ADEPT: An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system. A person can be an adept at Egyptian magickal practices, but a total failure at practical kitchen magick.

AEROMANCY: Divination by the stars.

AISLING: A Celtic-Irish word meaning "dream" or "vision", pronounced "ash-leen".

AKA: The cord between the astral body and the physical body, most likely this concept is derived from the biblical reference to a "silver cord" connected the body and the soul.

AKASHA: The Fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is related to outer space, inner space, the unmanifest, and the life force.
See Also Elements

AKASHIC RECORDS: In the early part of this century the famed psychic Edgar Cayce brought to general society the thought form of Akashic records. Supposedly, there is a giant data base somewhere that can be accessed for information on subjects such as past lives, healing, and other magickal/spiritual practices. This record system cannot be accessed by material equipment, such as PC networking with a larger computer. In this case, the mind of the psychic or Witch accesses the data through Universal Connections.

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.

ALEXANDRIAN TRADITION: Based on the teachings of Alex Sanders.

ALIGNMENT: Synchronization of mental and spiritual vibrations with a god, goddess, or astronomical body. Often the complete balance and centering of the chakras is called an alignment.

ALTAR: A special, flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment. An Altar is a table on which candles are burned and items are placed for use during magical rituals. This is where all materials needed to complete the spell or perform the ritual are located when doing so, since while this is taking place, a circle is cast around the area by the witches. The size and the shape of the altar do not matter, and it does not have to be covered with a cloth, when working magic.

AMULET: Usually considered an object of protection that has been charged to deflect specific negative energies or thought forms. Amulets can be made of feathers, plants, beads, etc. The horseshoe and the four-leaf-clover are two examples of amulets. An Amulet is a consecrated object that attracts luck as well as other types of powers. They are also used for protection and personal power aids, to protect against ghosts, demons, and other evils.
See Also Talisman

ANKH: An Egyptian hieroglyphic that is widely used as a symbol for life, love and reincarnation. It is depicted as a cross with a looped top.

ARADIA: A champion Italian Goddess sworn to protect her people against the aggression of masculine faith and its persecutors during the reign of medieval terror. The original Aradia was a female Christ figures in Italy who taught around 1353. She was imprisoned more than once, escaped several times and eventually disappeared. The second Aradia you will hear about is Leland's Aradia, a book detailing information from an Italian Gypsy Witch. The third Aradia is the daughter of Diana and Lucifer (God of the Sun). She is considered the Queen of the Witches.

ARCANA: The two halves of a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trumps depicting dominant occurrences in our lives. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit cards (sometimes called the lesser Arcana) that assist in fleshing out the trump situations, or indicate smaller occurrences in our lives. See also Tarot Cards.

ARCHETYPES: (EF) Extremely basic forms within the human psyche; the archaic "racial memories." Refer to the works of Dr.Carl Jung.

ARTHURIAN TRADITION: A Welsh tradition of paganism based on the lore of King Arthur (the "Once and Future King"), Merlin the Magician, and Guinevere.

ASUTRU: Modern worship of the old Norse gods. [For more information see http://www.spiritonline.com/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: (SR) This word conjures lots of definitions. To keep it simple, let's describe it as another dimension of reality. Referred to as "dreamtime". This reference is from the Australian Aboriginal people and their teachings, which are well worth further study.

ASTRAL TRAVEL/PROJECTION: The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dreamtime.

ASTROLOGY: The practice of revealing the future by interpreting the arrangement of stars and planets in relation to astrological theory and the zodiac.

ATHAME: A cleansed and consecrated ceremonial knife used in ritual work by Witches. The knife is never used for blood-letting, and rarely used to cut anything on the material plane.

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.

BANE: Another word for bad, evil, destructive.

BANISH: To magically end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of.

BELTAINE: A Wiccan sabbat held between spring and the onset of summer, between April 30th and May 1st. [For more information see http://www.spiritonline.com/wicca/3.html]

BESOM: A bundle of twigs attached to a handle used to cleanse and purify sacred space. Essentially a witch's broomstick.

BI-LOCATION: This is an interesting practice. You use a type of astral projection to travel in everyday reality by retaining the capability to be aware of your present surroundings.

BIND: To magically restrain something or someone.

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. If this cycle occurs over a Full or New Moon (and you can arrange that) she is far more powerful than during any other time of the month, as long as she acknowledges this strength within herself. For too many years women have been told that they must regard their cycle with an unkind eye, calling it a curse when actually it is a boon. Society has so dictated this to them that many feel weak, tired and disoriented because they are supposed to. Wrong. If you can rearrange your thinking on this matter, the Blood of the Moon can pack a powerful wallop for you. if you feel spacy, try grounding.

BOOK OF SHADOWS: A relatively new term for the collection of information in book form for a Witch's reference. Much akin to a magickal cookbook. Another name for this text would be grimoire. A Wiccan Book of rituals, spells, and magical lore. Once hand copied upon Initiation, the B.O.S. is now photocopied or typed it some Covens. No one "true" Book of Shadows exists; all are relevant to their respective users.

