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One who has achieved the highest levels of attainment in an esoteric tradition and who has demonstrated conscious and complete mastery of self and elements within the chosen path. In many traditions, it is believed that Adepts serve as guides to influence the spiritual growth of mankind, for they are the most skilled in Esoteric Wisdom and in the meanings and teachings of life. |
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A command used to constrain a spirit to consistent visible appearance or truthful answers to ones questions. The term comes from the Latin “adjurare,” meaning, “to swear. An adjuration may call upon divine names or higher spirits to enforce the will of the user. Compare Exorcism. |
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An affirmation is a statement designed to bring about positive change in oneself or one’s environment. It should always be stated as if the desired outcome either has already occurred or is in the process of occurring, not as something that will come about in the future. |
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One of the four natural elements (see also Earth, Fire and Water) Air is the element of inspiration, knowledge, wisdom, intellect, knowledge, etc. |
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These records contain the entire life history of each individual Spirit, through all of its incarnations. The term “Akasha,” in Sanskrit, means “brilliant,” “shining” or “luminous.” It refers to the “ether,” or astral substance of pure spirit. As the fifth element, the Akasha is referred as the “Quintessence.” |
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Ancestor to modern Chemistry, Alchemy was concerned with the processes of the transmutation and purification or distillation of the soul or spirit, as well as of physical materials and chemicals used to represent or symbolize spiritual transformation. See Philosopher’s Stone. |
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The tradition founded by Alex Sanders after he split from a beginning in the Gardnerian Wicca Tradition. |
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The table-like structure used to provide a base for all the implements required during a ritual, whether for Magick or for worship. Different traditions have special rules for the size, shape and location of altars. In some, they are in the center of the Sacred Circle, in others, at the North. |
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A Talisman intended to be worn as a pendant from a chain, cord, etc., hung around the neck. |
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A divine or semi-divine being who is able to work with humanity for a number of purposes. A personification of the concept of holiness. Angels, together with Saints, in a supposedly “monotheistic” religion, take the place of the multiple deities in Polytheistic traditions. |
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Touching another with a consecrated oil, water or wine, as part of a ceremonial welcoming or blessing. Often, the liquid is applied by a finger, and a symbol is marked on one being anointed. In Christian usage, anointing is typically done in the sign of the Cross, while Wiccans and other Pagans tend to use the Pentagram or other mystic symbols. When the anointing is done with oil, it is also referred to as unction. |
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Asatru |
A modern tradition of Magick and religious practice based on the Norse pantheon and religion. |
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A Saint, Adept or master who has attained a state of transcendental illumination, and has become a bodiless consciousness. The Ascended Master teaches mankind from another plane using visions, dreams, etc., choosing the role of spiritual teacher rather than take the opportunity to be reincarnated in the material world. Many legends speak of groups of such beings that band together to work for global enlightenment. See Bodhisattva. See Saint. |
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The process of bringing one’s life into balance with the Higher Self. |
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Sprinkling with consecrated water for the purpose of purification. |
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Also known as Out-of-Body experience, Astral Travel occurs when one’s consciousness leaves the body and travels through space, time and other spiritual realms and levels. Such travel may be done in human or animal form. The sometimes tenuous connection between the spirit and the body during this experience is often referred to as the Silver Cord. |
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The “science of the celestial bodies,” Astrology may be considered to have been the first true science, and is a sort of transcendental metaphysics. A form of divination based on the ancient adage, “As above, so below.” An Astrologer uses planetary positions and alignments at the time of one’s birth to help foretell the future and to evaluate one’s potential strengths and weaknesses. Astrology in the hands of a genuinely knowledgeable and experienced person can provide very good, clear and precise guidance as well as providing forewarning for potential pitfalls. |
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The primary tool of the Witch, the Athame is traditionally a knife with a straight double blade and a black handle suitable for carving. The Athame is used in salutes to gods, goddesses and the Ancient Ones, and for a variety of other purposes. None of these purposes, interestingly enough, include the traditional function of a knife as a tool. See Boline. As a penetrating tool, the Athame represents the masculine aspect of divinity, just as the Chalice represents the feminine aspect. The term, of unknown origin, was first seen in Medieval grimoires. |
