 The validity of "magia naturalis" as a concept for understanding the universe then came under increasing criticism during the Age of Enlightenment in the eighteenth century.Despite the attempt to reclaim the term "magia" for use in a positive sense, it did not supplant traditional attitudes toward magic in the West, which remained largely negative.At the same time as "magia naturalis" was attracting interest and was largely tolerated, Europe saw an active persecution of accused witches believed to be guilty of "maleficia".