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Terminology: Meanings of Words of the Old Religion;
ABSENT HEALING:
A form of faith healing that involves the projection
of positive healing energy to an ill person by a healer who is not present at the time of the healing.
ACOLYTE: Beginner or "novice" in many magickal orders. Sometimes used to denote the lowest rank in the group.
ADEPT: It refers to the person who is considered highly proficient in
a particular magickal system after undergoing serious studies and accomplishments.
AFTERWORLD: The world of the dead, the place where human souls go to
after death. See; Summerlands
AIR: One of the four ancient elements, which corresponds to the East Watchtower of the magic circle. It has become apparent that some groups rather associate Air with North, but this is a personal choice. See; Earth
AIR SIGNS: In astrology, the three signs of the zodiac attributed to
the element of Air - Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra.
AKASHA: Element of Spirit, the fifth element, the omnipresent
spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is the energy out of which the Elements formed. Usually envisaged as violet in color. It embraces the other four elements - earth, air, fire, and water. This is the realm of pattern, or causality, from which the realm the normally thought of five senses manifests. Some define it is the "other" of the "two worlds" that the witch or magician walks between.- the spiritual ether (or Aether)
AKASHIC RECORDS: The "recordings" left in the Akasha by every event.
Advanced occultists develop the gift of retrieving past events by "reading the Akashic Records". Psychic Edgar Cayce brought the thought that the mind of the psychic or Witch can access a giant data base for information on subjects (past lives, healing, and other magickal/spiritual practices) through Universal connections.
ALEXANDRIAN WITCHES: Initiated by (or stemming from those initiated
by) Alex and Maxine Sanders. An offshoot of Gardnerian witchcraft, though founded independently in the 1960's
ALL HALLOWS EVE: Another name for Samhain, a Pagan festival which is
celebrated on the last day of October.
ALTAR: Any table or structure on which candles, incense, etc. are
burned, tools of magic are kept etc. Arrangement varies from one Witch to another.
AMULET: A magically Charged object which deflects specific, usually
negative energies. Generally worn as a protective object. Can also be object inscribed with magickal symbols to protect, attract good luck, etc. See; Talisman
ANAPHRODISIAC: A substance, such as camphor, that reduces sexual
desires.
ANIMA: The buried feminine elements in a man's psyche
ANIMISM: It is the belief that natural objects, and Nature itself,
are alive and conscious.
ANIMISTIC: The belief that all forms of Nature have a Divine Spirit
within.
ANIMUS: The buried masculine elements in a woman's psyche
ANKH: An ancient Egyptian symbol resembling a cross with a loop at
the top. Also called the crux ansata or looped cross. Egyptian
hieroglyph for "life" and "cosmic knowledge". Widely used as an occult symbol of the Life Principle.
AN-SHET: Another word for a Witch's magical wand.
APHORISM: A sparsely worded saying. Ex. "As above, So below."
APHRODISIAC: Substance that generates sexual excitement.
APPARITION: The appearance of a phantom seen in a dream or trance or
waking state as the result of astral projection.
AQUARIUS: The 11th sign of the zodiac. It is symbolized by the Water
Bearer, is an Air sign, and is ruled by Uranus.
ARADIA: Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the Goddess
used by Italian witches or Strega. Believed to have been derived from the Tuscan witches' usage as recorded in C.G. Leland's Aradia.
ARCANA: The two halves of a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana are 22 cards depicting dominant occurrences or "trumps". The Minor Arcana is made up of 56 suit or "court" cards. (also called the Lesser Arcana.)
ARIANRHOD: A Welsh Goddess-name much used by witches. The name means `Silver Wheel'. Caer Arianrhod (Castle of Arianrhod), symbolizes the resting-place of souls between incarnations.
ARIES: The 1st sign of the zodiac. It is symbolized by the Ram, is a
Fire sign, and is ruled by Mars.
AROMATHERAPY: Therapeutically (heal, relax, purify, etc.) using
flowers, herbs, oils, incense or anything else that has an aroma.
ASPECT: A form, facet, or persona of Deity.
ASPERGER: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to
sprinkle water during or preceding Ritual, for purification purposes
ASPERGERING: The act of sprinkling water for purification purposes
during or preceding Ritual.
ASTRAL BODY: The psychic "double" of the physical body, consisting of
substance more tenuous than matter, but grosser than mind or spirit. See; Etheric
ASTRAL PLANE: Realm of existence parallel to physical reality. In
this realm, the nonmaterial body may traverse both time and space. A wide variety of entities inhabit the astral, such as ghosts and the conscious or dreaming presence of living individuals.
ASTRAL PROJECTION: The transferring of consciousness from the
physical to the astral body, so that one perceives and moves about on the astral plane as the physical body remains inert. Also called and out-of-body-experience or astral travel.
ASTRAL TRAVEL: See; Astral Projection
ASTROLOGY: This is an ancient science and practice of divination by
studying the Sun, Moon, planets and stars. Each of these heavenly bodies directly reflects the course of human affairs depending on which section the zodiac they are in. Also called Stargazing.
ATHAME: A ritual dagger with a double-edged blade, used by Witches to draw their magic circles and to store and direct energy during magical rituals. It is interchangeable with the magic sword. It is never used for drawing blood of any kind. It is never used for actual cutting of anything. The only traditional exception to this rule being a handfasting cake. Corresponds with the element Air.
ATTUNEMENT: An activity which brings the mind, emotion and psyche of
an individual into harmony.
AURA: The colored field which surrounds any living thing including
the human body. The aura is visible to sensitives, who can learn from its color, size and structure about the person's health and spiritual status.
AUTUMN EQUINOX: One of the eight Sabbats celebrated on the first day
of Autumn, which is on or near September 23rd. Also known as Alban Elfed and the Second Festival of Harvest.
AVATAR: An advanced soul, who returns to a physical body to teach
less evolved souls. Ex. Buddha, Jesus.
BALEFIRE: A fire lit for magical purposes, usually outdoors.
Balefires are traditional on Yule, Beltane and Midsummer.
