The Witches Dictionary.doc

7/29/2019 The Witches Dictionary.doc

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The Witches Dictionary

WITCH'S Dictionary.

AIR SIGNS - Libra, Aquarius and Gemini


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AKASHA - The fifth occult element, (particularly in theosophy) Theomnipresent power which permeates the universe. It embraces theother elements (earth, air, fire, water) which are said to stem fromit. Some consider it the"other" of the two worlds that a witch walks

between.

ALEXANDRIAN - That tradition of Witchcraft descended from theteachings of Alex Sanders.

ALTAR - A flat surface used for religious and magical rituals,preferably of natural materials such as wood or stone.

AMULET - a magically charged object, often used for protection.

ANKH - Egyptian "Cross of Life" which represents the union of male

and female and was regarded as a universal life charm. The symbolis a cross with a looped, oval top. Also called the Key of the Nile.

ARCANA - A deck of Tarot cards is divided into two halves orarcanasThe Major Arcana has 22 cards representing dominantevents and forces in life. The Minor Arcana (lesser Arcana) has 56suit cards representing smaller and/or more mundane events in life.

ARCHETYPES - Universal symbols that speak to us in the language ofThe subconscious. They are the ideal images of deities and otherpowers that embody concepts such as knowledge and beauty, and

allow us to communicate such concepts to the subconscious in orderto perform magic, divination and other rituals.

ASPERGE - To sprinkle with water before or during a ritual, to purifywith sprinkled water.

ASTRAL PLANE - The invisible "other" world that is unseen from ourmaterial temporal world, another dimension of reality.

ASTRAL PROJECTION - The process of separating oneself (or one'sself) from the physical body in trance states in order to visit other

planes, times or locations.

ATHAME - A black-handled, double edged knife used in rituals tocast and open circles. It serves the same function as the magicalsword. It is the Witch's ceremonial knife, never to be used formundane purposes (cutting anything on the material plane).

AURA - The energy field existing around all living things.


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BALANCE-knowledge of the light and dark of all things, believing weshould keep them balanced within us.

BALEFIRE - The traditional bonfire of the sabbats, still used in many

pagan celebrations.

BANE - An archaic word for bad, evil, destructive.

BANISH - To magically send away or repel negative energies orEntities from the person, home, or ritual area.

BELL - A Bell is a Wicca symbol, and is a common symbol in manyother religions. A Bell represent the Great Goddess. The soundwaves are Her ability to give birth to form through vibration - aprocess that is invisible, mysterious, and beautiful. The sound of a

sacred Bell purifies all vibrations near it - a room, a person, anemotion, or whatever. This is why bells are used in many cultures topurify and bless things. They are also reminders of the Goddess'voice, Her call to return Home.

BELTANE - An ancient Celtic Fire Festival celebrated on 30th April -May 1. The modern version still celebrates the marriage of theGoddess and the God, and the passage of the Goddess from Maidento Mother. Fertility rituals are commonly a part of this Sabbat. Alsospelled Bealtaine and Beilltaine.

BESOM - The witches' broomstick. Often used to sweep awaynegative energy from a space before casting a circle there.

BIND - either to magically hold; or to restrain something orsomeone.

BLACK MAGICK - Any negative magick performed to harm ormanipulate people or situations in a negative way. Practitioners ofblack magick are said to be on the "left hand path."

BLOOD OF THE MOON - A woman's menstrual cycle and her most

powerful time, especially if it occurs on a Full or New Moon.

BOLLINE - a white handled knife used for practical purposes (cuttingherbs, flowers, etc.)

BOOK OF SHADOWS - A book of spells, rituals, recipes, and otherguides and materials written by a witch or coven. It is often hand-written, though today many witches write their book on computers.


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Also, traditionally, the book was kept secret, either by the individualwitch or the coven, though many such books are now published onthe internet (never with all of the secrets however). Also called theBook of Lights and Shadows or Grimoire.

