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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.
AKASHA ("akasba")
- Which embraces the other four- earth, air, fire, and water; and from which they stem. This is the realm of pattern
or causality, from which the realm the normally thought of "five senses" manifests. Some define it as
the "other" of the "two worlds" that the witch or magician walks between.- the spiritual ether
(or Aether); the omnipresent fifth occult element.
AKASHIC RECORDS - In the
early part of this century the famed psychic Edgar Cayce brought to general society the idea 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.
ALTAR - A special,
flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment. |
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AMULET - Usually
considered an object of protection that has been charged to deflect specific negative energies or invocations.
Amulets can be made of feathers, plants, beads, etc. The horseshoe and the four-leaf-clover are two examples of
amulets.
ANIMISM - Ancient
philosophy that views everything in Nature as having an in-dwelling spirit/soul, including the plants, rocks, waters,
winds, fires, animals, humans, and other life forms. Animism is the foundation of shamanism and has been considered
the earliest form of human religion on planet Earth.
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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 - Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the Goddess used
by Italian witches or Strega, commonly used in many Wiccan traditions today.
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 - Extremely basic forms within the human psyche; the archaic
"racial memories." Refer to the works of Dr.Carl Jung.
ASPECTING - Any advanced
magickal activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought, feelings,
behavior, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct result of a "Drawing Down". Often a minor variation of
this phenomenon occurs with the selection of a "Magical Name", or Craft Name.
ASPECTS - Forms, facets,
or personas of Deity - for example, Brighid, Iseult, Eos, and Kore are all aspects of the Maiden, and the Maiden
is an aspect of the Goddess.
ASTRAL - 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. |
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ASTROLOGY - The belief
and study of the effects of the movements and placements of planets and other heavenly bodies have on the lives
and behavior of human beings.
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ATHAME - A Wiccan ritual
knife. Generally double edged with a black handle, but not always. This knife is seldom used for physical cutting,
if at all, and need not be sharp. It is never
used to draw blood. Wiccans do not draw blood or use blood in their rituals. Its primary use is as an energy directing
device, much like the wand, though with different common uses. Compare to the Boline. Principally used to cast
and dissolve the circle, for which purpose it is interchangeable with the magic sword. It is a tool of the "Element"
of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others. |
BALEFIRE - A synonymous
word of 'Bonfire.' A fire laid and lit for magical or religious purposes, usually outdoors. It is the communal
bonfire of the sabbats, most notably used at Beltane, Litha, and Lughnassadh. Physically similar to the non-magical
non-religious bonfire.
BANE - That which
is harmful, destructive or evil. A negative force or energy
BANISH - To make
go away, To magically end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of, to cast out, etc. The
removal of negative energy or force.
B.C.E. - Before Common
Era, non-Christian version of B.C.
BELTANE ("bell-tain") - May Eve
festival. A grand sabbat also known as Walpurgis night or Roodmas, celebrates the symbolic union and mating of
the goddess and the god. Often celebrated April 30 or May 1, the true occurrence is more often May 5-7th. It is
one of the Ancient Celtic "Fire Festivals." On this night, the cattle were driven between two bonfires
to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would "jump the fires" on Beltane night.
Also the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the "Wheel of the Year" is returned to the Goddess. This
Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother.
BESOM ("beh-som")
- A witches broom used to sweep a sacred area and in effect, purify the sacred space. This legend comes from early
fertility rites where besoms were 'ridden' over crops to enhance the coming bounty. |
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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. Synonymous terms are over-looking and mind-travel.
BIND - To prevent
or limit. In the magickal context, the act of limiting a spell (ie - to ensure it will harm none) or person (i.e.
- to prevent them from harming others). Some consider it unethical to bind people other than yourself.
BLOOD OF THE MOON
- A woman's menstrual cycle. If this cycle occurs over a Full or New Moon (a feat which can be arranged) and if
she acknowledges this strength within herself, the practitioner is far more powerful than she is at any other time
of the month.