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The energy field, or fluid, which emanating from and surrounding every being, whether human, animal, plant or mineral. The brightness and color of an aura can provide useful tools for understanding a person, as well as diagnostic tools for healers. |
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A ritual intended to drive out an undesirable spirit, entity, energy, etc., inhabiting a particular place. Compare Adjuration and Exorcism. |
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Referred to as the “God of the Knights Templar,” this emblem is much disputed by occult researchers. Some truly believe this figure, usually shown seated, with the head of a goat, the breasts of a woman and the phallus of a man, was in fact worshipped by the Templars. Others believe that this figure was wholly fabricated by those who wished to discredit the Templars in order to seize their lands and fortunes. The fact that no representation of such a being was ever found to date prior to the trials of the Templars, together with the fact that it would be difficult to find a greater collection of symbols repugnant to Christian zealots in one place, lends much credence to the latter view. |
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A tool used since ancient times in all traditions to chase away evil spirits and to attract good ones. The ringing of a bell at the beginning of a Pagan or Wiccan ritual, like the ringing of bells in a Christian church, hearkens back to ancient traditions of using bells for this purpose. |
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The Mid-Spring Sabbat (May 1) This is the major fertility festival. The Sun is approaching its peak in the sky, and the days are getting longer and warmer. See Sabbat for more information. |
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The broom of a Pagan or Witch. The besom is used to sweep out evil and negativity, just as a conventional broom is used to sweep out dust and dirt. |
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See Runes. |
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From the Sanskrit, “Bodhi,” meaning Enlightenment, illumination or Transcendental understanding. In Mahayana (Great Boat) Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is one who has taken a vow to sacrifice one’s own personal enlightenment to work for the enlightenment of others. The Mahayana tradition teaches that all sentient beings are destined to achieve Nirvana or Samadhi. See Ascended Master. |
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This is the traditional white-handled knife of a Pagan or Witch, and is used as a working tool, to cut and harvest herbs, etc. See Athame. |
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A Witch’s most prized possession, the Book of Shadows, or Grimoire, contains the hand-written texts of his or her tradition’s rituals, along with spells, incantations, diagrams, etc. |
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The period when Witches (and those accused of being Witches) were being burned at the stake in most of Europe. |
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Candlemas |
See Imbolq |
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Used both as a tool and a symbol. The cauldron represents birth, death and rebirth, and is a symbol of the Goddess, especially in her forms as Mother and Crone. Many ancient legends from Norse, Celtic and other traditions use the cauldron as an emblem of knowledge, inspiration and blessing. |
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The ancient tribal peoples of the British Isles. Entire websites and huge volumes of books have been written about the Celts, at least parts of the information probably true. They left behind a legacy of some of the most sophisticated and beautiful art of all time, along with tantalizing glimpses into a totally alien way of viewing the world and our place in it. As long as there are humans, there will be those who are fascinated by these brilliant people. |
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The use of incense to attract the desired participants to a particular space and time. The various gods and goddesses, along with Angels and the Ancient Ones, the rulers of the elements, are attracted through invocation and propitiation. |
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A meditation technique involving focus on one’s center of gravity, visualizing oneself as center of all time and space. See Grounding. |
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Ceremonial Magick |
Magick based heavily on well-planned rituals, ceremonies, etc. For the Ceremonial Mage, success depends much on performing a very complex set of actions at the proper time and in the proper manner. The ceremonies help the Mage to focus on the work at hand, enhancing the power of concentration and visualization. |
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Chinese for “breath” or “wind,” this term is used to refer to the vital force, or life energy, in all things. Like the Hindu “Prana,” this energy is part of the underlying connection between humans, animals, plants, crystals, etc. It is the healing energy used by Reiki practitioners and other energy healers. |
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The energy centers of the body that allow energy to be focused and routed through the body for healing and Magickal energy work. While there are many Chakras, the seven primary ones are those which are aligned vertically in the body and which correspond roughly with the major nodes of the lymphatic system. These include the Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Sacral, Spleen and Root Chakras. |
