| Pagan and Wiccan Definitions |
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| Alchemist One who practices alchemy. Alchemy A form of high magick which stems from the middle ages noted by the attempts of alchemists to make lead turn into gold. ALEUROMANCY A form of divination where papers with written answers are placed within dough balls and baked. Modern fortune cookies are a derivative of this. Alexandrian Tradition Based on the teachings of Alex Sanders. Alignment Synchronisation of mental and spiritual vibrations with a god, goddess, or astronomical body. Often the complete balance and centreing of the chakras is called an alignment. ALLEGORY Allegory is the supreme achievement of Pagan religion. Is the art of using easily understandable symbols to describe difficult or abstract concepts. In this way for example, we describe the interaction of spirit and body, a complex and intangible concept, as the dance of Goddess and God -a concrete and easily understood image from which the higher concept can be extracted. It is allegory, which allows us to speak of "energy" as "light". It is allegory, which allows us to speak of the Universe as a Divine Web, connecting all things. Allegory allows us to free ourselves from literality, and opens the door to abstract thinking. ALTAR A special table or shelf where ritual objects are placed for the purpose of work & worship. An altar table can be most anything from a patch of ground to a marble pedestal (and anything in between). Items that may be found on an altar include candles, an athame and/or wand, a dish of salt and water (for purification and to represent Earth and Water), stones, incense, small statues of the God and Goddess, other objects symbolic to the ritual purpose. It is generally considered preferable for an altar to be made of wood or stone. Metal is usually not used because of the conductivity of its nature, though altar pieces are often of metal, and it is not unusual for an altar table to be decorated with metal ornaments or inlay, or to have a metal frame. ALTAR CLOTH A cloth placed upon an altar to enrich or decorate it. Altar cloths originated in a time when all cloth was woven by hand, and embroidered cloth was a status symbol and its use a sign of an important occasion. Altar cloths are often very beautiful, and sometimes include a wall hanging behind the altar as well. ALTAR TABLE The surface on which an altar is set up, an altar table can be most anything from a patch of ground to a marble pedestal -and anything in between. It is generally considered preferable that an altar table be made of wood or stone (or such materials as plaster or terra cotta, for that matter). Metal is usually not used because of the conductivity of its nature, though altar pieces are often of metal, and it is not unusual for an altar table to be decorated with metal ornaments or inlay, or to have a metal frame. AMULET An object worn or carried to drive away negative energy or spirits. It is a protective object that is sometimes inscribed with runic or other magickal symbols and charged with personal energies through ritual or meditation. ANCESTORS Ancestors are spirits of people who have helped to shape us into whom we are. Commonly these are deceased family members, and it is in this way that the term is primarily used. But Ancestors need not necessarily be people to whom we are related by blood. A deceased person who helped us in some important way or whom we particularly admire may also be considered an Ancestor. Sometimes a historical personage to whom we are drawn (perhaps because of a past life connection of which we may or may not be conscious) will be considered an Ancestor. Ancestors are the spirits we honour as being fundamental to the development of our character, and to whom we have a strong psychic bond. Often they will act as Spirit Guides to us, advising and aiding us as we go through life. Ancestors should be acknowledged and honoured regularly, to strengthen the bond between us and them. ARADIA The Italian goddess Diana's daughter, said to be the origin of all witches. The book "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches" was written by Leland about Aradia and the practice of witchcraft. ARADIAN An Italian Wiccan tradition as examined in a classic book by Charles Godfrey Leland caled the Vangelo Delle Streghe. Archetype Symbolic imagery seen in visions, dreams, meditation, and mind quests. Used to interpret the meaning of the vision thereby betting understanding and communicating with the subconscious. Arthurian Tradition A Welsh tradition of paganism based on the lore of King Arthur (the "Once and Future King"), Merlin the Magician, and Guinevere. AS ABOVE SO BELOW The ancient maxim "As Above, So Below" is attributed to the Egyptian spiritual Master Hermes Trismegistus, whose Emerald Tablet and other works were the standard of traditional Hermetic teaching. What is meant by this phrase is that all of creation, whether great or small, reflects the same Divine Nature, or plan. As all things that exist are