AFFIRMATION
An affirmation is a statement designed to have a positive effect on the conscious mind when repeated at frequent intervals throughout meditation ritual spells.
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
is the “other” of the “two worlds” that the witch or magician walks between.
An affirmation is a statement designed to have a positive effect on the conscious mind when repeated at frequent intervals throughout meditation ritual spells.
AKASHA
the spiritual ether (or Aether); the omnipresent fifth occult element 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
is the “other” of the “two worlds” that the witch or magician walks between.
ALCHEMY
Alchemy is the medieval chemical science designed to purify and perfect the performance of chemical experiments and magic rituals.
Alchemy is the medieval chemical science designed to purify and perfect the performance of chemical experiments and magic rituals.
AMULETS
Amulets are objects infused with magical properties and which offer the wearer a sense of protection. They also help maintain health, produce virility and fertility, and create luck. The style of object varies greatly in different cultures but the purpose of amulets is generally the same.
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.
ASPECTING
Any advanced magickal activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought, feelings, behaviour, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct resultof a “Drawing Down”. Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with the selection of a “Magical Name”, of 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.
and the Maiden is an aspect of the Goddess.
ATHAME
black handled, double edged dagger. Principally used to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is
interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the “Element” of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others.
interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the “Element” of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others.
BELTANE
May Eve festival. 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 theYear” is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother.
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 theYear” is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother.
BINDING
To bind a spell, the spell caster chants a verse upon completion, announcing the end of the ritual and asking for the spell to begin its magic.
BOOK OF SHADOWS
Traditionally hand copied book of rituals, recipes, 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 with time from many different sources. Only another Witch can see
your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never leave your hands or possession until death, when it should
be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven to be disposed of.
your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never leave your hands or possession until death, when it should
be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven to be disposed of.
BURNING TIMES
a term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later. 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
CAKES AND WINE
Every meeting of a witches' coven (known also as a "circle" or "esbat"), handfastings, and rites of initiation traditionally end with cakes-and-wine, a sharing of food and drink, and relaxed conversation. The food - often cakes, biscuits or cookies - and the drink - usually wine but occasionally mead, ale, beer or fruit juice - will have been blessed by a high priest or priestess, and is considered an offering to the deities as thanks for the necessities of life.
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
CAKES AND WINE
Every meeting of a witches' coven (known also as a "circle" or "esbat"), handfastings, and rites of initiation traditionally end with cakes-and-wine, a sharing of food and drink, and relaxed conversation. The food - often cakes, biscuits or cookies - and the drink - usually wine but occasionally mead, ale, beer or fruit juice - will have been blessed by a high priest or priestess, and is considered an offering to the deities as thanks for the necessities of life.
CANDLEMAS
Festival held on Feb. 1.
One of the 4 Celtic “Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called “Imbolc” (the old Celtic name). 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. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden
One of the 4 Celtic “Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called “Imbolc” (the old Celtic name). 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. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden
CARDINA 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.
CASTING THE CIRCLE
In ritual, a psychic sphere of energy is cast to focus power and to ward off unwanted influences and distractions. This is known as casting a circle.
blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these four points.
CASTING
In various methods of divination, stones, cards, sticks and other objects are cast onto the ground or a special cloth so that an insight into the life patterns can be revealed. CASTING THE CIRCLE
In ritual, a psychic sphere of energy is cast to focus power and to ward off unwanted influences and distractions. This is known as casting a circle.
CAULDRON
A cauldron is a cooking pot used to heat herbal healing preparations for rituals.
CHALICE
one of the tools of the Witch. Placed on the altar to represent the element of Water.
CHANTING
Chanting is the harmonious vocalization of key words, names and phrases that are used in ritual to attune oneself, raise energy, celebrate success and to become centered.
CHARGE
In witchcraft, to charge is to intentionally empower ritual tools with energy.
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.
CIRCLE
the area in which the magickal worship and spells takes place. Can also be used to designate a particular
group of Witches or Pagans such as “Silver Acorn Circle”.
group of Witches or Pagans such as “Silver Acorn Circle”.
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
To consecrate is to solemnly dedicate or devote something or someone to a sacred purpose, to cleanse and protect.
