ometimes, when reading through text, you find witchcraft terms that you don't really understand. Well, now you will. Just look below and find your word. If there is a word that you need that I don't have, e-mail me at PagnBoy15@aol.com and I will put it on the page. Thanks!

Adept-An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system. A person can be an adept at Egyptian magick practices, but a total failure at practical kitchen magick.

Air-In many Wiccan traditions, the element corresponding to the East, the color light blue, mind, intellect, and imagination.

Altar-A flat surface holding ritual tools and symbols. In many magickal traditions, it is placed in the East; others prefer it in the North or Center.

Amulet-A natural object worn or carried for its protective powers; e.g., a seashell, stone, seed, or animal claw.

Animism-The belief that natural objects, and Nature itself, are alive and conscious; or the belief that an immaterial force animates the universe. Many Witches are comfortable with this theory.

Ankh-An Egyptian hieroglyphic that is widely used as a symbol for life, love, and reincarnation. It is depicted as a cross with a looped top.

Aspect-A form, facet, or persona of Deity. A manifestation of the Goddess or the God having its own name, appearance, qualities, attributes, and mythology. For example, Persephone, Kore and Artemis are maiden aspects of The Goddess. Helios, Ra and Apollo are solar aspects of The God.

Asperger-A ritual tool used to sprinkle water for purification purposes. It can be a crafted artifact or something as simple as a pinecone or a twig with leaves or needles.

Astral-This word conjures lots of definitions. To keep it simple, let's describe it as another dimension of reality. I have heard it referred to as "dream time," which I thin is an excellent label. This reference is from the Australian Aboriginal people and their teachings, which are well worth your further study.

Astral Travel/Projection-The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dreamtime.

Athame-A black-handled, double-edged, knifelike tool used by Witches to channel energy, but never to cut anything material. It may be marked with the owner's name or other symbols, and may symbolize Fire or Air depending on the owner's tradition.

Attunement-An activity which brings the minds, emotions, and psyches of a group into harmony prior to ritual: chanting, singing, guided meditation, and breathing exercises are common ways to attune.

Aura-The energy field of the human body, and especially that readian portion visible to the "third eye" or psychic vision. The aura can reveal information about an individual's health and emotional state.

Banish-To magickally end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of.

Bell-In some traditions, a bell is rung to "alert the quarters" prior to invoking the elemental pwowers. It is usually a small hand bell.

Besom-The old name for a broom. In medieval days a Witch might disquise her staff as a boom to escape persecution. Some Witches use a broom to sweep and symbolically cleanse the area where the circle is to be cast.

Bind-To magickally restrain something or someone.

Blessed Be- An all-purpose greeting, response and farewell among Witches. It reminds us that everything and everyone is sacred.

Bolline-A white-handled Witch's knife used to carve or cut materials necessary for ritual or healing. Sometimes a bolline used to harvest herbs will have a small, silver, sickle-shaped blade.

Book of Shadows-A personal journal in which Witches keep their notes on ritual and magick, and perhaps records of dreams, herbal recipes, class notes, and so forth. Also, the guidelines, beliefs and common rituals or a given coven or tradition. Thus there is a distinction between, say, "Samantha's Book of Shadows" and "the Gardnerian Book of Shandows." Today, frequently a "Disk of Shadows."

Burning Times-The period of European history roughly between 1200 and 1700 C.E., during which the Church of Rome launched the Inquisition, an organized campaign of extermination against Jews, heretics, Pagans, and homosexuals. The most conservative estimation is that 90,000 may have been killed; estimates range as high as 9 million.

Cabala-Also seen as Kabbala(h) and Qabala. The ancient Hebrew magickal system.

Candles-In addition to illuminating the altar, candles are sometimes used to mark each of the four quarters, and can also be used for spellworking. They may be anointed with oils and inscribed with runes.

Casting Stones-Several systems of divination call for small stones to be cast upon the ground, or a special board or cloth. The stones may be marked with runes, or their color may indicate their meaning.

Casting the Circle-The psychic creation of a sphere of energy around the area where ritual is to be performed, both to consecrate and focus the power raised, and to keep out unwanted influences or distractions. The space enclosed exists outside ordinary space and time.