emanations of the Goddess and the God, all things naturally mirror and reflect their divine qualities. For this reason the same Truth will be discerned in a galaxy of stars, and in a single grain of sand, if one is open to it. It is ultimately on this principle that all forms of divination are based. Asatru Modern worship of the old Norse gods. Aspecting An advanced magical practice which is seen most commonly in a coven as opposed to solitary. The practitioner attempts to manifest an aspect of the Goddess or the God. This is seen in the pagan ritual of Drawing Down the Moon as well as in other pagan religions such as Vodou, where the priest often allows the deity to speak through his or her body. Asperger A bundle of fresh herbs either carrying dew or dowsed with spring water, used to sprinkle the water during ritual purification. Astral Plane A plane parallel to the physical world, travelled through by the astral body during projection. Astral Travel The experience, whether spontaneous or induced, of travelling through the astral realm in the form of the astral body. Astrology The practice of revealing the future by interpreting the arrangement of stars and planets in relation to astrological theory and the zodiac. ATHAME (pronounced: a-THA-may) The athame is usually a black handled, double edged knife used in rituals. It is symbolic of the element of fire and it can be used while laying down circle boundaries and for inscribing candles. Also a phallic symbol. ATHAME It acts as an extension of ones will, focusing energy to direct power during magickal workings. The Magical Knife, or Athame (or Arthame), is an ancient tool of magic, used for many purposes including casting the magic circle, and the preparation of various magical items or ingredients. In certain Traditions the Athame must be of a particular colour and made in a particular way, but in general use today an Athame can be any sort of knife. Attune To bring different psyches into harmony. Augury Divination based on "signs" or omens. Aura An energy field which surrounds living beings. An aura is most often visible only to those born with the skill to see it, or those who developed this ability. A visible aura contains various colors and tells about the spiritual and emotional persona of the plant, human, or creature surrounded by it. However, an aura can also be felt, heard, or sensed through other means. Balefire A traditional fire lit outdoors during Yule, Beltane, and Litha. B.C.E. (Before Common Era). Few non-Christians see any relevance to idea of dating events from the supposed date of the birth of Jesus. So instead of using B.C., we prefer B.C.E. In practice it means the same thing. BELLARMINE JARS Bellarmine jars were large jars decorated with the face of a bearded man, said to be one Cardinal Bellarmine. Often the Jar actually had three faces of the same man, sometimes conjoined. It is believed that they actually represent the Horned God. Bellarmine jars were particularly favoured for bottle magic. Beltaine A Wiccan sabbat held between spring and the onset of summer, between Oct 31st and Nov 1st. Besom A bundle of twigs attached to a handle used to cleanse and purify sacred space. Essentially a witch's broomstick. BIBLIOMANCY A form of divination where you let a book fall open, pointing with closed eyes to a spot, and finding significance from the chosen word or passage. Binding Using magick to restrain someone or something, or to 'bind' them to you. Blessed Be A term derived from the ritual of the Five-fold Kiss, it is simple a blessing commonly used by wiccans and pagans as a greeting or a goodbye. Abbreviated as BB or B*B. Blood of the Moon A woman's menstrual cycle, considered important and a crucial time for magick to be performed, especially when it crosses the new or full moon. BOLEEN At one time there were a number of variations on the idea of the magical knife, most of which are no longer in general use. One of these divided the magical knife into two instruments, the black-handled Athame, used for various magical operations, notably casting the Magic Circle, and the white-handled Boleen, used to create magical artefacts, such as the wand and various engraved symbols. The Athame was considered sacred to the Goddess, while the Boleen, or Burrin, was considered sacred to the God since it was used in physical operations. BOOK OF SHADOWS A book in which spells, recipes, magickal workings, rituals, and journal entries, laws/rules are kept, and other documents important to a witch or coven. Traditionally, every student copies their teacher's Book of Shadows in their "own hand of write" (own handwriting). The computer revolution has superseded this a bit nowadays. Gerald Gardner, the father of modern Wicca, published his Book of Shadows in the 1930's. It is his book that some people refer to as "The Book of Shadows". BOOK RELIGIONS According to Orpheis Caroline High-Correll, there is two religions in the world: Native (or Pagan) religions, and the Book religions. Pagan religions are living religions that grow out of people's