Witches
Vocabulary
A
Adept: An initiate who has reached a certain level of
attainment.
Aeon: [aeon] Greek for eternity. According
to Gnostic philosophy, the Aeons are the firstborn-living
entities, gods, emanations, or ideas that personify
areas of time and space which separate humanity from
God, and who in evolution follow one another in succession.
Guardian Angels of time.
Air: Elemental of East, represented by
Sunrise, the colors yellow/ red; aspects of: childhood,
intellect, thought, mind, tarot suit of swords, victory,
power, conflict, conscious mind.
Akasha: ( a- ka- sha) Spirit, also known
as the Fifth (Universal) Element. All Elements are created
from the Akasha. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning
to shrine. The tattva associated with the Element of
Spirit, depicted as a black egg. [see tattva]
Alchemy: A process of transformation,
discipline, and purification. There are two types of
alchemy which often overlap. The first being practical,
this is in the labatory or in a stillery a mixing of
various bases, chemicals to create a form of metal,
medicine, or in modern days beauty products. The second
form of alchemy being spiritual, a form of transformation
within the human soul, which allows one to reach a higher
level of spiritual consciousness.
Amulet: (am- u - let) An object, normally
fashioned out of natural material, such as: wood, stone
or etc... To be worn for protection.
Angel: An entity within the divine hierarchy.
A pure and high spirit of unmixed good in office and
operation. Angels are anthropomorphic symbols of what
we consider to be good, or holy. Angels and archangels
are considered specific aspects of God, each with a
particular purpose and jurisdiction. They each have
specific duties, such as bringing teaching, warnings,
or messages from the Divine to the human beings. The
names of Qabalistic angels usually end in the suffixes
el or yah, which are the divine names of God. The word
angel is derivied from the Greek word angelos meaning
messenger.
ArchAngels: A powerful angel/s who governs large groups
or hosts of lesser angels. According to some, archangels
have free will, whereas angels do not. Uriel is of Earth,
Gabriel is of Air, Michael is of Fire, and Raphael is
of Water.
Anima: Latin word for soul.
Anima Mundi: Latin for Soul of the World.
The divine essence that permeates all things.
Animistic: (ani -mis- tik) seeing all
things as having a Spirit or a Soul. Realizing the Divine
Spirit resides in all things.
Asana: Sanskrit for seat. Asanas are bodily
postures used in Hatha Yoga.
Astral Plane: An energy level of existence
that lies outside the physical and mental planes of
reality.
Astral Projection: Moving the spirit energy
from the physical body through space and or time to
other locations while the body remains either asleep
or in trance.
Astrology: An ancient science of the study
of the celestial planets and how they affect the human
and set in motion the path of ones life’s destiny.
Athame : (ath - a - may) A double-edged
knife, normally with a black handle only. Used for directing
energy only, not used for cutting. The athame is a symbol
of Air and is representative of the energy of God.
Aura: Energy field of multiple layers
surrounding all things that may be seen visually or
sensed psychically to be understood or manipulated in
Magick. Things such as holes or gaps can appear when
illnesses occur, however; these can be healed with crystal
working.
Autumn Equinox: Sept 21st, celebration
of the second harvest, as Nature is preparing for winter.
A celebration is usually held with festive foods of
fruits and grains from the harvest.
B
Banishing: To Magickal cast away something
present and undesired, such as negative energy, astral/
psychic attacks resulting in injury of the body, mind
or spirit.
Bind: To restrict or secure the obedience
of a spirit through the authority of the Divine names
and the threat of punishment. This may be done by placing
them within an object, a jar, or stone, etc... This
is today not used by many in that follow Wicca, as it
is considered by many a darker form of Magick, however,
if a binding or cursing in necessary, you should not
hesitate, use only when it is the last resort and only
after years of study to know how to do this form of
Magick properly.
Beltane: May 1st~ the Union of the Goddess
and Her consort (Lover/Young Lord) in the Great Marriage
and the Fertility Rite.
Besom: The Witch’s broom. It may
also be placed besom/broom upright at the entrance or
at ones hearth to ensure blessings within the home.
