Faery

Is polytheistic and does not emphasize male/female polarities as much as other traditions. Nature is honored and the deities (whose names are secret) personifying the forces of nature, life, fertility, death and rebirth are worshipped. Emphasis is placed upon pragmatic magic, self development and theurgy. It is an initiatory tradition, and thus some material is kept secret though much is taught openly and has been published.

Familiars

An animal kept by a witch for the psychic help it can give; cats, dogs and horses in particular react very sensitively to negative influences, supplying early warning or corroborative evidence. Their human 'owners' (or rather, partners) are careful to give them psychic protection in return. Certain kinds of deliberately created and maintained thought-forms may also be called familiars.

Fascincation

The art of placing other people under one's power through sounds, gazes, colors, etc.

Fate

1) Fagles found that Homer used the term in two ways, both in an impersonal sense as "death, doom, a man's individual fate," and also in a personified sense as the "spirit of death;" in the latter sense Homer used the term in the plural for those "shadowy but potent figures who ultimately control the destiny of mortals;" they were supposed to derive from the decisions and declarations of the gods, thus making their outcome inevitable and determined. (2) The destined result of life after a sequence of fated events. Kismet, Karma, destiny are other names.

Festival

One of the eight seasonal Sabbats .

Fetch

(1) 'The apparition, double, or wraith of a living person' (Oxford English Dictionary). (2) A projected astral body of thought-form deliberately sent out to make its presence known to a particular person. (3) A witch (usually male) sent out by a High Priestess as a confidential messenger or escort; sometimes called the Summoner of the Officer.

Folk Magic

The practice of magic utilizing PERSONAL POWER, in conjunction with natural tools, in a non-religious framework, to cause positive change.

Folk Magick

The practice of magic utilizing PERSONAL POWER, in conjunction with natural tools, in a non-religious framework, to cause positive change.

Full Moon

(1) Phase of the moon when it has waxed fully. Best time for spells involving psychic powers, and for magick in general. (2) The phase of the Moon when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and receives sunlight across its entire face, forming a circle of light. At this point, the Moon is in opposition to the Sun.

Furies

The three goddesses of vengeance: Tisiphone (avenger of murder), Megaera (the jealous) and Alecto (constant anger). They are equivalent to the Greek Erinyes.

Futhark

The Runic alphabets are a set of related alphabets using letters known as runes, formerly used to write Germanic languages, mainly in Scandinavia, and the British Isles. In all their varieties, they may be considered an ancient writing system of Northern Europe. The Scandinavian version is also known as Futhark (derived from its first six letters: 'F', 'U' 'Th', 'A', 'R', and 'K'), and the Anglo-Saxon version as Futhorc (also so named after its first letters).

Gardnerian Tradition

Witches initiated by (or stemming from those initiated by) Gerald Gardner or one of his High Priestesses. There are also many witches today who practise the Gardnerian system but whose initiation does not ultimately derive from Gardner's coven, and it would be sectarian not to call them Gardnerians.

Gardnerians

Witches initiated by (or stemming from those initiated by) Gerald Gardner or one of his High Priestesses. There are also many witches today who practice the Gardnerian system but whose initiation does not ultimately derive from Gardner's coven, and it would be sectarian not to call them Gardnerians.

Glamour

A form of magick which involves changing people's immediate perception of you. It generally is simply altering your physical appearance (eye color, hair length, height, etc.) temporarily. However, it can also include changing people's emotional reaction to you. Glamours last only as long as the magician feeds energy into it.

Glyph

(1) (Greek) A carving; a drawn symbol in a writing system that may stand for a syllable, a sound, an idea, a word, or a combination of these.(2) A symbol for refering to a planet, zodiac sign, aspect or other astrological concept.

Gnome

The traditional name for an Elemental (q.v.) spirit of the nature of the Earth element.

Goal

See INTENT.