direct experience of Deity through Nature and metaphysical experience. Pagan religions change and develop as culture and peoples' abilities develop. The Book religions descend from the Bible and Koran and believe themselves to be "revealed religions" -that is, that they are perfect in origin and must never be changed. BORN OLD People who are born with the veil between the conscious self and the powers of the soul very thin, and who can thus access the Higher Self easily with minimal or no instruction, are said to have been "born old". Talents that others must work to develop come to them easily, seemingly without effort. This is because such souls have already put out great efforts to develop these skills in previous lives, and bring them through to the present. Broom Closet Not meant literally, this is a term used to describe someone who is "in the broom closet", or in other words, who is not public with their pagan practices. Burning Times This is a word used to describe the execution of the witches during their persecution from the Middle Ages onwards. Most executions were in fact by hanging, not burning. While it is claimed that thousands and even millions were killed, a small fraction were actually witches. Many were heretics or Christians accused of witchcraft by those who disliked them. BURRIN Another name for the White Handled Knife. Cabala See Qaballa. CANDLE MAGIC Candle magic is the art of using a candle to focus your energy and intent to bring about a desired result. Usually the candle is lit and focused on for a period of meditation. The candle may then be allowed to burn on, until it is consumed. As the candle burns the desired event is brought into manifestation. Or the candle may be extinguished, and the ritual repeated at intervals, as every day for a set number of days. In addition there are many other ways to use candles in the practice of magic. Always remember that magic is a tool of self-improvement and transformation, and should be used with care and for the good of all. Candlemas Pagan sabbat held on Aug 1st. CAKES & ALE / CAKES & WINE Similar to Communion, a time to give thanks during ritual for all we have received and to remember to share what we have with others. Cakes can be biscuits or crackers or special breads baked for the ritual; ale may be an alcoholic beverage, juice, water, milk, or other special beverage. The cakes and ale are blessed before being consumed. Cantrip A spell cast by a witch. It is small, quick, and has minimal effects. Cardinal Points North, East, South, and West. Symbolised by the circle in magick (which connects the points), the four elements, and the watchtowers. Catharsis The release of magickal energies at the height or climax of a ritual. Essentially the use of energy at the catharsis is the crux of the rite, determining whether its outcome will be successful or not. Cauldron A feminine symbol of the goddess, also of life, death, and rebirth. This is associated with Cerridwen, a goddess who brewed a magickal cauldron from which a single drop was yielded each year. The consumer of her brew would be granted great wisdom. Today her cauldron survives not only in pagan ritual but in the Christian concept of the holy grail. C.E. (Common Era). Few non-Christians see any relevance to idea of dating events from the supposed date of the birth of Jesus. So instead of using A.D. we prefer C.E. In practice it means the same thing. CELTIC The Celtic people are believed to have developed in central or Eastern Europe sometime around 700 BCE (500 Aries) and spread through Western Europe all the way to the British Isles -though some scholars believe their origin to be much earlier. Interbreeding with the pre-existing peoples of Western Europe, the Celts developed a distinctive and highly mystical culture. Absorbed by the Roman Empire, Celtic culture had a strong influence on medieval Europe and consequently the modern world. The Druids, the Celtic priesthood, have been a subject of fascination for subsequent generations, and are believed to be a major contributing strain to modern Wiccan thought. The great Greek philosopher Pythagoras cited the Druids as a primary source for many of his teachings as well. Censer A container in which incense is smouldered or burned. It symbolises the element of air. Often a censer is used during ritual to "cense" an area, generally by moving the censer around the area and especially around the circle as a means of purification. Centreing Grounding your energy through meditation, often before rituals to help harness and direct the balanced energy. CERNE ABBAS The Cerne Abbas Giant is a huge chalk carving in the English countryside. The carving shows a naked man with a huge erect penis, carrying a club. It is believed to represent the Horned God, Whose attributes include the club or staff. Even though this particular example has no horns per se. "Cerne" is believed to be a shortened form of "Cernunnos." CHAKRA Chakras are the energy centres of the body, where body and Spirit most strongly connect. There are thousands