Pagan Dictionary

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Abracadabra =
A word from the Jewish mystical tradition of Qabala. Its 
root is the name of the Gnostic deity Abraxas, meaning 
"hurt me not". It is said to possess magickal powers, 
especially of protection from illness.

Adept =
Word for an individual highly experienced and proficient 
in a particular magickal craft.

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 of magick and the occult, this is the 
spiritual ether, often called the "Otherworld".

Akashic Records =
Edward Cayce's concept which states that somewhere there 
is a universal hall of data about past lives, magic, 
healing, and spirituality. It does not exist on the physical 
plane but rather on a more psychic level. Some believe it can 
be accessed on the astral plane, others feel it can only be 
accessed through a visualization journey in the mind.

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 small working area and shrine many pagans maintain, where 
they perform most of their ritual and spell work.

Amulet =
An object charged with personal energies through ritual or 
meditation often used to ward off a certain force or person.

Aradia =
The Italian goddess Diana's daughter, said to be the origin 
of all witches. The book "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches" was 
written by Leland about Aradia and the practice of witchcraft.

Archetype =
Symbolic imagery seen in visions, dreams, meditation, and 
mind quests. Used to interpret the meaning of the vision 
thereby betting understanding and communicating with the 
subconscious.

Arthurian Tradition =
A Welsh tradition of paganism based on the lore of King 
Arthur (the "Once and Future King"), Merlin the Magician, 
and Guinevere.

Asatru =
Modern worship of the old Norse gods.

Aspecting -
An advanced magical practice which is seen most commonly 
in a coven as opposed to solitary. The practitioner 
attempts to manifest an aspect of the Goddess or the God. 
This is seen in the pagan ritual of Drawing Down the Moon 
as well as in other pagan religions such as Vodou, where 
the priest often allows the deity to speak through his or 
her body.

Asperger =
A bundle of fresh herbs either carrying dew or dowsed with 
spring water, used to sprinkle the water during ritual 
purification.

Astral Plane =
A plane parallel to the physical world, traveled through 
by the astral body during projection.

Astral Travel =
The experience, whether spontaneous or induced, of traveling 
through the astral realm in the form of the astral body.

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

Athame =
The athame is usually a black handled, double edged knife 
used in rituals. It is symbolic of the element of fire and 
it can be used while laying down circle boundaries and for 
inscribing candles. Also a phallic symbol.

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.

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Balefire =
A traditional fire lit outdoors during Yule, Beltane, and 
Litha.

Beltane =
A Wiccan sabbat held between spring and the onset of summer, 
between April 30th and May 1st if in the Northern hemisphere 
or on 31st October if in the Southern hemisphere.

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

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 mentrual cycle, considered important and a crucial 
time for magick to be performed, especially when it crosses 
the new or full moon.

Bolline; Boleen =
A white handled knife used in rituals for carving and cutting 
magickal symbols into ritual objects.

Book of Shadows (BoS) =
A term coined by Aleister Crowley for a book of rituals, 
recipes, journal entries, laws/rules, and other documents 
important to a witch or coven. Each Book of Shadows is 
different as the individual decides what is necessary for 
their book.

Broom Closet =
Not meant literally, this is a term used to describe someone 
who is "in the broom closet", or in other words, who is not 
public with their pagan practices.

Burning Times =
This is a word used to describe the execution of the witches 
during their persecution from the Middle Ages onwards. Most 
executions were in fact by hanging, not burning. While it 
is claimed that thousands and even millions were killed, a 
small fraction were actually witches. Many were herectics or 
Christians accused of witchcraft by those who disliked them.

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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.

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 =
Energy centers in the body which are best cleansed, opened, and 
balanced. Too much or too little energy in one chakra can be the 
cause for disruption in magick or frustrations in everyday life.

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 =
Mediumship; a word for an entity talking through a human to 
convey a message to the physical plane.

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

Chaote =
A Chaos magician not actively in practice.

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.

Cleansing =
Purification through a ritual bath (often with a handful of 
sea salt thrown in) and through meditation to cleanse the 
psyche. Traditionally performed before every ritual.

Cone of Power =
Psychic energy raised by either an individual or a coven and 
released to perform a certain goal through magick.

Conjure =
To summon entities from the spirit realm into the physical 
plane.

Consecration =
The blessing, cleansing, or positively charging of an object 
which is meant to be used in magick or dedicated to a deity.

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.

Correspondences =
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 witches led by a High Priest and/or a High Priestess 
who meet to worship and practice magic. Traditionally limited 
to 13, though most are significantly smaller.

Covenstead =
Meeting place established by a coven.

Cowan =
A slang term for a non-witch or non-pagan, generally used as a 
derogatory word for a pagan who is considered a fake or a poser.

Craft, the =
The Craft is a term used to refer to witchcraft and wicca.

Crone =
A term of respect used for a witch who has passed menopause or 
who is over 50-56 years old.

