One of the eight Wiccan festivals; the gathering of Witches to celebrate at specific times of the year the transition in seasons. The four major Sabbats are: Candlemas, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. The four minor Sabbats are: Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice.
Samhain
One of the four Grand Sabbats, also known as Halloween, and celebrated on October 31st. Samhain is the Celtic/Druid New year, and also the time when spirits of deceased loved ones and friends are honored. At one time in history, many believed it was the night when the dead returned to walk among the living. The divinatory arts of scrying and runecasting are Samhain traditions among many Wiccans.
Scrying
The art and practice of interpreting the future, past or present from images seen while gazing into a crystal ball, candle flame, pool of water or gazing mirror.
Seal of Solomon
A hexagram consisting of two interlocking triangles, one facing up and the other facing down. It symbolizes the human soul and is used by many Witches in spells and rituals involving spirit communication, wisdom, purification and/or the strengthening of psychic powers.
Skyclad
A term used by Witches to mean ritual nudity (clad only by the sky). Skyclad worshipping is common among traditions of Wicca such as Alexandrians and strict Garderians and is carried out in the belief that nudity brings a Witch closer to the divine forces of nature and equalizes all members of a coven. However, many Wiccans especially those who work with others in a circle, choose not to worship skyclad as they feel more comfortable and nonetheless closer to nature and equality wearing ceremonial robes or even everyday clothes.
Smudging
The burning of incense or an herb bundle to drive away negative forces and to purify the space in which magick is being performed. The most common herb used for smudging is sage.
Solitary
A name used for the type of Witch who, either by circumstances or by his or her own choice, practices the Craft without belonging to a coven.
Spell
An incantational formula; a Wiccan prayer; a non religious magickal ritual performed by a Witch or other practitioner of the magickal arts.
Spellcraft
The performing of magickal spells in any form for either good or evil; magick in general; the art and practice of folk magick, common among rural populations; the art and practice of sorcery (any form of black magick, especially medieval style, that is performed with evil intent).
Talisman
A man-made object of any shape or material charged with magickal properties to bring good luck, fertility, and ward off evil. To formally charge a talisman with power, it must first be inscribed and then consecrated. Inscribing the talisman with a sun sign, moon sign, birthdate, runic name, or other magickal symbol personalizes it and gives it purpose.
Threefold Law
In Wicca, the belief that if one does something good, he or she will get it in return threefold in the same lifetime. Whatever harm one does to another is also returned threefold, it is also known as Triple Karma.
Thurible
A shallow, three legged dish used in magickal workings as an incense burner.
Triple Goddess
A Goddess trinity having three different aspects and three different names, usually corresponding to the three lunar phases. In Her waxing phase, She is the Maiden. In her waning or dark moon phase, She is the Crone of wisdom, death and darkness. In her full moon phase, She is the Mother.