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.
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.
COVENSTEAD
regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the home of The high priestess or High Priest.
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.
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.
he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and clowns. Also applies to the concept of “Holy Fool” in many traditions.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS
The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas.
DEOSIL
clockwise, or sun wise. Traditional direction for working “building” magick.
DIVINATION
magical method of exploration or inquiry into a situation via such methods as Tarot cards, rune stones, I-
Ching, etc.
Ching, etc.
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON
Ritual invocation of the spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High Priest.
DRUMMING
Drumming is literally pounding on a surface. This is used in witchcraft to raise power and to change emotional states.
ELEMENTS
Earth, air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which includes them all. 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.
ESBAT
weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Traditionally held either on the full moon or the new moon.
EVOCATION
To evoke is to summon a particular spirit or psychic energy from within your own psyche.
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.
FIRE
Fire is the element that corresponds to the South, the colour red, energy, passion, ambition and will power.
FIVEFOLD KISS, FIVEFOLD SALUTE
The Witches’ ritual salute, with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips- really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle, but the words that go with it are the origin of “Blessed Be.”
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.
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, as the
participants wish.
GRIMOIRE
This is a book of magically spells and techniques designed to act as a guide for the spell caster.
It is sexual in nature, but may be `actual’ (and private to the couples concerned) or symbolic, as the
participants wish.
GRIMOIRE
This is a book of magically spells and techniques designed to act as a guide for the spell caster.
GROUNDING
In witchcraft, to ground yourself is to psychically reinforce your connection with the Earth by reopening an energy channel between your aura and the ground.
HALLOWS
name used by some traditions for Samhain, or Halloween
HANDFASTING
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.
clergy with the local authorities, or it may only be considered binding within the coven.
HEALING
Healing is the ultimate outcome of many magic rituals. This may be accomplished, with the "patient's" permission, by the laying on of hands, visualization, crystal work, specific spells etc.
HERMETIC
This is a style of magic that achieves results through mental concentration and inner awareness.
HIGH PRIEST/ESS
Technically speaking, a Witch who has received the 3rd. degree initiation. More usually, the male
and female leaders of a coven.
and female leaders of a coven.
IMBOLC
Celtic name for Candlemas.
INITIATION
Initiation is an important part of ritual, and is used to describe the profound spiritual experience that occurs when one's unity with Deity and the Universe is realised; when one is welcomed as a fully-fledged member of a particular group; and the celebration of a successful ritual.
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.
KARMA
Karma is the word used to describe one's fate or destiny, whether good or bad.
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.
LUNAR CYCLE
The lunar cycle is the 28-day cycle during which the visible phase of the moon waxes from dark to full and wanes to dark again. This is a very powerful time for ritual ceremonies to be preformed.
energies from that of Mother to Crone.
LUNAR CYCLE
The lunar cycle is the 28-day cycle during which the visible phase of the moon waxes from dark to full and wanes to dark again. This is a very powerful time for ritual ceremonies to be preformed.
MAIDEN
An appointment held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. 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.
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.
MEDITATION
Meditation is a focused and disciplined form of contemplation or reflecting, whereby one is able to alter an emotional state and to receive self-insight.
NECROMANCY
Necromancy is the communication with the spirits of the dead via an Ouija board, on which messages are spelt out and interpreted.
OLD RELIGION
another name for the Craft.
PAGANING
Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the Gods.
PENTACLE
a disc shaped talisman; in particular, the metal disc which represents the earth element among the witch’s
working tools.
working tools.
PENTAGRAM
The five-pointed star. With a single point uppermost, it represents the human being. Inverted, with two
points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree.
points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree.
QUARTERS
The North, East, South, and West parts of a magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also
“Watchtowers”)
QUERENT
In divination and ritual, the querent is the asker of questions.
“Watchtowers”)
QUERENT
In divination and ritual, the querent is the asker of questions.
REDE
rule or law.
RITUAL
A ritual is a co-ordinated series of events that ultimately leads to the accomplishment of a goal through means of magic and witchcraft.
SABBAT
one of the Eight festivals or high holy days of Wicca.