BANE: That which is poisonous, evil, destructive, dangerous,
negative, etc. Paired to indicate the negative as
in "wolfbane","hensbane" and "baneberry".
BANISH: To drive away that which is unwanted by using magick or
ritual.
BANISHING RITUAL: A ritual performed to remove negative or evil
influences from the circle.
BELL: Used to summon deities and as instruments for sacred music.
BELTANE: May Eve festival (on or around 1 May). One of the Ancient
Celtic "Fire Festivals." On this night, the cattle were driven
between two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would "jump the fires" on Beltane night. Also the traditional Sabbat where the rule of the "Wheel of the Year" is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother.
BESOM: A broom used by Witches for the ritual cleansing of an area.
Contrary to popular belief it is not used for flying.
BINDING: A magickal spell, which usually involves tying of knots on a
cord, to restrain something or someone. Usually this is performed to stop something or someone from harming another or themselves.
BINDRUNES: A powerful magical talisman, normally made from wood or
metal, and inscribed with two or more different rune symbols which are combined into an aesthetically pleasing way.
BLACK MASS: A deliberate and obscene travesty of the Christian Mass
for evil (black) magic purposes, which strictly speaking can only be performed by an unfrocked or corrupt priest. This is not a Pagan term, but rather a Christian or the rebels of Christianity born term.
BLACK MIRROR: Tool used for divination and dark aspect meditations.
BLESSED BE: An all purpose greeting, response and farewell among
Witches. It reminds us that everything and everyone is sacred. Pronounced as three syllables.
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BLOOD OF THE MOON: If the woman's menstrual circle occurs over a New
or Full Moon it is known as the Blood of the Moon. A woman so
attuned is more powerful than during other times of the month.
BODHISATTVA: A human entity so highly developed that it no longer
needs to reincarnate on Earth but chooses to do so in order to help mankind.
BOLLINE: (BO-LEEN') Practical knife of witchcraft used for practical
purposes such as cutting herbs and inscribing objects. Traditionally this is a white handled knife but brown (wood) is also accepted. It is normally only used within the circle.
BOOK OF SHADOWS: Also known as a Witches Grimoire. Traditionally this
is a hand written book of a Witches spells, rituals, poems, recipes and inspirations. There is no one single Book of Shadows and each is individual to the writer. In most cases parts may have been copied from a covens "standard" Book of Shadows or from the book of another adept Witch. Traditionally this book is destroyed when the owner dies or is returned to the coven for disposal. Sometimes a book is handed down to a sibling, but this is usually only accepted if so instructed by the original owner. Some traditions have a "standard" Book of Shadows which serves as the basis for new initiates, but the initiates book soon changes as additions are made. The name is believed to be a remainder from the burning times when witches had to remain "in the shadows".
BOOMERANG EFFECT: A popular name for the well-known occult principle
that a psychic attack which comes up against a stronger defense rebounds threefold (though this is metaphorical) on the attacker
BURNING TIMES: The term refers to that period in history when
people accused of Witchcraft were hunted and executed by burning or being hanged. It is believed that actual burning only occurred in Scotland and the European continent. In other areas they were usually hanged. It is believed red-haired women were also burned/hanged because the color of their hair indicated to Christian that they had made a pact with the devil. The Christian church sought to destroy any religion they did not understand during this time. The term "devil worshipper" was not only stamped on Witches, but any other non-Christian religion which they did not understand.
CAKES AND ALES: This is the ritual meal shared with the Goddess and
God near the end of a religious ritual.
CALL: It is the act of invoking divine forces.
CANCER: The 4th sign in the zodiac. It is symbolized by the Crab, is
a Water sign, and is ruled by the Moon.
CANDLE MAGIC: A form of sympathetic magic that uses different colored
candles to represent the people and things at which its spells are directed.
CANDLEMAS: See; Imbolc
CAPRICORN: The 10th sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Goat, is an
Earth sign, and is ruled by the Saturn.
CARDINAL POINTS: North, South, East, and West, marked in the Georgian
Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these four points.
CASTING CLOTH: Layout cloth with appropriate markings, used for
tossing the ogham fews (or for runes).
CAULDRON: A small or large black cast-iron pot used by Witches that
symbolically combines the influences of the four elements.
Represents the womb of the Goddess.
CENSER: A heat-proof container with a perforated lid in which incense
is smoldered. One of the elemental tools, representing the Air element.
CENTERING: It is the process of moving one's consciousness to one's
spiritual center.
CEREMONIAL MAGIC: Involves the use of elaborate rituals, dramatic
invocations of the spirit, and mystic sacraments.
CERNUNNOS: Cerunnos The only known name of the Celtic Horned God; it
is much used by witches, in the Cernunnos form.
CERRIDWEN: A Welsh Goddess-name, much used to represent the Mother or Crone aspects.
CHAKRA: The Power Points of the body; the wheels of energy. Just
above your head is a chakra that works with your Higher
Consciousness. The Seven Major Chakras - Crown / pituitary, 3rd Eye / pineal, throat / thyroid, heart / thymus, solar plexus / lyden, spine / adrenal, lumbar / gonads. Plus various Minor Chakras -the ones the center of your hand palms, soles of the feet, behind each eye... etc.
CHALICE: A sacred cup or goblet used to hold consecrated water or
wine and normally kept on the West side of the altar. It represents the element of Water. It is also used to represent the Goddess during the symbolic great rite.
CHANNELING: The spontaneous or induced act of communicating with or
serving as a channel for spirits while in a trancelike state of
consciousness.
CHARGE: The Traditional words of the Goddess to her followers,
or "hidden children". Normally delivered by the High Priestess at every coven Circle. Also known as "The Charge of the Goddess".
CHARGE: It is the act of magickally infusing and object (usually
crystal) with your personal energy.
CHARM(S): Objects made and infused with magical energy, and carried
or placed to achieve a goal. These objects are usually infused with specific energy for specific purposes, for example, protection.
CHARM: The act of infusing energy into objects for specific
purposes.
