Magic Ritual and Witchcraft

Scope & Guideline

Unveiling the Intersections of Culture and the Supernatural

Introduction

Welcome to the Magic Ritual and Witchcraft information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Magic Ritual and Witchcraft, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1556-8547
PublisherUNIV PENNSYLVANIA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2023
AbbreviationMAGIC RITUAL WITCHCR / Magic Ritual Witchcraft
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DIVISION, 3905 SPRUCE STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Magic Ritual and Witchcraft' aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of magic, ritual practices, and witchcraft across various historical and cultural contexts. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from history, anthropology, religious studies, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena.
  1. Interdisciplinary Studies of Magic and Witchcraft:
    The journal encourages contributions that bridge various disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and religious studies, facilitating rich discussions around magical practices and witchcraft.
  2. Historical Contextualization:
    A core focus is on the historical development of magic and witchcraft, examining how these practices have evolved over time and their societal implications.
  3. Cultural Analysis of Ritual Practices:
    The journal analyzes cultural expressions of magic and ritual, addressing how these practices reflect and shape identities, beliefs, and social structures.
  4. Exploration of Contemporary Practices:
    There is a consistent interest in contemporary manifestations of magic and witchcraft, including modern paganism and the resurgence of interest in esoteric traditions.
  5. Ethnographic Perspectives:
    The journal often includes ethnographic studies that provide insight into how communities engage with and interpret magical practices in their daily lives.
Recent publications in 'Magic Ritual and Witchcraft' have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect current scholarly trends and societal interests. These themes indicate a dynamic engagement with the subject matter, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues.
  1. Modern Paganism and Esotericism:
    There is a notable increase in articles focusing on modern pagan movements and esoteric practices, reflecting a growing scholarly interest in how these traditions are reconstructed and practiced today.
  2. Rituals in Global Contexts:
    Emerging themes emphasize the importance of rituals within diverse cultural contexts, particularly in non-Western societies, showcasing the intersection of local beliefs and global influences.
  3. Digital Media and the Supernatural:
    The impact of digital media on the perception and practice of magic is gaining traction, with studies examining how platforms like TikTok influence contemporary witchcraft and magical practices.
  4. Intersectionality in Witchcraft Studies:
    There is an increasing focus on how race, gender, and identity intersect within the framework of witchcraft and magical practices, highlighting the complexities of social identities in historical and modern contexts.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes that once held prominence are becoming less central to its publications. These waning scopes reflect shifts in scholarly interest and the changing landscape of research within the field.
  1. Traditional Witchcraft Trials:
    While historical studies of witch trials were once a major focus, recent publications indicate a declining interest in this theme, with fewer articles exploring the specifics of trial narratives and legal contexts.
  2. Classic Demonology:
    The exploration of classical demonology and its historical texts appears to be waning, as the journal shifts toward more contemporary and culturally diverse interpretations of supernatural beliefs.
  3. Magic in Antiquity:
    Research centered on ancient magical practices is becoming less frequent, indicating a shift in focus towards modern implications and interpretations of magic rather than ancient origins.

Similar Journals

Zephyrus-Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia

Illuminating History Through Innovative Scholarship
Publisher: UNIV SALAMANCA, EDICIONESISSN: 0514-7336Frequency: 2 issues/year

Zephyrus-Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia, published by UNIV SALAMANCA, EDICIONES, is a renowned academic journal dedicated to the fields of archaeology and prehistory. Since its inception in 1950, the journal has embraced an Open Access model, facilitating widespread access to cutting-edge research and scholarly discourse while fostering global collaboration among researchers. Based in Salamanca, Spain, this journal has achieved remarkable recognition, evidenced by its Q1 rankings in Archaeology and History as of 2023, and impressive Scopus standings across various categories, including an 83rd percentile in History. The journal's comprehensive scope since 2011 has made it a vital resource for academics seeking to deepen their understanding of human history through archaeological insights. Zephyrus not only provides a platform for disseminating innovative research findings but also serves as a bridge between historical scholarship and contemporary archaeological practices, ensuring that researchers, professionals, and students alike have access to the latest developments in the field.