BURNING TIMES - Reference to the period during the Middle Ageswhen many people were executed by the church or by publicofficials for practicing witchcraft. Some estimates suggest as manyas nine Million were killed while other estimates are far moreconservative. Also, it is unlikely that they were all witches in thatthis became a favored means for officials to get rid of personalenemies or any unwanted person in the community. While burningwas the method of execution in Scotland and some parts of Europe,in other areas the convicted "witches" were hanged.

CALL - To invoke divine forces, as when one calls the Guardians of

the Watchtowers before casting a circle.

CANDLEMAS - (Imbolc) - The Celtic Fire Festival, held on February 1,commemorating the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to theMaiden again. The festival, also called Imbolc, celebrates thepassing of winter and the coming of spring.

CANDLE - The candle flame symbolizes the Light, which is the mosthighly refined image of the Divine that the human mind canperceive.Tapered candles are used on a Wicca altar to represent the Light

embodied by matter, or form. The wax represents the body, and theflame the spirit that is carried by it. Large candles, such as pillarcandles, may be used on Wiccan altars to represent the Goddessand/or God. These candles represent Divine Light, the essence ofDivinity in its purest form. Candles are often used in spell-craftingas well, to represent the desires we want to manifest, to take therequest to the Divine, and to empower the spell to work.

CARDINAL POINTS - North, South, East, and West, often marked bycandles of Earth - green, Fire - red, yellow - Air, and blue - Water.South - Fire. East - Air. North - Earth. West - Water.

CAULDRON - A favorite tool of witches, this three-legged cookingpot has many uses. It may be used to cook potions, for scrying, andas a censer. On an altar, the cauldron symbolizes the Goddess.

CAT - Cats perceive things beyond the physical world.Anyone who's had a cat has seen evidence of this. Watch a cat onHallowe'en night, or in the house of someone who's recently passed.


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They are obviously seeing things that we don't see. Anotherexample is cats' sensitivity to energy. Cats are irresistibly drawn toritual and sacred space. This is not always a good thing . . . If aWitch's cat is peeved, it's not unusual for it to express its feelingsall over her altar or ritual items. On the plus side, this sensitivity

makes the cat a wonderful companion in working magic. Cats canprotect a working Witch, and act as a messenger in the spirit realmor energetic level.

CENSER - An incense burner

CENTER - To center oneself's thoughts and energies usingMeditation, or grounding.

CHAKRAS - Seven major intersections of energy located on theVertical axis of the body. Each is associated with a color and an area

of the body. They are also associated with life experiences such aslove and may be used when meditating on those experiences.Starting from the tailbone, they are Root (Red), Sexual/Generative(Orange), Solar Plexus (Yellow), Heart (Green), Throat (Blue), 3rdEye (Indigo), and Crown (Violet).

CHALICE - A witch's tool which can be used to represent the elementof water and may also be used to hold the juice or wine for theoffering.

CHANNELING - A New Age word for mediumship, channeling involves

allowing a spirit entity to speak through the channeler. The processis virtually impossible to prove and therefore does not enjoy aparticularly good reputation.

CHARGE - To infuse an object or person with energy; also an oath orinstruction.

CHARGE OF THE GODDESS - Originally written by Doreen Valiente,the charge gives the story of the message from the Goddess to Herchildren. The High Priestess often recites the charge at the FullMoon Esbat.

CHARGE OF THE GOD - Originally written by Doreen Valiente, thecharge gives the story of the message from the Horned God to Hischildren. The High Priest often recites the charge at the Full MoonEsbat.

CHARMS - May be a gemstone, amulet, talisman or other object thathas been charged with power for a specific task.


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CIRCLE - The sacred space in which ritual and magical workingstakes place. Also the Circle encompasses Wicca as this shows thecircle of life and is everlasting. What has been will be again.

CLEANSING - The process of removing negative energy from anobject or place. May be accomplished through replacing negativeenergy with positive energy, sweeping with a besom, burning sagesticks and other means.

CONE OF POWER - Energy or power raised within a circle by eitheran individual or group for a specific purpose. After the power israised and visualized it is released to work the magic.

CONSECRATION - The act of cleansing and blessing an object orplace by charging it with positive energy.