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As the cup used in Ritual Magick, the Chalice represents the element of Water, and as such, is frequently associated with healing, cleansing, scrying, etc. It is the cup of the High Priestess. It represents the Goddess, or the feminine aspect of Divinity, just as the Athame represents the masculine aspect. It symbolizes the womb, the Cauldron, and the Holy Grail. |
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A talisman meant to be carried, or worn as jewelry. |
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The Sacred Space in which the gods and goddesses are invoked, rituals are performed, and in which Magickal works are accomplished. The Circle creates a boundary between the mundane and Magickal worlds. In creating this boundary, most Western traditions begin in the East, moving deosil around the Circle, calling in guardians, deities, angels, etc., to guard and protect the space. Typically, the one forming the Circle uses one of the active tools (i.e., wand, staff, Athame or sword.) Various signs and symbols may also be required. Casting the Sacred Circle is sometimes known as “Erecting the Temple,” though this term can also have more secret and esoteric meanings depending on the tradition being followed. |
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Casting or drawing the Sacred Circle, setting the perimeter and establishing a boundary to protect the work being done therein. This has been an integral part of Magickal practice for literally thousands of years, as seen in this excerpt of the Assyrian Surpu tablets, dating from approximately 4,200 BCE: Ban! Ban! Barrier that none may pass, Barrier of the Gods, that none may break, Barrier of Heaven and Earth than none can change, Which no god may annul, Nor god nor man can loose… |
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Literally, “Clear Hearing,” Clairaudience is the spiritual faculty giving the ability to hear beyond the physical to listen to things far distant in space, time or scale. One who is truly clairaudient can listen the grass grow, and in so doing, hear a symphony. |
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Literally, “Clear Seeing,” Clairvoyance is the spiritual faculty allowing one to see things far distant in space, time or scale. Often referred to as “distant sight,” it is one of the most useful tools of a Psychic practitioner. |
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When energy is raised inside a Sacred Circle, it is often focused to a point of power, in a cone, and this point of power is then visualized during a ritual and directed toward a specific goal or purpose. |
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A group of Witches, usually numbering no more than thirteen. Traditionally, when a Coven grows, there will be those qualified to “hive” or leave to start their own groups. At first, the new group will be supervised by the High Priestess and/or High Priest of the original Coven. (This varies by tradition.) Eventually (usually after a “year and a day,” the new Coven becomes completely autonomous, though it is not uncommon for close ties of love and trust to be maintained between old and new. |
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This is the Magickal name chosen by the Adept, Pagan or Wiccan to use within a Coven, Lodge or other Magickal order. Inside the Sacred Circle, only this name is used. During initiation, this is the name by which a Priest and Witch is introduced to the deities and elemental spirits. This name can either describe an aspect of the person, a deity whose energy is considered desirable, or a variety of other possible ideas or symbols. It can be the name of a stone, an animal, etc. |
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The third face of the Triple Goddess, the original Trinity. The Crone represents death, rebirth, wisdom and justice. Hers is the dark face of the Goddess, and she is the one in charge of discipline and enforcement of the Rule of Three. Her time is late evening and night. See also Maiden and Mother. |
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These are the four Great Sabbats: (Samhain, Imbolq, Beltaine and Lammas.) |
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A sphere of glass or stone (usually one of the clear to translucent quartz stones) used for scrying. |
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For those aware of the world of Spirit, Death holds no fear or dread. We live with the knowledge that our times on the physical plane are only learning experiences between stays in the Summerland, where we process, and come to understand, all the lessons learned in each incarnation. We know that the Spirit is truly eternal, and that each Death is only another step toward our ultimate goal of unity with the Divine. |
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The ritual during which one consciously vows to honor the deities, spirits and traditions of Paganism or Wicca. Various traditions have specific rituals within their own worship, however solitary practitioners may perform self-dedication as well. |
