Witches Throughout History

Witches have been around for a long time and throughout the years they have mostly been feared and persecuted. 
In the past, witches were really just wise women who knew how to work with herbs and helped heal people. Unfortunately people feared these abilities especially when they came from women. 
The most notorious witch trials were the ones held in Salem back in 1692. Twenty people were executed, mostly women. Historians believe it was mass hysteria that fuelled the Salem Witch Trials with many people turning on their own neighbors. 
Over the years the image of the witch became that of a twisted, old crone who rides a broomstick and curses people. This is still the image used on Halloween, but witches come in all shapes and sizes. They worship nature and they know that if they were to do anything to harm someone, it would come back on them threefold.
Today witches can practice a lot more openly, but it is important to remember the people who suffered because of their beliefs. So when you think of witches, don't think of the Halloween image, think instead of the wise man or woman who believes in healing.