CIRCLE: A sphere created through Visualization and Magick by Personal Power, penetrating the ground both above and below it. It is in this area where the magickal worship and spells takes place. It can also be used to designate a particular group of Witches or Pagans.
CLAIRVOYANCE: The ability to be aware of events, facts or phenomena.
A person with this ability will perceive future events in varying detail. This ability is not exclusively an ability to tell the
future but also an ability to see what happened in the past without having been there. The insight may be experienced in form which vary from voices to visions and dreams and even music. Also known as Clairsentience, Clairaudience.
CLEANSING: Understood as a ritual act to purify and object or area of
negative energies whether natural or unnatural.
CONE OF POWER: Power or energy raised in the circle by the Witches
assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick. It is usually visualized as being retained and built in the form of a "cone" prior to release. The cone would have its base at the circle of Witches and its apex above the center of the circle.
CONJURATION: The act of evoking spirits by means of formulas or words
of power. (see also Evocation)
CONSCIOUS MIND: The analytical, materially-based, rational half of
our consciousness. The mind at work when we compute our taxes, theorize or struggle with ideas. See; Psychic Mind.
CONSECRATION: The act of making something sacred, the ritual use of
water and salt to exorcise negative energies or evil influences from tools, circle, etc.
CORN DOLLY: A figure, often human-shaped, created by plaiting.
Represented the fertility of the Earth and the Goddess in early European agricultural rituals and is still used in Wicca. These aren't made from cobs or husks; corn originally referred to any grain other than maize and still does in most English speaking countries except the United States.
COVEN: An organized group of Witches, led by a High priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for magickal workings, ceremonies, worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13, but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the minimum in the Georgian Tradition. In Middle English, "Covin" a group of
confederates; In Old French "Covine" a band or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together, "Venire"-to come or move.
COVENSTEAD: The place where a particular coven habitually meets or
sometimes the area from which its membership is drawn.
COWAN: A non-Witch. Formerly used in a very derogatory manner. Still
used in Masonic Ritual to indicate the non initiate and/or pretender to "real craft". Not often used today among most Witches.
COYOTE ENERGY: Trickster energies. Named for the American Indian
Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and clowns. Also applies to the concept of "Holy Fool" in many traditions.
CRAFT: The witches' name for the religion and practice of
witchcraft. Inherited from Freemasonry.
CRONE: The 3rd aspect of the Triple Goddess. Corresponds to the
waning and dark phases of the moon. Represents maturity, wisdom and spiritual peace.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS: The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals of
Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas.
CRYSTAL BALL: A sphere of crystal or glass used for scrying. They
come in all sizes and colors.
CUP: See; Chalice
CURSES: Contain malevolence to the sphere of the generator of the
negative energy.
DARK MOON: Representative of the Goddess as the One Who Transforms in her aspect of Tomb and Womb.
DARK POWER: Generally negative energies drawn from the Dark Aspects
of the Goddess and the God.
DAYS OF POWER: It refers to Sabbats, days triggered by astrological
occurrences, your birthday, Blood of the Moon, and your
dedication/initiation anniversary.
DEDICATION: The process in which the Witch accepts the Craft as their
path and vows to study and learn all the necessary to reach
adeptship in a given tradition. This usually precedes initiation and the learning process before initiation will usually last for a year and a day.
DEFLECTION: Defuse general malevolence and ill will of others. A
mirror is most commonly used in a deflection ritual to either return or deflect evil intent.
DEITY: A supreme or divine being; god or goddess.
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DEOSIL: In a clockwise or sunwise direction. It is much-used in
spells and rituals; i.e. "walk deosil around the Circle of Stones." Some Wiccan groups below the equator have switched from deosil to Widdershins (anti-clockwise) movements. In northern hemisphere magic and religion, deosil movement is symbolic of life, positive energies, good.
DIVINATION: It is the term used for searching the unknown, future or
past, by studying seemingly random patterns in nature. Natures tools used in divination include tealeaves, clouds, leaves, flames, etc. There are also tools used in divination which obey a law that nothing is truly random, but rather guided by the divine. These tools include the tarot, rune, ogham, numerology, palmistry and pendulum.
DIVINE POWER: The unmanifested, pure energy that exists within the
Goddess and God. The life force, the ultimate source of all things. Compare with Earth Power and Personal Power.
DOWSING: The use of a pendulum or forked stick to find the actual
location of a person, place, thing, or element. This method has been known to become individualistic with people. Objects such as stones on the back of the hand, a tall glass of water (water dowsing), parallel steel wires and dried leaves or petals. The last is not found often, but is a method working with the wind where the leaves or petal would blow off in a direction. Doing this a number of time would cause a triangulation and show "the center spot".
DRAGON'S BLOOD: The resin from the palm tree 'Daemonorops draco',
used by Witches as a magical incense for various enchantments.
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON: In Wicca and Witchcraft, the ritual invocation
of the Goddess spirit into the High Priestess of a coven by the High Priest.
DRAWING DOWN THE SUN: In Wicca and Witchcraft, the ritual invocation
of the Horned God spirit into the High Priest of a coven by the High Priestess.
DRESSING: Putting an oil on spell items such as candles as part of a
ritual consecration to prepare the object to attract and direct the energy of a spell to accomplish a goal.
EARTH: One of the four elements which corresponds to the North
Watchtower or the magical circle. It has become apparent that some groups associate earth with east rather than north. This is a personal choice. If it feels natural or right, you are welcome to swap the association. See; Air
EARTH POWER: That energy which exists within stones, herbs, flames,
wind and other natural objects. Can be utilized during Magic to create needed change.
EARTH SIGNS: In astrology, the three signs of the zodiac attributed
to the element of Earth - Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo.
EARTHING: To send excess energy into the Earth.
ECLECTIC: Mixture of beliefs borrowed from various Traditions and
Theologies.
EGO: conscious part of the human psyche.
ELDERS: Older and wiser persons wishing a religion. Amongst
Witches and Wiccans these would be third-degree and second-degree members of a coven.
