Expert: Jason - 3/11/2009

Question
Hi.
I am writing to you as i am carrying out a research project for one of my modules for my Anthropology degree at Goldsmiths college London. The project is focusing on witchcraft in Britain and in Africa. The question for my project is as follows:


How does spirituality, mainly the practice and belief of witchcraft differ in African societies to the practice and belief in Britain?


I wondered if you could help me with some questions i have and a short discussion at all.


If you could get back to me if this is a possibility, it will be much appreciated.

Reply via e-mail -

Thank you :)
Billie coxhead

Answer
Dear Billie,

I'm not really an expert in African witchcraft. The only thing that I can think of is that generally in Africa, witchcraft is considered malevolent thing which is responsible for many of a communities ills. Witches are still killed in Africa due to the conflict that it causes. Try looking here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/witch-hunt-africas-hidden-war-on-...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7764575.stm

http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/richard_petraitis/witch_killers.shtml

In Brittan however, witchcraft is often tied to the Wicca movement (If it is believed in at all) and it is thriving and growing religion. This was many due to the efforts of Gerald Gardner and further popularized by Alex Sanders. You can find out more about him here:

http://www.controverscial.com/Gerald%20Brosseau%20Gardner.htm

http://www.controverscial.com/Alex%20Sanders.htm

Alex's wife, Maxine is still alive and this is her website:

http://www.maxinesanders.co.uk/

Again I am not an expert in the politics of witchcraft in Africa but I hope that this as helped you find a place to start. Good luck on your studies.

---Jason