SACRED SPACE
Although all space is considered sacred, in ceremony, Sacred Space refers to the area enclosed when the circle is cast.
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 ruler ship of the “Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the
God.
This festival also marks the transition of ruler ship of the “Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the
God.
SCRYING
divination, usually using such methods as crystal gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed
to tarot or other manipulative means.
to tarot or other manipulative means.
SORCERY
Sorcery is the use of witchcraft for negative and manipulative purposes, often with the aid of "evil spirits". This is not recommended.
SPELL
a prayer, or verbal direction of magickal energies toward the accomplishment of some goal.
SUMMONER
The male officer of the coven who corresponds to the Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest.
SYLPH
an “entity” or “elemental” that dwells in the plane of Air or is associated with the AIR Element.
TEMPLE
The temple is the sacred area reserved specially for religious and magical activities.
THAUMATURGY
Thaumaturgy is magic used to influence everyday events in life to protect the house, travel, health etc.
THIRTEEN
The number of bad luck and associated with evil power. Witches 'coven were thought to always contain 13 members, but there is no firm evidence for this. Most covens range in size from 4 to 20 members. Many neo-Pagan witches consider 13 to be a lucky number!
TALISMANS
Talismans are objects imbued with magical or supernatural powers and transmit them to their owners.
TASSEOMANCY
The art of reading tea leaves and coffee grounds to divine the future. Tasseomancy evolved from the Middle Ages practice of reading blobs of wax or molten lead. When tea was introduced from the orient in the 17th century and gained popularity, the shapes and symbols formed by leaves left in the bottom of a cup seemed an obvious target for interpretation. The Italians claimed to have developed the art of reading coffee grounds in the 18th century.TEMPLE
The temple is the sacred area reserved specially for religious and magical activities.
THAUMATURGY
Thaumaturgy is magic used to influence everyday events in life to protect the house, travel, health etc.
THIRTEEN
The number of bad luck and associated with evil power. Witches 'coven were thought to always contain 13 members, but there is no firm evidence for this. Most covens range in size from 4 to 20 members. Many neo-Pagan witches consider 13 to be a lucky number!
TRADITIONS
any of the various “sects” of Wicca such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Seax, etc.
UNCASTING
Uncasting is opening a circle at the end of a ritual.
UNDINE
an “entity” or “elemental” that dwells in the plane of Water or is associated with the WATER Element.
WAND- A rod or staff that is prepared so that it may be used for magickal or psychic purposes, usually to project some form of power.
VISULISATION
It is important in ritual to be able to visualise or image a goal or outcome before working magic. This gives the goal power in your mind and helps to charge the spell.
WARLOCK
a term coined in the Burning Times . It was used to denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the
followers of the Old Religion. It’s origin is Scottish. Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most
Wiccans today.
followers of the Old Religion. It’s origin is Scottish. Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most
Wiccans today.
WATCH TOWERS
Originally from the Enochian branch of Ceremonial Magick, now incorporated into many “Traditions”
of Wicca, these are the four elemental “directions” or “quarters” (corresponding to the appropriate points on the
compass) called to protect the Circle during its establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between
the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst different traditions) colour associated with them.
of Wicca, these are the four elemental “directions” or “quarters” (corresponding to the appropriate points on the
compass) called to protect the Circle during its establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between
the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst different traditions) colour associated with them.
WICCA
the name most modern day Witches use for the Craft. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Wicce, meaning to bend or to shape. This is the root word from which we get wicker.
WIDDERSHINS
The counterclockwise circular movement used in casting and banishing spells and curses. The opposite motion is called deosil. In neo-Pagan witchcraft, magic circles are usually cast deosil, but in Australia they are normally cast widdershins to match the southern hemisphere counterclockwise movement of the sun through the sky.
WHITE HANDLED KNIFE
the working knife of a Witch. It is used to carve candles, and for fashioning the other tools. Traditionally, it can only be used in a Circle.
YANTRA
A yantra is a word, phrase or verse used as a sacred formula in meditation and witchcraft.
ZENITH
The zenith is the highest point or state reached and is a term used in witchcraft to describe the elation experienced after a successful ritual has been cast.
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