It is also can be used for the purpose of cleansing
the area of negative or chaotic energies, where the
Witch/ Coven will perform work (rituals, meditations,
spells, etc...) Made of Ash staff, birch twigs and willow
bindings; (this is the traditional way of making a besom).
Black Mirror: Also known as a scrying
mirror, used for divination and dark aspect meditation.
Blood Line Witches: Also known as Hereditary
Witches, whose practices have been handed down and learned
from that which has been handed down within the family
line of Witches through multiple generations. *Also
see Hereditary Witches.
Bolline: A white handled knife with a
curved blade. Used in ritual for cutting herbs, cords,
carving into candles or wood. It is also used outside
of the circle to cut herbs, plants or wood, as an act
of sacredness.
Bonfire: Are fires sacred in all solar
Sabbats, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Samhain and Winter
Solstice. Depending on the Sabbat in which it is lite
for, determines the use of the fires. At Beltaine, the
fire literally means bright fire, herds of cattle were
ran through the fire to bring protection, women jump
the bonfire in hopes of fertility. Summer Solstice the
bonfire is used for showing the power of the Sun, warding
off all forms of evil or black magick, as well as for
the use of sympathetic magick, at Samhain the bonfire
is to guide those ancestors back to the home in which
they are to enjoy a meal and time with their loved ones.
At Samhain we use the bonfire as well to remove all
the negative energies of the year and prepare for blessings
in the season ahead. Winter Solstice, it is burned in
honour of the Sun God’s return and in preparing
for the heat of the Sun upon its return at Beltaine.
Book of Shadows: A Witch’s sacred
book containing passages, spells and other personal
and sacred works.
Broom Closet: When a Witch prefers to
keep his or her practice of the Craft a secret from
those outside the Witchcraft community.
C
Casting Circle: This is done at the beginning
of a ritual, usually cast by a HP or HPs. It can also
be done by a solitary practicioner. It is cast for protection
and to bring in the energies from the Celestial Realms
as well as the Underworld Realms when performing Magick.
This can be done with the projective hand, athame, sword,
wand or staff.
Celts: (sounds like Kelts) Indo -Europeans
who arrived in Ireland by way of Spain; people originally
of Dravidic derivation from the Indus Valley who migrated
across Europe.
Censer: Normally a brass container used
to burn incense in.
Ceremonial Magick: A Magick system created
in the 14th to 16th centuries in Europe, and based on
Paganism and the Hebrew Magickal system of the Kaballah.
Chalice: Symbol of Element of Water, used
in ritual to contain the beverage and to symbolize the
receptive and fertile womb of the Goddess.
Chakras: Energy centres within the body
usually stated as:
*Root/Base (gential/anal area)
*Sacral/Spleen plexus (lower abdomen)
*Solar plexus (navel)
*Heart
*Throat
*Third Eye/Fourth Eye
*Crown
Charge: Directing energy into an object
for a purpose.
Consecration: A ritual that is performed
when using a specific tool, stone, amulet, talisman
or jewellery that is to be used in ritual or worn by
the person for a specific use. Note, in some cases your
energies can connect to the jewellery and charge it,
however, to use in Magick and specifically for ritual
you should always consecrate all tools, prior to using
them Magickal.
Circle: Sacred location where rituals
take place. The Circle is charged and created by the
words and energies of the Witch. The Circle repels negativity,
while it allows pure positive energy to be created within.
Cleansing: Removing negative or chaotic
energies from an object or person. This is usually done
by a consecration of sea salt and water, or placing
the object into a fast running natural stream or brook.
This is also done by smudging an area or person with
Sage and Feathers.
Cone of Power: Energy raised and concentrated
within a Circle for Magickal use and then released at
the highest peak of the energy for the Magick to manifest.
Corn Dollie: A doll constructed out of
corn husks that is used Magickally or for ritual purposes.
Also used during Imbolc to represent the Goddess.
Correspondences: Correlations of Magickal energy to
items of Nature, colours, hours of day, days of the
week, symbols, lunar and solar phases and other meanings
to create Magick works.