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Levels of Initiation. While various groups and traditions have different degree structures, the most common has four stages with approximately a year and a day between them. These are: Dedicant – The stage prior to First-Degree initiation, when one has declared one’s intention to study and progress to the level of Priest and Witch. First Degree – The formal initiation as a Priest and Witch of a particular coven. Second Degree – The intermediate step between Priest and High Priest. This is the lowest level at which one is deemed capable of beginning to teach others the arts of Witchcraft while still under the supervision of a High Priest or High Priestess. Third Degree – The highest level of initiation, when one is acknowledged as worthy of serving as High Priest or High Priest and able to independently operate a coven. See Inner Court and Outer Court. |
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Clockwise, or sunwise. All movement inside a sacred circle is done Deosil, right up to the time of closing the quarters, to keep the flow of the energy vortex moving smoothly and consistently. At closing, in some traditions, this energy field is canceled out by moving around the Circle Widdershins. |
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This is a branch of Wicca that primarily honors the Goddess, with little or no attention given to male aspects of divinity. While there are both gender-mixed, and even all-male Dianic groups, the majority of Dianic Covens are all-female. See Minoan Tradition. |
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The generic term used to cover the collective arts by which esoteric knowledge is obtained. These include scrying, astrology, palmistry, pendulum work, rune casting, the Tarot, geomancy, necromancy and a variety of other arts. A Chinese system gaining in use and popularity is the I-Ching. See Prophecy. |
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A member of the priestly caste of ancient Celtic England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The Druids were the wise men and women who worked as teachers, healers and advisors to Kings and common people alike. Their teachings and traditions are alive and well even today, in spite of the best efforts of the Roman Empire and the Christian Church to stamp them out. |
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The use of drumming to raise energy for Magickal rites is as old as time and as new as the latest cutting edge music. The best drummers, such as Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, have always been aware of the link between drumming and Magick. |
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One of the four natural elements (see also Air, Fire and Water) Earth is the element of solidity, stability, courage and silence. |
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The trance-state or transcendence of self-awareness central to Shamanistic and Charismatic religious. This state may be induced through ingestion of psychotropic (hallucinogenic) plants or chemicals, meditation, dance, chanting, drumming, or any of a number of other aids to ecstatic practice. Those in an ecstatic state often make prophetic utterances, meaningless, of course, unless those listening can understand them. |
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Greek word for “image.” An Eidolon is the pale reflection of a being that has gone from the physical to the Astral plane, a sort of “shadow” reflection. This shadow is sometimes referred to as a “shade,” or “ghost.” They generally decay gradually, and disappear, unless traumatic events, unresolved guilt, or other factors cause them to linger. It is important to remember that this is not the actual soul, but rather a sort of “afterimage.” |
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An ancient deity having little or no connection with things human. In many myths of creation, there were deities instrumental in universal creation, but who had no part in the creation of mankind. For example, Chronos in Greek myth, or the Aztec Ometecutii. In some myths these deities were destroyed by their successors, while in others, they are simply exist remote from, and indifferent to, humanity. |
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One of the Primal building blocks of nature. They are symbolic, rather than literal, but represent a higher truth. In most Western traditions, these are the four natural elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, plus the supernatural element, Spirit. The five points of the star inside a Pentagram represent the five elements. When the point is uppermost, it means that the Spirit rules the physical elements, as should be true in an evolved soul. When the point is down, it indicates that the individual has allowed the physical to rule the spiritual. To the Norse, Ice was also considered an element. In Eastern traditions, wood and metal are listed among the elements. |
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One of the spirit beings that personify the elements. In Western traditions, Gnomes are considered Earth elementals, while Fire elementals are Salamanders, Water elementals are Undines, and Air elementals are Sprites. Spirit elementals are called Sprites. Nature Elementals are the minor nature spirits such as those inhabiting or associated with trees (Dryads), Streams (Naiads), Mountains (Oreads), etc. In many traditions, those of the realm of Faery are Nature Elementals. Some traditions teach that human souls evolved from elemental spirits. |
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The time which occurs twice each year when night and day are equal. It is a time of balance and harmony. They are the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox. See Solstice. |
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A working Circle, as opposed to one of the Sabbat celebrations. The Sabbats are primarily intended to honor the God and Goddess and the mighty ones, while Esbats are done for the working of Magick. See Sabbat. Typically, Esbats are timed to coincide with either the New Moon or the Full Moon, according to the Magickal work to be done. |
