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Witchcraft is the continuation of the practice of the native religions and cultural beliefs of Europe after the advent of Christianity. Witchcraft is the name that was given to these practices by the Christian Church. Before that, the people who followed a religion were just believers. There were special roles that equated to what we would now call priesthood. These positions often involved law inforcement, omen consultation, administration of medication, ect.
People continued, even under persecution, to worship their Gods. These religions often dominated in the more remote areas, and tended to localize themselves to specific regional areas, or were kept within the members of a family. In these families, the traditions of the religion were passed down from generation to generation. Many were forced to masquerade under the cover of Catholism, even though they were not truly Catholic.
Some people who follow these native religions of Europe do not refer to themselves as witches. The term "witch" is something that was placed upon these beliefs. However, using the term "Witchcraft" is an easy way to identify these religious beliefs and those who follow them.
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