| Invocation : An appeal or petition to a Deity or Deities. A prayer. A request for Their appearance in ritual. Divination: The Magical act of discovering the unknown by interpreting random patters or symbols through the use of tools. Drawing Down The Moon : Ritual invocation of the Spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High Priest. Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The building blocks of the Universe. Everything consists of one or more of these Elements. Magic : The movement of natural energies to create needed change. Energy exisits in everything, and Magic is the process of building up this energy, giving it purpose, then releasing it. In itself, Magic is neither good nor evil, positive nor negative. It is the use of the power that determines what kind of path it will take. Magic Circle: A sphere constructed of personal power in which rituals are performed in. Meditation: Reflection and contemplation. Mental, stress-relieving exercises used to draw body, mind, and spirit into a single focus, in order to enhance the quality of life. Daily meditation practices help to promote a healthier outlook on life and
can facilitate healing in the sick.
Noncombustible Incense: Incense which is compounded without potassium nitrate, and which requires heat to release its scent. Pagan : From the Latin paganus, meaning country dweller. It's now a general term for Wiccans, shamanistic, polytheistic, and Magic-embracing religions. Pentacle : A Magical symbol consisting of a pentagram- a five-pointed star pointing upward and enclosed by a circle. Worshipped by the ancients, its meaning is "life" or "health". It is worn as a symbol of a Witch's belief and used in Magical workings and ceremonies. Each point on the star relates to the five Magical Elements- Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Pentagram: A five-pointed star with the tip pointing upwards. A symbol of protection and power. Personal Power : The energy which sustains our bodies, and which is available for use in Magic. Planetary Hour: Also called a Magical hour. Divisions of night and day that are guided by astrological influences and the energies of the various planets. Most serious Craft books and astrological texts carry this information.
Reincarnation: The process of repeated incarnations in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless soul. Ritual : A ceremony geared towards the union with the Divine. moving energy towards needed goals. Sabbat : A Witchcraft ceremony acknowledging the eight segments of the Wiccan year, the cycle of the seasons, and the influence of Spirit in our lives. There are 8 of them throughout the year. Sachet: A cloth bag filled with herbs that slowly release their energies for specific Magical goals. Sacred Space: An area cleansed by the four Elements and used for religious purposes. You can also create Sacred Space around your bed if you have trouble sleeping, are in a sick room, and so on. Sacred Spiral: A Wiccan symbol that represents "coming into being"- death and rebirth and the cycle of life. Single and double spirals were among the most sacred signs of Neolithic Europe, and the spiral still plays an important part in Magical workings. Sigil: A type of symbol. A Magically oriented seal, sign, glyph (sculptured character or symbol) or other device used in a Magical working. The most powerful sigils are those that you create yourself. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, paper, or tucked in your pocket.
Spell: A Magical ritual that is often accomplished by spoken words. Spirit: Your personal concept of God/dess- the energy-force that "runs" the universe. Succubus : A female Spirit or demon that sexually tempts and abuses men. Talisman: An object empowered with Magical energy to attract a specific force or energy to its bearer. Tincture : A liquid produced by soaking plant materials in ethyl alcohol (or medicinally, in apple cider vinegar) to produce a scented liquid. Warlock : A term coined in the Burning Times. It was used to denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the followers of the Old Religion. It's origin is Scottish. Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most Wiccans today. Wheel of the Year : One full cycle of the Wiccan year. The year is divided
into eight segments or seasons, each of which is marked by a festive celebration (also called a Sabbat). The first such celebration of the year is known as Samhain. This celebratory holiday lasts from October 31 through November 11, and is the Wiccan New Year. Wicca : a polytheistic religion that embraces magic and reincarnation. Some Wiccans identify themselves with the word witch. Wiccan : A follower of Wicca. Wiccan Code of Honor : As presented to the Wiccan Community at Witchstock Inter-Tradition meeting in 1998. The Inter-Tradition guidelines were written and presented by Lady Rhiannon of Serpentstone, Lady Cassandra of the Temple of Hecate Triskele, Lady Grey Cat of Northwind, Lady Silver Ravenwolf of the Black Forest and Grandfather Michael Ragan. This is an extraction from a complete document entitled Inter-Tradition Guidelines. This document contains Minimums for
Initiation, Requirements for Eldership, The Law (including universal and
coven) and the Code of Honor.
1. Chivalry must be followed by all (Honesty, bravery, generosity and kindness).
2. One's oath is one's sacred pledge. Pledge sparingly, for it must be of iron.
3. Speak no ill of another for all truth may not be known.
4. Pass not hearsay.
5. Be honest with all - and demand the same.
6. The fury of a moment plays folly with truth. Keeping one's head is a virtue.
7. Wisdom brings power. Apply discretion in its use.
8. Pledge friendship to those who warrant. To strengthen your brother or sister brings strength to you. Pledging friendship to the dishonorable brings dishonor to you.
9. Reveal not the secrets of others, lest your own secrets be lost.
10. Have pride in self. Seek perfection in body and mind, for you cannot honor another unless you honor self.
11. In all things, moderation.
12. Revere the God(s) and Goddess(es) of your tradition.
13. Respect the religion of others.
14. Accept the Laws of return (Karma).
15. Accept personal responsibility.
16. Respect the Laws of the Gods, humankind and nature.
17. Be loyal to your Coven, your High Priest and High Priestess, the Elders and your Craft brothers and Sisters.
18. Revere the natural world.
19. Respect the inner self.
20. Honor your succession of teachers.
Widdershins: Counter-clockwise. Used for "tearing down" or banishing magic. Witch: A European practitioner that practiced pre-Christian Folk-Magic. Later, this name was to signify evil and dangerous beings. However, today this name is pretty much accepted. Wort : An old term meaning herb.[ed note: also means "Good (for)"] |