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The teachings of Wicca give ethical behavior a paramount place. The Wiccan Rede stands at the core of Wiccan Beliefs, simply stating, “And if it harm none, do what you will.” It is difficult to conceive of true Wicca without ethics, since these ethical concepts stem from the very nature and structure of the Universe. At the very core of the Universe, the power of primal creation, is nothing less than “Love and Wisdom.” There can be no Wisdom without Ethics, no Love without Ethics, and no Ethics without Love and Wisdom. |
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The calling out of a spirit less powerful than oneself. A ritual designed to establish communication with, or to summon, a spiritual entity. It has been said that Evocation is an order, while Invocation is a request. |
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A form of Black Magick intended to sever the connection between an individual and the Divine. Performed by a priest or priestess, this typically follows a ritual curse (malediction) being read, the tolling of a bell for the dead, and the extinguishing of a candle. Thus, the connection of “Bell, Book and Candle” with the Dark Path. |
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A ritual intended to banish a connection with a being, force, spirit, entity, etc., perceived as being inside a person. It is designed to sever the connection between the victim of the “possession” and the undesirable energy inhabiting him or her. Compare Adjuration and Banishing. |
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One of the four natural elements (see also Earth, Air and Water) Fire is the element of passion, strength and will. |
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In some Native American traditions, the universe is believed to have come about when the First One, the Universal Consciousness, became aware of its loneliness, and shattered itself to bits so that all of the microscopic particles forming it could travel, change, interact, and finally return to a state of unity. This legend bears a striking resemblance to the “Big Bang” of contemporary astrophysics, except for the belief in “intent,” rather than “accident.” See Wakan. |
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A sort of cream or lotion used by a Witch to facilitate astral travel. These mixtures may contain potent psychotropic agents, and hence are seldom used. They are far too dangerous for experimentation. Ingredients used have included Belladonna, henbane, Mandrake, Wormwood, etc. |
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A retired civil servant, Gerald Gardner was an initiated Witch who established the Gardnerian Tradition of Wicca. It is safe to say that today’s Witches enjoy a greater level of safety and security because of his efforts. In addition, he was responsible for providing a formal framework on which the religion of Wicca could be supported. Using a blend of ancient ritual, borrowing from other writers, mystical schools and traditions, and adding original work, Gardner left a beautiful and powerful set of rituals and celebrations for today’s Witches to use and enjoy. |
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Gardnerian Wicca |
The tradition founded by Gerald Gardner, with substantial help from a number of other sources. |
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A form of divination using earth signs for prediction of future events as well as reading of past events. |
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The term “God” is often used to describe any being evolved to a close contact with the cosmic Flame of Life, the spirit of divine unconditional love which was the primal stuff of creation. More properly, the term should also include the spark of that Flame which exists in the Spirit of every being. It has been said that “All the Gods are one God. All the Goddesses are one Goddess. And the Two are One.” Thus, a Pantheist who truly understands that all existence is part of the Divine, is, perhaps, the only true Monotheist. |
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Every being is a link in a chain, going back to the primal beginning, through the Gods and Goddesses, the demigods and heroes, through the ordinary men and women, down to the lowest elementals inhabiting single grains of sand. All who are part of the Golden Chain pass their learning and wisdom on down to those below them, insofar as these are capable of understanding. This chain, linking us both to the Divine and the mundane, is the true recognition of our place in the Universe. |
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One of the earliest archetypes of the Forest God image, the Green Man is often depicted as a face within tree branches and leaves. Even Michelangelo was so enchanted by the primitive versions of the Green Man found all over Europe from as far back as 20,000 years, that he designed one of his own. See Horned God. |
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The “Watchers.” These angels, according to old biblical records, were assigned to watch over mankind. They got a little too close to their work, and mated with human women to produce the race of Nephilim. They taught their children the arts of divination (especially Astrology), Magick and healing. They were cast out of heaven for their “sins.” Many researchers believe the Grigori and Lilith, rather than Adam and Eve, to be the true ancestors of today’s Witches and psychics. |