BOLINE ("bowl-in")
- A Wiccan ritual knife used for more practical purposes, such as cutting herbs, etc., but never to draw blood. Generally white handled with a curved blade. Where as the athame is a religious
knife, the boline is its practical working sister.
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BOOK OF SHADOWS - Traditionally,
this is a hand copied book of rituals, recipes, and training techniques, guidelines, and other materials deemed
important to a Witch or a coven. Each tradition has it's own standard version of the Book and each Witch's book
will be different as he or she adds to it from many different sources over time. Only another Witch can see your
book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never leave your hands or possession until death, when it should then
be destroyed or (in some traditions) returned to the coven to be disposed of. (Also called a Grimoire) |
BURNING TIMES - A
term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later, from approximately 1500 B.C.E.
and into the 1600's. It is in fact a misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in Scotland, and on the
continent of Europe. In England and the U.S., they were hanged. It is believed that millions of people were murdered
by the Christian church simply because they were 'non-believers'. Since their possessions and assets were seized
at death, the Christian church often profited by the killing witches.
CABALA - Also seen
as Kabbala, Kabbalah and Qabala. The ancient Hebrew magickal system.
CALL - Invoking Divine
Forces.
CANDLEMAS - Also
called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name). It is a festival held on the second day of February and it is
one of the 4 Celtic Fire Festivals. It commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. It
also celebrates the first signs of Spring. This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the
return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other
words, it is the festival commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural
year.
CARDINAL POINTS -
North, South, East, and West, marked in the Georgian Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and blue, respectively.
The Circle is drawn to connect these four points.
CAULDRON - Often
replaced by the cup or chalice in ritual, this tool is used for making brews or magickal potions. Its symbolizes
the womb of the Goddess.
C.E. - Common Era,
non-Christian version of A.D.
CELTIC ("kel-tik")
- An old subfamily of the Indo-European language family comprised of the peoples of England, Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, Brittany and some teutonic lands.
CENSER - An incense
burner. A ritual tool used for burning incense during spellwork or ritual.
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.
CHALICE - One of the tools of the Witch, it is a female principle. Placed
on the altar to represent the element of Water and the west. This ritual tool is also used in libation. |
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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.
CHARGE OF THE GODDESS
- The Traditional words of the Goddess to her followers, or "hidden children". Normally declaimed by
the HPS at every coven Circle.
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.
CIRCLE - The sacred
area in which the magickal worship and spells takes place. The circle not only protects the practitioner from outside
energies but contains the working energies within. Can also be used to designate a particular group of Witches
or Pagans such as "Silver Acorn Circle".
CIRCLE, MAGIC - A
sphere of magical energies in which Wiccan rituals are usually practiced. The area inside the circle is seen as
being sacred ground in which Wicca and their deities may meet. The circle is deconstructed (released, grounded,
etc) after use. Often constructed using the athame, along with incense, salt, and water, but methods vary greatly.
CLEANSING - The act
of removing any negative energy, vibrations or images from an object or place by utilizing positive, psychic energy.
CONE OF POWER - Power
raised in the circle by the Witches assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick, is usually visualized
as being retained and built in the form of a "cone" prior to release.
CONSECRATION - The
act of blessing an object or place by instilling (empowering) it with positive energy. Ritual tools are consecrated.
COVEN - An organized
group of Witches, led by a High priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The
traditional membership is 13, but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the minimum in the Georgian
Tradition. In Middle English, "Covin" a group of confederates; In Old French "Covine" a band
or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together, "Venire"-to come or move. A coven works
and perform rituals together utilizing the greater empowerment of the sum of its members, as opposed to the power
of those members added individually.
COVENSTEAD - Regular
meeting place for a coven. Usually the home of the High Priestess or High Priest. There exists a traditional 20
mile radius between covensteads, in some a 50 mile. This means that one covenstead can't move into another's already
established covenstead, without the permission of the high Priestess in the first covenstead. To do so would be
a breach of conduct and those involved would been seen as without honor.