God

Generally, in Wicca, the God is the male principle; the perfect complement to the GODDESS. He's often identified with the sun; with deserts and forests, and with wild animals. Some see Him as the Lord of Death and Resurrection. In the eight SABBATS the Wiccans celebrate His birth, maturity, union with the GODDESS and His death. The God is not to be confused with common Christian conception of ‘God.’

Goddess

There are as many definitions of the Goddess as there are Wiccans. Generally, She's seen as the creatress of the universe; the unfaltering, ultimate source of fertility, wisdom, love, compassion, healing, and power. Often associated with the Moon, the seas and the Earth in Wiccan thought, the Goddess has been worshipped in many religions across the globe and throughout time.

Gods

Generally, in Wicca, the God is the male principle; the perfect complement to the GODDESS. He's often identified with the sun; with deserts and forests, and with wild animals. Some see Him as the Lord of Death and Resurrection. In the eight SABBATS the Wiccans celebrate His birth, maturity, union with the GODDESS and His death. The God is not to be confused with common Christian conception of ‘God.’

Golden Dawn

An occult Order founded in London in 1887 by three Rosicrucians, which became a major influence in Western ritual magic. Its rituals (partly written by the poet W.B. Yeats, who was a prominent member) are basically Cabalistic, with elements of the Chaldean Oracles, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and Blake's Prophetic Books. They were later published in full, under the title "The Golden Dawn" by Israel Regardie.

Grammary

Written magick, including symbols, signs, Ogham, and sigils

Great Rite

In Wicca, the major ritual of male-female polarity, which is also the third-degree initiation rite. It can be either symbolic, in the presence of the coven, or 'actual' - i.e., involving intercourse - in which case it is always conducted in private. Can be symbolized by the lowering of the athame into the chalice.

Green Healing

See GREEN WITCH

Green Majick

See GREEN WITCH

Green Witch

A nickname for a female or male Witch who is skilled in the art of wortcunning. The herb magick practiced by a Green Witch is called “the Green Arts” or “Green Magick”; the use of medicinal herbs is known as “Green Healing.”

Grimoire

A magical workbook with information on rituals, magical properties of natural objects, preparation of ritual equipment. Many include “catalogues of spirits.” The most famous of the old grimoires is probably The Key of Solomon. Most were first committed to paper in the 16th and 17th centuries, though they may be far older.

Grounding

The process of temporarily shutting down PSYCHIC AWARENESS and reorienting the CONSCIOUS MIND to the material world. A meditation exercise that allows one to draw or send energy into the Earth.

Grove

1) organized Pagan or Wiccan group similar to a coven but composed of members who are learning and being trained in worship and celebration. See OUTER COURT 2) A group of individuals who follow Druidical teachings. 3) Also refers to a group larger than thirteen.

Gypsy

It appears that the term "gypsy" is a corruption of "Egyptian," reflecting the widespread belief during the Middle Ages that these people were of Egyptian origin. It is most likely that they originated in northern India, in the Punjab region. Another interpretation claims that they acquired the name "gypsies" from their settlement in the Greek Peloponneseus near a village named "Gyppe"

Hallows, Halloween

A name used by some traditions for Samhain

Handfasting

A Wiccan, Pagan or Gypsy wedding. More broadly, any wedding or solemn betrothal.

Handparting

(1) A Wiccan or Pagan dissolution of the handfasting ceremony. (2) A pagan form of divorce.

Haruspicy

Reading the entrails of a sacrifice.

Heathen

One whos religion of one who lives on the heath (where heather grows)

Hedge Wizard

A rural practitioner who has little or no formal training

Heptogram

A seven-pointed star drawn with seven straight strokes.

Herb Magic

The practice of directing energies found within plants to create needed change. A branch of magic. Practitioners utilize PERSONAL POWER as well as other forms of energy, such as colors, candles, stones, sounds, gestures, and movements.