ELEMENTAL: The personification of the nature elements of Air, Earth,
Fire and Water. The fifth element is Spirit which brings the other elements together. These Elementals are traditionally also the "Guardians of the Watchtowers" to the North, East, South and West. These elements are regarded as the construction fiber of all that is real in the physical universe.
ELEMENTS: These are the natural elements of Air, Earth, Fire and
Water. Spirit is regarded a fifth element which is used to bring the other four together. At least one part of each of these elements are contained in everything that exists.
ELIXIR: Elixirs are made by placing charged crystals in liquids and
allowing the energy to flow to that liquid for a time. The crystal is the removed and the liquid taken orally.
EMPOWERING: See; Charge, to
ENERGY: Energy is that source of power which resides within
everything which makes it what it is. It can be described as a
vibration, sensation and in many cases a feeling of static in the
air to those sensitive to it. It is like electricity, you cannot see
it, but it does exist. No-one has yet found a reliable way of
measuring the energy in all objects.
EQUINOXES: See; Sabbat
ESBAT: The term of the traditional meeting of a coven on a new or
full moon. For solitary witches these are celebrations of the new and full moon and a time to work magick. In some traditions or covens, any meeting of the coven which does not coincide with a Sabbat is considered an Esbat.
ETHERIC BODY: That part of the body which exists in the Etheric plane
between Astral and Physical.
ETHERIC PLANE: The level of energy existence between the physical and
astral planes.
EVOCATION: The summoning of spiritual entities or elementals to local
attendance in visible or invisible states.
EXORCISM: The removal of bad or uninvited entities or energies from a
place or person which they may have taken over or inhabit by use of psychic concentration or magick. Compare with: Cleansing
EYE OF HORUS: An ancient Egyptian symbol which depicts the divine eye
of the God Horus, representing both the solar and lunar energies.
FAMILIAR: Usually a pet animal which accompanies a Witch or Coven.
These pets are kept for the psychic support and early warning of negative energies. Though cats are favorites, dogs, owls or any other animal you can "connect" with may become a familiar.
Elementals can even become familiars. Not every witch or coven has a familiar, and this does not lessen them to any degree. The decision to take on a familiar is a serious one and to be carefully considered. You may live with a cat or dog for years before taking them as a familiar.
FESTIVAL: One of the eight seasonal Sabbats.
FETCH: See; Summoner
FETISH: A symbolic material object believed to possess the power to
protect or ward off evil.
FIRE: One of the four elements. Corresponds to the South Watchtower.
FIRE SIGNS: In astrology, the three signs of the zodiac attributed to
Fire - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
FITH-FATH: See; Poppet
FIVEFOLD KISS: Also known as the five fold salute or Witches salute.
It comprises of kisses on various parts of the body in the following order: A kiss on each foot, a kiss on each knee, a kiss on the lower belly, a kiss on each breast and a kiss on the lips. These five positions make up the five fold kiss even though there are actually eight kisses in total. The five fold kiss is only used within the circle.
GARDNERIAN: A modern tradition of Witchcraft based on the guidelines
developed by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's. Gardnerians are
exclusively coven based and tend to be a little secretive.
GEMINI: The third sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Twins, is an
Air sign, and is ruled by Mercury.
GLYPH: A powerful magical symbol representing the name and date of
birth of a person.
GNOMES: One of the earth associated entities or elementals.
GODDESS: The supreme female aspect of the Divine and consort of
the Horned God.
GOLDEN DAWN: An occult Order founded in London in 1887 by three
Rosicrucian's, which became a major influence in Western ritual magic.
GREAT RITE: It is a ritual which symbolizes the union of the Goddess
and the God. The ritual involves a symbolic sexual act between the High Priest and High Priestess which may be physical if both so choose. If the act is actual, it is always performed in private with both participants fully consenting. It is never a requirement that this ritual be an actual sexual one and is in most cases only performed in the symbolic sense.
GREEN MAN: Another name for a God, as in his kingdom of the forest.
GREEN WITCH: A nickname for a Witch who is skilled in the art of
herbs. Also called the Green Arts or Green Magic.
GRIMOIRE: Considered by some to be the same book as the Witches Book of Shadows, but by others as a separate book. The Grimoire to some is that book containing only the practicalities of magick and ritual. If this argument is accepted, then it would only contain spells, formulas, rituals and correspondences. It would not contain poems or personal laments and inspirations.
GUARDIANS: Each direction (North, East, South and West) has a
symbolic Watchtower which is guarded by an elemental, spirit or archangel. These Guardians are usually called upon when casting the circle.
HALLOWEEN: See; Samhain
HANDFASTING: This is the Pagan or Wiccan equivalent of a marriage
ceremony with one major difference. Instead of being "as long as you both shall live", it is "as long as you both have love for one another". Once a couple falls out of love a Handparting ritual breaks that bond in the same manner as does a divorce. To make the Handfasting legal, the High Priest or High Priestess needs to be registered as a member of clergy. In case of a Handparting, a lawyer needs to be consulted (in some cases) to make the parting a legal divorce.
HANDPARTING: The Pagan or Wiccan ritual which dissolves a
Handfasting.
HEREDITARY: Witches who can trace their tradition through a line of
relative who have handed the craft down to a sibling are called hereditary witches.
HEXAGRAM: Also known as the Star of David, this is a six pointed star
formed from two equilateral triangles of same size.
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HIGH PRIEST: The term given to the male leader and counterpart of the
High Priestess in a coven. It is usually accepted that the High
Priestess is the overall leader of the coven. High Priest is often abbreviated as HP.
HIGH PRIESTESS: The term given to the female leader and counterpart
of the High Priest in a coven. It is usually accepted that the High Priestess is the overall leader of the coven. High Priestess is often abbreviated as HPS.
HIVING OFF: This is the term used when two or more members leave a
coven to shape another coven known as a sister coven.
HOLLY KING: In the folklore of many parts of Europe, including the
British Isles, the God of the Waning Year. At the Summer Solstice he "slays" his twin, the Oak King.
HORNED GOD: The supreme male aspect of the Divine and consort of the
Goddess.