of Chakras in every part of the body, which are connected to each other by meridians, or energy pathways. This is the basis of such systems of medicine as acupuncture, shiatsu, and moxidermy, which treat physical illness by applying stimulation to the Chakra points. In general practice however, most people work only with the seven major Chakras which correspond to the seven spheres of existence and the seven bodies. These are the Root Chakra, at the prostate in males and the paraurethral gland in females, corresponding to the physical plane. The 2nd Chakra, at the testicles in males and the ovaries in females, corresponding to the emotional plane. The Solar Chakra, roughly at the navel, corresponding to the mental plane. The Heart Chakra, at the heart, corresponding to the astral plane. The Throat Chakra, at the throat, corresponding to the soular or egoic plane. The Third Eye, at level of he pineal gland, corresponding to the monadic plane. And the Crown Chakra, at or above the top of the head, corresponding to the Divine. Energy centres in the body which are best cleansed, opened, and balanced and closed. Too much or too little energy in one chakra can be the cause for disruption in magick or frustrations in everyday life. CHALICE The ritual cup used in Wiccan ritual, said to be cognate to the Holy Grail and Magical cauldron of ancient mythology. The Chalice represents the womb of the Goddess, from which all creation proceeds. A feminine symbol of the element water. This is used during ritual and once the waters of life which it contains is blessed, it is passed around so that everyone in the coven may bring the Goddess "into" themself. Channelling Mediumship; a word for an entity talking through a human to convey a message to the physical plane. CHANT: Repetition of magickal phrases, syllables, or words to produce a desired effect as well as bring the chanter to a deeper meditative state or for the mere joy of singing. Here are a few popular Pagan chants: · We are a Circle within a Circle, with no beginning and never ending (written by Rick Hamouris) · Earth my body, Water my blood, Air my breath, and Fire my spirit (origin unknown) · We all come from the Goddess, and to Her we shall return, like a drop of rain, flowing to the ocean (written by Z. Budapest) · We are one with the infinite sun, forever and ever and ever (Hopi Indian chant) CHAOS Primordial Deity, God/Goddess before creation. The original state which contains within itself the beginnings of all that is given form in the physical world, but in a dreamlike and undifferentiated state. Both female and male, spiritual and physical, dark and light, all bound up together. Chaos is also called Unity or Union, among many other names. Chaos is both the starting point and the ending point of creation, it is the wholeness of Deity -from which we come and to which ultimately we shall all return, enriched by our physical experiences. Chaos is also thought of as Deity at rest, between the creation and destruction of successive Universes, or at the centre of multiple Universes. Chaote A Chaos magician not actively in practice. CHARLES GODFREY LELAND Folklorist and author who studied Witchcraft extensively at the turn of the last century. Published the Vangelo Delle Streghe. Cheiromancy Divination based on the examination of the hand, related to palmistry. Chi A Chinese term for the all-encompassing universal life force. CIRCLE The sacred space where worship and ritual occur. In the old days the Circle served the additional purpose of portable temple that could be erected in minutes, in a woodland grove under the full moon. If the persecutors turned up there was no physical evidence. The term can also be used to mean a Coven, Grove or working group (i.e., Raven Circle. The Circle of Oak). Cleansing Purification through a ritual bath (often with a handful of sea salt thrown in) and through meditation to cleanse the psyche. Traditionally performed before every ritual. Cone of Power Psychic energy raised by either an individual or a coven and released to perform a certain goal through magick. Conjure To summon entities from the spirit realm into the physical plane. Consecration The blessing, cleansing, or positively charging of an object which is meant to be used in magick or dedicated to a deity. COP; Circle of Protection See Circle. Corn Dolly A figure made by plaiting wheat, similar to a poppet. It is symbolic of the fertility, grain, and harvest aspects of the Goddess. CORRELLIAN CALENDAR The Correllian calendar was developed as a Pagan response to the Gregorian calendar. The Gregorian calendar is based on the supposed date of the birth of Jesus, and divides all of history in half based on that date. Pre-Christian dates must be calculated backward in this system, which not only makes Jesus appear to be the centre of time, but also effectively veils pre-Christian history behind a wall of unwieldy calculations and an artificial sense of separation from modern events. The Correllian calendar is cyclical, never using backward dates as such, and