Croning =
A rite of passage into being a crone.

Cross of Confusion =
An ancient Roman symbol which questioned the validity of 
Christianity.

Cross Quarter Days =
A term used for the fire sabbats (Samhain, Imbolc, 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.

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Daemon =
A Greek word for spirit.

Days of Power =
Significant magickal days around the year. See also Sabbats.

Degree =
The level or status of a practitioner of magick. You must 
face various tests of knowledge and practical experience 
in order to progress to another degree within your tradition.

Deosil =
Clockwise. Used often to describe movement in rituals. The 
opposite is Widdershins.

Divination =
Method of inquiring into a situation through tools, some 
examples of divination are scrying, tarot, runes, and 
oneiromancy.

Dracomancer =
A practitioner of magick who uses dragons in their workings.

Drake =
A dragon, generally refers to a young one.

Drawing Down the Moon =
A ritual which invokes the Goddess into the High Priestess 
by the High Priest.

Dreamtime =
The Shamanic concept of a world which parallels this one.

Druidism =
An ancient celtic order of priests which has undergone a 
modern revival into neo-paganism.

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Earth Magick =
A practical form of magick which involves drawing energy 
from Mother Earth (or Gaia) and the element or elementals 
of earth for rituals.

Earth Power =
Defines the force or vibration that exists in many inanimate 
objects like stones, water, fire, and plants. Can be controlled 
and used in magick.

Eclectic =

A person (or the practice of a person) who combines attributes from various traditions to create a unique spiritual blend of Wicca, paganism, or witchcraft that suits them best.

Elemental =
A spirit formed of one of the elements. The 5 elementals 
are salamanders (fire), sylphs (air), undines (water), 
gnomes (earth), and spirit (akasha).

Elements =
The 5 major elements in nature and magick. Earth, water, 
fire, air, and akasha (or spirit) which encompasses all 
of the other elements and is not visible.

Elixir =
A magically charged liquid which has to have a crystal 
or gem sitting in it for a specific amount of time 
before it is ready to drink.

Empowerment =
An individual's assertion of personal power, energy, 
force, and strength in all fields... spiritual, physical, 
mental, magickal.

Enchantment =
A method of spellcasting which involves, generally, 
spoken words of power. An enchantment can be put on 
something to gain control or authority over it. 
Enchanted objects generally "carry" the magick put 
upon them with them, so it does not cease to work but 
is continually having its effect.

Esbat =
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 =
Calling up spirits or elementals.

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Familiar =
A spirit or guardian who is close to a human being and 
considered a companion in magick. The spirit often 
manifests itself in a sacred object or a pet. This 
explains the misconception that all witches have black 
cats, which is not necessarily true though a cat is a 
magickal creature and often does become a familiar.

Fascination =
The practice of controlling another's mind psychically. 
Can be considered very manipulative and by some traditions 
a breaking of the Rede, especially when used to frivolously 
control people.

Fate =
The destined result of life after a sequence of fated events.

Five-fold Kiss =
A traditional salute generally performed between the High 
Priest and the High Priestess. This involves kissing 5 areas 
on the body of the Priestess with the accompanying magickal 
words: 
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways."
"Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar."
"Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be."
"Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty."
"Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the sacred names."

Full Moon =
Phase of the moon when it has waxed fully. Best time for 
spells involving psychic powers, and for magick in general.

Futhark =
Runic alphabet used often in divination, its origins are 
Norse (Germanic). Divided into the elder Futhark and the 
younger Futhark (which has fewer runes).

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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.

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Handfasting =
The Wiccan equivalent of a wedding ceremony. It is only 
legal if performed by a registered clergyman. Handfasting 
vows are meant to be renewed annually, and thus are a 
"safer" commitment than marriage unless made legal.

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.

Hex =
Alternative word for Curse. 

Hex Mark =
Used by Dutch settlers to ward of evil and often painted 
on the outside of buildings.

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.

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Imbolc =
Pagan sabbat celebrated on Feb. 2 if in the Northern 
hemisphere or on 1st August if in the southern hemisphere.

Incantation; Incant =
The spoken part of a spell.

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

Initiation =
Admission ceremony for an intiate to gain entry into a 
coven or circle. Generally in the form of a ritual with 
an oath of secrecy.

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.

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Jinx, Jinks =
Bad luck or to be cursed, hexed.

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Karma =
A concept which originated in Hindu philosophy that is 
used to explain injustice and retribution. By karma, a 
trespass in this life will be punished in the next. 
Essentially, "what goes around comes around". Actions 
bad or good will eventually be returned to you.

Ki =
Japanese word for the universal life force, synonymous 
with the Chinese term, Chi.

Kitchen Magick; Kitchen Witchcraft =
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.

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Lamen =
A disc of metal with magickal symbols inscribed on it, worn 
around the neck during rituals.

Lammas =
A pagan sabbat which takes place on August 1st if in the 
Northern hemisphere or on 2nd February if in the Southern 
hemisphere.