BOLLINE: A curved, white-handled knife used for practical magickal purposes such as cutting. For instance, the knife can be used to harvest herbs, cut a branch for a wand, inscribe candles, etc.

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: In reference to a historical time from around 1000 CE through the 17th century when it is said that over nine million people were tortured and burned by church and public officials on the assumption that they were the Christian version of Witches. This turned into an extremely profitable venture, as all land and property was seized from the accused individual and portions given to the accuser (in reward fashion) and the remainder seized by the church officials. Historians indicated that the majority of people tortured and murdered were women and children.

CABALA: Also seen as Kabbala, Kabbalah and Qabala. The ancient Hebrew magickal system.

CALL: Invoking Divine Forces.

CANDLEMAS: Pagan sabbat held on Feb. 1.

CANTRIP: A spell cast by a witch. It is small, quick, and has minimal effects.

CARDINAL POINTS: North, East, South, and West. Symbolized by the circle in magic (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. A cauldron is a small, typically black, cast iron pot which Witches use to brew potions, burn incense, or hold herbs or charcoal.

CENSER: A container in which incense is smoldered 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.

CENTERING: Grounding your energy through meditation, often before rituals to help harness and direct the balanced energy.

CHAKRAS: Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually associated with a color. These vortexes are: crown - white; forehead (third eye position) - purple; throat - blue; chest - pink or green; navel - yellow; abdomen - orange; groin - red. Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet, as well.

CHARGE, THE: Originally written in modern form by Doreen Valiente, it is a story of the message from the Goddess to Her children.

CHALICE: 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.

CHANNELING: New Age practice wherein you allow a disincarnate entity to "borrow" your body to speak to others either through automatic writing or verbally. Channeling does not have a very good track record simply because it is difficult to prove and the information imparted is usually not about things that can be "tested." Subjects normally involve distance prophecy, what the after-life is like, the structure of other dimensions, words of wisdom that everybody really needs to know before it is too late, etc. Channeling is the new buzz-word for mediumship. The best known and most accurate medium within our present century was the later Edgar Cayce. Most book stores will carry some of his material and it is well worth your time to read. Channeling is not the same as contacting the dead for information or help.

CHANT: Repetition of magickal phrases, syllables, or words to produce a desired effect as well as bring the chanter to a deeper meditative state.

CHAOTE: A Chaos magician not actively in practice.

CHARMS: Can either be an amulet or talisman that has been charged by saying an incantation over it and instilling it with energy for a specific task.

CHI: A Chinese term for the all-encompassing universal life force.

CHEIROMANCY: Divination based on the examination of the hand, related to palmistry.

CIRCLE: A protected area where ritual work takes place. A Circle is a visualization of energy, surrounding you in a circular shape.Circles are believed to protect against harm, and keep magic confined inside or outside them.

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 and focused by either an individual or group mind (coven) to achieve a definite purpose. The most interesting Cone of Power raised in recent history was that of the Witches of England who stood together, despite their differences, to turn Hitler back from the shores of their beloved country.
Conjure
To summon entities from the spirit realm into the physical plane.
CLEANSING: The act of removing any negative energy, vibrations or images from an object or place by utilizing positive, psychic energy.

CONSECRATION: The act of blessing an object or place by instilling it with positive energy.
Circle of Protection; CoP
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.

CORRESPONDANCES
Materials used in magick which relate to their specific goal. These can be herbs, stones, moon phases, colors, numbers, etc. An example would be mugwort used in a dream spell, as mugwort is a popular herb corresponding to dreams.

COVEN: A group of thirteen or fewer Witches usually led by a High Priest and/or a High Priestess that work together in an organized fashion for positive magickal endeavors or to perform religious ceremonies. A group of Wiccans, usually  initiatory and led by one or two leaders.

COVENSTEAD: Meeting place established by a coven, and is often a fixed building or place where the Witch can feel safe and at home.

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.

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, Imbolb, Beltane, 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.
 
 

DAYS OF POWER: Although usually referred to as Sabbats, these are other days throughout the year that can be considered days of power. These days can be triggered by astrological occurrences, your birthday, a woman's menstrual cycle (also know as the Blood of the Moon), or your dedication/initiation anniversary.

DEDICATION: Unlike the initiation ceremony that brings one into an order, the dedication of a Witch is that process where the individual accepts the Craft as their path, and vows to study and learn all that is necessary to reach adeptship in a given tradition. In a dedication, you consciously prepare yourself to accept something new into your life and stick with it, regardless of the highs and lows this action may produce.

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.

DEOSIL: Clockwise movement. Most rituals and ceremonies, even spells, call for deosil movement at some point in their construction.

DESIDERATA: Desiderata is the Latin word meaning 'things that are yearned for'.

DIVINATION: The art of using magickal tools and symbols to gather information from the Collective unconscious on the nature of people. places, things, and events in the past, present and future.

