Witchcraft

=== Asia ===
{{Main|Asian witchcraft}}
[[File:Okabe - The cat witch.jpg|thumb|upright|Okabe – The cat witch, by [[Utagawa Kuniyoshi]]]]
Asian witchcraft encompasses various types of witchcraft practices across [[Asia]]. In ancient times, magic played a significant role in societies such as [[ancient Egypt]] and [[Babylonia]], as evidenced by historical records. In the [[Middle East]], references to magic can be found in the [[Torah]], where witchcraft is condemned due to its association with belief in [[magic (supernatural)|magic]].

In [[Chinese culture]], the practice of "''[[Gong Tau]]''" involves black magic for purposes such as revenge and financial assistance. [[Japanese folklore]] features witch figures who employ foxes as familiars. [[Korean history]] includes instances of individuals being condemned for using spells. The [[Philippine]]s has its own tradition of witches, distinct from Western portrayals, with their practices often countered by indigenous [[shaman]]s.

Overall, witchcraft beliefs and practices in Asia vary widely across cultures, reflecting historical, religious, and social contexts.

====Middle East====
{{Main|Witchcraft in the Middle East}}

The practice of witchcraft in southwest Asia, sometimes referred to as the [[Middle East]], has a long history. The ancient cultures of the region had complex relationships with magic, often integrating them deeply into both their religion and wider culture. {{r|HuttonFear|p=47-54}} The ancient [[Hittites]] focused sanctioned mystical power in the hands of the state, and often used accusations of witchcraft to control political enemies.{{r|HuttonFear|p=50-51}} As the ancient [[Hebrews]] focused on their worship on [[Yahweh]], [[Judaism]] clearly separated between with forms of [[magic (supernatural)|magic]] and mystical practices which were accepted, versus those which were viewed as forbidden or heretical, and thus "witchcraft".{{r|HuttonFear|p=51-52}} In the medieval [[Middle East]], under [[Islam]]ic and [[Christian]] influences, witchcraft's perception fluctuated between healing and [[heresy]], revered by some and condemned by others. In the present day diverse witchcraft communities have emerged.