COWAN - A non-Witch.
Formerly used in a very derogatory manner. Still used in Masonic ritual to indicate the non-initiate and/or pretender
to "real craft". Not often used today among most Witches.
COYOTE ENERGY - Trickster
energies. Named for the American Indian Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what he needs to learn.
Applies to one who constantly jokes and clowns. Also applies to the concept of "Holy Fool" in many traditions.
CRAFT, THE - Witchcraft,
Wicca.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS
- The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas.
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.
DEITY - Synonymous
with a god, goddess or godhead.
DEOSIL ("jesh-il")
- The working act usually in ritual or song of moving or dancing in a clockwise motion. This is used for positive
works and is also known as "Sunwise". While in the northern hemisphere this is clockwise, but it is counter-clockwise
in the southern hemisphere.
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DIVINATION - Magical method
of exploration or inquiry into a situation . The art of peering into the unknown by interpreting random patterns
or symbols. Incorrectly referred to as "fortune telling". examples include - tarot cards, the I Ching,
rune stones, staring (scrying) into water or fire, tea leaves, pendulum, etc. This is a common practice in one
form or another with Pagans of any path.
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. Similar to a Ouija board in function. The term "dowsing"
can also refer to water-finding where a dowser uses a forked stick or the like to find water underground. |
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON
- A ritual used during the Full Moon (the esbat) by Witches to empower themselves and unite their essence with
a particular deity, usually the Goddess. Ritual invocation of the spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High
Priestess by the High Priest. This can be very powerful when a sabbat and esbat conjuct.
DRAWING DOWN THE SUN
- Used to draw down the powers of the sun into a male witch. Very powerful on the Equinoxes and Solstices.
EARTH-CENTERED SPIRITUALITY
- honoring the spiritual interconnectedness of life on planet Earth, often as Mother Earth or Gaia, but sometimes
as a gender neutral Earth Spirit. Sometimes called Earth religion and Gaian (Gaean) religion. Related EcoChristian
form is Creation-Centered Spirituality.
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.
ECOFEMINISM - feminist environmental philosophy that draws parallels between
the oppression of women and the oppression of Nature by patriarchy and which advocates the spiritual and political
liberation of both.
ELEMENTS - Earth,
air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which includes them all. Each of these 5 represents a point on the pentagram.
The elements and their directions are extremely important in Pagan ritual. These are regarded as realms or categories
of nature (both material and non-material) and are not to be confused with the physicists table of elements, which
the modern witch, of course, accepts.
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.
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 ("Es-bat")
- Weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Any Wiccan religious celebration held which is not a sabbat, commonly
held on full moons in honor of the goddess. From the french word, esbattre, meaning to frolic, the word "esbat"
is sometimes used to refer to the powerful ritual time of the full moon. In that tradition, there are 13 esbats
in a year, all known by moon names.
EVOCATION - The act of summoning the presence of spirits, dieties or elementals
to your sacred space. To call something out from within. |
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FAMILIARS - Either
a Witch's pet animal, which has been trained to be a magickal helper, or an artificially created "elemental"
which performs the same functions as the animal friend. Often advantageous to ritual, they can also become a liability
and much thought should be given to taking a familiar.
FASCINATION - A mental
effort to control another animal or person's mind. It has been referred to as "mind-bending." Although
the tecchnique 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. "Lest in
self defense it be", use what you need to be safe.
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.
GARDNERIANS - Tradition
of Witchcraft descended from the teachings of Gerald Gardner.
GNOMES - An "entity"
or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Earth or is associated with the EARTH Element.
GOD, THE - The aspect
of a masculine deity. Loving father to all and the perfect compliment to the Goddess. He is viewed as co-creator
of the universe. Often identified with the sun, sky deserts, forests, agriculture, and wild animals. not to be
confused with the monotheistic Christian concept of 'God' he is part of a pair.
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GODDESS, THE - The aspect
of a feminine deity. Definitions differ but Generally the universal mother of all who created the universe with
the god. Often associated with the Moon, ocean, earth, fertility, birth and death.