DOWSING: The art/science of using a pendulum or stick to find the actual location of a person, place, thing or element. Dowsing can also be used to answer yes or not questions. and quite a science has developed by holding a pendulum over a specially designed chart to answer specific questions on life patterns.

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 used during the Full Moon by Witches to empower themselves and unite their essence with a particular deity, usually the Goddess. Usually 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.

EARTH MAGICK: A practical form of magick wherein the powers and forces of Earth Mother are used to conduct magickal workings or celebrations. Usually items associated with the Earth and nature hold a particular significance in the ritual or spell.

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.

ELDER: Many Wiccan organizations have a group or board of Elders who oversee the operations of the church and its variety of functions. These people have usually gained their positions through a combination of their abilities which may include education, experience, magickal adeptship and counseling.

ELEMENTAL: A spirit formed of one of the elements. Elementals are spirit-based creatures  that personify the four anchient elements. These 4 elements are: Earth (represented by the elemental spirits of Gnomes), Air (represented by the elemental spirits of Sylphs), Fire (represented by the elemental spirits of Slamanders), and Water (represented by the elemental spirits of Undines).

ELEMENTS: Usually counted as four: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. However, many Witches add Spirit or Akasha to this category, as well. Each element has a direction within a magick circle or working: East = Air; South = Fire; West = Water; North = Earth; Center = Spirit or Akasha. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These four essences are the building blocks of the universe. Everything that exists (or that has potential to exist) contains one or more of these energies. The elements hum within ourselves and are also "at large" in the world. They can be utilized to cause change through Magic. The four elements formed from the primal essence or power- Akasha.

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 magickal object that must be kept absolutely secret and hidden from all human eyes ands affects a hidden aura. Enchantments must be charmed first. Gems and magickal writing are good items for Enchantments

ESBAT:A gathering for ritual work, generally during the full or new moon.

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: To call something out from within.
 
 

FAMILIAR: An animal who has a spiritual bond with a Witch; often is the family pet. Familiars can also be entities who are created to protect your home from the astral.

FASCINATION: A mental effort to control another animal or person's mind. It has been referred to as "mind-bending." Although the technique of fascination runs a borderline when considering humans, it should not be totally trashed. Using it for a love spell would be unethical, and much like committing psychological rape. But if you found yourself in an unsafe situation where your person (or friend or family member) is in real physical danger. I wouldn't have the guts to tell you not to use all the tools and skills available to you.

FATE: The destined result of life after a sequence of fated events.

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."

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).

GAEA/GAIA: Greek Goddess, now meaning Earth Mother or Mother Earth. Environmental action groups use this term almost as much as we do, if not more these days.

GARDNERIAN TRADITION: Tradition of witchcraft based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, who was essentially the founder of modern Wicca.

GEOMANCY: Divination by the earth.

GLAMOUR: A form of magick which involves changing people's immediate perception of you. It generally is simply altering your physical appearance (eye color, 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.

GODS: Immortal beings, also called deities, worshipped by their followers and invoked for magick. A "god" is generally male, whereas the female version is "goddess".

GRAMMARY: Written magick, including symbols, signs, Ogham, and sigils.

GREAT RITE: This rite see most commonly in witchcraft marks the initation into the third degree. Sexual in nature, but can be performed symbolically instead.

GRIMOIRE: A magickal workbook which contains various information on rituals, formulae, correspondences, and preparation of ritual tools and space. Similar to a Book of Shadows.

GRIS-GRIS: In African religious systems, a charm, fetish, or amulet.

GROUNDING: Sending excess energy generated during a ritual into the earth, symbolically, back to the God or the Goddess from which it came.
 
 

HALLOWS, HALLOWEEN: Another name for Samhain.

HANDFASTING: A Wiccan or Pagan marriage ceremony.

HANDPARTING: Similar to a seperation or divorce, symbolically the cutting of the binds created by a handfasting.

HARUSPICY: Divination by animal entrails.

HEATHEN: 1. One who does not recognize the God of the Bible. 2. A pagan. 3. An irreligious, uncivilized person. Can be used in this context as a derogatory term for a pagan, despite the fact that it's an inaccurate generalization.

HEDGE WIZARD: A rural practitioner who has little formal training, or none at all.

HEPTAGRAM: A seven-pointed star drawn with one unbroken line. Symbolic of the number seven, which is important not only to the seven traditional astrological planets but also to the seven planes and subplanes and the seven chakras.

HEREDITARY WITCH: A person who descends from a line of witches and has learned the Craft from a member of this descent.

HEXAGRAM: A geometric figure formed by two overlapping triangles, also called the Star of David. While it is used in modern magick to invoke or banish spirits, it is traditionally Jewish.

HIEROPHANT: A priest of the mysteries who reveals his secrets only to this initiates.

HIGH MAGICK: Ceremonial magick involving the actions of deities or spirits.

HIGH PRIEST: A male witch within a coven who has been initiated into the 3rd degree. Abbreviated in written rituals as HP.

