Magick related terminology for Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans

The following definitions are from terms generally associated with the Craft of the Old Religion. Some of the terms can be found in regular dictionaries, while others are not commonly used in the English language, and will be difficult to find elsewhere. This dictionary includes any and all words and/or phrases I feel would benefit the study of Wicca, or enhance the research process.

This Dictionary is meant to be used with the Study Buddy Program, and definitions will be added as they are used within that program, which is being added to weekly.

For Questions or Comments, please email Midnite

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A
animismThe belief that there is an aspect of Deity for every element of survival, and that natural phenomena and inanimate objects have souls.
anthropologyThe study of the origin and development of the human species.
archeologyThe study of material evidence remaining from previously existing human cultures.



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C
CovenA group or circle of Witches, usually (but not always) consisting of three to thirteen members who work together to practice magick, celebrate the Sabbats, and hold rituals during Esbats. It is believed that the strength of a Coven is greater than that of a Solitary because each Coven member brings a special strength, gift, or talent to the circle.



D
divinationThe art and/or science of seeking answers to the unknown. There are many different methods used to divine: Tarot, Runes, Palmistry, Scrying, interpreting dreams, Astrology, Divining Rods (which are often used to find water sources)...just to name a few.



E
eclecticA collection of religious beliefs, gathered from various resources, styled to fit an individuals needs or ideas for a more personalized spiritual experience.
ElementsA collective reference used to describe the natural elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
EsbatRituals held thirteen times a year, during a Full Moon, to work magick or honor Spirit.


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F
familiarAn animal, such as a pet, a Nature Spirit, or a magickal creature that aids and protects a Witch. Cats are commonly associated with Witches as familiars.
folk religionA religion with traditional beliefs and practices originating among the common people (those that are not of royal or high society lineage).



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K
karmaDescribes the laws of "cause and effect" which, in a spiritual sense, is a calculator of all our actions. The laws of karma state that what we do in this lifetime, be it good or bad, effect our future. Good or positive actions will bring about positive results to this life and the next. In turn, bad or negative actions will create negative results.



L
legendA story handed down through the generations which is believed to be true, but unable to be verified.



M
magickOften identified as the equivilent of a prayer, magick is the art of utilizing collective energy from the "All" which is shaped to fit a specific purpose, then is sent into the cosmos to accomplish a goal. Spelled with a "k" to distinguish it from the magic of a Stage Illusionist.
mythA traditional story that can be real or ficticious, which embodies cultural ideas and beliefs about ancestors, heroes, or supernatural entities.


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N
Neo-Paganism A term used interchangeably with "Modern Paganism", often used to distinguish the differences between todays form of religion with that of the Old Religion of ancient times.



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P
Pagan Derived from the Latin word paganus meaning "country dweller". From a Christian perspective, was denoted to mean one who was not Christian. The Pagan perspective in turn, represents a Nature oriented, polythiestic form of religious worship.
PalmistryA form of divining that uses the lines, or markings, in one's hand(s) to read into their future. Also known as Chiromancy.
polythiesm The belief in more than one God.
proselytizeThe act of recruiting, or attempting to convert, individuals from one religious practice to another.



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R
reincarnationThe belief among many religions and cultures that we have lived past lives, and will continue to be reborn into different physical bodies until such a time as we have spiritually evolved gaining complete wisdom to the point of total enlightenment.
ritualA ceremony in which religious or magickal rites are perfomed through either physical or mental means to honor Spirit, or produce a desired outcome.
RunesA magickal alphabet, often inscribed on sticks or stones, sometimes even bones, used to divine. This alphabet is also used often for added power when inscribed on tools, clothes, jewelry, and items used in ritual or magickal work.



S
SabbatsUsed to describe the eight great festivals that occur throughout the year which signify the seasonal changes. These festivals celebrate, not only the turns in the Wheel of the Year, but also the natural life cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Solitary WitchA Witch who either chooses to practice alone or, due to any number of circumstance, is unable to practice with a Coven. Solitary Witches have only themselves to answer to for their choices, and are able to practice magick and ritual when ever they choose, without the conflicts that can sometime occur in larger group settings. While there is a great deal of freedom associated with being a Solitary Witch, it is sometimes felt that practicing alone can not generate as much power as a group effort can produce.
SummerlandThe spiritual realm that is always full of warmth and beauty, to which one goes after the soul departs the physical body. The soul has time to regenerate and renew itself, while waiting to be reborn into its next physical body.
sympathetic magickThe first known form of Witchcraft, based on the belief that like attracts like. Examples: The use of Poppets for healing; The Native American Rain Dance performed to bring rain; Acting out a successful hunt through ritual to produce a successful hunt in reality.Also known as "Image Magick".



T
TarotA form of divining, using a deck of seventy-eight cards, that combine common symbolism with different images to connect with the past, present, and future. The standard deck of 52 playing cards is thought to originate from the Tarot.
Thirteen (13) Principles of Wiccan BeliefA set of guidelines written by the Council of American Witches in 1974. This Council disbanded shortly after these principles were introduced into the Wiccan community, but these principles still remain today, being a major contribution to the beliefs and practices of Modern Wicca.
Three-fold LawThis "law" states that anything we do, or put out into the cosmos will return to us three times over, with three times the force, be it good or bad. This is another example of karmic debt, which enforces the belief that no matter what we do, our actions will ultimately catch up to us.
TraditionsPractices, beliefs, and customs handed down from one generation to the next. In Wicca or Witchcraft this includes the many different cultural ideas sought to enhance or expand our spiritual well-being.



U
UnderworldA spiritual realm deep within the Earth that is representative of the womb symbolizing self-examination, discovery and transformation. It is said that the Goddess entered this realm and became one with God to be reborn as One. The cauldron is often seen as being the source of rebirth, the womb of all life giving things, and therefore becomes a representation of the Underworld. Also known in ancient mythology as the "Land of the Dead".



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W
Wheel of the YearA term used to describe the seasonal cycles that occur through out the year (i.e., Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter), which are continually reoccurring year after year. The Wheel itself also represents the life cycles of birth, death and rebirth.
WiccaAn Earth-based spiritual practice that embraces Nature and the Divine as being One, while at the same time seeing both masculine and feminine aspects in the "All". Wicca is founded in pre-Chrisitan European beliefs and wishes to reclaim a connection with the Old Religion of our ancestors. Through the use of magick, the celebration of the Wheel of the Year, and the practice of ritual, Wiccans seek to live in harmony, basing their practices on the basic but powerful principle of the Wiccan Rede, "An it harm none, do as ye will".
Wiccan RedeA Wiccan Code of Conduct that ultimately states that you may do whatever you like, so long as it doesn't bring harm to anyone or anything.
WitchcraftA Nature-based religion which often includes the practice of herbalism, divination, celebration of the Wheel of Life and Spirit, and the magickal arts. Often referred to as the "Craft", or the "Old Religion".



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