HOROSCOPE: In astrology, a chart of the heavenly bodies that shows
the relative positions of the planets at a certain moment in time. With the exact time and place of a birth, an astrologer can cast a horoscope from which to define the subject's character and advise them on future courses of action.
I CHING: A Chinese system of divination involving sixty-four
`hexagrams' or six line combinations of unbroken (yang) and broken (yin) lines.
IMAGE MAGIC: A primitive but potent form of magic which works on the
basic principle that like produces like.
IMBOLC: A Gaelic word, pronounced "immOL'g" which, when literally
translated, means in the belly [of the mother]. This is one of the eight Sabbats which celebrates the transition of the Goddess from Crone to Maiden. It also signifies the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God at Yule. Usually celebrated on or around 2nd February with the first signs of Spring. Also known as Oimelc (milk of the ewe), Candlemas (Christian equivalent), Lupercus and Disting.
IMMANENCE: It is the belief that Deity exists within all things,
including people, and cannot be separated from them.
INCANTATION: The ritual recitation of words of power or special
phrases in order to produce a magical effect.
INCARNATION: The manifestations of a living entity into physical
form; any one of the earthly lives of an immortal human.
Individuality The immortal, reincarnating part of a human being, consisting of the Upper Spiritual, Lower Spiritual and Upper Mental levels
INITIATION: The term used for that ritual which is performed to add
or acknowledge a person as part of a coven or tradition.
INNER PLANES: Other levels of being and consciousness than the
physical or the "normal" Ego-consciousness.
INTENT: It is the goal of the magickal work.
INVOCATION: It is the act of calling to visible or invisible presence
and entity of spiritual nature. The ritual ceremony of Drawing Down the Moon is and invocation of the Goddess into the physical body of the High Priestess.
JUJU: A West African object used as an amulet, charm or fetish. Also a word for karma, i.e. 'bad juju'.
KABBALAH: The ancient Hebrew system of esoteric philosophy centering
upon the Tree of Life.
KAHUNA: A practitioner of Huna, an old esoteric tradition native to
the Hawaiian Islands.
KARMA: Literally meaning "Cause and Effect". It is a law that
whatever actions you perform, good or bad, have and effect which will return to you in this life or in a future one.
KARNAYNA: Alexandrian form of the God-name Cernunnos.
KEN: (KENNING) All-encompassing sensation of "knowing" something with
a certitude and acceptance that what is kenned, is; keen,
instinctive insight.
KERIDWEN: See; Cerridwen
KERNUNNOS: See; Cernunnos.
KHUNA: See; Kahuna
LABRYS: A double-headed axe which symbolized the Goddess in ancient Crete, still used by some Wiccans for this same purpose. The labrys may be placed on the left side of the altar.
LADY: A term of respect for a Priestess or the Goddess.
LAMMAS: One of the eight Sabbats which is usually celebrated on or
around 1 August. Lammas celebrates the first fruits of a harvest and the transition of the Threefold Goddess from Mother to Crone. This festival is also known as Lughnasadh (LOOna-sa), which is the Celtic naming for "Festival of Lugh" ad honors the Celtic God of Light (Lugh = light).
LEFT-BRAIN FUNCTION: Anything related to logical, mathematical and
analytical functions. The left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body. Compare to; Right-Brain Function
LEFT-HAND PATH: Used for any witch who uses their craft for own gain
and/or willfully hurting others.
LEO: The 5th sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the lion, is a Fire
sign, and is ruled by the Sun.
LIBATION: Water or wine that is poured on an alter, the ground or on
a sacred fire as an offering to the Goddess, Horned God or other Deity.
LIBRA: The 7th sign in the zodiac. Symbolized by the Scales, is an
Air sign, and is ruled by Venus.
LIGHT POWER: Generally positive energies drawn from the Light Aspects
of the Goddess and the God.
LITHA: It is one of the eights Sabbats and is usually celebrated on
or around 21 June. It is a festival which celebrates the Summer Solstice. It is also known a Midsummer.
LUGH: An early Celtic sun God. Lughnasadh was originated by the
druids to give homage to this God.
LUGHNASADH: See; Lammas
LUNAR ECLIPSE: Emblem of the Goddess in her dark aspect as Crone,
Tomb/Womb, and Transformer.
MABON: This is one of the eight Sabbats usually celebrated on or
around 21 September. This festival celebrates the Autumn Equinox.
MACROCOSM: The Cosmos as a whole, in relation to the Microcosm, its
detailed manifestation (human in particular).
MAGIC: The accepted term for "stage magic" or "cheating the eye"
tricks.
MAGICK: The accepted term for the control of natural forces or
energies to achieve positive goals. The "k" was presumably added by Aleister Crowley to differentiate from the stage arts of trickery or "cheating the eye" performance arts.
MAGICK CIRCLE: See; Circle
MAGUS: In Wiccan usage, a second-degree or third degree male witch. A male occult adept.
MAIDEN: The term has two meanings depending on context. In one a
maiden could be the first aspect of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone). In another, a maiden would be that female assistant to the High Priestess who may also sometimes stand in for the High Priestess in her absence.
MANDRAKE: A poisonous plant associated with medieval Witchcraft.
MANNUZ: (Mah-n) the Self as part of the Universe and the Divine.
MEDICINE MAN: Another naming for a Shaman or Witch Doctor.
MEDITATION: That state of calmness and relaxation into which a person
drifts by clearing the mind and body of stress and negativity. When meditating a person would contemplate and reflect on the tranquilities of life on a physical and higher plane.
MEGALITH: A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is perhaps
the best-known example of megalithic construction.
MENHIR: A standing stone probably lifted by early peoples for
religious, spiritual or magical reasons.
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MICROCOSM: See; Macrocosm.
MIDSUMMER: See; Litha
MIGHTY ONES: Are thought to be either spiritually evolved beings,
once human, or spiritual entities created by or charged by the
Goddess and God to protect the Earth. Beings, deities or presences often Invoked during Wiccan ceremony to witness or guard the rituals.