Left-hand Path =
A path for people who believe in Satanism, amongst other paths. 

Levitation =
The supernatural phenomenon involving suspending a body in 
midair without physical bolster.

Litha =
The pagan summer sabbat. Also called Summer Solstice. 
Celebrated on 21st June or thereabouts if in the Northern 
hemisphere or on 21st December if in the Southern hemisphere.

Lithomancy =
Divination by stones.

Loa =
An ancestral deity in the Vodou religion.

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Mabon =
Pagan sabbat celebrated in early autumn. Celebrated on 21st 
September or thereabouts on the Autumn Equinox if in the 
Northern hemisphere or on 21st March if in the Southern 
hemisphere.

Macrocosm =
The greater world or universe.

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.

Magick; Magic =
The art and occult science of changing events around you by 
manipulating energy in nature, the self, and the spirit world.

Magickal Name =
A name chosen by the dedicant or initiate to symbolise rebirth 
into their new path.

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.

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.

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.

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Necromancy =
1. The art of revealing the future through magick and 
especially through communication with the deceased. 
2. The practice of summoning the souls of the dead.

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.

New Age =
The modern movement which involves combining metaphysical 
concepts with the practice of an organized religion.

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OBE, OOBE =
Out-of-body experience.

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. 
Celebrated on 21st March or thereabouts on the Spring Equinox 
if in the Northern hemisphere or on 21st September if in the 
Southern hemisphere.

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Pagan =

1. A follower of paganism. 
2. Something related to paganism. 
(For example a pagan book, pagan artwork, etc.)

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 to an event 
on time. Almost extinct because it was a poor excuse to begin 
with. Abbreviated as PST.

Pallomancy =
Divination with a pendulum.

Pantheon =
A hierarchy of gods and goddesses in a particular religious 
structure, such as the Greek pantheon, the Roman 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.

Pendulum =
A tool often used to communicate with spirits or divine. 
See also divination.

Pentacle =
A disc (generally circular) which is inscribed with a 
pentagram on its surface.

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.

Pecti-Wita =
A Scottish tradition of Wicca, see also Witta.

Philtre =
A potion, especially for love.

Phrenology =
Character analysis by studying the shape and surface of 
the skull.

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.

Pyromancy =
Divination by fire.

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Qaballa =
Jewish mysticism; metaphysical practices based on the 
Judaic Qabalistic texts.

Quarter Days =
The solstices and equinoxes.

Quarters =
The north, east, south, and west parts of the circle, often 
representative of the four watchtowers

R - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 rebirth of the soul into other physical forms from one 
life (reincarnation) to the next. The new physical form can 
be animal or human.

Right-hand Path =
A term used for a person who does not believe in Satanism. 
Opposite of left-hand path.

Rite =
A ritual.

Ritual =
A formal series of generally predetermined actions (both 
mental or physical) performed to harness and then direct 
magickal powers toward the accomplishment of the goal at 
hand.

Runes =
A tool of magick and divination. There are many types of 
runes, all of them alphabets of some sort. Anglo-Saxon, 
Norse, and modern Wiccan runes are just a few. They are 
usually tossed randomly after deciding a subject, and then 
decifered based on their positioning.

S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sabbat =
One of the eight celebrations 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 if in the Northern hemisphere or on 1st May if 
in the Southern hemisphere.

Scrying =
A form of divination by gazing into something, usually a 
reflective surface.

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 magickal seal or glyph.

Skyclad =
A pagan term for nudity during rituals.

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 =
The direction of energies towards some certain goal, generally 
with the use of spoken words.

Spellcrafting =
The practice of creating spells by writing outlines, arranging 
correspondences, and authoring incantations.

Spirits =
Entities which are free of a physical body.

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.

T - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Talisman =
A magickally charged object used to attract a certain type of 
energy or a particular type of person.

Tarot =
A form of divination using a set of cards (usually 76).

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.

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 =
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.

U - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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.

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

V - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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.

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.

Voodoo =
See Vodou

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.

W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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 derogatory term which literally means "oathbreaker". 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.

Wheel of the Year =
One full cycle of the seasons, in pagan beliefs in begins on 
Samhain as opposed to in January.

Wicca =
A neo-pagan reconstruction of witchcraft. Most Wiccans call 
themselves witches, but not all witches are necessarily Wiccan.

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

Widdershins =
Counter clockwise. The opposite of deosil.

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.

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.

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; Magickal Working =
Any act involving magick or ritualism.

Wort =
An archaic word for herb.

X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Y - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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.

Yule =
The pagan winter sabbat. Also called Winter Solstice. 
Celebrated on 21st December or thereabouts if in the 
Northern hemisphere or on 21st June if in the Southern 
hemisphere.

Yule Log =
The traditional log burned at Christmas ceremonies which most 
likely came from a pagan tradition for Yule celebration.

Z - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Zenith =
The upper most top, highest point.