Their reputation is the culmination of several centuries of misrepresentation, exaggeration, and degradation.

The term "witch" is reserved for pagan magicians. In pagan societies throughout history, the witch was the bearer of wisdom. The populace relied on the witch or witches to lead worshippers in group rituals and festival celebrations in homage to those gods affecting the change of seasons (and with them, their cycle of crops and sustenance). His, her, or their attunement with nature granted healing skills to aid those in physical need; sensitivity to aspects beyond the physical (ie: in touch with the gods) assisted in the comfort of troubled souls. Be it Native American, Celtic, tribes on any continent, and so on: regardless of what a culture calls their person or people who fulfill these needs, you will find them as prominent members in their community, revered and respected.

Today's modern pagan practitioners continue to preserve their craft (this is the real use of it and the word) of incorporating nature in their practises and preserving the tradition of ages old remedies. Many of these practises have become proven and assimilated into our everyday society. Just about the only difference between a witch and anyone else nowadays is who they give thanks to for the miracle of existence.