CORRESPONDENCES - Sets of ideas, concepts or objects that areregularly associated in a particular way. Most magical workingsinvolve the use of correspondences. For example, the Moon isassociated with Monday, moonstones, the color white, and purity,among other things.

COVEN - An organized group of Witches, usually thirteen or fewer,who meet regularly for religious rituals.

COVENSTEAD - The meeting place for a coven.

CRAFT - The Craft; Witchcraft, natural magic

CROSS QUARTERS - The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals ofSamhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas, the Sabbats that do not fallon the olstices or equinoxes.

CRONE - The 3rd part of the Triple Goddess, The elderly, old, masterknowledgeable associated with the waning moon. also see, maidenand Mother.

CRYSTALS - Over the centuries various Gemstones, Crystals andcertain rock formations have held a great mystical appeal tohumans. Our ancestors knew and understood the spiritual, magickaland healing properties of gemstones and crystals that has nearlybeen forgotten over time.

DAYS OF POWER - See SABBATS


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DEDICATION - A ritual in which a Witch dedicates herself to the Craftand vows to remain steadfast to the path she has chosen.

DEGREE - Levels of achievement in a particular tradition. Manytraditions have three degrees.

DEITY - A god or goddess.

DEOSIL - Clockwise or sunwise movement of actions in a ritual.

DIANIC - Tradition emphasizing the Goddess Diana. Leadership isgenerally female, though males may be members, a feministmovement.

DIVINATION - The use of magical art of discovering the unknown ofthe past, present and future through use of of cards, runes, stones,

crystalballs, and other tools.

DRAWING DOWN THE MOON - A ritual used during the Full Moon inwhich Witches invoke the power of a Moon Goddess to increasetheir power.

DRAWING DOWN THE SUN-invoking the god instead of the goddessinto you.

EARTH MAGIC - A form of magic in which the powers of the Earth aresought and used to conduct ritual and magical workings.

EARTH SIGNS - Taurus, Virgo and Taurus

ELEMENTS - the four building blocks of the universe. Earth, air, fire,and water, plus spirit, or Akasha. Each is associated with a directionand a color (among other things): Earth (north, green), Air (east,yellow), Fire (south, red), and Water (west, blue), plus Spirit(center,white). Major forces used in natural magic.

EQUINOX - One of the two times a year when the sun crosses theEquator and the day and night are approximately the length. Spring

Equinox approximately March 21st-22nd, Fall Equinox September21st-22nd.

ESBAT - Meeting of Witches on the Full Moon or the New Moonusually to perform rituals. Esbat rituals may also be performed bysolitary Witches.

EVOCATION - Calling up spirits or other non-physical entities.


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EYE OF HORUS - Also know as the Eye of Ra, it is an Egyptianmagical symbol. It is a symbol of protection.

FAERIE - One of many nature spirits that inhabit a realm or

dimension next to our own.

FAEIRE KINGDOM - The realm of the Faerie.

FAMILIAR - An animal, either a pet or a spiritual entity, who servesthe Witch as a magical helper.

FEATHER - Feathers represent flight, the human spirit's freedom toaccess other realms. Feathers are often used to represent Air onWicca altars. Before using feathers in Wicca, there is a caution youshould be aware of . . . When feathers are dropped willingly in molt,

they don't contain negative energy. If they are plucked, or if youhave any doubt about their origins, it is important to purify andbless the feathers before using. See Preparing Your Wiccan RitualTools for more info and tips on how to do this.

FIRE SIGNS - Leo, aries and sagittarius

FIVEFOLD KISS - The Witches' ritual salute performed in the Circle,with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each wrist, (3) above the pubichair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips.

GAEA or Gaia - The Earth Mother or Mother Earth. The name hasrecent significance for Environmental action groups.

GARDNERIAN - A tradition of Witchcraft descended from theteachings of Gerald Gardner.

GHOST - Ghosts are a symbol of the Hallowe'en season - a timewhen those who've gone before can visit the world again.Witches are associated with ghosts partly because we share thisseasonal association. And partly because we do not fear our beloveddead. We do not let a little thing like death sever a relationship!