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Generally used to refer to any book of spells, the term is more properly applied to those medieval works such as “The Key of Solomon the King,” or “The Sworn Book of Honorius.” See Book of Shadows. |
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A ritual, or part of a ritual, to help one drain off negative energy already present. It implies sinking one’s roots deep into the earth, allowing stress and negativity to drain away. When energy is raised in a Sacred Circle, it is important that it be focused, used, then returned to its source. See Centering. |
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The practice of Magick based on the alchemical and astrological doctrines, derived from Hebrew and Egyptian sources, passed on by Hermes Trismegistos, or “Hermes the Thrice Greatest.” While there is doubt about the historical existence of Hermes Trismegistos, the volume of Magickal texts passed down in his name is massive. Many of his rituals, however, are so complex as to be virtually impossible to be performed by any but the most dedicated Occultists. Some scholars consider him to have been a legend of the god, Thoth. |
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The part of one’s spirit that is in direct contact with the divine. It corresponds to Freud’s superego. It communicates with the Conscious Self in dreams, meditation, etc. It can be seen as a personification of the transcendental, or spiritual, self. See Ascension and Inner Child. |
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The God of Nature, one of the oldest of all masculine deity archetypes. See Green Man. |
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The Chinese “Book of Changes,” this is an ancient text describing divination using patterns made by casting coins or yarrow stalks. |
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An object intended to represent a god or spirit. An idol is usually frequently blessed and consecrated in such a way that the being represented is requested to inhabit the representation, thus giving it divine or Magickal power. |
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The Midwinter Sabbat (February 2) Also known as Candlemas, and celebrates the promise of Spring to come. See Sabbat for more information. |
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An herb or aromatic blend of herbs designed to be burned for a variety of special purposes, especially for purification of a Sacred Space. Incense comes in a variety of types, including sticks, cones, powders, and loose incense. Powders and loose incense typically are burned on charcoal, while sticks and cones are self-propagating once ignited. |
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Generally, the term has two uses: First, to refer to one who has approached occult studies through systematic training in the mysteries, either through a Coven or other (usually secret) organization. Secondly, to describe one who has gained, through experience, a deep secret or inner knowledge. Sometimes this one is referred to as “self initiated.” |
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In the Gardnerian tradition, the ritual in which one graduates from Outer Court to Inner Court. It marks one’s formal transition from the mundane world to being a true priest and Witch of the Old Gods. For solitary practitioners, this may refer to a profound and intense personal experience that validates and integrates one’s previous studies and growth. See Degree. |
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Corresponding to Freud’s “Id,” this is the part of one’s spirit that is still innocent and child-like, with connections to primal energies and ancestral memories. See Higher Self. |
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The rituals and worship only available to those who have been initiated into the First Degree or higher. See Outer Court. |
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The calling forth of spirits and/or deities to aid in Magickal workings. Often, it is calling forth an entity or deity already resident within the Mage. It is often said that an Invocation is a request, while an Evocation is an order. It is important for the Mage or Witch to not overstep their powers and their stations. |
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Divided into two parts, the Greater Key and the Lesser Key of Solomon, these are manuscripts detailing the methods of making a wide range of charms, amulets and talismans for a variety of Magickal purposes. |
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An order of Knight/Priests who had the responsibility of protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land, as well as liberating important Christian holy sites from the Islamic invaders. The Templars fell afoul of the King of France, who coveted the wealth and lands of the Templars. They were accused of every crime the King could think of, (and he was quite imaginative) and the Pope, working with the King, made it possible for the entire order to be excommunicated. Their leaders were tortured and many of them murdered. See Baphomet. |
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Sanskrit for “fire snake,” or “serpent power,” this energy is described as waiting in coils at the base of the spine, to be called forth. It revives and transforms the Chakras as it rises, enhancing both physical and psychic powers. |
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The Mid-Summer Sabbat (August 1) Lammas (also known as Lugnasadh) is the first of three Harvest Festivals (Mabon and Samhain are the other two.) The death and resurrection of the God are celebrated. See the Sabbat Page for more information. |
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Ley Lines |