Pagan From the Latin 'paganus'. Basically, a Pagan is one who follows an earth-based religion.

Pantheon A collection of Gods and Goddesses in a particular religion or mythical structure.

Pendulum A divinatory device consisting of a length string or thread attached to a heavy object, such as a quartz crystal or ring. The free end of the string is held in the hand and a question is asked. The movement of the object determines the answer. A rotation indicates yes or positive energy. A back and forth swing signals the opposite. (There are many methods of deciphering the pendulum's movements; use those that work best for you.) It is a tool which contacts the Psychic Mind.

Pentacle A five pointed star enclosed within a circle, four of the points representing the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and the fifth point representing the spirit.

Personal power The energy which sustains our bodies. It ultimately originates from the Goddess and God (or rather, the power behind Them). We first absorb it from our biological mothers within the womb and, later, from food, water, the Moon and Sun, and other natural objects. We release personal power during stress, exercise, sex, conception and childbirth. Magick is often a movement of person power for a specific goal.

Polarity The principle of equal and opposite, such as Male/Female, Light/Dark, Birth/Death etc. Universal balance.

Projective Hand The hand that is normally used for manual activities such as writing, peeling apples and dialing telephones is symbolically thought to be the point at which Personal Power is sent from the body. In ritual, personal power is visualized as streaming out from the palm or fingers of the hand for various magical goals. This is also the hand in which tool such as the Athame and wand are held. Ambidextrous persons simply choose which hand to utilize for this purpose. See also 'Receptive Hand'.

Psychic Mind The subconscious or unconscious mind, in which we recieve psychic impulses. the psychic mind is at work when we sleep, dream and meditate. It is our direct link with the Goddess and God and with the larger, non-physical world around us. Other related terms: Divination is a ritual process which utilizes the Conscious Mind to contact the psychic mind. Intuition is a term used to decribe psychic information which unexpectedly reaches the conscious mind.

Psychism The act of being consciously psychic, in which the Psychic Mind and Consious Mind are linked and working in harmony. Ritual Consciousness is a form of psychism.