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Glossary of Wiccan Terms
By: Keitha (FireWind)
First Posted: Nov. 28th/00
Altar - A small table or surface on which items meaningful to owner are placed. Can be an intricately carved table made only for this purpose, or as simple as a cardboard box or tree stump. Generally used during ritual. Can also be a central place for meditation, divination, etc.
Athame - (pr. AH-tha-may or ah-THA-may) A ceremonial object usually used to focus energy. Most frequently a black-handled knife, but other objects may be used. Generally will only be used by it's owner.
Besom - (pr. BEH-som) A broom; most frequently used to sweep a circle clear of unwanted energy. Generally, but not always, used by a woman. Usually stored Bristles pointed up to prevent damage.
Book of Shadows - Sometimes abbreviated BoS. This is a collection of rituals, information, research, spells, and other information that is meaningful to the owner. Can contain the individual's magickal journal. Generally a black book or binder. Since an individual's BoS is a collection of their journey through the Craft, it is not generally shown to others.
Burning Times - A period of time where Witch Hunts were common. Victims may or may not have been Witches. More often than not the victim(s) were women. For more information please read my page on "The Causes of the Burning Times".
Dedicant - One who has been dedicated.
Dedication - A ritual that marks a person's decision to dedicate themselves to the Craft. In eclectic circles, usually a first step "I'm going to study this" decision. Frequently marks the beginning of a year and a day period where an individual studies and decides if this is a path they want to follow.
Solitary Practitioners may wait and perform a self-dedication as a "this marks the point that I choose this as my path" ritual. Not all dedications are equal. The definition of a Dedication varies between traditions and paths.
Degrees - A title that is earned, generally beginning at initiation. There are usually 3 degrees, initiation being the first.
Deity - An individual's view of the Divine. May be an all-encompassing entity, or one of many Gods.
Deosil - (pr. JIH-sel) The direction of sunwise; the direction the sun takes through the sky. In the northern hemisphere this is clockwise.
Drawing down the Moon - A ritual in which the Goddess may be invoked at full moon. Also a highly influential book by Margot Adler which examines many modern Neopagan traditions.
Eclectic - A path that takes it's "traditions" from many paths. One who is Eclectic may take rituals and philosophy from sources as widespread as traditional Witchcraft to Taoism to Christianity.
Elementals - A creature associated with a given element. For example, Gnomes are Earth elementals, Sylphs are Air elementals. For more information, please view our page on "The Elementals".
Elements - Generally one of 4 or 5 "energies" that are thought to create all matter and thought in the universe. In modern Wicca there are thought to be 5 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Each has specific qualities; ie. Earth is home, law, stability, Air is thought, change, beginnings. For more information, we have a basic page on the "Elements", or our "Element Correspondence Chart".
Energy - Exactly what it sounds like. Energy, thought, vibration, life.
Esbat - Generally a celebration of the Full Moon, but can also celebrate the New Moon and Quarters, as well.
Evoking - To call a Deity or Element(al). To ask someone/thing to be present. There is more information on our page on "Invoking and Evoking".
Law of Three - A law that states "whatever you do returns threefold". ie. Harming someone returns harm on you three times, helping someone returns good things three times.
Magick - Spelled with a "k" to note its difference from stage `rabbit out of the hat' magic, it is the art of causing a desired result through no apparent measurable cause.
Maiden - The spirit of the wild, untamed feminine; the young Goddess. The strong, free Goddess. Sometimes the Waxing Crescent Goddess.
Mother - The Mother Goddess, who gives birth to all life. Sometimes consort to the Horned God, sometimes the Full Moon Goddess.
NeoPaganism - A way of life, or a spirituality, who's movement began during the 20th Century c.e, and whose practices are usually based on Pagan practices.
Paganism - A way of life, or a spirituality, that generally involves Pre-Christian practices and or beliefs.
Pantheism - Basically a belief that all gods are part of one greater encompassing Deity.
Pentacle - A five pointed star within a circle thought to represent the five elements, among other things.
Pentagram - A five pointed star that can be drawn in one single line.
Polytheism - Basically a belief that all gods are separate beings.
The Broom Closet - proverbial; One who does not acknowledge they are Wiccan to non-Wiccans is said to be "in the Broom Closet".
Tools - Athame, Besom, Altar, Chalice, etc; an object that helps achieve a purpose.
Tradition - A specific way of practicing the Craft.
Visualization - To see something clearly in your mind.
Warlock - Not a Witch. An Oathbreaker.
Wheel of the Year - The turning of the seasons, the cycle of the year.
White Handled Knife - Sometimes used to harvest herbs, sometimes for all the menial cutting chores (plants, paper, cloth, etc.).
Wicca - A Neopagan spirituality that emphasizes spiritual balance and the idea of "Harm None".
Widdershins - Not Sunwise; counterclockwise.
Witch Queen - A Priestess who has hived off three or more covens.
Witchcraft - Without annoying too many people, the art of practicing Earth-based magick, and sometimes a Pagan spirituality.
Copyright Info: All articles by Keitha may be copied, posted, printed, distributed, reprinted, and linked to as long as the text is not changed, money is not earned, full credit is given to Keitha at www.glasstemple.com, and this notice is attached.
For all other uses, please contact me
© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 2005 2006 Keitha.
All Other Rights Reserved.
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