having no single "beginning" which might serve to divide time into "us" and "them". CORRESPONDENCES Materials used in magick which relate to their specific goal. These can be herbs, stones, moon phases, colours, numbers, etc. An example would be mugwort used in a dream spell, as mugwort is a popular herb corresponding to dreams. Correspondence is a teaching system, which uses the idea of Sympathy to say that items, which have the similar qualities, may be represented by each other. Thus the Direction of the South is said to correspond to the Element of Air, the quality of Thought, the Dawn of the day, the Spring of the year, the beginning of any project, the Maiden Goddess (such as Aradia or the Greek Kore), the Young God (such as Horus or the Green Man at Spring), and many other things. Used in part as an aid to memory, the system of Correspondence illustrates the idea that "As Above, So Below" and is used at the heart of the system of Allegory through which many Pagan and Wiccan ideas are portrayed and transmitted. COVEN A group of 2 or more Pagans who worship together on a regular basis. The idea of covens having 13 members is a bit odd. Covens can be of any practical size, but the ideal is to have an even number (equal numbers of priests & priestesses). Covenstead Meeting place established by a coven. Cowan A slang term for a non-witch or non-pagan, generally used as a derogatory word for a pagan who is considered a fake or a poser. Craft, the The Craft is a term used to refer to witchcraft and wicca. CRONE A term of respect used for a witch who has passed menopause or who is over 50-56 years old. The Goddess in Her aged form. The Crone is represented by the Waning Moon, and rules over wisdom, understanding, magic, and learning, among other things. People who do not possess wisdom often fear it, and thus the Crone Goddess is often feared as well. She is the Goddess of death, Who consumes all things -but only to give them transformation and rebirth. The Crone is often equated with Primordial Deity, Who precedes all creation, and waits to consume (i.e.; re-unite with) it at the end of existence. In popular iconography the Crone is the "Hallowe'en Witch" with Her pointed hat symbolising the upward spiralling cone of power, Her broomstick for sweeping away old forms of existence, and Her cauldron of transformation for creating new ways of being. Croning A rite of passage into being a crone. Cross of Confusion An ancient Roman symbol which questioned the validity of Christianity. Cross Quarter Days A term used for the fire sabbats (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine, Lammas). The most important festivals of the years which form the "cross" in the wheel of the year. Cunning Man A practitioner of magick; this term dates back to long before Christianity. He was relied on by villagers to bring a good harvest, protect them from evil, and provide charms and medicines. The Cunning Man survived the coming of Christianity, but not for very long. Curse Conscious direction of negative energy towards a person, place, or object. CYBELE Cybele was the Phrygian form of the Great Mother, Who was adopted by the Romans as Mother of the Gods. Cybele was worshipped by transexual Priest/esses who castrated themselves and afterwards lived as women -somewhat to the horror of the conservative Romans. The myth of Cybele is very ancient, and has its roots in the earliest times. It was taught that Cybele was the first Being to exist in the Universe. She was all alone, and possessed the characteristics of both sexes; that is to say She was both male and female, at the same time. When She grew tired of being alone and desired a companion, She castrated Her male parts, and flung them to the Earth, whereupon they became the God Attis, Her Son, Brother, and Consort. It will readily be seen that this myth is cognate to that of the Vangelo Delle Streghe, with Cybele being the Goddess Who creates the God out of Herself. Daemon A Greek word for spirit. DARK HALF The Dark Half of a thing is its process of Involution, or looking inward. During this process things narrow and appear to decrease or become constrained, to force a tight focus. The night is the dark half of the day. The waning moon is the dark half of the lunar cycle. The winter is the dark half of the year. And so on. Days of Power Significant magickal days around the year. See also Sabbats. Degree The level or status of a practitioner of magick. You must face various tests of knowledge and practical experience in order to progress to another degree within your tradition. Typically, there are three degrees within the Wiccan system. A novice or seeker takes First Degree Initiation following a year and a day of study. After this they are entitled to call themselves "Priest" or Priestess" Then they may progress through Second Degree to Third Degree. A Third Degree Witch is entitled to teach and to run his / her own coven. Some covens arrange things differently. DEITY A god or a goddess. Different religions use different god & goddess names, or