| Akasha : The fifth Element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the Universe. It's the energy out of which the Elements formed. Altar: A surface, usually flat, that is set aside exclusively for Magical workings. Amulet : A magically empowered object that deflects specific, usually negative, energies. Generally, a protective object. Anointing Oil: A skin-safe, scented oil that is dabbed on the body (at chosen pulse points or on the forehead) in order to purify and individual mentally and spiritually.
Anaphrodisiac: A substance, such as camphor, that reduces sexual desires. Aphrodisiac : A substance that produces sexual excitement. Aspecting : Any advanced Magical activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought, feelings, behavior, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct result of a "Drawing Down". Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with the selection of a Magical Name or Craft Name.
Asperger: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used for purificatory purposes to sprinkle water during or preceding a ritual. Astral Projection : The act of seperating the consciousness from the physical body and moving it about at will. Bane, Baneful : That which destroys life. Poisonous, dangerous, destructive. Herbs such as henbane, hellebore, and aconite are examples of baneful substances. Banish : The Magical act of driving away evil or negativity. A strong purification, sometimes associated with the removal of "Spirits". Brew : See Infusion. Burning Times : A term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in Scotland and on the continent of Europe. In England and the U.S., they were hanged. Cauldron : An iron pot, of any size, used to prepare ritual Magics, herbals, infusions, and so on. The cauldron is a symbol of the womb and the birth process, the ability to transform oneself into a more spiritual individual.
Censer: A heat-proff container in which incense is smoldered; an incense burner or any similar object. Centering: A meditation exercise designed to produce feelings of total calm and oneness with the universe. It should be preceded by grounding. Chalice: A cup, made from a variety of materials, that represents the Goddess. It is a symbol of potential. Charge Of The Goddess : The traditional words of the Goddess to Her followers. Normally declaimed by the HPS at every coven Circle. Combustible Incense: Self-burning incense containing potassium nitrate; usually in cone, block, or stick form. Cone Of Power : Power raised in the circle by the Witches assembled, and sent out into the world to work Magic. It is usually visualized as being retained and built in the form of a "cone" prior to release. Consecration: A ritual of sanctification or purification. A ritual of dedication. Coven : An organized group of Witches, led by a High priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13, but in fact, most covens have less members than this. 3 is the minimum in the Georgian Tradition. Covenstead: A regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the home of the High Priestess or High Priest.
Curse: A conscious direction of negative energy toward a person, place, or thing. Deosil : Clockwise, or Sunwise. Traditional direction for working "building" Magic. Empower : The movement of personal energies into herbs, stones, or other objects. Esbat: A Wiccan ritual that celebrates the Full Moon. Evocation: Calling up Spirits or other nonphysical entities. Exorcism: The Magical process of driving out negative entities. Familiar: Either a Witch's pet animal which has been trained to be a Magical helper, or an artificially created "Elemental" which performs the same functions as the animal friend.
Fivefold Kiss or Fivefold Salute: The Witches' ritual salute, with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips- really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle, but the words that go with it are the origin of "Blessed Be."
Grimoire: A Magical workbook with information on rituals, Magical properties of natural objects, and preparation of ritual equipment. Many include "catalogues of Spirits". Grounding: A meditation exercise that allows the mind to focus in a positive way on a specific visualization. To sink excel energy into the Earth or to calm rampant energy in the body. Grounding should be followed by centering. Handfasting: A Wiccan, Pagan, or Gypsy wedding. Herb: A plant used in Magical workings and are prized for their specific energies. Herbalism: The practice of cultivating, gathering, and using plants for medicinal, cosmetic, ritual, and culinary purposes. Hex: See Curse. Incubus: A male demon or Spirit that sexually tempts and abuses women. Infusion: A liquid produced by soaking herbs in very hot (but not boiling) water. A brew or potion. |