Cauldron-the cauldron represents the womb ofhe Goddess, as in Cerridwen's cauldron named Aven, or the source of all plenty, as in the Dagda's cauldron. Modern Witches use a cauldron either as a symbol, or to cook in for Sabbat feasts, or to burn things in as part of a spell.

Centering-The process of moving one's consciousness to one's spiritual center, leading to a feeling of great peace, calmness, strength, clarity and stability.

Chakras-the nexi or focal points of the human energy fieldl There are traditionally seven major chakras in a line from the top of the head to the base of the spine, as well as many smaller ones. Being able to sense and influence the chakras is an important form of healing.

Chalice-The chalice or cup usually holds wine that is hared around the circle in Wiccan ritual. It is a symbol both of Water and the womb.

Charge of the Goddess-A Witches' liturgical writing is which the Goddess addresses Her follwers,k first obtained by Charles Leland from an Italian strega named Maddelena around 1886, and published in Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. It was rewritten and expanded by Doreen Valiente, probably in the 1950's, and then again by Starhawk in The Spiral Dance, 1979.

Circle-See "casting the circle". Also a term for a coven or other magickal proup, and also a verb meaning "to gather together for ritual."

Chakras-Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually associated with a color. These vortexes are: Crown-white; Forehead (third eye position)-purple; Throat - blue; Chest - pink or green; Navel - yellow; Abdomen - orange; Groin - red. Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet, as well.

Cone of Power-The energy raised during magick is imaged as a cone, which at its peak is released toward a specific goal.

Cord-The Witch's cord is also called a girdle or cingulum; in many traditions, the color signifies the Witch's degree. However, the cord can also be used in knot magick and binding and loosing spells.

Correspondences-A system of symbolic equivalences used in magick. For example, a red candle may correspond to the element of Fire, which in turn corresponds to energy and will.

Coven-A group of Witches who gather regularly to celebrate their faith and work magick. They range in size from three to twenty or more, though most covens limit their size to thirteen or fewer. Covens are self-governing and vary widely in their styles and interests. Some covens are affiliated with a particular tradition or the Craft, while others are eclectic.

Cowan-Anyone who is not a witch.

Craft-Another name for Wicca or Witchcraft; not to be confused with the Masonic "craft."

Dedicant-A non-initiated student of Wicca; sometimes called a neophyte, seeker, student or candidate.

Degrees-Levels of initiation representing spiritual development and Craft skill, knowledge, and experience. Most Wiccan traditions have three degrees: first, second and third, with third being the highest.

Deosil-Clockwise or "sunwise." This is the direction the priestess or priest moves when casting the circle, calling Quarters and raising power; it is the movement of attraction, creation, and growth. See "widdershins" for the opposite.

Divination-The art and practice of foreseeing trends and discovering hidden knowledge, using such tools as the tarot, I Ching, Runes, casting stones, or a showstone. Divination is highly useful prior to working ritual magick.

Drum-Drums are used by many covens as a means of raising power during ritual, as well as for trancework and entertainment. Many different sizes and kinds of drums are used, from the bodhran to the tambour; it is a matter of individual preference.

Earth-In many Wiccan traditions, the element corresponding to the North, the colors black, yellow or forest green; and foundations, stability, the human body, all solid material things, and prosperity.

Earthing-Sending excess energy into the Earth; done in ritual after power has been raised and sent to its goal.

Elder-One who is recognized as an experienced leader, teacher, and counselor within the Craft.

Element-In classical magick, Earth, Air, Fire or Water, each representing a class of energies in the universe, and all of which together make up Spirit and the reality we know. See listings for each element.

Esbat-A gathering of Witches to celebrate a certain phase of the moon (most commonly the full moon), work magick, and socialize; from a French word meaning "to frolic."

Familiar-An animal companion trained to assist in magickal workings. Little is known about the original functions of familiars, though the Inquisitors had their own warped ideas. Nowadays most Witches have animal friends or pets, but few are trained as familiars.

Fire-In many Wiccan traditions, the element corresponding to the South, the color red, energy, will, passion, determination, purpose, and ambition.

God-The male personification of Deity. In Wicca, His most celebrated aspect is the Horned God of the Wilds.

Goddess-The female personification of Deity. In Wicca, Her most celebrated aspects are the Triple Goddess of the Moon, and the Earth Mother.

Grounding-Psychically reinforcing one's connections with the Earth, by reopening an energy channel between your aura and the earth.