Herbal

A book about herbs and plants, especially those which possess medicinal and healing properties (based on scientific evidence) or those whose medicinal values are based entirely or in part on conjecture or folklore. One of the most interesting and popular herbals of all time is Nicholas Culpepper’s astrologically influenced herbal guidebook entitled The English Physician (also called The Complete Herbal). It was originally published in the mid-seventeenth century and remains popular in modern times, especially among Witches and students of herbalism and plant lore.

Herbalism

The practice of cultivating, gathering and using plants for medicinal, cosmetic, ritual and culinary purposes. See HERB MAGIC. The practice of identifying and using plants or plant parts that are: aromatic, savory, and medicinal. A man or woman who grows, collects, or specializes in the use of herbs (especially those that are used medicinally) is called an herbalist. The study of herbs is known as herbology.

Herbalist

See HERBALISM.

Herbs

Plants used in magic. Herbs are usually strongly scented and are prized for their specific energies. Includes trees, ferns, grasses, seaweeds, vegetables, fruits, and flowering plants. The dictionary defines an herb as “a fleshy-stemmed plant that generally dies back at the end of each growing season” or “any plant or plant part used specifically in medicine or as seasoning.” Herbs are mainly thought of as the green leaves of any plant or tree (both fresh and dried) that is valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Although many herb books regard seeds, roots, flowers, berries, and bark as herbs, they are more accurately classified as spices, Trees also do not come under the technical heading of an herb; however, tree leaves and some shrubs are considered to be herbs by many.

Hereditaries

Witches who claim a continuous family tradition and practice of the Craft, form long before the current revival.

Hereditary Witch

Witches who claim a continuous family tradition and practice of the Craft, form long before the current revival.

Hermetic

Is a panentheist belief system which teaches that there is One God, or one "Cause", of which we are all a part.

Herne

A British God-name, the best-known manifestation of whom is Herne the Hunter, leader of the legendary Wild Hunt in Windsor Great Park. The name may derive from the same original as Cernunnos (q.v.).

Hex

A curse, the evil eye or just a jinx.

Hex

An evil spell; a curse.

Hexagram

(1) A six-pointed star, formed by two interlaced equilateral triangles. It is generally called the Star of David in non-occult circles, but its use as an occult symbol is far older than its use as a badge of Judaism. It signifies the Hermetic principle of 'as above, so below'. (See MACROCOSM.) (2) Any one of the six-line figures of the I Ching

Hexcraft

Practice of conduction curses

Hierophant

His role is to bring the congregants into the presence of that which is deemed holy.

High Magick

Educated" forms of magic - alchemy, astrology, numerology, Kaballah, etc.

High Priest

In group Wicca, either one of two visible leaders of a COVEN; a man who co-leads the rituals, or a man who has reached a certain level of proficiency, achievement and wisdom. The term usually denotes a man who has received not one but several initiations.

High Priestess

A highly experienced leader of a COVEN; the woman who leads or co-leads the rituals, or a woman who has reached a certain level of Wiccan proficiency, achievement and wisdom. The term usually denotes a woman who has received not one but several initiations.

High Self

(1) An aspect of yourself. Your non-physical, true self. The enlightened, 'actual' persona of the individual as opposed to what the person seems to be or thinks they are. (2) The all-seeing, all-knowing aspect of ourselves that some refer to as God, Source or Guardian(s). Represents that part of us that is beyond space and time and is our personal link to the higher dimensions.(3) A reflection of the wholeness that is a human being; consists of refined clarity as well as fragments of self, but generally reflects less distraction and distortion more common with the lower self. Subject to calmness rarely associated with the drastic fragments of the personality self.

Hiving Off

The process whereby two or more members leave their parent coven to form their own coven.

Holly King

In the folklore of many parts of Europe, including the British Isles, the God of the Waning Year. At the Summer Solstice he 'slays' his twin, the Oak King, God of the Waxing Year; and at the Winter Solstice the Oak King is revived to 'slay' the Holly King in turn. Oak King and Holly King are each other's 'other self', in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth.