GODDESS SPIRITUALITY
- revering Nature and honoring the Great Goddess in one or more of Her many forms. Usually polytheistic and sometimes
multicultural in practice. Usually incorporates feminist perspectives. |
GREAT RITE - The
rite which is the main feature of the third degree initiation, and which is also laid down for certain festivals.
It is sexual in nature, but may be `actual' (and private to the couples concerned) or symbolic or on the astral
level, as the participants wish.
GREEN MAN - Another
name for the God, as in his kingdom of the forest.
GUARDIANS - Ceremonial
magicians use the Guardians of the Watchtowers or Guardians of the Four Quarters. Some Witches use them, too. There
are those that see these Guardians as lizards, dragons, etc. But Silver envisions them as the angels Michael, Ariel,
Raphael and Gabriel, which follows the Judeo-Christian backgrounds.
HALLOWS - Name used
by some traditions for Samhain, or Halloween. Many consider this a Christian word/meaning.
HANDFASTING - Pagan
or Wiccan equivalent of a wedding. It can be made legal if the Priestess and/or Priest are registered as clergy
with the local authorities, or it may only be considered binding within the coven. It traditionally takes place
at a specified period of time depending on one's tradition.
HEATHEN - Another
name for Pagan. Many contemporary practitioners of Teutonic Nature religions prefer this term for themselves and
their spirituality.
HERBALISM - The magickal
and medicinal art of using herbs for the practitioner's use or benefit.
HIGH PRIEST/ESS -
Technically speaking, a Witch who has received the 3rd degree initiation. More usually, the male and female leaders
of a coven.
IMBOLC - Celtic name
for Candlemas. The early spring sabbat which honors the virgin goddess as the young bride of the returning sun
god. This sabbat is celebrated around Feb 2nd. It is a festival of lights that celebrates the 'quickening"
and the resurgence of life in the ground
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 rite. For instance, one can be in dedication but not yet initiated,
whilst an initiated is always in dedication.
INVOCATION - The
ritual "calling-in" of an entity (or energies) higher than human, either for communication with the caller
through a medium or by visible manifestation or else to enter into a human body as in the Drawing Down the Moon.
In some traditions, a Prayer. The Lady and lord are Invoked
KARMA - The belief
that one's thoughts and deeds can be either counted against them or added to their spiritual path during several
life times. In Sanskirt it means "action." Follows the law of cause and effect.
LAMMAS - August 1st.
Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the First Fruits, and
is the first of the 3 harvests. This festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess energies from that
of Mother to Crone.
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 or other entities in general. A negative use of energy. It is a reference that they are possibly
a self-serving individual. Conversely, the right-hand path is considered positive in nature.
LIBATION - Drink
or sometimes food, given to a deity, or spirit during ritual. |
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LITHA ("lith-ah")
- Also known as Midsummer, Litha is the summer solstice which honors the sun god at his peak of power.
LUGHNASSADH - The
Pagan first harvest, or harvest of corn. Lughnassadh usually falls on August 1st/2nd (sometimes July 31st). It
is the first of the harvests.
MABON ("may-bun")
- The Pagan Thanksgiving, or second harvest. Mabon falls on the autumnal equinox, when the light of the year shifts
toward darkness. It is a traditional time for feasting.
MACROCOSM - The world
around us.
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.
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 thhat 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 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.
MAIDEN - An appointment
held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priest. This term is also the descriptive
term used to describe the first of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). It
is traditionally associated with the Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to Beltane (May eve) where
the energies are those of initiating, beginning, and creation. She is a high priestess in training to the Clergy
field.
MICROCOSM - The world
within us.
NATURE RELIGIONS
- religions that include an honoring of the Divine as immanent in Nature. May be pre-modern, modern, or post-modern
in philosophical orientation. Usually polytheistic, animistic, and pantheistic. Include traditional ways of various
native peoples of the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, Polynesia, Europe, and elsewhere; religions of ancient
Pagan cultures, such as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Minoan, Assyrian, Celtic, Teutonic, and others; and contemporary
Paganism.
