The Witch Trials in Salem
between positive and negative magic, such individuals can become labelled as witches.
· The "supernatural" or "night" witch: portrayed as a demon appearing in visions and dreams.
The familiar witch of folklore and popular superstition is a combination of numerous
influences. The characterization of the witch as an evil magic user developed over time.
The Protestant Christian explanation for witchcraft commonly involves adiabolical pact. The
witches or wizards engaged to such practices were alleged to reject Jesus and the sacraments; observe
"the witches' sabbath" (performing infernal rites which often parodied the sacraments of the Church);
pay Divine honour to the Prince of Darkness; and, in return, receive from him preternatural powers. It
was a folkloric belief that a Devil's Mark, like the brand on cattle, was placed upon a witch's skin by
the devil to signify that this pact had been made
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