JOURNAL OF RELIGION

Innovating Perspectives in Religious Research
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 0022-4189Frequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF RELIGION, published by University of Chicago Press, stands as a prominent scholarly platform in the field of religious studies. With an ISSN of 0022-4189 and an E-ISSN of 1549-6538, this journal has been serving the academic community since its inception in 1982, providing a crucial forum for innovative research and critical analysis of various religious phenomena. The journal's placement in the Q3 category for Religious Studies and its ranking in the 66th percentile among peers underscore its impact within the academic landscape, making it a valuable resource for researchers and professionals alike. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains committed to advancing knowledge in the discipline, targeting a diverse audience from students to established scholars. With upcoming issues extending to 2024, JOURNAL OF RELIGION continues to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to the understanding of religion in contemporary society.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY

Exploring the Depths of Human Experience
Publisher: GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV INST ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCHISSN: 0003-5491Frequency: 4 issues/year

ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY, published by the George Washington University Institute of Ethnographic Research, stands as a vital resource in the field of anthropology and broader arts and humanities studies. With an ISSN of 0003-5491 and an E-ISSN of 1534-1518, this esteemed journal has been contributing to academic discourse since its establishment in 1981. The journal holds a respected position in both the Q2 category for Anthropology and the Q2 category for Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), demonstrating its impact and relevance, as evidenced by its rank of #152 out of 502 in the Social Sciences sector for anthropology and rank of #179 out of 552 in the Arts and Humanities field. Researchers, professionals, and students can rely on ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY for rigorous peer-reviewed articles that push the boundaries of ethnographic research and anthropological theory, addressing contemporary issues with scholarly precision. The journal’s commitment to fostering critical analysis and interdisciplinary perspectives establishes it as an essential platform for advancing knowledge within its diverse and dynamic field.

Hagiographica

Diving into the Nuances of Faith and Society
Publisher: SISMEL EDIZIONI GALLUZZOISSN: 1124-1225Frequency: 1 issue/year

Hagiographica, published by SISMEL EDIZIONI GALLUZZO in Italy, is a prominent scholarly journal dedicated to the study of hagiography and religious history. As an established platform for researchers and scholars, it explores the rich tapestry of religious narratives and their implications on cultural identity and societal values, contributing significantly to the fields of History and Religious Studies. Despite its current ranking in the Q4 quartile for both fields according to the 2023 category rankings, Hagiographica has continued to provide critical insights and research findings that stimulate scholarly discourse. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model and does not offer open access, the journal's commitment to rigorous peer-review and high-quality publications ensures that it remains a vital resource for professionals and students alike seeking to deepen their understanding of religious texts and their historical contexts. This journal is indispensable for those aiming to uncover the nuanced intersections of faith, culture, and narrative.

NUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS

Charting the Course of Religious Thought Through Ages
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0029-5973Frequency: 6 issues/year

NUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS is a prestigious academic journal published by BRILL, renowned for its rigorous scholarship in the fields of history and religious studies. Since its inception in 1954, this journal has served as a vital resource for researchers and scholars, covering diverse aspects of religious phenomena across cultures and epochs. With an impressive ranking of #76 in history and #29 in religious studies according to Scopus, its Q1 category distinction showcases its significant impact and relevance in the academic community, holding a remarkable 95th percentile ranking in these disciplines. While it does not currently offer Open Access, NUMEN ensures the dissemination of vital scholarly contributions to the history of religion. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find in its pages a wealth of insightful articles that not only reflect the dynamic nature of religious studies but also stimulate further inquiry and debate in this critical field.

RELIGION

Unveiling Historical Contexts and Contemporary Issues in Religion
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0048-721XFrequency: 4 issues/year

RELIGION, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a preeminent scholarly journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 0048-721X and an E-ISSN of 1096-1151, this journal provides a rich platform for the exploration of religious phenomena, their historical contexts, and their sociopolitical implications. Since its inception in 1971, RELIGION has continually adapted to the evolving landscape of religious studies and maintains a prestigious Q1 ranking in History and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, affirming its significance within these fields. Researchers and professionals will benefit from a robust selection of peer-reviewed articles that engage with contemporary issues, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical applications in society. While the journal is not open access, it continues to reach a wide audience, enhancing understanding in a diverse range of religious contexts and practices. This journal not only captures the pulse of current debates but also shapes the trajectory of future scholarship.