Holy Water

Blessed, purified water for use in ritual. Salt or an herb may be added to the water as part of its ritual purification process.

Horned God

The Horned God is a modern syncretic term, invented to link together numerous male nature gods out of such widely-dispersed and historically unconnected mythologies as the Celtic Cernunnos, the Welsh Caerwiden, the English Herne the Hunter, the Hindu Pashupati, the Greek Pan and the satyrs, and even the Paleolithic cave painting "the Sorcerer" in the Cave of the Three Brothers in France.

Hyrdomancy

Hydromancy (from Greek 'hydro', water, and 'manteia', divination) is the art of divination by means of water, including the color, ebb and flow, or ripples produced by pebbles dropped in a pool.

I Ching

A Chinese system of divination involving sixty-four 'hexagrams' or six-line combinations of unbroken (yang) and broken (yin) lines. It is one of the few categories of Eastern esoteric learning which transfer wholly satisfactorily to the West, without risk of cross-cultural confusion, and it is widely used here.

Imbolc

The Sabat marking The Festival of Lights celebrated Feb. 1. It celebrates the first stirrings of spring and the recovery of the Goddess from giving birth

Incantations

A ritual recitation of a prayer or spell, usually rhymed, to produce a magical effect.

Incarnation

The manifestations of a living entity into physical form; specifically, any one of the earthly lives of an immortal human Individuality in the continuing Reincarnation process.

Incubus

A male demon or spirit which was believed to sexually tempt and abuse women; the succubus was the corresponding female demon.

Individuality

The immortal, reincarnating part of a human being, consisting of the Upper Spiritual and Upper Mental levels; contrasted with the Personality, which consists of the Lower Mental, Upper Astral, Lower Astral, Ethic and Physical levels, and which only persists for one Incarnation, a new Personality being built up around the immortal Individuality for each Incarnation. (See REINCARNATION.)

Infusion

A liquid produced by soaking herbs in very hot (but not boiling) water. An herbal tea. A brew or potion. An infusion is a medicinal or magickal fluid made by pouring boiling water over one or more herbs (usually one cup of water to every teaspoon of dried herb) and allowing the mixture to steep like a tea, usually for ten to fifteen minutes, in order to extract the soluble elements and active principles.

Initiate

1) One who is undergoing or has undergone the Second Degree of Initiation. (2) A person who has undergone the rite of entry into a coven, circle, or other organization.

Initiation

A process whereby an individual is introduced or admitted into a group, interest, skill or religion. Initiations may be ritual occasions, or may spontaneously occur.

Inner Plane

Other levels of being and consciousness than the physical or the 'normal' Ego-consciousness.

Intent

In magic, the goal of the working.

Invocation

An appeal or petition to a specific conception of Deity. A prayer. A request for a deity's appearance or attendance during a ritual. Also, a mystical practice that produces an awareness of Deity within. Compare with EVOCATION.

Kabala

Occult theosophy of rabbinical origin; magical system including the Tree of Life and gemetria; also Cabala, Cabbala, Kabala or Qabbalah)

Kahuna

A practitioner of the old Hawaiian philosophical, scientific and magical system.

Karma

The 'spiritual bank balance' carried by the Individuality (q.v.) from one Incarnation (q.v.) to the next. The literal meaning of the word is 'action' or 'cause-and-effect'.

Karnayna

Alexandrianform of the God-name Cernunnos.

Kitchen Magick

More simple magics, drawn from folk custome and popular beliefs about witches. Also known as "natural" magic. Kitchen magic includes: Herbs are planted, tended, picked, preserved and prepared as remedies for a range of illnesses and injuries, and in attending to desires and fears. The phases of the moon, the seasons of the stars and the stations of the sun are observed - both watched and abided by - in all these activies.