Many Witches communicate with their beloved dead - as manypeoples do. The Samhain season is a particularly easy time to slipthe Veil aside and visit with our loved ones.

GREAT RITE - Part of the third degree initiation as well as somefestivals, the Great Rite symbolizes the union of the God andGoddess, and thus all creation. It is usually performed by placing aknife into a chalice, though it may be performed by the physical


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union of a man and woman (privately, of course).

GREEN MAN - Another name for the God, particularly in His aspect ofGod of fertility, He is known as the Horned God in Autumn andWinter and The Green Man is Spring and Summer.

GODDESS - Many Witches and pagans wear and use symbols of theGoddess, since She is primary in nature-based religions.These symbols may be physical female representations (as in theimage here), symbols of the Moon, items representing a certainDeity, or anything that represents the Goddess to that particularWitch.The Goddess is the Earth; the Earth is the Goddess. As is the Moon,the Ocean, and the very Cycle of Life. As a nature religion, theGoddess is inextricably interwoven with Wicca.

GRIMOIRE - A magical workbook, different Tradition name for Bookof Shadows.

GROUNDING - to ground; to root oneself firmly in the physical worldin preparation for magicka; and metaphysical work.

GUARDIANS - Ceremonial magicians and some Witches call theGuardians of the Watchtowers to guard the sacred circle duringrituals. These are the guardians of the four quarters, though theymay be envisioned quite differently, from gargoyles to angels.

HANDFASTING - a Witch, Wiccan, Pagan, or Gypsy wedding

HEALING - One of a witches many talents, healing is done using,herbs, crystals, aromatherapy, meditation, Shakra manipulation,Magic, and many other forms.

HERBALIST - one who works with herbs, either for healing or formagical working.

HORNED GOD - Lord of all animals and trees.

IMBOLC - Celtic name for Candlemas celebrated on 31 January atmidnight until the end of February 1st.

INCENSE - Incense is not quite a Wicca symbol, but a ritual tool thathas symbolic meaning. Smoke represents our prayers and intentionsrising up to the Divine and merging with higher reality. And scentshave the ability to shift human consciousness to the energy of theplant. Incense often goes in the East on Wicca altars, to represent


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Air.

INVOCATION - A ritual to call energies into oneself from outside,sometimes in the form of a deity. The purpose may be ritual ormagical workings. Also refers to the words, often a poem, used to

achieve this.

INVOKE - To call energies into oneself from outside, as in calling aGoddess or drawing down the Moon; or particular God or Goddess.

INVERTED PENTACLE - The downward-pointing Pentacle is commonlyassociated with Satanism, although it is not a Satanic symbol.TheInverted Pentacle is simply a Pentacle of releasing, undoing, givingback to the Earth. It can also be used for grounding.In some traditions, the Inverted Pentacle also stands for a Witchwho has taken a 2nd degree initiation.

KABALLAH - Mystical teachings from the Jewish-Gnostic traditionWhich formed the basis of ceremonial magic and the Alexandriantradition. An elaborately structured Tree of Life is central to thesystem of study. Also Qabala and Cabala.

KARMA - In Hindu belief where the term originated, it is the ideathat the good and evil a person does will return either in this life orin a later one. Among Pagans, The theory is that whatever negativeor positive energies one sends out will come back to the sender inlike kind. The "Three Fold Law" is a version of this belief.

LAMMAS - The Celtic festival also called Lughnassadh. It is theFirst of three harvest festivals and takes place on August 1.

LEFT HAND PATH - Also known as the Dark Path, this is the pathtaken by those who would oppose Nature and seek to harm othersfor their own benefit.

LITHA - Sabbat celebrated on the Summer Solstice when the Sun isstrongest and accordingly the God is celebrated for His strength.

MABON - The second harvest festival, held on the Autumn Equinox.It celebrates wine and balance.

MAGICK - The act of focusing will, emotion and energy to manipulatenatural forces and psychic energy to effect change; within yourselfand in the world. Whether it is good or evil depends on theintentions of the witch.


