Who are considered modern-day practitioners of ancient spiritual practices, often referred to as witches?

Modern-day practitioners of ancient spiritual practices who are often referred to as witches are primarily Wiccans and Neopagans. Wicca is a contemporary religious movement that incorporates elements of ancient pagan beliefs and practices, focusing on the worship of nature, the reverence of deities, and the use of rituals and spells. Neopaganism is a broader term that includes various contemporary pagan movements, including Wicca, that draw inspiration from pre-Christian religions and philosophies.

Wiccans specifically may incorporate practices like spellcasting, celebrating seasonal festivals (often called sabbats), and following ethical guidelines such as the Wiccan Rede, which emphasizes harm none. The connection to ancient practices stems from the revival and reinterpretation of these traditions in a modern context, allowing practitioners to engage with them in ways that align with their contemporary spiritual beliefs.

Other groups mentioned, such as paganists in a general sense, refer to those subscribing to any form of contemporary paganism, while shamans are typically considered spiritual leaders within specific indigenous cultures and are focused primarily on healing and community spirituality rather than practicing witchcraft per se. Followers of Wicca, while certainly engaged in witchcraft practices, are a subset of the broader category of Wiccans and Ne