Kitchen Witch

A practitioner of magic who uses the tools at hand to work his or her spells and create their rituals. For example, using a kitchen carving knife for an athame, a cast iron pot for a cauldron, etc. Common kitchen herbs frequently have magical uses as well

Labryas

A double-headed axe which symbolized the GODDESS in ancient Crete, still used by some Wiccans for this same purpose. The labrys may be placed on or leaned against the left side of the altar.

Lady

Title of honor for the Goddess.

Lamen

A magical symbol suspended from a collar and worn on the chest. A symbol of occult authority worn during rituals. A lamen can is usually a round plate, sometimes made of metal, which has magical symbols or words inscribed upon it. Modern lamens are often made from wood or cardboard.

Lammas

An old harvest festival celebrated on August 1st or 2nd in Europe, reverencing the abundant (harvested) fruit of the Earth. It is still observed by Wicca.

Lammas

See LUGHNASADH

Law of Three

A Wiccan belief that our actions, both positive and negative, will be returned to us three-fold.

Left Brain Function

The linear-logical, word-and-number-using, analyzing, basically masculine function of the left hemisphere of the brain, which also controls the right side of the body; balanced by the right-brain function, the intuitive, image-forming, synthesizing, basically feminine function of the right hemisphere of the brain, which also controls the left side of the body.

Left Handed Path

(1) The people we don’t like who are doing magic. (2) Occultists who spend their time being destructive, manipulative and “evil” — or at least annoyin

Levitation

(1) The phenomenon of a person or thing rising into the air by apparently supernatural means. (2) Movement upward in virtue of lightness. (3) The act of raising (a body) from the ground by presumably spiritualistic means.

Litha

The Summer Solstice, a Wiccan religious festival and a traditional time for magic. Also known as MIDSUMMER.

Lithomancy

Form of divination using crystals. "Lithos" is the Greek word for stone. There are many different forms of crystal divination, some make use of colours, others of the star signs that rule the crystals and others use only stones of two colours to give a yes or no answer. In the traditional method 13 stones are used. Seven stones represent the ancient astrological signs: the Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn.

Lord

Title of honor for the God.

Low Magick

Green magic, magic general focused on the physical

Lughnasadh

An old harvest festival celebrated on August 1st or 2nd in Europe, reverencing the abundant (harvested) fruit of the Earth. It is still observed by Wicca

Lupercalia

A Roman ritual of purification and fertility dating from such an ancient time that even the Romans of the first century BCE had forgotten its origin and to which Gods it was dedicated and even the meaning of some of its symbolism

Mabon

A Wiccan festival celebrated on or around September 21st, the Autumnal Equinox, which marks the second harvest. Autumn transmutes into winter. A time of thanks and reflection

Macrocosm

1) The world around us. (2) The universe itself; a system regarded as an entity containing subsystems. 3) universe: everything that exists anywhere; "they study the evolution of the universe"; "the biggest tree in existence".

Mage

A general term for anyone doing magic, especially of the active kinds; often used as synonym for “magus.”

Magic Circle

A ritually-created circle (or sphere) that offers protection to the magician during magical rites.

Magick

The practice of causing needed change through the use of powers as yet undefined and unaccepted by science. The movement of natural (yet subtle) ENERGIES to manifest positive, needed change. Magic is the process of “rousing” energy, giving it purpose (through VISUALIZATION), and releasing it to create a change. This is a natural (not supernatural) practice.

Magician

A person of either sex who practices magic.

Magus

In general, a male occult adept. In Wiccan usage, a second-degree or third-degree male witch.

Maiden

An appointment held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. This term is also the descriptive term used to describe the first of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). It is traditionally associated with the Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to Beltane (May eve) where the energies are those of initiating, beginning, and creation.

Manifest

The product on one level of being of a phenomenon or entity already existing on a higher level. Thus physical Nature is a manifestation of creative Divinity; the Earth itself may be regarded as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess principle; and on a much lower level, a seen ghost, or a poltergeist phenomenon, is a visual or physical manifestation of an entity or activity on the astral plane.