HIGH PRIESTESS: A female witch within a coven who has been initiated into the 3rd degree. Abbreviated as HPS in written rituals.

HIGHER SELF: Non-physical, true self. The enlightened, "actual" persona of the individual as opposed to what the person seems to be or thinks they are.

HORNED GOD: Pagan father God often mistaken for, or associated with, Satan. This is an incorrect assumption.

HYDROMANCY: Divination by liquid, especially water.

IMBOLC: Pagan sabbat celebrated on Feb. 2.

INCANTATION; INCANT: The spoken part of a spell. An incantation is another name for a Spell or a series of rhymed words that cause an effect. Uusually incantations are used to reverse harm or to bless magical objects.

INITIATE: A person who has undergone the rite of entry into a coven, circle, or other organization.

INITIATION: An experience that so transforms the individual that their concept of personal and worldly reality has been altered. A dedication ceremony should not be confused with an initiation. A process whereby and individual is introduced or admitted  into a group, interest, skill or religion.  Initiations may be ritual occasions but can also occur spontaneously.

INVOCATION: The bringing of a divine power from the exterior into a ritual or magickal working through chant or prayer. An invocation is generally an acknowledgement of the deity and a request that they be present for the working.

INWARD SILENCE: The silencing of the emotions and thoughts that disturb the effectiveness of a ritual.
 
 

KI: Japanese word for the universal life force, synonymous with the Chinese term, Chi.

KITCHEN MAGICK: A practical tradition of witchcraft mainly for suburban or lower budget witches that allows one to utilize household items instead of the often difficult to obtain ritual items.
 
 

LAMMAS: A pagan sabbat which takes place on August 1st.

LEFT-HAND PATH: A term that points to those people who feel that they are justified in using magick for purposes that are not constructive to other human beings. It is a reference that they are possibly a self-serving individual. Conversely, the right-hand path is considered positive in nature.

LEVITATION: The supernatural phenomenon involving suspending a body in midair without physical bolster.

LITHOMANCY: Divination by stones.

LOA: An ancestral deity in the Vodou religion.

MACROCOSM: The greater world or universe. The world around us.

MAGE: A master magician; often a mage is a scholarly and skilled practitioner who prefers that the only tools of their magick be their mind, ability, and spirit.

MAGIC(K): The art and science of focusing your will and emotions to effect change both in the world around you and the world within you. Magick is neither good nor evil, positive nor negative. It is the use of the power that determines the path it will take. The movement of natural energies (such as Personal Power) to create needed change. Energy exists within all things- ourselves, plants, stones, colors, sounds, movements. Magic is the process of rousing or building up this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Magic is a natural, not supernatural, practice,  though it is little understood.  Magic is the art, science, and nature of producing an effect without physical aid, to control the enviornment, or to use energy to gain an advantage over something. Magic is also a study of illusions, or tricks with the mind and the eyes.

MAGICK CIRCLE: A circular boundary drawn in visionary blue flames or white light that protects the Witch from outside forces while conducting ritual magick. One must never step outside the circle while performing a ritual unless the appropriate precautions have been take to cut a door. Nor should anyone step in during a ritual, unless they are following a pathway made for them. The door is usually cut with the athame or wand. The circle should never be left hanging after your ritual is over. This means that it must be closed just as ceremoniously as it was opened. The magick circle is considered the doorway between the worlds and allow us to move between the two. Some Witches draw the circle in the physical, either permanently on the floor or for temporary use with herbs, sand, salt, chalk or a nine-foot cord. The circle us still cast with blue or white light by the High Priestess/Priest or individual designated to do so. In some covens, the person in charge if a particular quarter is responsible for preparing the area before the coven members arrive. This includes cleaning the area, cleansing, consecrating, and making sure all the necessary supplies have been transported to the location.

MAGICKAL NAME: A name chosen by the dedicant or initiate to symbolise rebirth into their new path.
MAGICKAL SYSTEMS: Can refer to Traditions, denominations, sects, or pantheons. It is a basic set of guidelines relating to specific Gods and Goddesses or cultural traditions.

MAGICKAL VOICE, THE: The commanding, assertive voice used to read power words during rituals which allows no doubt or insecurity in. This applies whether the voice is speaking tone, a loud whisper, or in song.

MAIDEN: 1. The name of one of the members of a coven, generally the assistant to the High Priestess. 2. One of the aspects of the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) symbolised by the waxing moon, creation, and the time between Beltane and Imbolc.

MEDITATION: The practice of inverting the mind to pay attention to the inner silence instead of the outer chaos. Other forms of meditation focus on the outer chaos instead. This practice is accepted in almost all religions, but is encouraged most in Buddhism. Reflection, contemplation, turning inward toward the self or outward toward Deity or nature. Quiet times in which  the practitioner may dwell upon particular thoughts or symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.

MERRY MEET: A greeting commonly used by Wiccans and pagans. It basically means "Greetings". Abbreviated as MM.

