How did people used to protect themselves from witches?

Witches use magical protection. Also Witches believe that by causing no harm to anyone we can prevent a lot of bad consequences coming back to us. Witches use Talismans, Amulets, Crystals, Strings, Symbols drawn on walls, floor and many secret things for protection. Witches are human too though. Despite magickal protection, they use other things, like the police, when they are threatened. Witches dont have to rely on magick all the time.

But if you are talking about superstitious nonsense/misconceptions:

• Magick
• A familiar, such as a bat or black cat
• The Devil
• Demons
• Evil in general