Manifestation

The product on one level of being of a phenomenon or entity already existing on a higher level. Thus physical Nature is a manifestation of creative Divinity; the Earth itself may be regarded as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess principle; and on a much lower level, a seen ghost, or a poltergeist phenomenon, is a visual or physical manifestation of an entity or activity on the astral plane.

Meditation

Mental, stress-relieving exercise used to draw body, mind, and spirit into one.

Megalith

A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is perhaps the best-known example of megalithic construction.

Menhir

A standing stone probably lifted by early peoples for religious, spiritual or magical reasons.

Merry Meet

A greeting commonly used by Wiccans and pagans. It basically means "Greetings". Abbreviated as MM.

Merry Part

A friendly phrase that basically means "Goodbye", used by Wiccans and pagans. Abbreviated as MP

Metaphysics

Metaphysics (Greek words meta = after/beyond and physics = nature) is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of "first principles" and "being" (ontology).

Microcosm

miniature representation of something vast, especially universe; man as epitome of universe

Midsummer

Sabat held on the Summer Solstice (around June 21) that celebrates the longest day of the year

Mighty Ones

Beings, deities or presences often INVOKED during wiccan ceremony to witness or guard the rituals. The Mighty Ones are thought to be either spiritually evolved beings, once human, or spiritual entities crated by or charged by the GODDESS and GOD to protect the Earth and to watch over the four directions. They are sometimes linked with the Elements.

Mojo

Mojo originated as a term with a specific meaning, but in the late 20th century became a very fluid term with many different meanings. It originated as a reference to a type of magic charm. The word traces its origins to Africa and entered the English language in the late 19th century or early 20th century through use by African Americans. It reflects the belief, common in many cultures, that some people have the ability to influence others to their own advantage, by casting spells or hexes.

Monotheistic

A style of religion in which the theologians (or thealogians) claim that there is only one deity (theirs of course) and that all other spirits claiming (or claimed) to be deities are “actually” demons in disguise. If other deities have cults that can be made to support the One Deity, they are kept on as “angels” or “saints.

Moon Void of Course

An astrological term for when the Moon leaves one aspect but has not yet entered the next sign. This stage lasts from a few hours to a few days. It is best to avoid any magick workings during this period (you will have trouble drawing energy and will be force to use your own) as well as avoiding making major decisions or planning important events.

Mundane Plane

The physical plane on which we exist

Muses

In Greek mythology, are nine archaic goddesses who embody the right evocation of myth, inspired through remembered and improvised song and traditional music and dances. They were water nymphs, associated with the springs of Helicon and Pieris. The Olympian system set Apollo as their leader, Apollon Mousagetes.

Mythos

A system of myths within a society or culture.

Native American

Peoples living in North or South America before the Europeans arrived.

Neo-Pagan

Literally, new-pagan. A member, follower or sympathizer of one of the newly formed Pagan religions now spreading throughout the world. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan.

Neophyte, Postulant

A newcomer to the coven, awaiting initiation.

New Age

A modern spiritualism movement, followers of which believe we create our own reality

Noncombustible Incense

Incense which is compounded without potassium nitrate, and which requires heat to release its scent. Compare with COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE.

Norns

Norse Mythology are three old crones by the names of Urd (fate), Skuld (necessity) and Verdandi (being). They live beneath the roots of Yggdrasil, (although some accounts have it that they dwell above the arch of the Bifrost Bridge), where they weave the tapestry of fates. Each man's (and woman's) life is a string in their loom, and the length of the string is the length of the person's life.

Norse

Of or relating to Scandinavia or its peoples or cultures; "Norse sagas"; "Norse nomads"

OBE

(1) Out of Body Experience (2) Also called Astral Projection. The phenomenon in which a living person's spirit can exit their body, travel the earth and other spiritual worlds and then return back to their bodies. Paranormal: Beyond the normal.