Coven: A group of individuals of like minds that are
led by a Priestess, Priest, High Priestess or High Priest
or both. The Coven may consist of a variety of number
of members. The usual number of members is thirteen,
but many covens choose to hold at least three or eight,
as this tends to be a tighter more family oriented group.
Coven mate: Member with the Coven.
Covenstead: The home residence of the
Coven.
Craft, the: Another name or term for Witchcraft.
Craft name: A Magickal or spiritual name
chosen by a Witch for working in the Craft, it may also
be used openly in public Witchcraft gatherings.
D
Deosil: Celtic word meaning sun wise.
Clockwise, when in circle this would be moving from
the North to East to South to West to North. This motion
increases the energy flow.
Divination: The art of finding the untold
answers by Magickally using items, such as: tarot cards,
palm reading, reading tea leaves, rune stones, etc...
Divine: The Higher power, Lady and Lord,
Goddess and God, Great Spirit
Drawing Down the Moon: Ritual of drawing
down the energies of the moon into water, or drawing
down the energies of the Goddess into the Rite. This
is done by the HPs with the assistance of a HP or acting
Priest. There is also a Rite of Drawing Down the Sun.
Dressing: Placing appropriate oil on spell
items such as a candle as part of a spell or ritual
to prepare the object to attract and direct the energy
of a spell toward the specific goal.
E
Earth Power: The energy which exists within stones,
herbs, flames, wind and other natural objects. It is
manifested Divine Power and can be utilized during Magick
to create needed change.
Earth: Element of North, represents Dusk
or Night, the colours are green and brown; aspects of
prophecy, fertility, death, life, material, traditions,
and home. Tarot is the suit of; disks, coins, pentacles
[this depends on the deck]. Sacred tool is the Pentacle
and Pentagram.
Elements: Earth, Air, Fire Water and all
that exist within them. Everything that exists or that
has potential to exist contains one or more of these
energies.
Esbat: Full Moon rituals are conducted
on the Full Moon.
Evocation: Calling Spirits to either make
they visible or invisible in attendance during a rite.
Exorcism: A ritual used to remove demonic
entities from a home or person it inhabits.
F
Familiar: A Witch's animal or spirit guide that is highly
regarded as their truest companion and who can also
aid them in their magickal workings. Some Witches are
seen with Black cats are their familiars, however even
toads, snakes and many, many other animals are familiars.
Fire: Element representing South, the
position of the Sun at Noon; the colour red, properties
of youth, energy, passion, drive, and ambition.
Full Moon: Full lunar phase of the Moon.
The Mother Goddess when she is at her full potency.
This is a time to perform Magick / spell working for
all things especially for learning the deeper mysteries
and an increase in intuition and a connection to the
Goddess in Her full power. This energy lasts up to 7
days after the Full Moon. A time for Drawing Down the
Moon. This is the time of ones Initiation to a HPs or
HP within the Craft.
G
Generator: A large terminated point crystal,
normally containing many windows. It is used to charge
other crystals so that by placing another stone or crystal
on a pentacle with the generator crystal on top of the
one to be charged, a consecration should be conducted.
A strong bond or relationship is established between
the Witch and the stone by working often through the
crystal.
Green Man: The God/ Lord of the Forest
or Wilderness, Lord of Nature. He is the revealers of
the mysteries of the wild beasts within the Forest,
such as the stag, deer, mountain goat and so forth.
His reign is during May Day (Beltane) through Mid-Summer.
He is also called Cernunnos, the May King, and the Lord
of Summer among others.
Green Witchcraft: Practice of Witchcraft
based on Nature. The Old Religion grounded in Nature,
the main aspect is that the Witch is connected with
all Elements and their energies. Using Nature, as their
teacher and guide and allowing us to see the Lady and
Lord within all that is within Nature.
Grimoire (Grim'-ores) A Magickal workbook containing
ritual information, formulas, Magickal workings from
the 14th - 16th century, based on Paganism, the Hebrew
Kabala of the 12th century Europe and medieval Christianity
era. Some today Witches today call the Book of Shadows
a "Grimoire"
Ground & Centre: Finding the calming
inner peace within yourself and releasing any tensions
or nervous anxieties through your feet by standing or
placing your palms on the Earth. This allows a Witch
to be focused and grounded toward the activity in which
he/ she is going to participate in or if they just feel
the need to be calmed down.
