Witchcraft – What’s it All About?

Phil Stevens reviews the several popular meanings of “witch” and “witchcraft,” and emphasizes the imaginary evil witch, as analyzed in his recent book. This creature, female or male, combines 11 fundamental human fears and 3 human fantasies. Beliefs in an evil witch are widespread in the world; but the 14 traits are absolutely universal, even in societies which lack witch beliefs.
Phil Stevens, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, The University at Buffalo, SUNY. He is a longtime member of the CFI. His latest book is Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human. Routledge, 2024.