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MAIDEN - The first aspect of the Triple Goddess which symbolizesnew beginnings and creation.

METAPHYSICAL - Pertaining to realities which are outside those ofscience, such as cosmology and ontology.

MIDSUMMER-summer solstice honors sun god of the pregnantgoddess.

MIRROR - The mirror is another ritual tool that can be a Wiccasymbol - as Snow White's stepmother demonstrates.Mirrors are believed to reflect the soul. (Which is why vampires andsuch, being soulless, can't be seen in a mirror.) The mirrorrepresents the Divine, reflected in worldly form. When we look intoa ritual mirror, we can see the Goddess within us.This is an acknowledgement that everything is, in actuality, the

Divine. As reflections of other realms, mirrors can also be used forDivination, particularly divining the future.

MOTHER - A name for the Goddess, in the triple goddess this is the2nd stage also see MAIDEN and CRONE

MOON - The Moon is more than just a Wicca symbol. She is aprimary Wiccan Goddess. The Moon represents the Feminine Aspectof the Divine. The Yin which balances the Male God's Yang. TheMoon is the Mother of all life on Earth. She is associated with theSpiral of Life - birth, death, and rebirth. She grants our wishes. She

guides our dreams. The Moon is perhaps the most universal Wiccasymbol. She is depicted in Pagan jewelry, on ritual robes, and onaltar tools."Moon phases are a part of the great cosmic dance in whicheverything participates: the movement of the celestial bodies, thepusle of tides, the circulation of blood and sap in animals andplants. Observation of the night sky, of the stars, and especially ofthe moon, was the beginning of mathematics and science."

MYSTICISM - The belief that one can achieve direct consciousness ofdeity or truth through meditation and intuition. In mystic practices,

the attempts to merge with Gods and Goddess or the source ofcreation.

NATURE - This is not only mother Earth but the heavens too, natureis anything natural. This is what a witch, Wicca and Pagan worship.

NEW AGE - Modern term for a variety of metaphysical practices,often combined and redefined to fit the contemporary world.


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NINE - A celtic number sacred which represents the beginning

OCCULT - Literally, occult means "hidden" and is applied to a rangeof beliefs and activities that are outside of the mainstream

philosophies and religions. It may also imply something that issecret, magickal, or supernatural.

OLD RELIGION - Another name for tradidional wtchcraft. Also, OldPath or Old Ways, Wicca in considered a new version of the "oldReligion"..

OSTARA - The Sabbat celebrated at the Spring Equinox, the secondfestival of spring. Symbolized by the egg, it is a time to celebratenew life and sexuality celebrated around March 20th.

PAGAN - The term refers to anyone who follows an earth or naturereligion. usually consisting of worshipping many gods whorepresent nature. Wiccans, Druids, Witches, Hindu, Shintoism,Odinion to name but a few.

PENDULUM - A Pendulums is perhaps less a Wicca symbol than aNew Age-y symbol. But Pendulums are often used by Witches todowsing, or to receive guidance. All sorts of things can be used aspendulums. As long as it swings freely from the end of a chain, itcan be used.

PENTACLE - A pentagram surrounded by a circle. It may be a discplaced on an altar, a pendant to be worn, or any suchrepresentation. The word pentacle is a mix of the two wordspentagram and circle.

PENTAGRAM - The five-pointed star often representing the fiveElements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit (the upper point). Itmay also represent a person with arms and legs spread. Pentagramsare used in many pagan rituals for either positive workings such asinvoking one negative ones such as banishing. Inverted thepentagram may represent the Horned God, This has nothing to do

with satanism.

POTION - A bunch of ingredients added together to have a desiredeffect, this can be for magical workings or for healing.

PROJECTIVE ENERGY - The energy that one sends out eitherintentionally or unintentionally. In magick, it is energy that is putinto an object or thought-form to achieve one's goals. It is also the


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energy of power objects that repel negative forces by sending outpositive energy.

