own religious and philosophical background, personality, and childhood experiences. Witches are real, and the vast majority are good people with no intent to cause harm. Truth be told, there can be bad or “evil” people causing harm from withinanybelief system, religion, or spiritual practice.
A Word From Verywell
While getting help for Wiccaphobia can be anxiety-provoking or uncomfortable at times, it is the best way to find relief. Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options.
The Psychology of Fear
20 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gershman B.Witchcraft beliefs around the world: An exploratory analysis. Proto E, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(11):e0276872. doi:10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0276872History.com.Wicca.GotQuestions.org.What does the Bible say about white magic?Love V.How to be a Christian witch. Independent Publication; 2020.Christianity.com.What is a Christian witch and why is this belief dangerous?Hoak D.The great European witch-hunts: A historical perspective.Am J Sociol. 1983;88(6):1270-1274. doi:10.1086/227806Virginia Museum of History & Culture.Grace Sherwood: The “Witch of Pungo.“Legends of America.Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest.National Geographic.Witch trials in the 21st century.Human Rights Watch.Factors pushing children into the streets.UNICEF.Children accused of witchcraft.Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-88. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Olsson A, Phelps EA.Social learning of fear.Nat Neurosci. 2007;10(9):1095-1102. doi:10.1038/nn1968Patterson K.Halloween dilemma: Should Christian parents allow trick or treating?The Christian Post.Grossman P.Waking the witch: Reflections on women, magic, and power.Gallery Books; 2019.Fearnow B.Number of witches rises dramatically across U.S. as millennials reject Christianity.Newsweek.Bosker B.Why witchcraft is on the rise.The Atlantic.Sram Z, Bufford R.Trauma, the occult, and mental disorders. Research Gate; 2019.Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XRyan SM, Strege MV, Oar EL, Ollendick TH.One session treatment for specific phobias in children: Comorbid anxiety disorders and treatment outcome.J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017;54:128-134 doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.07.011
20 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gershman B.Witchcraft beliefs around the world: An exploratory analysis. Proto E, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(11):e0276872. doi:10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0276872History.com.Wicca.GotQuestions.org.What does the Bible say about white magic?Love V.How to be a Christian witch. Independent Publication; 2020.Christianity.com.What is a Christian witch and why is this belief dangerous?Hoak D.The great European witch-hunts: A historical perspective.Am J Sociol. 1983;88(6):1270-1274. doi:10.1086/227806Virginia Museum of History & Culture.Grace Sherwood: The “Witch of Pungo.“Legends of America.Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest.National Geographic.Witch trials in the 21st century.Human Rights Watch.Factors pushing children into the streets.UNICEF.Children accused of witchcraft.Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-88. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Olsson A, Phelps EA.Social learning of fear.Nat Neurosci. 2007;10(9):1095-1102. doi:10.1038/nn1968Patterson K.Halloween dilemma: Should Christian parents allow trick or treating?The Christian Post.Grossman P.Waking the witch: Reflections on women, magic, and power.Gallery Books; 2019.Fearnow B.Number of witches rises dramatically across U.S. as millennials reject Christianity.Newsweek.Bosker B.Why witchcraft is on the rise.The Atlantic.Sram Z, Bufford R.Trauma, the occult, and mental disorders. Research Gate; 2019.Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XRyan SM, Strege MV, Oar EL, Ollendick TH.One session treatment for specific phobias in children: Comorbid anxiety disorders and treatment outcome.J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017;54:128-134 doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.07.011
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gershman B.Witchcraft beliefs around the world: An exploratory analysis. Proto E, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(11):e0276872. doi:10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0276872History.com.Wicca.GotQuestions.org.What does the Bible say about white magic?Love V.How to be a Christian witch. Independent Publication; 2020.Christianity.com.What is a Christian witch and why is this belief dangerous?Hoak D.The great European witch-hunts: A historical perspective.Am J Sociol. 1983;88(6):1270-1274. doi:10.1086/227806Virginia Museum of History & Culture.Grace Sherwood: The “Witch of Pungo.“Legends of America.Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest.National Geographic.Witch trials in the 21st century.Human Rights Watch.Factors pushing children into the streets.UNICEF.Children accused of witchcraft.Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-88. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Olsson A, Phelps EA.Social learning of fear.Nat Neurosci. 2007;10(9):1095-1102. doi:10.1038/nn1968Patterson K.Halloween dilemma: Should Christian parents allow trick or treating?The Christian Post.Grossman P.Waking the witch: Reflections on women, magic, and power.Gallery Books; 2019.Fearnow B.Number of witches rises dramatically across U.S. as millennials reject Christianity.Newsweek.Bosker B.Why witchcraft is on the rise.The Atlantic.Sram Z, Bufford R.Trauma, the occult, and mental disorders. Research Gate; 2019.Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XRyan SM, Strege MV, Oar EL, Ollendick TH.One session treatment for specific phobias in children: Comorbid anxiety disorders and treatment outcome.J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017;54:128-134 doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.07.011
Gershman B.Witchcraft beliefs around the world: An exploratory analysis. Proto E, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(11):e0276872. doi:10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0276872
History.com.Wicca.
GotQuestions.org.What does the Bible say about white magic?
Love V.How to be a Christian witch. Independent Publication; 2020.
Christianity.com.What is a Christian witch and why is this belief dangerous?
Hoak D.The great European witch-hunts: A historical perspective.Am J Sociol. 1983;88(6):1270-1274. doi:10.1086/227806
Virginia Museum of History & Culture.Grace Sherwood: The “Witch of Pungo.”
Legends of America.Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest.
National Geographic.Witch trials in the 21st century.
Human Rights Watch.Factors pushing children into the streets.
UNICEF.Children accused of witchcraft.
Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-88. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007
Olsson A, Phelps EA.Social learning of fear.Nat Neurosci. 2007;10(9):1095-1102. doi:10.1038/nn1968
Patterson K.Halloween dilemma: Should Christian parents allow trick or treating?The Christian Post.
Grossman P.Waking the witch: Reflections on women, magic, and power.Gallery Books; 2019.
Fearnow B.Number of witches rises dramatically across U.S. as millennials reject Christianity.Newsweek.
Bosker B.Why witchcraft is on the rise.The Atlantic.
Sram Z, Bufford R.Trauma, the occult, and mental disorders. Research Gate; 2019.
Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X
Ryan SM, Strege MV, Oar EL, Ollendick TH.One session treatment for specific phobias in children: Comorbid anxiety disorders and treatment outcome.J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017;54:128-134 doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.07.011
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