Using a divining rod to find water or minerals underground; also related to witchcraft or the magical hour of midnight.
From 'witch' or possibly 'twitch.' 'Witching hour' comes from folklore about midnight when witches supposedly cast spells.
The 'witching hour' (3 AM) actually has science behind it—hospital records show more people die between 3-4 AM, making folklore accidentally accurate about this being a mysterious, eerie time.
Associated historically with persecution of women. 'Witching hour' and 'witch' have gendered violence baked in—witch hunts targeted women (80% of accused). Language trivializes their persecution.
Use 'witching' sparingly for folklore/humor only. Avoid casual 'witch' for sharp-tongued women. Acknowledge historical violence when discussing witchcraft.
["sorcery (gender-neutral)","magic (for fantasy contexts)","the midnight hour (literal alternative)"]
Millions of women were executed in witch hunts across Europe and colonies. Reclaim 'witch' only if you acknowledge the violence and honor the accused.
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