| Terms and Definitions Continued H - S Handfasting ~ The original type of non Church Wedding Ceremony. In days gone by peasants could not afford a Church Wedding and therefore opted for a Handfasting. Also the name for the Witches/Pagans' wedding. High Priestess/Priest ~ The leader of a coven is usually the High Priestess in Wicca. However, in other traditions either may take the roll of leader. Some traditions drop the "High" part to the title preferring everyone to be equal. However, in all cases the leader will usually be the person with most experience. Initiation ~ Literally means "to begin". In the craft intiation is seen as the permanent declaration to ones gods and coven. Many Wiccans' within the craft refer to three degrees of initiation, each denoting a different level of attainment and ability. However, other traditions may not talk in degrees but have differing types of initiation. Lore ~ Knowledge, handed down from generation to generation. Originally oral tradition, a lot of old lore is now finding its way into books. In our scientific age much ancient lore was thought to be superstition but is now being proven and accepted. Magic ~ The ability to create change by force of will. It is amusing to think that a lot of what we take for granted now, such as the Telephone, Electricity etc., would have been considered as Magic by our ancestors. Occult ~ A word that puts dread into many but which literally means "Hidden" . Today the word tends to be used in a derogatory fashion for anything which is not understrood and therefore feared. Orthodox ~ A term used by some to identify beliefs which many tend to think of as older than the supposedly "New Age" beliefs. However, the reverse is true, for example people think that Christianity is an older belief system than the modern Pagan beliefs, when in actual fact the origins of Paganism (including Witchcraft) pre-date it by a long way. Pagan ~ A generic term which embraces a number of pre-Christian religions, including Druids, Witches, Heathens to name but a few. Pagan may come from the word paganus, referring to those who did not live in towns - country bumpkins so to speak or the word pagus, administrative unit used by the occupying government. Either way it was used as an insult. However, it is a term used now by many with pride. Pathworking ~ A guided meditation used in order to learn more than you already know. Pentagram ~ A five pointed star symbolising Air, Earth, Fire and Water wtih Spirit being the top point of the star. Sometimes a Pentagram is enslosed within a circle representing the earth/world cycle of life and is called a Pentacle. Priest and/or Priestess ~ In the craft we are each our own Priest or Priestess, and need no one to speak to our Gods for us. Quarters ~ The four cardinal points of the compass, North, South, East and West which are linked to the directions of the Elements. Rite ~ A small piece of ritual such as the Rite of Wine and Cakes not generally performed on its own. A series of rites put together are a ritual. Ritual ~ A seriesof rites put together to achieve a specific goal or result. Sabbat ~ A seasonal festival. There are eight Sabbats in the Witches calendar which together are often referred to as "the wheel of the Year". Sabbats are a time of celebration and festivity. Many old ones are still celebrated by many under more modern names such as Christmas for Yule and Halloween for Samhain. Sacred Space ~ For many their place of worship or religious buiding such as a Church or a Synagogue. Witches create their Sacred Space wherever and whenever they need it. Magicl workings and celebrations take place within its boundaries. |
 |
 |