Wiccaphobia, or fear of witchcraft, was once a societal norm
throughout much of Christian Europe and the United States. The
period from the 14th century Inquisition through the witch
trials of the 17th century was known as the "Burning Times," in
which witchcraft was a capital offense tried through the courts.
Today, pagans and witches are granted religious freedom in most
countries, but fears remain. Modern wiccaphobia may be connected
to xenophobia, or fear of those who are different, as well as
religious concerns. The Burning Times began with the 1487
release of the Malleus Maleficarum, or Witches' Hammer. The
book, which detailed how to convict and kill a witch, was
popular in Europe through the late 17th century. Fear of witches
also carried over to the English colonies in North America,
where witchcraft was considered a capital offense. The most
famous witch hunts occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, but
a trial in Virginia brought the mass hysteria to light. In 1706,
Grace Sherwood faced charges o