Pagan Dictionary: W
Wand-
A tool in magick which resembles a rod and is used to direct energy towards a goal.
Waning-
The lunar phase when the moon is getting "smaller" (more crescent-like). This is the time when magick that involves banishing things, breaking habits, and getting rid of things is to be performed. Opposite of waxing.
Ward-
A protection spell. W.A.R.D also stands for Witches Against Religious Discrimination.
Warlock-
A derogatory term which literally means "oathbreaker". It is a common misconception that male witches are called warlocks. However, male witches are no different than females in this respect and so they are simply called witches.
Watchtowers-
A concept derived from ceremonial magick; the four watchtowers each represent a cardinal direction, element, elemental, and a color. They are commonly used in modern Wicca.
Waxing-
The lunar phase when the moon is getting "larger" (nearing the full moon). This is the time when magick that involves growth and bringing things to you is best performed. Opposite of waning.
Wheel of the Year-
One full cycle of the seasons, in pagan beliefs in begins on Samhain as opposed to in January.
Wicca-
A neo-pagan reconstruction of witchcraft. Most Wiccans call themselves witches, but not all witches are necessarily Wiccan.
Wiccan-
1. A person who follows or practices Wicca. 2. Something related to Wicca. (For example a wiccan book, wiccan artwork, etc.)
Widdershins-� Anti-clockwise motion, usually used in the Northern
Hemisphere for negative magical purposes or for dispersing negative
energies or conditions such as disease. Southern Hemisphere Wiccans my
use widdershins motions for the exact opposite purpose; namely for
positive ends.� The use of widdershins and deosil in Wicca stems form
ancient European rituals practicd by peoples who watched and reverenced
the Sun and Moon in their daily revolutions. Some Wiccans walk
widdershins around an altar to symbolise the end of a ritual.�
Wise Woman-
A solitary female practitioner of witchcraft who gave charms and healing salves to villagers in Europe.
Wita-
Scottish Wicca. See also Pecti-Wita.
Witch-
A practitioner of witchcraft. There are many types and traditions of witches. A witch is not necessarily a Wiccan, though if a Wiccan practices witchcraft they can be called a witch.
Witch Ball-
An 18th century tradition; a glass sphere hung in windows to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Christian concept of the Christmas tree ornament came from.
Witchcraft-
The practice of spells and magick, often involving the worship of many deities or a supreme God and/or Goddess.
Witta-
Irish Wicca.
Wizard-
A name for male ceremonial magicians, rarely used for Wiccans unless they are eclectic and use ceremonial magick as well.
Word of Power-
A word or name which is supposed to have great power when spoken, most are almost impossible to pronounce and have no meaning in any language.
Working; Magickal Working-
Any act involving magick or ritualism.
Wort-
An archaic word for herb.
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