Cunning folk are professional magical practitioners of Europe. They use a variety of magical techniques to serve their clientele providing magical protection, midwifery, healing, divination to find lost people and things and the source of and solution to problems, matchmaking, and hex breaking.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cunning folk, also known as wise men and women, were professional magical practitioners in Europe who offered a wide range of services, including healing, divination, and protection against witchcraft.
In England and Wales, cunning folk were prevalent from the 16th to the 19th century, with some famous individuals like Mother Shipton and the cunning man of Essex gaining widespread recognition.
In Germany, cunning folk were called “Hexenmeister” or “Zauberer” and were sought after for their ability to cure ailments, find lost objects, and counteract malevolent magic.
Italy had its own tradition of cunning folk known as “Benandanti,” who believed they were astral warriors fighting against malevolent witches during their nightly journeys.
Scandinavia also had its share of cunning folk who were consulted for their expertise in healing, love spells, and protection charms.
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Cunning Folk in Modern Days
Cunning folk were not considered witches, though modern definitions might put them in the “witch” category. These folks historically were unwitchers, the first line of defense against witchcraft as witchcraft was specifically harmful magick.
Cunning folk do not tend to subscribe to a specific magical tradition or rely on single methods but seek out knowledge of and experiment with a variety of techniques to serve their clientele best.
They may use astrology, herbal lore, alchemy, ceremonial-magick, dream work, astral projection, sympathetic magick, prayer and various divination techniques all blending with whatever brand of folk magic they were raised with.
A magical cure or service usually incorporates a variety of methods, including more mundane methods such as nutritional, psychological and emotional support. Cunning folk served humans, their fields and their livestock.
Historically, there were a lot of cunning folk in Europe, though they were called different names in different locals (see below) and there was competition for clients. To beat out the competition, cunning folk might offer exceptional services, traveling great distances and paying late-night visits to clients, or market themselves by building a mystical persona about themselves with interesting costumes, eccentric home decor and a variety of trained familiars.
Other Names for Cunning Folk
England and Wales
Witch Doctor, White Witch (used by 19th century folklorists, not common people), Wizards, Wise Men, Wise Women, conjurer, pellers, wicca, wicce, dry, carline, nicnevins (daughters of heaven)
Germany
Hexenmeister, Kräuterhexen
Italy
Guaritori (healers), fattucchiere (fixers), pratico (wise one), donne che aiutano (women who help), mago, maga or maghiardzha (sorcerers) and sometimes Stregha (Witch, derogatory)
De Kloka (the wise ones), klok gumma (female), klok gubbe (male)
English 
Spanish