different deities, and these make up the PANTHEON of that religion. DEOSIL (pronounced: DAY-o-sil) Sunwise or Anti-Clockwise (Southern Hemisphere), or clockwise movement (Northern Hemisphere) the direction of the apparent movement of the sun across the sky, the direction of creation. Used in magick to raise power.. It literally means "Southwards" from the Gaelic Deas, or "South". Deosil movement represents the movement of spiritual energy into physical manifestation. When opening or casting Circle, the Priest or Priestess will commonly walk anti-clockwise around the circle, symbolic of the cycle of life. Every time you turn in circle you should always move deosil, even if it means making an almost complete circle. The term Deosil refers to motions that go in the same direction as the apparent motion of the Sun. For this reason it is also sometimes called Sunward motion. Used often to describe movement in rituals. This is a pagan custom used to drawn down the power of the sun; most often a person circles three times deosil. It is associated with blessings, luck, and good health or fortune. In magic Deosil movement is used for raising energy, while clockwise (Southern Hemisphere) anti-clockwise (Northern Hemisphere) or Tuathail motion is used to disperse energy. We raise energy to aid in the working of magic and the manifestation of those things we wish to bring about. For this reason most motion in the Magic Circle will be Deosil. Deosil means "Southward" and takes its name from the Scottish term for the Airt of the South: Deas. In correspondence Deas is also identified with the Noonday and the Sun. Almost all peoples have considered Sunward motion to be indicative of manifestation. You will hear some people claim that such and such a people used Tuathail motion to indicate manifestation and work magic, but this is not so: the confusion arises from the use of the terms "right" and "left" to describe movement in the circle. Anti-clockwise movement always goes to the left -yet if you stand in a circle with others holding hands and pass energy around the circle anti-clockwise, you will notice you receive it through your left hand, and pass it on to the right -it is from this that the confusion arises. DESTINY Destiny refers, ultimately, to the lessons afforded one in life, the chances for growth and advancement which will be placed in our path. What we do with these lessons of course is our own -they can be positive or negative according to our choices, rather than any preset destiny. But the lessons themselves are chosen and agreed to prior to birth, to try to stimulate growth the soul needs and desires. Consequently it can be said that life gives us opportunities which we cannot avoid or short circuit, because we have asked for them before entering this life, but what the outcome of these opportunities might be is the result of our own choices and actions. DEVOTEE A devotee is a person who is attached, or devoted, to a particular Patron deity. Thus one might be a devotee of Hecate, or a devotee of Isis, or a devotee of Ganesha, or any of the hundred million some forms of Deity. DIRECTIONS The idea of representing the Earth as defined by Four Directions is ancient. Four is said to be the number of manifestation because there are Four Directions which define the earth, and Four Elements which compose it. Historically the Four Directions have been personified in many ways: in Egypt as the four Sons of Horus Who held up the sky at the four corners of the Earth, in the Grecco-Roman world as the Four Winds. Ceremonials associate the Directions with the Four Archangels, or lesser Gods of their Tradition. The Four Directions are represented by the equal-armed cross, often placed in a circle to represent the world of physical manifestation. DIVINATION Fortune-telling or future-telling by various means. Method of inquiring into a situation through tools. There are literally hundreds of methods, some common, some less so, including: Tarot cards, Rune Stones, Scrying, Psychometry, Oneiromancy, Pendulum, Aleuromancy, and Bibliomancy. Divination should be regarded as a very useful way to predict trends, dangers and opportunities. But be aware that the future is not fixed. A reading can influence ones actions and thus the outcome may change. If a reader tells you an accident is on the cards it dose NOT mean you have to go out and have that accident! It DOES mean you need to take extra care NOT to have an accident. DO AS YOU WILL, BUT HARM NONE The Wiccan Rede, the great law of Wicca. Because what you do comes back to you -through Karma- magic and all other actions should be used for constructive purposes only. Using ones actions for harm is wrong and will only bring harm to you in the end. DOGMA A rigid set of beliefs established by the priesthood of some religions. Followers of such religions are required to accept these beliefs without question. In Wicca we have no dogma. All our beliefs are open to debate and each Wiccan is free to believe whatever feels right for them within a very broad framework. For