Occult

From Latin occultus (hidden), referring to the 'knowledge of the secret' or 'knowledge of the hidden' and often meaning 'knowledge of the supernatural', as opposed to 'knowledge of the visible' or 'knowledge of the measurable', usually referred to as science.

Odhinism

Is the indigenous religious faith of theScandinavian, British and other  peoples of Northern Europe; it is an amalgam of attitudes, ideas and behavior,  both a  personal faith and  a communal way  of life.

Was an alphabet used primarily to represent Gaelic languages that was probably often written in wood in early times. The main flowering of the use of "classical" Ogham in stone seems to be 5th–6th century AD. Monumental Ogham inscriptions are found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and the Isle of Man, mainly employed as territorial markers and memorials.

Old Ones, The

A wiccan term often used to encompass all aspects of the GODDESS and GOD. Some Wiccans view it as an alternative of THE MIGHT ONES.

Old Religion

Another name for the Craft.

Ostara

A Wiccan festival occurring at the Spring Equinox (on or around March 21st), which marks the beginning of true spring. A Fire festival celebrating the resurgence of Earth fertility, and an ideal time for magic.

Pagan

From the Latin paganus, a “country dweller” or “villager.” Today it's used as a general term for followers of WICCA and other polytheistic, nature based, magic-embracing religions. Pagans aren't Satanists, dangerous, or evil.

Pagandom

Part of the world inhabited primarily by pagans

Paganism

(1) Any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism. (2) Within a European Christian context, paganism is a catch-all term which has come to connote a broad set of not necessarily compatible religious beliefs and practices (see Cult (religion)) of a natural religion (as opposed to a revealed religion of a text), which are usually, but not necessarily, characterized by polytheism and, less commonly, animism. There is little organized "-ism" in paganism. (3) Belief in religions other than Christianity, especially ancient Greek polytheism, which was a non-revealed religion.

Pallomancy

Divination interpreting the movements of pendulum, often used in dowsing

Pantheon

A pantheon is a grouping of Deities associated with a particular time or culture.  For example the "Egyptian Pantheon," or the "Roman Pantheon."  The Deities of these pantheons usually began separately, as local variations, then grew together over time.  For this reason, though the Deities of a given Pantheon will correspond to the Seven Great Powers, They will appear to duplicate each archetype many times.  Some people prefer to work with one or another pantheon exclusively.  This is a matter of personal preference.  Other people believe that you should never mix Deities from one pantheon with Deities from another pantheon -this is a superstition, and experience shows that it is simply not true.

Pecti-Wita

A Scottish tradition of Wicca

Pendulum

A tool of Divination which consists of a heavy object suspended from a string or cord. The end of the cord is held between the thumb and forefinger; questions are asked and their answers divided by the movements of the pendulum.

Pentacle

A ritual object (usually a circular piece of wood, clay or metal) of a five-point star within a circle with each point representing an element and the fifth representing the Self or Aksha. It is a symbol of protection and power. It is not a symbol of evil or Satan. The words ‘pentagram’ and ‘pentacle’ are not interchangeable in wiccan use.

Pentagram

A five-pointed star which has been used in magic for centuries. Highly symbolic, it is also a protective device.

Perennial

Any plant that has a life span longer than two years. The following plants are classified as perennials: agrimony, alfalfa, aloe, American ginseng, angelica, autumn crocus, balm, bay, belladonna, bindweed, birthroot, bistort, black cohosh, bladderwrack, bloodroot, blue cohosh, blue flag, boneset, buckbean, bugleweed, butterfly weed, California poppy, catnip, celandine, chamomile, chicory, chives, cinquefoil, colicroot, coltsfoot, comfrey, daffodil, dandelion, dog rose, elecampane, fairywand, fennel, figwort, fireweed, forget-me-not, garden (or salad) burnet, garlic, goldenrod, goldenseal, Good King Henry, gromwell, ground ivy, heal-all, hops, horehound, hyssop, lady's mantle, lady's slipper, lavender, lily of the valley, live-forever, liverleaf, loosestrife, lovage, maidenhair fern, marjoram, marsh mallow, mayapple, meadowsweet, milkweed, mints, moneywort, moonseed, motherwort, mouse-ear, mugwort, onion, oregano, Oswego tea, partridgeberry, passionflower, pipsissewa, pussytoes, rosemary, rue, sage, Saint John

Persona

The 'comforting cloak' of the Ego; the self-image which the Ego builds up to reassure itself and to present to the world.