MERRY PART: A friendly phrase that basically means "Goodbye", used by Wiccans and pagans. Abbreviated as MP.

METAPHYSICAL: Having the nature of metaphysics.

METAPHYSICS: A field of abstract thought and philosophy about topics not on the concrete or physical level of understanding. This includes subjects like existence, the soul, being, the supernatural, astral travel, psychicism, and so on.

MICROCOSM: The lesser world, the physical. Said to parallel the macrocosm, or greater world. the world within us.

MIDSUMMER: Sabbat celebrated in June.

MOJO: Magick.

MOJO BAG: A small bag generally worn around the neck which is charged with energies towards a certain goal and filled with charms, herbs, and/or stones.
 
 

NECRONOMICON: A pseudo-grimoire. The notion of such a book was made by H.P. Lovecraft in fictional writing, but an unknown author wrote it and some people today still believe it is a valid source of occult information.

NEO-PAGAN: Literally, new pagan. Modern earth religion which branches from paganism and is based on ancient pre-Christian religious practices. Wicca, for example, is a neo-pagan religion, derived from ancient witchcraft and paganism. A member, follower or sympathizer of one of the newly formed Pagan religions now spreading throughout the world. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan.

NEW AGE: Usually refers to mixing metaphysical practices with a structured religion.
 
 

OCCULT: Study and science of things esoteric, secret, paranormal, and supernatural.

OGHAM: The magickal Celtic alphabet made up of 20 letters called fews, each representing a different kind of tree.

OLD RELIGION: This is a term often used for Wicca and witchcraft. It was used because witchcraft is believed to descend from ancient paganism. However, it is misleading when used in relation to Wicca, which is a fairly young and modern religion based on witchcraft.

OMEN: An sudden occurence which is interpreted as being a sign of good or evil. Often it will be small yet significant; a vase falling over or a cup of water spilling, for example.

ONEIROMANCY: Divination through dreams.

ORACLE: A person through which otherworldly entities can be communicated with, similar to channeling. People often see oracles to ask questions or to be given insights to their future.

OSTARA: Sabbat which occurs to celebrate the onset of spring. The Christian holiday of Easter originated from Ostara, a celebration named after the goddess of Spring and rebirth, hence the egg and the rabbit as the primary symbols.

PAGANDOM: Part of the world inhabited primarily by pagans.

PAGANISM: Any religion other than Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Generally categorized as an earth religion. Most are polytheistic (have more than one god or goddess). Literally means "country dweller".

PAGAN STANDARD TIME: A slang term for when people cannot arrive or get an event going on time. Almost extinct because it was a poor excuse to begin with. Abbreviated as PST.

PALLOMANCY: Divination with a pendulum.

PANTHEON: A Collection or group of Gods and Goddesses in a particular religious or mythical structure. Example are: Greek pantheon, Roman pantheon, Egyptian pantheon, Teutonic pantheon, etc.

PAST LIFE REGRESSION: A technique used by hypnotists to lead a person in a trance which allows them to supposedly recall events from previous lives, when their soul was in a different physical body at another time period and place. Assuming belief in the human soul, this is actually very logical, and can be explained as simply a matter of helping the human mind connect to the soul mind and read the memories stored there. [For more information see http://www.spiritonline.com/meditation/medpast.html]

PENDULUM: A tool often used to communicate with spirits or divine. See also divination.

PENTACLE: A circle surrounding a five-pointed, upright star (known as a pentagram). Worn as a symbol of a Witch's belief and used in magickal workings and ceremonies. Each point on the star has a specific meaning: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Pentacles are never worn inverted in the Craft. Witches consider this blasphemy of their faith. However, an inverted pentagram is used in some second degree initiations, not to indicate evil, but to fulfill a function of growth. A ritual object (usually a circular piece of wood, metal, clay, etc.) upon which a five-pointed star (Pentagram) is inscribed, painted or engraved. It represents the Element of Earth. The words "pentagram" and "pentacle" are not interchangeable, though they understandably cause some confusion.

PENTAGRAM: A five-pointed star drawn with a single line. Upright, it resembles a human figure, with spirit taking the highest importance. Inverted (upside-down) it is often considered a Satanic symbol. This is not always true, though. In Wicca an inverted pentagram is a sign used by a second degree initiate to symbolise their progress and the facing of the "dark" side of life. When inverted, it represents the elements taking precedence over spirit. A symbol of Witchcraft, in the shape of a five-pointed star, which represents the 4 spiritual elements surrounded by the spirit.

PECTI-WITA: A Scottish tradition of Wicca, see also Wita.

PHILTRE: A potion, especially for love.

PHRENOLOGY: Character analysis by studying the shape and surface of the skull.

POTION: A potion is a herbal brew used by Witches for harm or for good. Most potions have some sort of plant or herbal base, mixed with other elements, depending on what the potion is used for. Potions are thought of to be good and healing, in most cases.

