Neopagan witchcraft

Gathering of Witches for a handfasting ceremony at Avebury in England

Neopagan witchcraft, sometimes referred to as The Craft, is an umbrella term for some neo-pagan traditions that include the practice of magic. They usually incorporate nature worship, divination, and herbalism. These traditions began in the mid-20th century, and many were influenced by the witch-cult hypothesis, a now-rejected theory that persecuted witches in Europe had actually been followers of a surviving pagan religion. The largest and most influential of these movements was Wicca. Some other groups and movements describe themselves as "Traditional Witchcraft" to distinguish themselves from Wicca. Religious studies scholars class the various neopagan witchcraft traditions under the broad category of 'Wicca', although many within Traditional Witchcraft do not accept that title.

In Western anglophone countries, these neopagans, as well as some followers of New Age belief systems, may self-identify as "witches" and use the term "witchcraft" for their self-help, healing, and divination rituals. Their meaning of "witchcraft" is distinct from the traditional and historical meaning of the term, i.e. malevolent magic. Other neopagans avoid the term due to its negative connotations.