What Is Wiccaphobia?
This is still the case in some countries today.
Today, witches have religious freedom in most countries, including the United States, but fears remain.
Scott Olson / GettyImages
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?
What is a Witch?
The full moon is also a special time, according to various pagan traditions.
These can all become triggers for the fear associated with witches and witchcraft.
Witchcraft - Good or Evil?
In Christianity and other Abrahamic religions, divination is a sin, and sorcery is strictly forbidden.
And the devil works through people.
The Burning Times began with the 1487 release of theMalleus Maleficarumor “Witches' Hammer.”
In 1706, Grace Sherwood faced charges of witchcraft in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Shortly after the trial, spectral evidence was officially banned from trials.
The “Navajo Witch Purge” took place in 1878 where 40 suspected Navajo witches were killed.
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.
This exemplifies the extraordinary degree to which the fear of witchcraft has gripped some communities and cultures.
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.
Symptoms of Wiccaphobia are similar to the symptoms of other specific phobias.
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.
Xenophobia, or fear of people who are different, also feeds into this particular phobia.
Mass hysteria and lack of education help explain historical cases of mass Wiccaphobia.
Xenophobia
Some modern witchcraft fears have roots inxenophobiaor the fear of those who are different.
That’s always a head-scratcher.
Lack of familiarity and stereotypes can also contribute to a fear of people who are different.
Treatment
While this fear can be upsetting and disruptive, effective treatments can help.
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.
Wiccaphobia is generally complex and may not be easy to treat.
Witches are real, and the vast majority are good people with no intent to cause harm.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options.
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