PREMONITION: A premonition is a "vision" or a series of events that a person sees with their mind.  power. A person may receive premonitions by either making contact with a person or object, or thinking about something very hard. Premonitions have been hailed as "being able to see the future" in our modern day society.

PRIESTESS: A female dedicated to both the service of her chosen deity(ies) and humankind. a High Priestess is the feminine leader of a coven or Wiccan organization and plays the role of Goddess in certain ceremonies. A solitary Witch can be a Priestess by dedicating herself to a particular God or Goddess.

PRIEST: A male dedicated to both the service of his chosen deity(ies) and humankind. a High Priest is the male leader of a coven or Wiccan organization and plays the role of the God in certain ceremonies.
 

(NOTE) Neither male nor female has dominion over the other in the Craft. The High Priest and High Priestess in a coven environment should work as a balanced team. On occasion they draw the energy of the God and Goddess respective to their sex in order to further a positive magickal working or celebrate a holiday. These people must be skilled in magick and ceremony, but they also need maturity, wisdom and a great deal of humility. They are required to be diplomatic and merciful when the situation demands. Their job is not an easy one. You will hear reference to the Great Rite, wherein the High Priest and High Priestess magickally draw the energy of the God and Goddess through sexual interaction, either simulated or real. However, if intercourse actually takes place, it is almost always done in privacy, out of sight of the other coven members. In the 1970s sexual intercourse among coven members was prominent in some traditions. In the 1990s with the threat of the AIDS virus and society's shift to more conservative views on sexuality, actual intercourse is not as widely practiced. Sex magick is NOT a requirement for any individual to practice Witchcraft.

PROJECTIVE HAND: A term often used in ritualism to describe your most powerful hand, generally the one you write with.

PROPHET: One who receives inspiration, information, or insights into the future from a divine source.

PSYCHIC AWARENESS: The open state of awareness in which the conscious mind can tap into the psychic mind.

PSYCHIC MIND: The sub- or un- conscious mind which is receptive of psychic messages. When we are psychically aware, the two minds link and we can intercept these messages. 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 describe  psychic information, which unexpectedly reaches the conscious mind.

PYROMANCY: Divination by fire.
 
 

QUARTER DAYS: The solstices and equinoxes.

QUARTERS: The north, east, south, and west parts of the circle, often representative of the four watchtowers.

RECEPTIVE ENERGY: The opposite of Projective Energy; magnetic, soothing, attracting energy often used for meditation, promoting love, calm and quiet.

RECEPTIVE HAND: The hand which has less power, generally whichever hand you do not write with. This hand is used less in holding and charging ritual items, however, it receives outside energy which is used to feed the magick.

REDE: A tenet, rule, doctrine, or law.

REINCARNATION: The belief that one has lived before in another lifetime. The doctrine of rebirth. The process of repeated  incarnations in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless soul.

RIGHT-HAND PATH: A term used for a person who practices magick that is beneficial to others. Opposite of left-hand path.

RITE: A ritual.

RITUAL: A focused mental/physical ceremony to either honor or thank one's chosen pantheon, or to perform a specific magickal working or act. Ceremony. The specific form of movement, manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired  effects. In religion, ritual is geared toward union with the divine. In Magic it produces a specific state of consciousness which allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals.

RUNES: A set of symbols that are used both in divination and magickal workings. There are several types of runes with different origins. A few are the Norse, Scandinavian and Germanic runes. Unlike the Tarot, they are an integral part of the magickal system with its own pantheon, should you care to use it. They can function as an alphabet and are useful in vision questing, dream recall and controlling your environment. Stick-like figures, some of which are remnant of old Teutonic alphabets. Others are pictographs. These symbols are once again widely being used in Magic and divination.
 
 

SABBAT: One of the eight celebrations  or holidays of paganism.

SALAMANDER: The elemental who dwells in the fire plane.

SAMHAIN: Sabbat held on the eve of Nov. 1st, also called Halloween and celebrated by most people (religiously or not) on October 31.

SCRYING: A divination method using specific tools such as a bowl of inked water, a mirror, crystal ball, etc., where the diviner "sees" either normal visual pictures, mental visual pictures, or information without any pictures at all!

SHADE: The spirit of a being which refuses to leave the physical plane.

SHAMANISM: The religion of the ancient peoples of northern Europe and Asia, generally characterised by the ability of the Shaman to communicate with the spirit world. Major facets of Shamanism are animism, possession, prophecy/revelations, shapeshifting, and soul travel.

SHAPESHIFTING: A very esoteric practice involving changing the human form. This can be practiced while on the astral plane, this alone is a great accomplishment. It is said that one can also shapeshift on the physical plane, though documented proof of this is nonexistent. Few books are published on the subject as it is an art mainly for certain people, and teachers prefer to find these people and teach them their art secretively rather than let the public know their ways.

SHOWSTONE: A crystal sphere used for divination, especially scrying. Also called a crystal ball.
 

