Abstract:
The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the growing interest in the occult, especially witchcraft. With space-age technology, super-sonic air travel, and heart transplants, why are so many people turning to the "Old Religion"? Why does anyone become a witch?For every 200 people who profess being witches, there are almost as many answers. The primary reasons, however, are dissatisfaction with the church, disillusionment with society and science, and the search for something to fill a spiritual void.The reason so few eyewitness accounts of witch-craft and magic exist is the difficulty in obtaining such material. Despite the publicity, "hereditary witch families" are wary of reporters and investigators. This writer, in an attempt to interview a witch in Indianapolis, was told that an interview was out of the question. Rarely are letters of inquiry answered.Of course the significance of this rise in the interest of ancient witchcraft will only be determined on a long range basis. If the interest continues, there will surely be an effect on orthodox religions, on society, and on man himself. At this time the significance is primarily speculative.The major portion of this investigation was through books and articles written by psychologists, sociologists, and scholars on the subject of witchcraft. A survey was conducted in the sophomore class at Batesville High School in Batesville, Indiana. The class consisted of 133 students, a good heterogeneous grouping. The class participated in the survey by responding to such questions as Do you believe the devil actually exists? Do you believe that witchcraft exists as a power?