Strange were their ways, and some of them have still no scientific explanations. Witchcraft can be defined as the performance of magic forbidden by God or by society at large. Witches were supposed to have had a variety of different powers, which kept the people in fear of them. Some black magicians poke pins into voodoo dolls to inflict pain or misfortune upon those who have angered them. Still others cast black magic curses on career opponents to frighten or intimidate them into resigning their positions.
Black magicians inflict disease, physical danger, and unfortunate circumstances on victims.
Many people are tempted to use black magic to get even with enemies or get ahead in life. Charms and spells can eliminate an enemy or protect against someone else's black magic. Fetishes supposedly make one person love another or cause him to follow someone else's wishes. They can also be used to persuade someone toward benevolence or to change a bad fate into a good destiny. With the help of hexes, black magicians hope to advance in the world of professional rivalry.