The practice of witchcraft involved magic performed by irregular spirits. [1] Ancient people attributed deaths to witchcraft, leading to the execution of accused witches. [2]
Shamans, the original aristocracy exempt from tribal restrictions, dressed well and had multiple wives, rose to power by suppressing rivals through accusations of witchcraft, dominating chiefs and kings. [3] Divination, sorcery, and witchcraft are pure superstitions, grounded in ignorant minds and unfounded beliefs. [4] In ancient times, progress meant death as a sorcerer, yet the slow advance of mores and epochal revelation can uplift and modify natural religion. [5]
During his stay at Endor, Jesus recounted the tale of King Saul and the witch of Endor to his apostles, assuring them that the mischievous midwayers posing as spirits of the dead would soon be restrained. [6] Private magic, used to bring evil on enemies, was dispensed by witches and sorcerers, while public magic aimed for the good of the whole tribe. [7]
Wizards' powers were believed to be attained by consuming human flesh in a solemn ceremony of revenge, where an enemy's ghost could be destroyed or fused with that of the eater. [8]