Grounding: After working a ritual, spell
or any type of working, a Witch may still be filled
with a lot of excess energy that was not fully released.
Placing your hands palms down on the Earth and concentrates
on sending the rest of the energy into the Earth for
healing energy for the Earth. (You will actually feel
you hands pulsate.)
H
Hallowed: sacred, such as: burial plots, certain trees...
Handfasting: A Witch, Pagan, Wiccan or
Gypsy Wedding. This is not a traditional (Christian)
wedding. A marriage certificate can be validated, or
one does not have to be. A couple can decide to stay
handfasted for one year and a day and then propose another
handfasting or they can choose a lifetime handfasting
with marriage certificate. This ceremony is done by
a legal clergy which can be a High Priestess, High Priest,
Priestess, or Reverend.
I
Immanence: The Divine is at hand and present
in all things.
Initiation: A sacred ritual where an individual
is introduced into a Coven.
Invocation: Invoking is when you call
forth the energies of a specific Goddess or God to come
within and teach you or to reveal answers to questions
another may have in circle. It is a way of Divine Connection
within our Higher Self. This is done by the HP or HPs
when in a Magick Circle.
K
Karma: Soul retribution; basically what
you do comes back to you three times, if you do something
good- you get something back good three times; however
you do something bad you get it back three time BAD!
Karma can be your best friend, but do not let it be
your Enemy, for it has not remorse for it's actions,
for initially it was your actions that started it and
they can carry into another life, if not rectified in
the life they were done.
L
Libation: An offering to the Goddess and
God, usually the first drink from the chalice and the
first portion of ritual food. The offering can be poured
into a libation bowl (spell bowl you have designed)
for the Goddess & God the food portion placed within
and place it upon the ground later. Or you can simply
place both upon the ground at that moment.
List of Correspondences: A table showing
relation between items and their Magickal function as
used in the Craft. Such as colours, herbs, days of the
weeks, Magickal intent, astrological sign and etc. Example:
Healing: Blue candle, anoint w/ Eucalyptus oil, perform
on a Full Moon or New Moon or when the Waxing Moon is
in Cancer.
Lughnasadh: August 1st, also known as
Lammas, Cornucopia, and the first harvest. This is when
the fruits and grains are harvests and stored for the
winter. And at this time the God slowly weakens as the
days grow shorter.
Lunar Eclipse: When the Sun passes behind
the Moon. This is the emblem of the Goddess in Her Dark
Aspect as the Crone. "She who Transforms".
Lupercus: Feb 2nd, the day of the Golden
Wolf, and the time of new life and healing. Also known
as Candlemas, Brigit's Day, Imbolg and many others depending
on the culture. Imbolc signifies the first rising of
Spring, but most importantly the recovery of the Goddess
from giving birth to the Sun God at Yule, for now He
is the Young Lord.
M
Magick: (spelled with a "k"
signifies the Craft, without the k is stage magic) Magick
is the ability to use Natures Element energies to create
change to better oneself and those around them.
Meditation: A quiet time where the practitioner
can go within him/ herself and dwell upon particular
thoughts, ideas, symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.
It allows one to reflect upon situation within their
lives and also to connect to their Deity for answers
or to ask questions, many revelations have been made
in meditations.
Moons: There are, 12 Full Moons a year,
depending on what tradition or tribe you speak of you
get a different name for the Moon of the month. According
to Ann Moura's Grimoire of the Greenwitch:
* January - Wolf
* February - Storm
* March - Hare
* April - Seed
* May - Dryad
* June - Mead
* July - Herb
* Aug - Barley
* Sept - Harvest
* Oct - Hunters
* Nov - Snow
* Dec - Oak
*Note along your studies you will find
a wide variance of other names for the monthly Moons.
*Occassionally there will be a 13th Moon, which is called
a "Blue Moon" (this is the 2nd Full Moon in
a Solar Month). *This also applies to Black Moon, this
only occurs every six years and it is when there is
a 2nd New Moon in a Solar Month.
