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Sabbat- Any one of eight Wiccan solar festivals, marked by the 4 solstices and equinoxes, as well as 4 dates inbetween them. They are (Celtic style names, others exist) Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, Mabon, and Samhain.
Sacred Space- A space which you will be using for some sort of non-everyday activity, such as magic or Tarot reading, which is set apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and which is closer to the Divine.
Sachet- a cloth bag, usually of natural fibers; filled with herbs.
Sage- a sometimes used term for a male 'Crone'. SAGING: is the ritual for a man reaching this status.
Salamander- The traditional term for a Fire Elemental.
Samhain- (sow-en) The November-Eve ritual better known as Hallowe'en. It is a Gaelic word, the name of the month of November, and is pronounced *SOW'en* (the first syllable to rhyme with *now*).
Seven Planes- The seven planes, or spheres of existence are used to describe the different levels of being which Spirit, or Goddess, experiences in interaction with Matter, or God. As is often the case with classifications, these seven levels are not nearly as neat as they are made to sound, but overlap and blend in ways which defy category. These seven planes are sometimes described as a successive “Fall�?into progressive densities of matter, progressively slower vibrations. The seven planes are these; Physical, at which we experience physical form and sensation. Emotional, at which we experience emotional feelings. Mental, at which we experience thought and abstract concepts and understandings. Astral, at which we create our existence and its conditions. Soular, at which we develop those traits that make a unique part of Deity. Monadic, that part of us which is Divine, but is separate from the Whole of Deity. And Divine, at which we are One with all existence.
Scepter (sep.ter)- A wand used by Witches and other practitioners of the magickal arts in certain spells and rituals.
Scourge- A ritual whip symbolizing firmness, in balance with the Wand which symbolizes mercy. Most ritual scourges are quite harmless, made for example with silk thongs.
Scrying- Any form of divination which involves gazing at or into something, such as a crystal ball or black mirror, to observe psychically-perceived images.
Sealing- this term is used when a spell is 'sealed' by gestures or chant, etc; this to contain the raised energy into the spell.
Septagram- a 7 point star symbol used in ceremonial magick, representing 7 tenets of: Balance, Harmony, Humility, Learning, Reincarnation, Tolerance, Trust. (Don't know the correct order.) Once it represented 7 angels who became 7 planets (the ones then known), called the Mystic Star. Other 7's include Days of the Week, Deadly Sins, Mounts of the Hand, Pillars of Wisdom, Sacraments, Virtues, & Wonders of the World.
Shade- The spirit of a being which refuses to leave the physical plane.
Shamanism- The religion of the ancient peoples of northern Europe and Asia, generally characterised by the ability of the Shaman to communicate with the spirit world. Major facets of Shamanism are animism, possession, prophecy/revelations, shapeshifting, and soul travel.
Shanti (Śānti)- Shanti (Pali: Santi) simply means "peace". It’s a beautiful meaning and also a very beautiful sound. The shanti is repeated three times, as are many chants in Buddhism. In Buddhism as well as in Hinduism the threefold Shanti is generally interpreted as meaning the Threefold Peace in body, speech, and mind (i.e. peace in the entirety of one’s being).Hindu teachings typically end with the words Om shanti shanti shanti as an invocation of peace, and the mantra is also used to conclude some Buddhist devotional ceremonies.
Click here for the chant in RealAudio
Pronunciation notes:
o is pronounced like o in ore
ā is pronounced as a in father
i in speech is pronounced like i in mill, but in chanting is pronounced like ee in bee
Shapeshifting- A very esoteric practice involving changing the human form. This can be practiced while on the astral plane, this alone is a great accomplishment. It is said that one can also shapeshift on the physical plane, though documented proof of this is nonexistent. Few books are published on the subject as it is an art mainly for certain people, and teachers prefer to find these people and teach them their art secretively rather than let the public know their ways.
Showstone- A crystal sphere used for divination, especially scrying. Also called a crystal ball.
Sigil- A magickal oriented seal,sign,glyph,or other device used in magickal workings.The most powerful sigil are those that you create yourself.
Simple- This is an archaic word used by witches of old, to mean a medicinal plant or the medicine obtained from it. Simples, which are a mainstay of many folkhealers and country Witches, are usually very mild and indiginous plants. THey are used completely by themselves to prevent disease.
Skyclad- The act of celebrating or doing a magickal working in the nude.
Smudging- Waving a smoldering handful of herbs around a person, as a ritual cleansing gesture. An American practice adopted from Native Americans, though the Native American practice itself is said to have arisen only in the past hundred years.
Solstice: occur twice a year, midway between the 2 EQUINOXES, producing a day with the shortest light & longest dark hours in Dec. & a day of longest light & shortest dark hours in June; both occur about the 21st in their months.
Solitary- A witch who practices alone instead of within a coven.
So Mote it Be- A phrase used often in rituals to close a chant or incantation. It literally means, "It must be so" or "So it shall be".
Sorcery- Magickal practice which involves summoning, binding, or banishing deities. Often a sorcerer (practitioner of sorcery) uses no tools.
Soul- The true identity of a human being, the immortal self which surpasses death and lives on into the otherworld, perchance to be reincarnated.
Spell- Extended mental and emotional energy spoken aloud,written,spoken to oneself,drawn,or even danced. To work,it should be clear,concise,focused and emotional.The need must be present to bring any spell to a successful end.
Spellcrafting- The practice of creating spells by writing outlines, arranging correspondences, and authoring incantations.
Spiral- A sacred spiral plays an important part in magickal workings.It is the symbol of "coming into being."
Spirits- Entities which are free of a physical body.
Spring Equinox- One of the eight Sabbats celebrated by witches ; the Vernal Equinox. The Spring Equinox Sabnbat, also known as Ostara, Alban Eiler, and Rite of Eostre, celebrates the rebirth of spring and the reawakening of Mother Earth's green magick.
Staff- a magickal tool, traditionally made of well-seasoned hardwood, straight, and owners height in length. Sometimes, chakra crystals are inbedded at the appropriate heights. A phallic and Solar symbol. If entwined with a vine, such as ivy or ribbons, and surmounted by a pine cone; then this tool is a THYROS.
Succubus- an oversexed female demon or spirit.
Steep- To soak in a hot liquid, such as water.
Summoner- Like a male version of the maiden, a member of the coven who is an assistant to the High Priest.
Sylph- (silf') The traditional term for an Air Elemental.
Symbol- (sim.bol') A sign which represents something else. Symbols are used commonly in rituals to represent gods, elements, goals, and more. Many tools are symbols, for example, the chalice is a symbol of the goddess and the giving of life.
Synchronicity-(sin.crow.nis'.itee) A Jungian term describing a coincidence which seems to have meaning yet no connection is clear.