Notes on Witchcraft, Magic, and the Occult

Introduction to Witchcraft and the Occult

Key Questions Explored

• What constitutes witchcraft, the occult, and magic?

• How are these three terms interconnected?

• What motivates individuals to engage in these practices?

• How do witchcraft, magic, and the occult relate to established religion and science?

Conceptual Frameworks: Tripartite Structure

• Often, terms like witchcraft, the occult, and magic are defined in contrast to religion and, at times, science.

• This highlights a relationship between these three domains:

  • Science

  • Witchcraft, Magic, the Occult

  • Religion

• Magic's place: It is related to how individuals perceive themselves and their interaction with both the