N
Neo-Pagan: Basically means "new form
of Paganism", which is now recognized mainly as
"Wicca". This is where a new form of the old
Pagan religion is being practiced, but with new ideas
and new implicated patterns of the Old Religion.
New Moon: The Waxing lunar phase of the
Moon where rites and spells such as: new beginnings,
success can be performed for the coming month.
O
Ogham: Old Celtic alphabet symbols named
for trees/shrubs. They were used for magickal symbolism
as sigils in spells and various other magickal workings.
Old/Ancient Ones: Used to refer to all
aspects of the Goddess and God.
Old Religion: This is best described as
the religion of the Craft, Nature based and Native Americans,
PRE-Christianity.
Opening the Circle: At the end of the
ritual or working the Circle is opened by the practitioner,
drawing the energy back into the athame, wand, sword,
staff, or hand in which they cast with and then releasing
it back into the Earth by placing their palms onto the
ground or into a stone of choice (if inside) until it
can be transferred outside. Then all are able to leave
Circle.
Oracle: Ancient locations where divinations
took place and prophecies were uttered, generally by
priestesses; also the prophecy itself.
Otherworld: The world of the Elementals:
Wee Folk (Faeries), Pixies, Will-o-Wisps, Undines, Sylphs,
Dragons, Gnomes, Elves, Unicorns and all the other wonderful
elementals.
P
Pagan: Latin for paganus meaning "Country
dweller". Followers of the Old Religion, however,
in today's society many call themselves Pagan, but follow
Wicca. The true path of Paganism has deep roots in the
ancient works of Druidism and the older Old Ways of
Witchcraft that is pre-Christian era. Many may be hereditary
Witches, much of the true form has been lost of Paganism
due to the 1600-1700's Witch Trials, because they went
into secrecy and all was only orally passed down.
Pantheism: From the Greek words pan all
and theos god. The belief that all things are of one
spirit and live within the Divine.
Pendulum: A divination tool, can be made
of various items. Normally consists of a string or chain
connected to a sphere of quartz crystal or another divination
stone. The string is held "completely" steady
by the practioner with their elbow flat upon a solid
object. Then the question is asked. The answer is determined
on the movement of the crystal/stone. Rotation means
"yes", swinging back and forth indicates "no".
There are many forms to this particular tool, and there
are many occult shops that are prepared to sell you
intriquite designs of boards to go along with very expensive
pendulums. Use your best judgement, remember.... they
didn't need all these fancy things back then, so why
now?
Pentacle ~ a five-pointed star within
a circle, in which represents the Spirit, Air, Fire,
Earth and Water. Made into an altar plate: can be made
out of wood, stone, or clay (should not be made out
of metal (unless it is 100% sterling silver) as metal
is not conductive in Circle or on the Altar.
Pentagram : The pentagram is one of the
most potent, powerful, and persistent symbols in human
history. It has been important to almost every ancient
culture, from the Mayans of Latin America, to India,
China, and Egypt. It has been found scratched on the
walls of Neolithic caves, and in Babylonian drawings,
where it marks the pattern the planet Venus makes on
its travels- a secret symbol of the Goddess Ishtar.
A five-point star within a circle, the star represents
the 4 Elements (Earth, Air, Fire & Water) and Akasha
(Spirit).
Personal Power ~ "Energy that sustains
our bodies. It ultimately originates from the Goddess
and God (or, rather, the power behind them). We first
absorb it from our biological mothers within the womb
and, from food, water, the Moon, and Sun and other Natural
objects. We release personal power during stress, exercise,
sex, conception, and childbirth, Magick is often a movement
of personal power for a specfic goal." (Scott Cunnigham)
I wanted to directly quote Scott on this as I think
that he has such a wonderful outlook on where our Personal
Power comes from and really how we use it.
Polarity: A balance of opposites.
Psychic Mind: A person’s subconscious mind or
unconscious mind. Most will connect to their psychic
mind during sleep, while dreaming, in trance or while
in meditation. There are those that have the ability
or gift to control their psychic mind at will, such
as: clairvoyants, seers, tarot readers and various others
within the occult.
