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Wai Tai (CHI) External alchemy. The arts of nourishing life. These arts were said to include transmutation of metals, the secrets of medicine, invisibility, and the techniques of changing shape. The primary direction of wai tai, however is the attainment of the Tao and physical immortality. See Alchemy; Tao.
Wakan An Native American term for the force which suffuses the world and maintains cosmic order. It is the force behind magick and reveals itself in visions and prophecies. See Chi; Mana.
Wand A tool in magick that resembles a rod and is used to direct energy towards the practitioners goal.
Waning The lunar phase when the moon is getting "smaller" (more crescent-like). This is the time when magick that involves banishing things, breaking habits, and getting rid of things is to be performed. The opposite of waxing.
Ward A protection spell.
Warlock A derogatory term which literally means "oath breaker". A common misconception is that male witches are called warlocks. The word warlock is non-gender definitive, the same as witch is non-gender definitive.
Watchtowers A concept derived from ceremonial magick. The four watchtowers each represent a cardinal direction, element, elemental, and a color. They are commonly used in modern Wicca.
Waxing The lunar phase when the moon is getting "larger" (nearing the full moon). This is the time when magick that involves growth and bringing things to you is best performed. The opposite of waning.
Wheel of the Year One full cycle of the seasons. In pagan beliefs it begins on Samhain as opposed to January 1st.
Wic An Old English word meaning to bend, to twist, or to wiggle. A very old term for the practice of magick. It is also sometimes translated as to weave, or to know.
Wicca Wicce in the female form. The Old English root words for a male or female witch.
Wiccan The plural form of Wicca (or Wicce). Often used by modern practitioners to refer to the Neo-paganist Witchcraft movement in general. See Neo-paganism
Widdershins Counter-clockwise. The opposite of deosil.
Wise Woman A solitary female practitioner of witchcraft who gives charms and healing salves to villagers in Europe.
Wita Scottish Wicca. See Pecti-Wita
Witch A practitioner of witchcraft. There are many types and traditions of witches. A witch is not necessarily a Wiccan, though if a Wiccan practices witchcraft they may be called a witch.
Witch Ball An 18th century tradition. It is a glass sphere hung in windows to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Christian concept of the Christmas tree ornament originated.
Witchcraft The practice of spells and magick, often involving the worship of many deities or a supreme God and/or Goddess.
Witta Irish Wicca.
Wizard This is a non-gender title. Generally it is used as A name for male ceremonial magicians, but a female may also be called a wizaed (or wizardess). Rarely used for Wiccans unless they are eclectic and use ceremonial magick as well.
Word of Power A word or name that is reputed to have great power when spoken. Most are almost impossible to pronounce and have no meaning in any living language.
Working; Magickal Working Any act involving magick or ritualism.
Wort An archaic term for herb.
Wu (CHI) Eternal nonbeing. The essence of Tao. See Sunya
Wu-hsing (CHI) Elemental activities: Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, and Water. The Taoist equivalent of the four elements of Western philosophy. The wu-hsing are best thought of as modes of manifestations.
Wu Wei (CHI) No-activity Spontaneity. Noninterference with the Tao. See Tao
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