NATURE SPIRITUALITY
- honoring the spiritual interconnectedness of life not only on Planet Earth, but throughout the Universe/Cosmos;
more encompassing term than Earth-centered Spirituality because it also includes Celestial religions; used by some
as synonymous with contemporary Paganism and by others as also including interfaith blends, such as those that
combine Paganism with EcoChristianity or EcoBuddhism.
NEOPAGAN - Contemporary
Pagan. Applies to the various movements incepted since the 1950's, when the British anti-witchcraft laws were finally
repealed.
NEW AGE - Usually
refers to mixing metaphysical practices with a structured religion.
OLD RELIGION - Another name for the Craft.
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OSTARA ("oh-star-ah")
- Observed at the vernal equinox, Ostara represents life and balance.
PAGAN - pertains to a Nature religion or a practitioner of an ancient
and/or contemporary Nature religion; also used to refer to a Nature Spirituality, Earth-centered Spirituality,
and/or Goddess Spirituality group or practitioner. A pagan is not always wiccan, but a wiccan is always pagan.
PAGAN REDE / WICCAN REDE
- Summed up as "An ye harm none, do what thou will".
PAGANING (or WICCANING)
- Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the Gods. |
PAGANS/NEOPAGANS
- Follower of a nature-based religion. The term Neopagan means "new Pagan" and is not necessarily a popular
term. It seems to be a direct result of the New Age lingo.
PANENTHEISM - Pantheism
that also includes a transcendent component conceptualized as the Sacred Whole or Divine Unity.
PANTHEISM - the Divine
as immanent; the Divine is in everything and everything has a Divine aspect.
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.
PATHWORKING - This
is a wiccan Journey through the astral realm. It is narrated and occurs often in groups. There usually is a set
destination that all arrive at.
PENDULUM - A divination
device consisting of a string attached to a heavy object such as a crystal or the like. Questions are divined by
noting the motion of the pendulum during 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 usually not worn inverted in the Craft. Many 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. In addition, the pentacle is used in some covens to represent the element of earth. |
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PENTAGRAM - The five-pointed
star. With a single point uppermost, it represents the human being and symbolizes western Paganism. It also represents
the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit and also creative principle over all creation. Inverted, with
two points uppermost, it is sometimes considered to have Satanist associations; but not necessarily. Some traditions
of Wicca use the inverted pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree.
POLYTHEISM - honoring
Divinity in two or more forms. Can be belief in/worship of multiple aspects of a particular deity; of the Divine
as Goddess and God; or of many Goddesses, Gods, Nature Spirits, and/or other Divine forms. Some, but not all, polytheistic
Nature religions acknowledge an all encompassing Divine Unity.
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. He is usually chosen by the High Priestess. Although
it is true neither male nor female has dominion over the other in the Craft, the High Priestess has the last word,
for Her word is Law. 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 magically 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.
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.
PROJECTIVE ENERGY
- That which is electrical, forward moving, active. Projective energy is protective. See also Receptive Energy.
QUARTERS - The North,
East, South, and West parts of a magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also "Watchtowers")
RECEPTIVE ENERGY
- The opposite of Projective Energy; magnetic, soothing, attracting energy often used for meditation, promoting
love, calm and quiet. REDE - Rule or law.
REINCARNATION - The
doctrine of rebirth after death. The belief that one has lived before in another lifetime. It is one of the tenets
of Wicca. Its a result of a major Pagan principle that energy never dies.
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RITUAL - A focused mental/physical
ceremony to either honor or thank one's chosen pantheon, or to perform a specific magickal working or act. It is
performed using a prescribed set of rites and tools, and is often performed on specific dates, moon cycles, seasons,
or equinoxes.