Grove-And oraganized group of Pagans. In Witchcraft, a congregation is sometimes called the outer grove to distinguish it from the coven, which is composed of priestesses, priests, and those studying for the priesthood.

Healing-The goal of a great deal of magick, especially among healing-oriented spiritual traditions such as Wicca. Some alternative forms of healing in use among Witches include chakra/energy work, visualization, herbcraft, spirit journeys, and crystal healing. Many Witches are proffesionals in the fields of health and medicine.

Heathen-A non-Christian, from "one who dwells on the heath. "See Pagan."

Herbs-Wiccan priest/esses often use herbs in simples, extracts, oils, etc., for healing; and in amulets, talismans, and incenses.

High Priest-The primary male leader within a coven. Very often he is a third degree initiate who either helped found the coven, was chosen by the High Priestess, or was elected by the membership.

High Priestess-The primary female leader within a coven. Very often she is a third-degree initiate who ither founded the coven or was elected by the membership.

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I-Ching-A Chinese system of divination in which yarrow stalks or coins are cast to create hexagrams, which are then interpreted from a standard I Ching book. The I Ching is used by many Witches.

Immanence-The belief that Deity exists within all things, including people, and cannot be separated from them.

Incense-There are often burned in ritual magick, for purification and as a symbol of Fire and Air. They may be inthe form of sticks, cones, resins, or dried herbs. The incense chosen will depend on the nature of the magick being performed.

Initiation-A profound spiritual experience in which one's unity with Deity is realized. Also, the ritual by which such and experience is celebrated, and/or one is welcomed as a full member of a particular religious tradition or group.

Karma-The total effect of a person's actions during their successive incarnation, which ddetermines thier destiny. A Hindu concept that many Witches find congruent with the Law of Return.

Lamps of Art-Candles used to illuminate the altar at a ritual; they may be white, or colored to correspond with the sabbat being celebrated or the magickal work being done.

Law of Witchraft-A list of rules for Witches, focusing on individual conduct and coven operation. they are sometimes calle the "ordains" or "Ardaynes." Several versions exist. Their origin is unclear: they may be from the Burning Times, or recent, or a pastiche of ancient and modern.

Library-Most Witches collect books on the Craft, ancient religions, mythology, nature magick, ceremonial magick, the Qabalah, and related subjects. Be careful in your selections, as there is still a great deal of nonsense about the Craft in print.

Lunar Cycle-The roughly 29-day cycle during which the visible phase of the moon waxes from dark to full and wanes from full to dark again. Much magick is geared to the energies present at certain phases.

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Magick-The "art of changing consciousness at will." Also the psychic direction of natural energies, using the symbolic language of correspondences, to achieve a goal. Magick is often spelled with a "k" to distinguish it from staged illusions or fantasy magic.

Magick Mirror-A pecially constructed dark "mirror" into which the seeker gazes, looking from divinatory images. This art is called scrying, and the mirror is also sometimes called a speculum.

Moon-Symbol of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone) in the Wiccan faith, and of feminine powers of intuition and magick, and of female physiological cycles which are attuned to Her.

Mortar and Pestle-A stone bowl and grinding implement used to prepare herbs or other materials for healing magick.

Natural Objects-Many Wiccan altars hold an asortment of stones, shells, antlers, pinecones, and other objects, either to symbolize the Goddess, God, and Elements, or just because they're pretty and unusual.

Occult-Knowledge which is supposedly hidden from the eyes or understanding of anyone but adepts, usually referring to techniques or principles of magick. In fact, information formerly considered to be "occult" is freely available to anyone dedicated enough to seek it out from books or teachers.

Oils-These can be homemade or purchased at an occult supply store; they are often used on oneself or one's tools for blessing and consecration.

Ordains-See "Laws of Witchcraft."

Pagan-A follower of any nature-based religioin, especially those with European roots such as Wicca, Druidism, and Asatru. From the Latin paganus or "country-dweller," a member of the community or resident of the district.

Pantheism-A doctrine that identifies Deity with the universe and its phenomena; or, the worship of all gods. Many Witches consider the God/dess and the universe to be identical, and all gods to be valid facets or aspects of Deity.

Pen of Art-A pen used especially for magickal work or recording information in one's Book of Shadows; some Witches use a quill pen, while others prefer a ballpoint or a computer keyboard.