instance, most Witches believe in reincarnation. However many do not and they are just as much Wiccan as the rest of us. Dracomancer A practitioner of magick who uses dragons in their workings. Drake A dragon, generally refers to a young one. Drawing Down the Moon A ritual which invokes the Goddess into the High Priestess by the High Priest. Dreamtime The Shamanic concept of a world which parallels this one. Druidism An ancient celtic order of priests which has undergone a modern revival into neo-paganism. Earthing See Grounding. Earth Magick A practical form of magick which involves drawing energy from Mother Earth (or Gaia) and the element or elementals of earth for rituals. Earth Power Defines the force or vibration that exists in many inanimate objects like stones, water, fire, and plants. Can be controlled and used in magick. Eclectic A person (or the practice of a person) who combines attributes from various traditions to create a unique spiritual blend of Wicca, paganism, or witchcraft that suits them best. Elemental A spirit formed of one of the elements. The 5 elementals are salamanders (fire), sylphs (air), undines (water), gnomes (earth), and spirit (akasha). ELEMENTS Elements are thought of as the basic building blocks of creation. Different cultures have used different substances to symbolise the elements, and sometimes different numbers of them, and their correspondences vary widely according to location. In the Wiccan religion they are normally said to be: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. All things are said to be made up of these elements in differing proportions. It must be understood that it is not the physical substance that is meant here, but rather the spiritual qualities that they represent. Air represents inspiration, Fire action, Water reaction, and Earth integration. In addition Spirit is said to be the fifth element, of which all the others are manifestations. Just as there is Four Directions, so too there are Four Elements. The Four Elements are said to be the building blocks of all creation, contained in varying degrees in all things. The Elements are usually defined as "Air," Fire," Water," and "Earth" -though it should be understood that it is not the physical substances named, but the qualities associated with them, that are meant. It is also allowed that there is a Fifth Element, Spirit, but it is often listed separately from the Four. In different times and cultures there have been many variations in the theory of the elements, but the basic concept -that all living things contain a mixture of the same qualities- remains the same. Elixir A magically charged liquid which has to have a crystal or gem sitting in it for a specific amount of time before it is ready to drink. Empowerment An individual's assertion of personal power, energy, force, and strength in all fields... spiritual, physical, mental, magickal. Enchantment A method of spellcasting which involves, generally, spoken words of power. An enchantment can be put on something to gain control or authority over it. Enchanted objects generally "carry" the magick put upon them with them, so it does not cease to work but is continually having its effect. ESBAT An Esbat is a monthly ceremony or ceremonies, usually tied to the cycle of the Moon. Esbats are commonly held at the New or Full Moon, but can also be held at the Dark Moon and are a time of worship and spellcasting. Essential Oil A plant oil which is extracted through a very complex process that generally yields very little product, making it costly to buy true essential oils. It's a misconception to think of them as actually being oily because they rarely are. These are called for often in rituals. Evocation Calling up spirits or elementals. EVOLUTION Involution is a process of going inside, of narrowing ones view to the extremely personal and individual. Evolution is the process of coming out from the separate and personal toward the unified and Divine. Evolution increases the vibration and lightens the density, becoming progressively less physical. This is the process of returning to Goddess and to a perspective universality. When the Involutionary process has achieved its end, the natural result is Evolution -as is revealed in the sacred Labyrinth, one first winds in, then winds back out. This process is repeated in countless ways in every moment of existence. Familiar A spirit or guardian who is close to a human being and considered a companion in magick. The spirit often manifests itself in a sacred object or a pet. This explains the misconception that all witches have black cats, which is not necessarily true though a cat is a magickal creature and often does become a familiar. Fascination The practice of controlling another's mind psychically. Can be considered very manipulative and by some traditions a breaking of the Rede, especially when used to frivolously control people. Fate The destined result of life after a sequence of fated events. FENG SHUI This is the ancient Chinese art of Geomancy based on the directions and the