MISTLETOE: Sacred to the God Apollo, a parasitic plant associated
with the oak tree.
MOJO BAG: A small leather or flannel bag filled with a variety of
magical items and carried or worn as a charm to attract or dispel certain influences.
MOON: The planetary ruler of Cancer. The Moon holds dominion over
emotions, instinctive reactions and personality. It is the second most important planet next to the Sun.
MOONCHILD: A person born under the sign of Cancer.
MOTHER: The second aspect of the Triple Goddess. Corresponds to the
Full moon and represents fertility, nurturing, creation, protection, increased wisdom and peak of power.
MUGWORT: An herb associated with Witchcraft and healing. Also known
as "St. John's plant".
NECROMANCY: Calling up the dead by Magick.
NEOPAGAN: A person who practices modern Paganism. Contrary to some
beliefs it is not a new Pagan. Any person who follow any of the new raditions or paths or even creates another (newer) one can be considered a neopagan.
NEOPHYTE: Postulant, a newcomer to the coven, awaiting initiation. Newcomers / beginners are also known as Wiclets on the arwm newsgroup.
NEW MOON: Lunar phase symbolizing the Goddess in her aspect of Crone;
Dark Lady, and Wisdom.
NUMEROLOGY: An ancient method of divination that analyzes the
symbolism of numbers and ascribes a numerical value to the letters of the alphabet. A common use when choosing a Craft name or coven name. Also used for divining future and fate.
OAK KING: See; Holly King
OGHAM: An ancient Celtic system of divination popular amongst many
Witches. Based on casting and reading of rune patterns or characters carved or painted onto stones, beans, wood, bones, etc.
OIMELC: See; Imbolg
OLD ONES: Used to refer to a group or all Pagan deities
including all aspects of the Goddess and the God. Referred to by some as "the Mighty Ones"
OLD RELIGION: Another term used for Witchcraft.
ORACLE: Ancient location where divinations took place and prophecies
were uttered, generally by priestesses.
OSTARA: One of the eight Sabbats which is celebrated on or around 21
March. This festival celebrates the arrival of Spring on the Spring Equinox.
OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE: See; Astral Projection
PAGAN: Generally accepted as anyone who follows any religion which
believes in more than one God. These are called polytheistic
religions and are usually nature based. The literal Latin
translation is "country dweller".
PAGANING: Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the Gods.
PANTHEISTIC: Seeing the Divine as everywhere and in everything.
PANTHEON: This is the term used for that group of Gods and/or Goddess
accepted by a religious path. There are set groups as in Egyptian, Greek and Roman, but some Pagans and Wiccans may select only a subset of the known Gods and Goddesses.
PENDULUM: An object hanging from a string or chain used in
divination. The object could be anything with some weight, like a crystal or brass object. A favorite is a lady's long hair with her wedding ring hanging from the end.
PENTACLE: This is a five pointed star within a circle. When worn as
jewelry one of the points upwards and represents spirit. The other four points in the lower set and represents air, earth, fire and water.
PENTAGRAM: This is a five pointed star, but it has gained a negative
meaning (or satanic) by Christian religious perversion. Worn as
jewelry it can be worn with one point upwards or downwards (two points upwards). When worn with one point downwards it signifies a person is a second degree initiate in some traditions. Many, however, have changed this due to the negative connotation given by Christian perversion. The two points upward is worn by those specifically rebellious to Christianity and who worship the Christian evil called Satan, the Devil or Lucifer.
PENTALPHA: A pentacle with a powerful magical design.
PERSONA: The "comforting cloak" of the Ego; the self-image which the
Ego builds up to reassure itself and to present to the world.
PERSONAL POWER: That energy which sustains our bodies. It ultimately
originates from the Goddess and God (or, rather, the power behind Them)
PISCES: The 12th sign in the zodiac. Symbolized by the Two Fishes, is
a Water sign and is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune.
PLANES: The various levels of being and activity - Spiritual, Mental,
Astral, Etheric and Physical.
POLARITY: The term given to those energies which balance everything
in the world. These energies consist of equal, opposite energies like yin and yang, dark and light, sun and moon, etc. These energies exist in everything.
POPPET: This is a doll specially prepared to represent a particular
person at whom a spell is directed.
POSTULANT: See; Neophyte
POTION: An herbal tea or brew used in many magical or healing rituals.
POWWOW: A term used for the type of folk magic based on 400 year old Elite German Witchcraft and indigenous to the Dutch Country of Pennsylvania. Also known as hexcraft.
PRANA: The vital force of the Cosmos as it operates on the Etheric
level; it permeates this and other solar systems, and every living organism is charged with a concentration of it.
PRECOGNITION: Psychic awareness of future events.
PRIEST: A male dedicated to both the service of his chosen deity(s)
and humankind. A "High Priest" is the male leader of a coven and plays the role of the Horned God in certain ceremonies.
PRIESTESS: A female dedicated to both the service of his chosen deity
(s) and humankind. A "High Priestess" is the female leader of a coven and plays the role of the Goddess in certain ceremonies.
PROJECTION: The psychological mechanism of subconsciously crediting
(or discrediting) another person with qualities or shortcomings which are in fact elements of one's own psyche.
PROJECTIVE HAND: Your strong hand, the one you use for writing,
working, etc. It is the point at which personal power is sent from the body, as opposed to the receptive hand.
PSYCHE: The total non-physical make-up of a human being.
PSYCHIC MIND: The subconscious or unconscious mind, in which we
receive psychic impulses. The psychic mind is at work when we sleep, dream and meditate.
PSYCHISM: The act of being consciously psychic, in which the Psychic
Mind and Conscious Mind are linked and working in harmony. Ritual Consciousness is a form of psychism.
PSYCHOMETRY: The psychic "reading" of a material object, and its
associations and history, by handling it.
PURGINGS: Lesser exorcisms that cleanse and turn away negativity or
impediments, absorb negativity to be buried for grounding, and dissipate negative energies.
QUARTERS: The North, South, East and West sections of and area. This
is most significant in the circle.