Pendulum-A divinatory tool consisting of a small weight on a thread or fine chain. It can be made of crystal, stone, wood, or other materials. Its use is called radiesthesia or dowsing.

Pentacle-A disc of metal, ceramic, or wood with a pentagram and other symbols inscribed on it. It is a symbol of the element Earth, and sometimes salt or cakes are placed on it.

Pentagram-A starlike, five-pointed figure of very ancient origin, used magickally for blessing, protection, and balance. The five points stand for Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Witches often wear a silver pentagram encircled, with one point up to symbolize Spirit guiding and balancing the elements. Also called pentalpha, "the endless knot," and other names.

Perfect Love and Perfect Trust-A Wiccan ideal; we begin by working to create them within the coven, and expand from there.

Polarity-The interaction of ttwo differing polarity-energies can raise enormous amounts of magickal energy, and this insight is incorporated into most traditions of Wicca, as well as alchemy and other philosophies. The female-male polarity is most commonly discussed, but of course there are others as well; Fire/Water, Yin/Yang, Darkness/Light, and so on.

Polytheism-A belief in many gods. Witches are polytheists to the extent that they believe in many aspects or facets or Deity. However, they could as well be called dualists or monotheists. A saying popular among many Witches is: "All goddesses are one Goddess; all gods are one God; Goddess and God are one."

Power-Energy drawn from natural sources, then concentrated and directed within a ritual for magickal purposes.

Priest-The American Heritage Dictionary defines "priest" as "a person having the authority to perform and administer religious rites." We could sya that Wiccan priest is one who performs Wiccan religious rites at will, authority be damned. However, the definition of shaman from the same dictionary also fits: one who "acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and who practices magic...for healing, divination and control over natural events." A Wiccan priest is also a spiritual teacher and counselor.

Priestess-The ame dictionary defines "priestess" as "a woman who presides over especially pagan rites." Add the functions of a priest as defined above, and that seems accurate enough.

Quarters-A shorthand term for the four Elemental powers and the directions they correspond to. Quarters are "called" and "dismissed" during ritual. See also Elements.

Reincarnation-The belief that an individual sould or spirit is born more than once, each time into a new body. Most Witches believe in reincarnation, and many practice past life recall or regression.

Ritual-A planned series of activities leading to the accomplishment of a goal through magickal means.

Ritual Tools-Implements used in ritual magick. The basic tools for most Witches are the athame, wand, chalice, and pentacle, although there are many others which can be made or purchased.

Robe-Some covens wear robes to ritual, others go skyclad. Robes are usually floor-length, long-sleeved, hooded, and held at the waist with a cord. The color may symbolize the season, the Witch's degree, or membership in a particular coven.

Runes-Letters used in the old Norse and Teutonic cultures, both for normal inscriptions and for magick. Each letter is believed to have a special symbolic meaning and power. Casting the runes (carved or painted on wood, stone, or ceramic markers) is one form of divination popular among Witches.

Sabbat-One of the holy days of the Wiccan religion, celebrating themes such as birth, fertility and death, related to the turning of the seasons. Most Wiccan traditions celebrate eight sabbats. They have more than one name each, but one set goes as follows: Yule, Imbolg, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnassad, Mabon< and Samhain.

Salt-In ritual, salt is both a symbolic element of Earth and a cleansing agent, especially when mixed with water.

Scourge-This consists of several strands of light cord attached to a handle; some traditions require a token scourging as part of initiation, to ritually purify the candidate or induce trance.

Show Stone-A crystal ball or other polished stone used for scrying; see Magick Mirror.

Sigil-A magkically oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal working. The most powerful sigils are those that you create yourself. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, on paper tucked in your pocket, etc.

Skyclad-Clothed by the sky; i.e., naked. Some Wiccan traditions practice occasionally or regularly in the nude, while others wear robes. By tradition, nudity deemphasizes socio-economic differences, recognizes the sanctity of the human body, and allows the free flow of psychic energy. It is not an invitation to sexual advances or orgies.

Spell-A pattern or series of words and/or actions performed with magickal intent; or sometimes simply a spoken incantation. A spell may be part of a ritual, but it may also be performed without the usual ritual steps: casting the circle, calling the Quarters, invoking Deity and so on.

