The Glossary Page
Here are some words used in the show that pertain to Witchcraft. I'll try to cover them as deatiled as possible.
ALTAR
AMULET
CAULDRON
COVEN
DESIDERATA
ELEMENTALS
INCANTATION
MAGIC
PENTAGRAM
POTION
PREMONITION
SPELL
TELEKINESIS
TRI-QUATRA
WARLOCK
WICCA
WITCHCRAFT
An Altar is a table on which candles are burned and items are placed for use during magical rituals. This is where all materials needed to complete the spell or perform the ritual are located when doing so, since while this is taking place, a circle is cast around the area by the witches. The size and the shape of the altar do not matter, and it does not have to be covered with a cloth, when working magic.
An Amulet is a consecrated object that attracts luck as well as other types of powers. They are also used for protection and personal power aids, to protect against ghosts, demons, and other evils.
A cauldron is a small, typically black, cast iron pot which Witches use to brew potions, burn incense, or hold herbs or charcoal.
CIRCLE
A Circle is a visualization of energy, surrounding you in a circular shape. Circles are believed to protect against harm, and keep magic confined inside or outside them. In Witchcraft, a circle is cast to protect those inside from harm during a magical ritual.
A coven is a group of witches, usually 13 in number, who gather together to worship, work magic together, or perform rituals.
Desiderata is the Latin word meaning 'things that are yearned for'.
Elementals are spirit-based creatures that personify the four anchient elements. These 4 elements are: Earth (represented by the elemental spirits of Gnomes), Air (represented by the elemental spirits of Sylphs), Fire (represented by the elemental spirits of Slamanders), and Water (represented by the elemental spirits of Undines).
An incantation is another name for a Spell or a series of rhymed words that cause an effect. Uusually incantations are used to reverse harm or to bless magical objects. On Charmed, our witches use incantations to vanquish Demons and Warlocks.
Magic is the art, science, and nature of producing an effect without physical aid, to control the enviornment, or to use energy to gain an advantage over something. Magic is also a study of illusions, or tricks with the mind and the eyes.
A symbol of Witchcraft, in the shape of a five-pointed star, which represents the 4 spiritual elements surrounded by the spirit. The connotation today is that a pentagram is evil, which it does represent. Otherwise the pentagram is the symbol of Witches, very similar to The Charmed One's Tri-Quatra.
A potion is a herbal brew used by Witches for harm or for good. Most potions have some sort of plant or herbal base, mixed with other elements, depending on what the potion is used for. Potions are thought of to be good and healing, in most cases. On Charmed however, the girls potions usually have a disastrous effect on Demons (remember the Grimlokcs from Blind Sided).
A premonition is a "vision" or a series of events that a person sees with their mind. On Charmed, this is Phoebe's power. She receives premonitions by either making contact with a person or object, or thinking about something very hard. Premonitions have been hailed as "being able to see the future" in our modern day society.
A spell is an incantation formula, a prayer, or a magical ritual performed by Witches. Spells usually are have a tendency to be written in rhyme, this was they are remembered better. A spell is something that is cast by resiting the words, thus causing the desired effect by the spell.
Telekinesis is the ability to move or control objects through the mind, without physical aid. This power is also known as E.S.P. The actual idea of this power has been around for centuries, and has been touched on throughout time. On Charmed, this is Prue's power. Up until the last few episodes, Prue would channel this power through her eyes. To do this, she would think of what she wanted to move (say, the ashtray in front of her). Then, with a squint of her eyes, the ashtray would move to wherever she wants it too. Now, Prue can channel her power through her hands as well. Her power is still growing, and someday she may be able to have enough power to move an 800-pound statue.
The Tri-Quatra is the symbol of the Charmed Ones. It is derived from a pentagram but with onyl three sides, representing the 3 powers working together as one.
A warlock is a derogatory term used by the Church as a name for a male Witch. The word stems from Latin Waerloga, or oath-breaker. On Charmed, Warlocks are essentially evil Witches out to kill and dominate by gaining as many powers as posssible. They also cannot stand good witches.
Wicca is the alternative name for modern witchraft, the study and practice of Neo-Paganism. Wicca has a connatation toward Magic and spell-casting.
Witchcraft is the study and practice of one of the oldest forms of religion in our society. Witchcraft is the practice of folk religion that combines Magic, nature, herbal essences and other older Christian religions, such as the Druids or old English. Witchcraft is also the term used meaning the craft caused by a witch. If a witch casts a spell on you, thus causing you to do something against or without the process of your will, you say you have been held at the mercy of Witchcraft.
Back to the main page.