Ecumenica-Performance and Religion

Where Performance Meets Spiritual Discourse.
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1942-4558Frequency: 2 issues/year

Ecumenica-Performance and Religion is a distinguished journal published by Penn State University Press, focusing on the intersection of performance studies and religious discourse. Since its inception, the journal has dedicated itself to fostering critical dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students interested in understanding how religious themes manifest through performance arts. Although it operates on a non-open access model, the journal's contributions are pivotal in advancing research in the realms of visual arts, music, and religious studies, as evidenced by its respectable Scopus rankings. With its convergence period spanning from 2019 to 2024, Ecumenica offers a platform for innovative scholarship that explores the complex relationships between religion and performance, pushing the boundaries of contemporary academic discourse. This journal is essential for any researcher or student aiming to deepen their understanding of the dynamic interplay between these multifaceted fields.

Pamatky Archeologicke

Advancing archaeological knowledge through rigorous scholarship.
Publisher: ACAD SCIENCES CZECH REP, INST ARCHAEOLOGYISSN: 0031-0506Frequency: 1 issue/year

Pamatky Archeologicke is a premier journal dedicated to the field of archaeology, published by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Archaeology. Renowned for its rigorous scholarship and insightful contributions, the journal holds a distinguished position within the academic community, featured in the Q1 category of both archaeology and arts and humanities as of 2023. With impactful research articles that span a broad spectrum of archaeological inquiry, Pamatky Archeologicke serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding cultural heritage and archaeological methodologies. The journal enjoys a significant Scopus ranking, having achieved an impressive percentile ranking in both arts and humanities and social sciences disciplines. Although it currently does not offer open-access options, the journal remains committed to advancing the field of archaeology through high-quality research and critical discussions. Its scholarly contributions are crucial for fostering knowledge and innovation in the understanding of human history and prehistory.

Studies in Chinese Religions

Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Faith in China
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2372-9988Frequency: 4 issues/year

Studies in Chinese Religions is a prestigious academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on a diverse range of topics within the field of religious studies, particularly those related to Chinese religions. With an ISSN of 2372-9988 and an E-ISSN of 2372-9996, this journal serves as an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to explore the intricate landscape of religious practices, beliefs, and historical developments in China. Since its inception in 2015, Studies in Chinese Religions has contributed significantly to advancing scholarly discourse, evidenced by its positioning in the Q2 category for Religious Studies and its Scopus rank of 442/644 as of 2023. The journal offers in-depth articles, reviews, and original research that illuminate the complexities of Chinese religious traditions and their global implications. Although it does not currently offer open access options, it remains a vital resource for academic advancement in understanding the socio-cultural dimensions of religion in a rapidly changing world. Join a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to unearthing the rich tapestry of Chinese religious practices by submitting your research and engaging with cutting-edge scholarship.

JOURNAL OF INDO-EUROPEAN STUDIES

Exploring the Depths of Indo-European Heritage
Publisher: INST STUDY MANISSN: 0092-2323Frequency: 2 issues/year

JOURNAL OF INDO-EUROPEAN STUDIES, published by the Institute for the Study of Man, is a prestigious academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of the Indo-European languages and cultures. With an ISSN of 0092-2323, this journal has gained notable recognition within the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Linguistics, and Literature, as evidenced by its commendable placement in the Category Quartiles for 2023. Specifically, it ranks in Q2 in History and Literature, and maintains a strong presence in Q3 across various other humanities disciplines. Though it ceased coverage in Scopus in 2021, it continues to serve as a vital resource for scholars seeking to delve into the complexities of Indo-European studies, presenting both theoretical and empirical research. The journal is particularly significant for researchers aiming to address contemporary questions while reflecting on historical contexts. With a focus on rigorous scholarship, it plays an essential role in fostering discourse among academics and students alike, and remains a crucial platform for contributions within its diverse scope.