The Middle Ages - The New Sect of Witchcraft

Until the late 15th century, heretic hunting and witch hunting were basically synonymous. The concept of the pact with the devil was mostly an elite thing at this point. But as the Middle Ages went on, learned ideas about demonic possessions spread outward from universities or theology faculties. As a result, pious women who had mystical experiences were increasingly stigmatized,. considered heretical, or even accused of being possessed by demons.