Personal Power

That energy which sustains our bodies. We first absorb it from our biological mothers within the womb and, later, from food, water, the Moon and Sun and other natural objects. We release personal power during stress, exercise, sex, conception, and childbirth. MAGIC is usually a movement of personal power for a specific goal.

Phases of the Moon

The stages of the Moon (new, waxing, full, waning) as it journeys around Earth. One complete orbit of the Moon around the Earth is called a lunar cycle and takes 28 days There are 13 lunar cycles per year.

Philter

An herbal aphrodisiac used in magickal spells with incantations to arouse love or sexual desire. Also known as “love potions,” philtres have been used by Witches since ancient times and have consisted of many different herbal ingredients. They are often put in foods or drinks and work the best when prepared and used on a Friday (the day of the week most sacred to Venus, the ancient goddess of love) or at the time of the month when the Moon is positioned in the astrological sign of Taurus.

Phytotherapy

The treatment of illness by the use of herbs or medicinal substances which are derived from plants. Witches refer to this art as “Green Healing” and have practiced it for centuries.

Planetary Hour

Also called a magickal hour. Divisions of night and day that are guided by astrological influences and the energies of the various planets.

Polarity

The concept of equal, opposite energies. The Eastern yin/yang is a perfect example. Yin is cold; Yang is hot. Other examples of polarity: Goddess/God, night/day, Moon/Sun, birth/death, dark/light, Psychic Mind/Conscious Mind. Universal balance.

Polytheistic

A style of religion in which the polytheologians claim that there are many deities, of varying power, and many lesser spirits as well, all of whom are considered to be “real” and to be worthy of respect and/or worship.

Potion

An herbal tea or brew used by Witches in magickal or healing rituals. In order to work properly, a potion must be prepared during the appropriate phase of the Moon and made with herbal ingredients possessing the correct magickal properties. Potions are traditionally brewed in cauldrons and are used in all facets of the magickal arts. Potions concocted for the workings of love magick are often called “philtres.”

Poultice

Herbs mixed with hot water (or a paste like herbal medicine) that is heated, spread on a cloth or towel, and then applied to an inflamed or painful body part in order to warm, moisten, or stimulate. Poultices are also used by herb doctors for drawing out infection and foreign bodies as well as for relieving muscle spasms.

Power

See ENERGY; PERSONAL POWER.

Power (projective) Hand

The talented hand; that with which we write, used in magic as a channel of Personal Power. Compare with RECEPTIVE HAND.

Prayer

The act of focusing one's attention on Deity and engaging in communication. In Wicca, prayer is directed to the Goddess and God (or sometimes, to one or the other).

Projection

The psychological mechanism of subconsciously crediting (or discrediting) another person with qualities or shortcomings which are in fact elements of one's own psyche, so that one can confront them while avoiding the truth that one is really confronting oneself.

Psyche

The total non-physical make-up of a human being.

Psychic Awareness

The act of being consciously psychic, in which the PSYCHIC MIND and the CONSCIOUS MIND are linked and working in harmony.

Psychic Mind

The subconscious or unconscious mind, in which we receive psychic impulses. The psychic mind is at work when we sleep, dream, and meditate.

Psychism

The act of being consciously psychic. Ritual consciousness is a form of psychism.

Psychometr

The psychic 'reading' of a material object, and its associations and history, by handling it.

Pyromancy

Art of divination by means of fire.