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QUARTERS: North, East, South, West quadrants of a magickal circle.
QUERENT: In astrology and divination, a person who asks questions of
the astrologer or fortuneteller.
RADE: "Ride"-the wild ride of the Hunter gathering the souls of the
dead; passing of the Wild Hunt or the Rade is demonstrated by stormy weather and fast-moving, roiling black clouds.
RECEPTIVE HAND: The left hand in right-handed persons, the reverse
for left-handed persons. This is the hand through which energy is received into the body. See; Projective Hand.
REDE: rule or law.
REDE WICCA: The Wiccan Law - ...An ye harm none, do as ye will.
REINCARNATION: The system by which a soul is born into repeated
physical bodies in order to learn and evolve. It is accepted that this process ends when all karmic energy comes into balance. Further rebirths may occur at the souls discretion in order to teach younger souls.
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTION: Anything related to imagination and
creativity . The right hemisphere of the brain controls the left side of the body. Compare to; Left-Brain Function
RIGHT HAND PATH: Used to describe those who follow the positive laws
of any path, including the rede.
RITE: Another word for ritual.
RITUAL: Can be described as any act (ceremonial or not) to focus or
enhance energy to a specific goal. This energy can be used in magic or religion to gain a spiritual union with the divine.
RUNE(S): The letters which have remained from old Teutonic, Nordic
and Anglo-Saxon alphabets used in divination and magick. Some of these letters may have entire meanings or concepts associated to them. Combinations are sometimes used for magickal power.
SABBAT: A specific celebration in the Wiccan/Pagan tradition. There
are eight Sabbats in a year. Four occur on the Solstices of a year and are called the Greater Sabbats. The other four occur on the Equinoxes and are called the Lesser Sabbats.
SACRIFICE: In primitive religions (Christianity of the first
Testament included) a live animal would be sacrificed to a
particular deity by the ritual killing thereof at an altar. This is
not an accepted practice in Witchcraft, Wicca or any modern Pagan path or tradition.
SAGITTARIUS: The 9th sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Centaur
Archer, is a Fire sign and is ruled by Jupiter.
SAINT JOHN'S WORT: A healing herb associated with magic and
Witchcraft. Also called St. John's Plant or herb and Mugwort.
SALAMANDER: The traditional name for an Elemental (q.v.) spirit of
the nature of the Fire element.
SALT: Used in many magical procedures, including Wiccan, as a kind of spiritual antiseptic, or purifying symbol.
SAMHAIN: One of the eight Sabbats which is celebrated on or around 31
October. It is a festival which celebrates the end of summer. Also known as Halloween.
SCORPIO: The 8th sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Scorpion, is a
Water sign and is ruled by Mars and Pluto.
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: A method of divination by staring at something like a
crystal ball or black mirror. Other popular objects for scrying are incense smoke, flames and pools of water or ink.
SEPHIRA: (plural Sephiroth) Any one of the ten spheres on the Tree of
Life, the central concept of the Cabala.
SHADOW: The buried, unconscious elements of the human psyche;
everything except the Ego and the Persona.
SHAMAN / SHAMANESS: A priest or priestess who communicates with the
inner planes by self-induced trance. Obtaining knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, during these periods of alternate states of consciousness. Usually ritualistic or magical in nature, sometimes religious.
SHAPESHIFTING: The act of transforming from human into animal or
mystical creature and vice-versa.
SIGIL: In Ceremonial Magic, an image that symbolizes a specific
spirit, deity, angel or supernatural being.
SIMPLE FEAST: It is the ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God.
SKYCLAD: The term used for ritual nudity. It is considered by some
that clothing may hinder magickal energies. Being nude is not a
requirements and up to the individual who wishes to practice so in private or trusted coven.
SKYFATHER: Used in many Native American belief systems. Commonly used
in conjunction with the Earth Mother.
SMUDGING: The practice of waving smoldering incense or herb bundle
about an individual or area to cleanse or purify. It was adopted from Native Americans.
SOLAR ECLIPSE: Emblem of the God in his aspects of Dark Lord, Lord of
Shadows, Death, Chaos, Resurrection, Hunter, and Leader of the Wild Hunt.
SOLITARY: A term used to describe a Witch who practices the Craft
without belonging to a coven.
SOUL-MATES: Individuals who are continuously involved with each other
in successive Incarnations, becoming rather like a pair of binary stars.
SPELL: The collection of energy which is directed by word in prayer
form to achieve a goal. This may include elaborate, ceremonial or simple ritual.
SPIRITS OF THE STONES: The elemental energies naturally inherent
at the four directions of the Magic Circle.
SPIRITUALISM: The belief that the spirits of the deceased are able to
communicate with the living through a person known as a medium or by other means.
SPRING EQUINOX: See; Ostara
STARGAZING: See; Astrology
STONEHENGE: A prehistoric ceremonial ruin and one of the most famous
and controversial megalithic sites in the world. It forms a magical circle and is aligned with certain celestial constellations.
SUMMER SOLSTICE: See; Litha
SUMMERLANDS: A spiritualist word for the Heaven which souls enter
after death. Often used by believers in Reincarnation to denote the Astral stage of rest after physical death.
SUMMONER: The male officer of the coven who corresponds to the
Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest.
SUN: The symbol of the Horned God, the sun is an ancient symbol of yang energy and the masculine forces of nature.
SUN SIGN: The sign of the zodiac that a person is born under.
SWORD: One of the four elemental tools, representing the Fire element or in some traditions, the Air Sylph The traditional name for an Elemental spirit of the nature of the Air element.
SYLPH: an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Air or
is associated with the AIR Element.
TALISMAN: An object, usually worn as jewelry, which has been charged
with specific energy for a specific purpose.
TANTRA: An Eastern system of spiritual development through sexual
energy.
TAROT: A deck of 78 cards used for reading the past, present, future and fortune. It is divided into two parts; Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
TAURUS: The 2nd sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Bull, is an
Earth sign, and is ruled by Venus.
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TELEKINESIS: The power of moving physical objects by purely psychic
effort.
