The modern term for it is folk magic, but the region I call home often refers to it as "the old ways" or "it is what it is". Many older folk practitioners don't really call it "magic" either. Some refer to it as healing arts; others refer to it as having "a gift". There are people who won't call folk magic "witchcraft", due to negative connotations. I'll get into that more later.
Folk magic, in simple terms, is a combination of bioregionalism, ancestral traditions, folklore, superstition and faith. Different regions will have their own folk magic, so don't expect all folk magic to look the same. It gets even more complicated when you start considering individual families. Different families have different traditions and beliefs. Folk magic is often tied into the culture of the region, and therefore intertwined with the peoples' everyday lives.
Is folk magic "witchcraft"?
The only answer I can give for this is that it depends on how the individual sees it. Personally, I think of folk magic and witchcraft as cousins... Not the same exactly, but they do share some similarities.
While the younger generations who practice folk magic might call themselves "folk witches", I've found that some older generations don't particularly like being called witches. There is a negative sort of connotation with the term "witch" in some places.
I can't speak for all folk magic, but the region I call home doesn't really use the term "witch" often. I imagine other places may have similar views. Folk practitioners and other people with a gift would use their abilities to help their community. If a person with a gift used their abilities to harm the community, they were referred to as a witch. Younger generations don't think of the term "witch", as a negative one quite as much... but the history is still there.
Is folk magic a closed practice?
I can't give a definite answer for this one because there are so many variations of folk magic in so many areas of the world. I can't speak for all of them. I will say that, in some regions, folk magic is a dying practice. Many do feel the need to protect it and keep outsiders from tampering with it. If you are going to take up folk magic, don't just cherry pick small aspects from it or twist it into something completely different. Embrace the culture and the traditions as they are.
If folk magic does catch your attention, I would suggest asking yourself the following questions before attempting to actively practice it.
Why do I want to learn and practice this?
Do I have any connections to the region? Were you born in that region, currently live in that region or can find evidence that your ancestors are from that region?
Am I willing to be open minded when learning about this folk magic?
Am I willing to fully embrace the culture the folk magic comes from and learn about the history of that region?
Is folk magic pagan or new age magic?
No, folk magic is not pagan or new age magic. Folk magic goes back for centuries, and for many variations of folk magic Christianity is heavily tied into it. That doesn't mean that you have to be Christian to practice folk magic, though. You can be pagan or whatever else, but if the folk magic has Christian aspects tied to it then you will need to be accepting of it.
That being said, if you are the type of person to think that Christians can't practice magic or despise the Christian religion, then a lot of folk magic probably isn't for you.
How can I start learning folk magic?
The best way to learn folk magic is by speaking with practitioners directly. More specifically, the practitioners born and raised with it. As I have mentioned before, one part of folk magic is ancestral traditions. There are people who come from families that have been practicing these traditions for generations. They will be the best people to talk to, if they are willing to open up to you. Don't be angry if they aren't willing to teach you, though, because some people do prefer to keep their traditions within the family.
Books are another option, but you'll need to do a little research on the author before you buy books. Make sure the person is a valid source. Check to see if they are from the region the folk magic originates from, if they were taught by another practitioner or if they have any family ties to it.
Learn the history of the region. This is more important than you think. Folk magic is often tied into the culture of the region, and therefore tied into the history. Folk practitioners in the old days were healers, midwives and significant community members. Their traditions and superstitions helped them survive and have them hope.
The last piece of advice I've got for you is to embrace the culture and traditions. Preserve them and let them become a natural part of your life. Don't just cherry pick small aspects of folk magic and twist them. That doesn't help the folk practices that are dying out.
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