Angelique Bouchard, the most prominent witch of the franchise
A witch possesses the power to effect change via magical means ("witchcraft"). The male counterpart of a witch is called a warlock, but other types of sorcerers and magic practitioners appear throughout the original series.
Characteristics of a witch[]
Witches start out as humans practicing magic. Most of them receive their powers from the Devil (373, 379) as exemplified by Angelique Bouchard Collins. Subsequently, as they gain in power over time, their humanity appears to lessen. Indeed, after death, they are said to reside in the Underworld until they are allowed to come back to life.
Angelique talking to Diabolos in the Underworld.
According to Angelique in episode 882, "Before I came here this time, I was in the everlasting pits of Hell, where other creatures of my kind live. Only... my stay here on Earth made me dissatisfied with my life there. I longed to come back here — to Earth, to become a human being! I begged my Master for the chance!" In this way, the dark witch seems to become something not entirely human, afforded a sort of immortality by their Master. Angelique Bouchard Collins, Nicholas Blair, and Judah Zachery fall into this category. There also seems to be some sort of hierarchy among these witches and warlocks, with some having authority over others.
The nature of "white witches" such as Bathia Mapes is not as fully detailed in the series, particularly when compared to the bits of information provided about their dark counterparts. However, like other witches, Bathia is vulnerable to fire, or at least the magical fire conjured by Angelique.
Dark nature[]
Witches in league with the Devil are wicked individuals and they use their powers to harm and kill their enemies. However, a witch is not necessarily always evil or greedy for power. The character of the individual informs how magic is practiced and even witches such as Angelique, who have done monstrous things, are able to feel love and compassion. Nevertheless, the forces of darkness appear to frown upon witches and warlocks who fall in love as humans do. In other instances, however, Diabolos himself seems to derive ironic amusement from the fact that this sometimes happens, even making bargains with Angelique to see if a mortal man can fall in love with her without the use of her spells.
Powers[]
Angelique casting a spell using a doll.
Witches have many supernatural powers. They cast spells to control and manipulating their victims with incantations and Hypnosis. Powerful witches and warlocks such as Angelique and Nicholas, in fact, possess the ability to hypnotize their victims, enabling them to exert great mental control. While under this power, the victim must do the bidding of the witch or warlock, who may then choose to wipe the hapless victim's memory of the events.
Angelique often uses clay Voodoo dolls, toy soldiers and other objects to control her enemies. Witches can cast terrible curses upon their enemies. Notable curses include Angelique turning Barnabas Collins into a vampire (405,9).
Angelique conjuring fire.
Witches can see, talk and invoke ghosts to do their bidding or provide information. They can also raise and control dead bodies, turning them into mindless zombies. Angelique has used necromancy to awaken zombies in both the original series and revival, and has summoned revenants and ghosts from their graves as well. (393,430,722, 939,1109,9).
Angelique can also invoke elements and control the weather. For instance, in the revival series, Angelique sparked a strong wind by invoking the Spirits of Air (8) and invoked mystical fire against Victoria Winters (400).
Because Nicholas Blair possess all these powers it is implied witches and warlocks are differentiated by gendered title only.
Weaknesses[]
Fire is the primary weapon employed against witches. Witches can be destroyed by fire and they greatly fear it.
Protective amulets can be worn or carried to protect one against the forces of witchcraft. Crosses can also be used to repel evil witches and warlocks.