SIGIL: A magickally oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal working. The most powerful sigils are those that you create yourself. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, on paper tucked in your pocket, etc.

SKYFATHER: Assigning deification to the sky as a male entity. Although shamanistic in its origin, it compliments Earth Mother perfectly. Skyfather is also used by several Native American belief systems.

SKYCLAD: In some traditions, for example the Alexandrian, it is the act of celebrating or doing a magickal working in the nude. This should not be misconstrued with sexual contact. There are many solitaries that prefer to work skyclad, feeling that he absence of clothing leaves their energy unhindered during the ceremony.

SOLITARY: A witch who practices alone instead of within a coven.

SO MOTE IT BE: A phrase used often in rituals to close a chant or incantation. It literally means, "It must be so" or "So it shall be".

SORCERY: Magickal practice which involves summoning, binding, or banishing deities. Often a sorcerer (practitioner of sorcery) uses no tools.

SOUL:The true identity of a human being, the immortal self which surpasses death and lives on into the otherworld, perchance to be reincarnated.

SPELL: Extended mental and emotional energy spoken aloud, written, spoken to oneself, drawn or even danced. To work, it should be clear, concise, focused and emotional. The need must be present to bring any spell to a successful culmination. A spell is an incantation formula, a prayer, or a magical ritual performed by Witches. Spells usually are have a tendency to be written in rhyme, this was they are remembered better. A spell is something that is cast by reciting the words, thus causing the desired effect by the spell.

SPELLCRAFTING: The practice of creating spells by writing outlines, arranging correspondences, and authoring incantations.

SPIRAL: The sacred spiral plays an important part in magickal workings. It is the symbol of "coming into being." A spiral dance celebrates the spiral symbolism.

SUMMONER: Like a male version of the maiden, a member of the coven who is an assistant to the High Priest.

SYLPH: The elemental of air.

SYMBOL: A sign which represents something else. Symbols are used commonly in rituals to represent gods, elements, goals, and more. Many tools are symbols, for example, the chalice is a symbol of the goddess and the giving of life.

SYNCHRONICITY: A Jungian term describing a coincidence which seems to have meaning yet no connection is clear.

TALISMAN: An object that has been magickally charged in order it bring something to the bearer. Such an item could be a gemstone to win a court case, or a drawing to put in your pocket that will bring good luck.

TAROLOGIST: One who is adept at the art and science of handling the Tarot.

TAROT CARDS: A set of 78 cards which carry pictures and symbols used to connect the diviner with the collective unconscious. On one knows the specific origin of the cards, and there are many beautiful decks now on the market. Although the Rider/Waite deck is well known. Silver prefers the Witches' Tarot or the Robin Wood Deck. The cards can be used to determine the past, present and future of an event or person and can become powerful tools in magickal workings and rituals.

TASSEOGRAPHY: Divination by reading tea leaves.

TELEKINESIS: A form of psychokinesis which involves moving objects with the mind without ever physically coming in contact with them.The ability to move or control objects through the mind, without physical aid.

TELEPATHY: Unspoken (psychic) communication between two minds.

THELEMA: Religious beliefs that are founded on magic within the Christian pantheon.

THEURGY: Magick involving the use of divine spirits and oneness or closeness with one's God/Deitie(s).

THIRD EYE: The psychic eye, not physically visible, but mental. Located in the middle of the forehead.

THREE-FOLD LAW: Also known as the Rule of Three, A Wiccan principle which originated from the teachings of Gerald Gardner. It states that any action made by a person will be returned them three times as powerfully, whether the action was good or bad. By this law, you are encouraged to do good things so that you will be rewarded later on with three times the benevolence, as opposed to bad things which result in thrice the consequence.

TOTEM ANIMAL: A spirit guide in the form of an animal who chooses to accompany you. This tradition is derived from Native American spirituality.

TRADITIONS: Sects or groups which practice Wicca. Each tradition has a different set of rules and guidelines by which it follows, so when one chooses a tradition, one much be aware of the facets of the tradition and believe that the rules suit them best. Some examples of traditions are Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic, Faery, and Strega.

TRANSMUTATION: The work of alchemy, changing base metals and elements into precious things.

TREE CALENDAR: Celtic system which recognizes 13 lunar months, each represented by a sacred tree.
 
 

ULULATION: The part of an incantation or chant which demands full vocal force and volume.

UNCASTING: Opening the circle at the end of a ritual.

UNDINE: The elemental spirit who dwells on the water plane, such as a mermaid.

UNMANIFEST: The unknown source of existence, it is said that magicians take their power from the unmanifest to use it within the manifest.

VAMPIRISM: The practice of subsisting on the vitality of another. Commonly this is blood, other times it is life force (sapped psychically).

VEIL OF UNKNOWING: The boundary between the manifest and the unmanifest.

VIRTUES: Magickal properties of objects like herbs, stones, and creatures as was assigned to them during their divine creation.

VISION QUESTING: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dreamtime to accomplish a specific goal. Also called pathworking.