Asian system of five Elements. Feng Shui is based on the idea that by allowing a free flow of Chi (spiritual energy), you can create a more harmonious living or working space, which will attract love and success into the lives of the people who use it. With this in mind Feng Shui is used to align the position of buildings, to decorate rooms and in general to divine the most auspicious place to put things. Five-fold Kiss A traditional salute generally performed between the High Priest and the High Priestess. This involves kissing 5 areas on the body of the Priestess with the accompanying magickal words: "Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways." "Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar." "Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be." "Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty." "Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the sacred names." Full Moon Phase of the moon when it has waxed fully. Best time for spells involving psychic powers, and for magick in general. Futhark Runic alphabet used often in divination, its origins are Norse (Germanic). Divided into the elder Futhark and the younger Futhark (which has fewer runes). Gardnerian Tradition Tradition of witchcraft based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, who was essentially the founder of modern Wicca (but not Wicca itself which dates back many centuries). GARTER A band of cloth, leather, or metal, worn around the leg just above or below the knee, or on the arm just above the elbow, the Garter is an ancient garment still in use as an item of dress. The Garter is used by Wiccan High Priestesses (and less often by High priests) as a symbol of rank. There are many variations on exactly how a Garter should be made. Perhaps the most famous example of the Garter from history comes from the reign of England's Edward III. Tradition has it that a noblewoman, perhaps the Countess of Salisbury or the Fair Maid of Kent (consort of the Black Prince) dropped her Garter at a royal ball. The King picked up the Garter, saying "Let none think ill of it," and proceeded to found the Order of the Garter in honour of the event. It is believed that the lady was a Priestess of the Old Religion, and that in doing this the King extended his protection to her. According to Margaret Murray there are many things to suggest the active promotion of the Pagan religion by England's Plantagenate dynasty. GEOMANCY The art of reading the Earth's energies and aligning ourselves and our works to take best advantage of them. By aligning to the natural orientation and flow of energy in this manner, we add to the effectiveness of our workings. On one level Geomancy deals with the Earth's vortices and ley lines, delineating the energetic character of differing physical locations, and the nature of their connection to each other. More commonly however the term Geomancy refers to interpretation by direction. Geomancy has many uses, including the selection of auspicious locations for structures or events, determining the proper directional alignment of buildings or objects, etc... GERALD GARDNER The father of modern Wicca. It was he, back in the 1930's who broke with the long held tradition of silence and secrecy. He realised that secrecy was a legacy of the Burning Times and realised it was now time to come out of the closet. He upset a lot of people, especially Traditional & Hereditary Witches who saw their secrets opened up to public gaze. But he saw beyond that in both directions. He saw our Pagan past, before the Romans invaded, when we lived free and unafraid in our own lands. And he saw our Pagan future, when we will enjoy these freedoms once again. And as he believed, so it became. Glamour A form of magick which involves changing people's immediate perception of you. It generally is simply altering your physical appearance (eye colour, hair length, height, etc.) temporarily. However, it can also include changing people's emotional reaction to you. Glamours last only as long as the magician feeds energy into it. Glyph A sigil imbued with magick. Gnome An elemental that dwells in the earth plane. See also Elementals. GODHEAD The great oversoul of the Universe. Known in many languages and many different cultures, by many different names. The Godhead is the soul of nature. Nature is the body of the Godhead. The Godhead is a big idea, too big to work with on a daily basis without blowing our tiny human minds. So in Wicca we subdivided the Godhead into its male & female components: The God & Goddess. (Christians do a similar thing by breaking it up into Father, Son & Holy Ghost). GOD This word can be used (and often is) in two quite different ways. Firstly it is sometimes used as a synonym for "godhead" where this term is considered to be a bit of a mouthful. Secondly (and more correctly) it is used to refer to the male deity. Some of his names include Pan, Herne, Zeus, Mithras, Osirus, Cernunnos, Apollo, Hanuman, Wotan, or Odin. He is known as Brother, Lover, and Son. Sometimes known as the |