THEISM: Belief in the existence of Gods and Goddesses. Monotheism is the belief in a single God figure and Polytheism is the belief in
multiple Gods and Goddesses. Atheism is the non-belief in Gods and Goddesses.
THIRD EYE: The 6th of the seven chakras situated between the eyes;
the body's highest source of power and clairvoyant vision. This is also the Major Chakra.
THREEFOLD LAW: The law that any act will return with three times the
energy of the original act in the same or a future life.
TRADITIONS: A formalized path with set rules or laws as well as
specific formalized rituals.
TREE OF LIFE: The central glyph or diagram of the Cabala. It consists
of ten interconnected spheres of Sephiroth, each representing a category of cosmic being and activity.
TRILITHON: A stone arch made from two upright slabs with one lying
atop these. Trilithons are featured in Stonehenge.
TRIPLE GODDESS: A Goddess trinity having three different aspects and
names, usually corresponding to the phases of the moon.
TUATHAL: The Gaelic equivalent of Widdershins.
TURNING OF THE WHEEL: Passing of the seasons of the Sabbats.
TWIN SOULS: See; Soul-Mates.
UNCONSCIOUS: That part of the human psyche not directly available to
the conscious Ego. It comprises the Collective Unconscious, and the Personal Unconscious.
UNDERWORLD: In various religions, it is a region conceived to be
below the surface of the Earth and separate from the world of the living where souls go after death; the world of the dead.
UNDINE: An "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Water
or is associated with the WATER Element. Also known as nymphs, mermaids or oceanides.
VAMPIRISM: The draining of psychic energy from one individual by
another.
VERNAL EQUINOX: Another name for the Spring Equinox.
VERVAIN: A magical plant believed to possess the power to cure grief.
VIRGO: The 6th sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Virgin, is an
Earth sign and is ruled by Mercury.
VISION: An altered state of consciousness in which a sacred image is
perceived.
VISION QUEST: It is the use of astral projection to accomplish a
specific goal. Also known as Pathworking.
VISION QUESTING: Using astral projection or dream time to accomplish
a specific goal.
VISUALIZATION: The process of picturing something in your minds eye.
This process is used to direct the projected energy to achieve the goal you set.
VOIDING THE COVEN: The stage where a new coven refrains from working
magically with the coven from which it hived off, until its own
identity is firmly established.
WALPURGIS NIGHT: See; Beltane
WAND: A staff which is used to direct energy in rituals. Though
traditionally made of wood, crystal and various metals are also used. Each wand is individualistic with the makers' own magickal symbols or character.
WARDING: A word used for the art of protection magic.
WARLOCK: A derogatory term for someone who has betrayed the craft
and/or uses their skill for evil/negative purposes. Contrary to
popular belief it is not the term for a male witch who remains just that, a witch.
WATCH TOWERS: Originally from the Enochian branch of Ceremonial
Magick, now incorporated into many "Traditions" of Wicca, these are the four elemental "directions" or "quarters" (corresponding to the appropriate points on the compass) called to protect the Circle during its establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst different traditions) color associated with them.
WATER: One of the four ancient elements that correspond to the West. The spirits of Water are known as Undines.
WATER SIGNS: The three signs of the zodiac attributed to Water -
Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio.
WEBWEAVING: Networking with other magickal people through
conversation, in writing, or by computer to gather information to mutually assist each other in their studies and life goals.
WHEEL OF THE YEAR: A term used by Witches to mean one complete cycle
of the seasonal year, usually starting with Samhain.
WHITE HANDLED KNIFE: See; Bolline
WICCA: In Old English meant "a male witch" and wicce "a female
witch". The Old English for witchcraft was wiccacraeft. Thought by some to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word "wicce" which means to bend or shape. A contemporary Pagan religion with spiritual roots in Shamanism and the earliest expressions of reverence of nature. In more modern times this term is accepted for any person following any of the nature based Pagan beliefs honoring the Goddess and the God.
WICCAN: A follower of Wicca.
WICCAN REDE: The simple rule of Wiccans which states "An harm ye
none, do what ye will." This is not the entire rede, but the essence thereof. See the poetry page for the entire Rede.
WICCANING: In Wicca, the ritual blessing of a newly born baby; the
witches' equivalent of a christening, except that it is not intended to commit the child permanently to any one path.
WIDDERSHINS: Counter clock-wise movement. The opposite of deosil.
Normally used in banishing rituals.
WINTER SOLSTICE: Another term for the Sabbat of Yule.
WITCH: Any person who practices magick to achieve there goals. By
this understanding, not all Witches are Wiccan and not all Wiccan are Witches. The term is used for both male and female practitioners. A male witch is not called a Warlock (See: Warlock). Also, anciently, a European practitioner of the remnants of pre-Christian folk magic, particularly that relating to herbs, healing, wells, rivers and stones.
WITCH BOTTLE: Any glass bottle or jar which is filled with variety of
objects, charged with magical power and used for protection, love, etc.
WITCH QUEEN: A High Priestess from whose coven at least two other
covens have hived off.
WITCHCRAFT: The art of using magick to achieve set goals in
conjunction with natural energies and correspondences.
WITCHES' LADDER: A string of forty beads, or a cord with forty
knots, used (like a rosary) as an aid to concentrated repetition without the distraction of actual counting.
WITCHES' RUNE: A power-raising chant accompanied by a ring dance.
YANG: In Taoism, the active, masculine and positive cosmic principle
that is opposite but always complimentary to Yin.
YARROW: A medicinal and culinary herb long associated with the
practice of Witchcraft.
YIN: In Taoism, the passive, feminine and negative cosmic principle
that is opposite by always complimentary to Yang.
YULE: One of the eight Sabbats celebrated on or around 23 December. This festival celebrates the Winter Solstice when the God is reborn from the Goddess.
YULE LOG: A log ritually burned at Yule to mark the death of winter
and the birth of the sun.
ZODIAC: An invisible circular band in the sky through which the
planets are seen to move. Divided into 12 sections called zodiac signs. Thanks for Sharing with us - JohnAdams |
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