VISUALIZATION: 1. Forming clear mental images often used in magick to focus and direct energy to a visualized goal. 2. Imagining a scene, a person, or an object with intense clarity. This is often done through a meditation with a written "visualization journey" which allows the practitioner to enter an imagined place to make personal discoveries.

VODOU: Polytheistic religion derived from worship of gods in African and the beliefs of Catholicism. Practiced mainly by the West Indians.

VOODOO: Alternate spelling of Vodou.

WAND: A tool in magick which resembles a rod and is used to direct energy towards a goal.

WANING: The lunar phase when the moon is getting "smaller" (more crescent-like). This is the time when magick that involves banishing things, breaking habits, and getting rid of things is to be performed. Opposite of waxing.

WARD: A protection spell.

WARLOCK: A warlock is a derogatory term used by the Church as a name for a male Witch. The word stems from Latin Waerloga, or oath-breaker.  It is a common misconception that male witches are called warlocks. However, male witches are no different than females in this respect and so they are simply called witches.

WATCHTOWERS: A concept derived from ceremonial magick; the four watchtowers each represent a cardinal direction, element, elemental, and a color. They are commonly used in modern Wicca.

WAXING: The lunar phase when the moon is getting "larger" (nearing the full moon). This is the time when magick that involves growth and bringing things to you is best performed. Opposite of waning.

WEBWEAVING: Networking with other magickal people through conversation, in writing, or by computer to gather information to mutually assist each party in their studies and life goals.

WHEEL OF THE YEAR: One full cycle of the seasonal year, beginning with the Samhain celebration.

WICCA: A neo-pagan reconstruction of witchcraft. Most Wiccans call themselves witches, but not all witches are necessarily Wiccan. A contemporary Pagan religion with spiritual roots in Shamanism and the earliest  expressions of reverence of nature. Among its major motifs are: reverence for the Goddess and the God; reincarnation; magic; ritual observances of the Full Moon, astronomical and agricultural phenomena; spheroid temples, created with Personal Power, in which ritual occur.

WICCAN: 1. A person who follows or practices Wicca. 2. Something related to Wicca. (For example a wiccan book, wiccan artwork, etc.)

WIDDERSHINS: Counterclockwise motion used in some magickal workings or ceremonies.

WISE WOMAN: A solitary female practitioner of witchcraft who gave charms and healing salves to villagers in Europe.

WITA: Scottish Wicca. See also Pecti-Wita.

WITCH: A practitioner of witchcraft. There are many types and traditions of witches. A witch is not necessarily a Wiccan, though if a Wiccan practices witchcraft they can be called a witch. Anciently, a European practitioner of the remnants of pre-Christian folk magic, particularly  that relating to herbs, healing, wells, rivers and stones. One who practiced Witchcraft. Later, this term's meaning was deliberately altered to denote demented, dangerous, supernatural beings who practiced destructive magic and who threatened Christianity. This change was a political, monetary and sexist move on the part of the organized religion, not a change in the practices of Witches. This later/ erroneous meaning is still accepted by many non-Witches. It is also, somewhat surprisingly, used by some member of Wicca to describe themselves.

WITCH BALL: An 18th century tradition; a glass sphere hung in windows to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Christian concept of the Christmas tree ornament came from.

WITCHCRAFT: The practice of spells and magick, often involving the worship of many deities or a supreme God and/or Goddess. The craft of the Witch-Magic, especially magic utilizing Personal Power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors and other natural objects. While this may have spiritual overtones, Witchcraft, using this definition, isn't a religion. However, some followers of Wicca use this word to denote their religion.  Some people prefer complete intricate rituals for casting spells, others are more relaxed in their magick. Please know that magick isn't to be taken lightly, and shouldn't be used to control anyone in any way  You should be well versed on this subject before attempting a spell or other form of magick.  Witchcraft is the study and practice of one of the oldest forms of religion in our society. Witchcraft is the practice of folk religion that combines Magic, nature, herbal essences and other older Christian religions, such as the Druids or old English. Witchcraft is also the term used meaning the craft caused by a witch.

WITTA: Irish Wicca.

WIZARD: A name for male ceremonial magicians, rarely used for Wiccans unless they are eclectic and use ceremonial magick as well.

WORD OF POWER: A word or name which is supposed to have great power when spoken, most are almost impossible to pronounce and have no meaning in any language.

WORKING: As in MAGICKAL WORKING. The process of using magick to reach a desired positive goal.

WORT: An archaic word for herb.
 
 

YGGDRASIL: The Norse tree which held up the world and the heavens; its roots led to the underworld. It provided the complex network of the universe.

YIN/YANG: The twin poles of energy. The yin/yang concept if one system of viewing the universal energies. Yin coorresponds to Receptive Energy and yang to Projective Energy.

YULE: The pagan winter sabbat. Also called Winter Solstice.

YULE LOG: The traditional log burned at Christmas ceremonies which most likely came from a pagan tradition for Yule celebration.