Staff-A Witch's staff can be a ritual tool of Fire or Air, or symbolize the masculine energy of the God. They are sometimes used as hiking sticks, and sometimes in ritual. The kind of wood used and the carvings and decorations are usually symbolic of energies important to the owner.

Stang-A forked stick placed in the center of the circle, as a primitive symbol of the Horned God or other Deity being invoked.

Stones-Rocks and gems are used for healing, divination, talismans, and other magickal purposes. Lodestone (magnetite) and quartz crystal are two commonly used stones, but many others are used as well.

Summerland-The Wiccan concept of the afterlife, where spirits rest in the company of the Lady and Lord, reflect on what they have learned in their most recent incarnation, and perpare for the next one. Witches do not believe in heaven, hell, or purgatory, but only in Summerland.

Sword-A ritual tool of Air or Fire, used in ritual to cast the circle. Most often individual Witches will own athames, and the coven may own a sword. It is also a masculine symbol; a priestess who wears a sword may take the part of the priest, in some traditions.

Talisman-A constructed magickal object, usually with inscribed symbols intended to attract certain specialized energies (clarity, wealth, health, safety, etc.) and worn as a piece of jewelry.

Tarot-A set of images on cards, traditionally 78, probably first developed in Europe in the late fourteenth century. The pictures represent different stages in the lives and spiritual journey of humankind. The tarot is extremely popular as a divination tool among modern witches.

Thaumaturgy-"Low Magick" used to influence things and events in everyday life: to protect your house, heal a cold, get a job, travel safely, etc.

Theurgy-"High Magick" employed ot connect with Deity and foster spiritual growth or transformation.

Three Levels of Self-Some Wiccan traditions used a model of the Self which has three parts: Younger or Lower Self, "Talking Head" or Middle Self, and God/dess or Higher Self. The model is similar to that of Huna, or in some ways Freudian psychology.

Threefold Law-See "Law of Return."

Thurible-A metal incense burner, sometimes suspended from a triple chain, used for cleansing and as a symbol of Air in ritual.

Tradition-A division or denomination of the Wiccan religion. Some of the best-known traditions are the Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Faery, Dianic, Pagan Way, and New Reformed Order of the Golden Dawn (NROOGD). Many covens are exlectic and draw from more than one tradition.

Wand-A ritual tool of Fire or Air, traditionally of fruitwood and about seventeen inches long, which can be used in magick to attract or repel. Modern wands are sometimes made of glass, copper, crystal, or other materials.

Warlock-Not a term for a male Witch. Warlock means "oath breaker." A male Witch is called a Witch.

Water-The Element corresponding in some traditions to the West, light green, medium blue, and silver, emotions and intuition.

Wheel of the Year-The cycle of seasons extending throughout the year. For most Witches, the year ends and begins at Samhain, or ends at Samhain and begins at Yule.

Wicca-A beneficent and magickal Earth religion which celebrates the immanent Triple Goddess of the Moon and the Horned God of Nature; also called the Old Religion, the Craft, or Witchcraft. Also, the old term for a male Witch. From teh Anglo-Saxon "holy or consecrated"; possibly related to "wise" or "to bend to shape."

Wicce-A female Witch.

Wiccan Rede-The ethical core of the Craft, summed up in eight words: "An ye harm none, do as ye will." In modern language: "As long as you do not harm anyone, follow your inner guidence, your True Will."

Widdershins-Counterclockwise; the direction a magician moves when she or he wishes to banish, remove or release energy. See deosil for the opposite meaning.

Witch-A priestess or priest of the Old Religion, Wicca.

Witches' Pyramid-A symbolic depiction of the qualities necessary to practice magick. The four sides of the pyramid are imagination, will, secrecy or silence, and faith. The pyramid is filled with love and rest on a foundation of knowledge.

Witch Jewels-Female Witches wear necklaces of gemstones or other natural materials, and some males wear a metal torc. The High Priestess may wear a crecent tiara, necklace of amber and jet, and special garter; the High Priest may wear a horned headdress. Witches of both sexes may wear and inscribed silver bracelet, rings, amulets, and talismans.

I just want all of you to know that all of these terms came from the book, "Coven Craft" by Amber K., and "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver Ravenwolf. Thanks and I hope you learned what you needed to know.