Poppet ~ a doll made from cloth, normally
stuffed with herbs or natural cotton batting. This can
be used to represent someone that has requested your
assistance on a healing spell.
Power hand ~ the hand that the Witch favours,
the one that he/ she feels is the strongest when working
Magick.
R
Receptive Hand: Opposite the Projective
hand. The receptive hand is the hand in which you will
"receive energy into the body.
Reincarnation: Rebirth after death. This
is a process in which a spirit will be given life again
in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless
soul. You will hear people say, ?you are an old soul"
or you are a young soul" Some also believe that
they will reincarnate as their totem animal.
Ritual: A specific ceremony designed toward
union with the Goddess and/ or God/ Divine, this is
done within an altered consciousness and it is produced
to allow the movement of energy toward a "needed"
goal.
Runes: Normally using the old Teutonic
alphabets. Runes are commonly made of natural elements
such as: wood and stones. Used for divination.
S
Sabbat: The Eight festive holidays of the Craft: beginning
with Samhain, Winter Solstice, Mid-Winter/Imbolc/Oimelg,
Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh,
and Autumn/Fall Equinox.
Samhain : {pronounced sow- in} Astrological position
of Oº Scorpious, or common calendar Oct 31st, marks
the death of the Sun God and his time of passing into
the womb of the Mother Goddess to reborn at Yule. Samhain
is also the time when the portal or veil between the
two worlds, the mundane world and the astral world is
at its thinnest. During this time we remember, communicate
and some celebrate the passing of loved ones, as they
crossed over into the Sumerlands.
Scrying or to Scry: to look into or gaze
into various objects, such as: candle flame, cauldron
of water, crystal ball, to contact to your psychic mind.
This is a form of divination. This type of divination
can be used for reasons such as things to come or things
that have occurred.
Shaman: A practitioner (can be male or
female) who has obtained intense knowledge of the deepest
dimensions of the Earth. This is usually done through
periods of alternate states of consciousness. Through
a variety of intense rituals the Shaman will pierce
the veil of the physical world and experience the realm
of the energies.
Shamanism : The practice of Shamans. The
shifting of consciousness and or form to travel between
the realms.
Sidhe : (pronounced SHee) The Fae, the
Wee Folk, the Faeries of Ireland; from the Tuatha de
Danu; Ruling Goddess is Goddess Rhiannon. Their Queen
is Queen Mab.
Sigils: a specific drawing or design to
represent a Planet, Archangel, Coven, Witch, or Coven.
Skyclad: Nude in Ritual.
Slyphs: Highest Air Elemental, very in
tune with humans on the mental level. They are often
seen as cloud like, taking no significant shape.
Smudging: The use of white sage or white
sage mixed with another herb, such as juniper or sweetgrass
for cleansing and purification. This is normally done
before Circle is cast. It is also used in cleansing
a new home, a home where negative energies are felt,
cleansing and/or healing a person and many other uses.
This is a very ancient custom of the Native Americans.
So Mote It Be : an affirmation saying,
"and it is done", but with the love and trust
behind the words that the Divine is among to send forth
what has been accomplished.
Solar Eclipse: When the Moon passes in
front of the Sun.
Spring Equinox: March 21st, marks the
beginning of the true astronomical Spring.
Spell: Magick performed in spoken words
and where energies are raised and directed to a specific
goal. This can be spoken words, an amulet made, potion,
poppet or etc. Then once the energy is at the highest
point the practioner(s) releases the energy toward the
direction of the spell, asking for blessings of the
Goddess/God, ArchAngels and Saints along with the Elements
energies to bring it forth.
Sumerland: Spirit realm, where loved ones,
even animals have passed over to, waiting to be reincarnated.
Summer Solstice: Also known as Midsummer,
June 24st, is the original date until the Christians
wanted it for St. John?s feast day. This is the highest
Magickal night! Midsummer marks the point of the year
when the Sun is symbolically at the height of its powers
and so too the God. This is the longest day of the year.
T
Talisman: An object, such as a pendant
made of stone, crystal or wood or precious metal (gold
or silver) that has been charged with power to attract
a specific power to it's wearer.
