9 Countries Where Witchcraft Is Still Practiced

1

Zulu witch doctors: revered healers and protectors, with inyanga practicing natural medicine and isangoma communicating with ancestors, holding esteemed positions in South African society.

South Africa

2

Mapuche culture: Kalku, malevolent sorceresses opposing Machi spiritual leaders; Kalku employ black magic and Anchimayen creatures to hinder the Machi's work, who fulfill religious duties in human form.

Chile

3

Filipino witchcraft (Kulam): mangkukulam sorceresses practice black magic for harm and community assistance, selling love potions, seeking revenge; residing on Siquijor and Samar islands, with rivalries against village witch doctors or healers.

Philippines

4

Wiccans: nature-based worshipers practicing peaceful magic, rituals, and communication with goddesses; originated in 1950s England, celebrate lunar phases, solstices, equinoxes, and Samhain, influencing Halloween.

United Kingdom

5

Obeah, blending Caribbean and West African magic like voodoo in Haiti, involves spiritual guidance, charms for personal benefit, communication, and divination, with potential for both positive and negative applications.

Haiti

6

Mexican witchcraft: Santa Muerte, a sinister figure associated with magical superstition, depicted as a skull-masked woman, with statues used in cursing rituals and regarded as a deathly omen, channeling dark magic.

Mexico

7

Witches in Romania faced taxation and penalties for incorrect predictions under a 2011 law, prompting a gathering of magical practitioners casting curses on the government and president.

Romania

8

Pygmies in Mbaïki, Central African Republic, face witchcraft accusations, leading to criminal charges, imprisonment, fines, and child referrals to Christian healing centers.

Central African Republic

9

Saudi police combat witchcraft crimes, with dedicated units and bureaus, prosecuting hundreds of cases, targeting foreigners and non-Islamic religions, suggesting religious and racial motivations.

Saudi Arabia