RUNES - A set of
symbols (or alphabet) 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. |
SABBAT - One of the
days of Power. Any one of eight Wiccan solar festivals, marked by the 4 solstices and equinoxes, as well as 4 dates
in-between them. They are (Celtic style names, others exist) Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh,
Mabon, and Samhain.
SALAMANDER - An entity
that dwells in the realm of Fire.
SAMHAIN - The festival
of remembrance for the dead, held on the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests. This festival also
marks the transition of rulership of the "Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the God. This
is the grand sabbat marking the beginning of winter and the Celtic new year. It is also a time strongly believed
where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
SCRYING - Divination,
usually using such methods as crystal gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed to tarot or
other manipulative means. A 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!
SHAMAN - an adept
who serves as healer and spirit world communicator for her/his tribe or community. Sometimes known as a Medicine
person. This role is tribal culture/community defined.
SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER
- someone learning and working with shamanistic healing practices for self-development, and in some cases, also
for helping others. Sometimes known as a Medicine worker. This role is self-defined.
SHAMANISM - animistic
spiritual healing practices usually involving ecstatic trance and spirit world journeys by adepts. Forms of shamanism
include Traditional, which are rooted in specific indigenous tribal peoples cultures, and Multicultural, which
are contemporary forms that integrate old and new spirit wisdom ways from more than one culture.
SIDHE ("shee")
- The name generally applied to all the faery races of Ireland and Scotland.
SIGIL - A magically
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 - The practicing
lone witch who worships without a coven.
SPELL - A specific ritual
designed to change one condition or thing. Also known as spinning, weaving, casting and spellcraft.
TALISMAN - An object
empowered to protect its wearer. Note this differs from the amulet as it is empowered, not naturally protective
as is the amulet.
TAROT - Divination
using a set of 78 tarot cards which are laid out in such a fashion that the diviner interprets them to answer the
question at hand.
TRIPLE GODDESS -
The 3 aspects of the mother goddess in one, maiden, mother and crone. A symbol widely found throughout the civilized
world. The representation of the triple goddess is the waxing, full and waning moon. )O( |
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WHEEL OF THE YEAR
- The never ending seasonal shift throughout the 8 sabbats or days of power. In Pagan mythos, the goddess turns
the wheel bringing everything to season.
WICCA - Wicca represents
an ancient religion of love for life and nature. Wicca stimulates the intellect, promotes a simple, practical way
of life and, most importantly, is emotionally satisfying. Brought into the public eye in the 1950's by Gerald Gardner
after the repeal of British anti-witchcraft laws, Wicca is now a strong, healthy and popular religion and movement.
WICCAN SPIRITUALITY
- contemporary paths rooted in one or more Nature folk religions of old Europe. Also known as the Old Religion,
the Craft, Wicca, Wicce, Ways of the Wise, NeoPagan Witchcraft, and Benevolent Witchcraft.
WIDDERSHINS - The
working act usually in ritual or song of moving or dancing in a counter-clockwise motion. This is used for banishing
or negative works. This is the opposite of deosil.
WITCH - Some Wiccan
practitioners use the word "Witch" for themselves in connection with their spirituality to bring back
its pre-Inquisition use in Europe as a term of honor and respect meaning "medicine person/medicine worker,"
"shaman/shamanic practitioner," "wise woman/man," "priestess/priest of the Old Religion."
Other Wiccans refuse to use the word "Witch" because of later negative definitions of the word which
led to its use as a tool of Pagan genocide and religious oppression in Europe and North America for hundreds of
years. During the "Burning Times" of the Middle Ages, bigots in power changed its definition, making
it a term linked with evil, and used it as a brand to mark and exterminate folk healers, those who refused to convert
to state-sanctioned forms of Christianity, political rivals, and others. Contemporary usage of the word "Witch"
by non-Wiccans is diverse but in recent years has been changing in academia and elsewhere to reflect the growing
public awareness and understanding of Wiccan Spirituality's reclaiming of the word.
YULE - The winter
solstice and the shortest day of the year, Yule is when the goddess gives birth to the god. This is also the Norse
New Year.
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