Tarot: A Deck of 78 cards. 22 Major Arcana,
and 56 Minor Arcana. The original decks consisted of
up to 150 cards, the Major being of approx 100 cards
and the Minor of 50 or more. The Major were held by
the Witch and the Minor by the common man so that no
one could either way be accused of practicing sorcery.
The minor were used for gambling and then when a reading
was needed was brought together with the Major. Tarot
cards are used for divination of the past, present and
future. Originally they were made from wood and large
in size.
Tattva: [or Tattwa]: Sanskrit word meaning
quality. The five main tattvas {Prithivi, Vayu, Apas,
tejas, and Akasa} correspond to the four elements and
and Aer, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
Tradition: A structured group, usually
initiatory, with unique ritual practices. Many are branches
from older traditions. Some may have their own Book
of Shadows. There are various types of older traditions,
some include: hereditary traditions, bloodline traditions,
family traditions, and more. There does not have to
be anything specific to a tradition, as anyone may form
a tradition based upon members having the same beliefs.
Triple Goddess Aspect: The Goddess in
Her aspect as Mother, Maiden and Crone.
U
Underworld: The underworld is the place
of rest during the dark months, it is the land of the
darker Goddesses and Gods, the land where the Wee folk
inhabit. But, it is also the land of rebirth, love,
cleansing and reclaiming. It is the land of Hades and
Queen Prosephina and where the form of ancient healing
Incubation took place. The Underworld is the Earth in
which we inhabit, as we are already dead.
Undine: "The undines are the elemental
beings that compose water. They are able to control,
to a great degree, the course and function of the water
element. Etheric in nature, they exist within the water
itself and this is why they can't be seen with the normal
physical vision. The undines also work with the plants
that grow under the water and with the motion of water.
Some undines inhabit waterfalls; others live in rivers
and lakes". Description by Freya Owlsdottir
W
Wand: Symbol for the Element of Air, one
of the primary tools on the altar. Used to direct energy,
draw magickal symbols, or even point out danger. Traditional
woods for wands are: willow, elder, oak, apple, peach,
hazel, pear, cherry and a few other producing trees.
Waning Moon: When the moon is in 3 quarter,
and begins to turn dark. This is a time for working
Magick, of releasing, banishing, bindings, and the breaking
of bad habits. In initiation it is the time of ones
crossing over to Sumerland.
Water: Element of the West; Sunset, colours
of blue/gray; maturity, emotion, psychic ability, intuition.
Waxing Moon: Lunar phase of the Maiden
phase. This is a time for working Magick of new life
ahead, new pathways, and a time for the planting of
new seeds.
Wicca : Neo-Pagan religion that is Earth
based. They observe the reverence of the Goddess and
God, while some only observe the Goddess. Wicca was
derived from "Wicce" the medieval name for
Witch or also "Witta" which means Wise ones.
Wicca began its major population here in the United
States with the introduction of Gerald Gardeners works.
Widdershins: the opposite of Deosil, to
walk counter clockwise in Circle. An example for releasing
Circle would be, one walks from the North> West>
South> East> North.
Winter Solstice: Dec 21st, rebirth of
the Sun God from the Earth Goddess/ Mother/Crone.
Witches Rede: This can basically be described
as an Oath that is taken by a Witch in honour of the
Lady and Lord to honour all things and "An' it
harm none, do as ye will". This has always been
called the Witches Rede, but it has also been changed
to the title of the "Wiccan" rede.
Witchcraft: Nature based practice of spirituality, based
on the Old Ways of the Ancient form of Paganism. Also
known as the "Crafters". We utilize Nature's
natural properties in rites of Magick, such as herbs,
stones, crystals and more.
Witch's Ladder: A knotted string used
in conjunction with a spell. as each knot is untied
part of the spell is released.
Witch Queen: A High Priestess with two
or more covens from her own. This began with Alex Sanders
in the 1960's. However, the only true Witch Queen is
the Goddess Luna Diana, she is the Queen and Mother
of all Witches. This is used widely in Wiccan Covens
when a HPs has five covens underneath her home coven.
This is not a title in which we accept in Sacred Circles’Coven/Grove
or her Temple.