PSYCHIC - Psychic powers are one of the most commonly assumedtraits of Witchcraft. And for a good reason.

Witches may not all start out psychic, but over time, these skillsnaturally develop. How does this happen? The short answer is,Wicca is a practice of awareness ...awareness of the world around us,awareness of our inner experience, andawareness of symbolic messages with which the Divinecommunicates with us. So whether we consciously intend to bemore psychic or just intend to be aware, psychic powers increase.

RAVEN - Ravens, and to a lesser degree Crows, are very magickalcreatures. Raven with her plumage as dark as the void between the

stars, is a citizen of the afterworld. She travels between the worldsof the living and the dead. Being native to both worlds, Ravennaturally has great knowledge and Power to effect transformations.Raven is associated as a Wicca symbol because of this power tomove between the worlds, and create new realities as she chooses.According to the Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Throughthe Ways of Animals, "If Raven appears . . . you are about toexperience a change in consciousness. ... Raven is the messengerthat carries all energy flows of ceremonial magic between theceremony itself and the intended destination."

RECEPTIVE ENERGY - The energy that attracts or is magnetic.Gemstones carried to draw in love or wealth have receptive energy.

REINCARNATION - The belief that one has lived before in anotherlifetime, and that one will live again after physical death.

RITUAL - A structured Ceremony, may be religious or magical innature.

RUNES - A set of symbols that are used both in divination andmagical workings other surfaces which have powerful energies to be

used during magic; symbols used in early alphabets. These symbolsmay be engraved in small pieces of wood for divination purposes orcarved onto rocks, crystals, clay, candles or

SABBAT - One of the eight festivals observed in the Wicca calendar.They are: Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Mabon,Lammas (Lughnasadh).


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SALT - Salt especially sea or rock salt are protectors.

SAMHAIN - The Sabbat now celebrated on Halloween (October 31).This celebration marks the New Year and is a time for rememberingthe dead and honoring the Crone Goddess. It is also the final

festival of the harvest season.

SCRYING - A method of divination in which one gazes at an object(crystal ball, water, candle) until prophetic visions appear.

SHAMAN - A word derived from the Tungas language of Siberia, it isa generic term for healers and spiritual leaders in tribal societies.Traditional shamans induced trance states through drums, dancing,and various means by which one might achieve an altered state ofconsciousness. While in such a trance, the shaman crosses over intoanother world to get information for his people such as the cause of

illnesses and other misfortunes. The shaman is the peoples' link tothe spiritworld.

SIGIL - A symbol with some occult meaning that may be used inmagical workings. Often a seal, sign or other drawing, it may becarried or otherwise used to control the power symbolized.

SKYCLAD - The act of doing magical workings or rituals in the nude.It is common in some traditions such as the Alexandrian, as well asamong many solitary practitioners. Working skyclad does not implyanything sexual, but rather is an attempt to remove all barriers to

the energies with which one is working.

SPELL - A magical working directed toward the achievement of somegoal such as obtaining, banishing, changing a condition, etc.Sometimes refers o the verbal part of the ritual.

SPIRAL - A Spiral is one of the ancient Goddess symbols, as a sign ofLife. As such, it is also one of the primary Wicca symbols.

STAR - A star is virtually a pentagram so holds a lot of Wiccasymbolism in it.

TALISMAN - A magically charged object used to attract a specificforce or energy to its bearer; sometimes carried for protection orother goals that has been charged for that purpose.

TAROT - A set of 78 cards with pictures and symbols that are usedfor divination by connecting the reader to the subconscious mind.The origin of the cards is unknown.


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TRADITION - The particular branch of paganism that an individualfollows, such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, etc.

TREE CALANDAR - The celtic system of reckoning the 13 lunar

months of the year by assigning each a sacred tree whichrepresents the character month.

TRIPLE GODDESS - The one Goddess that encompasses threeaspects, the Maiden, Mother, and Crone.

TRIQUETRA - When used as a Wicca symbol it generally connotes theTriple Goddess, or the three levels of being - body, mind, and spirit /soul.

UNDERWORLD - The realm of the spirit; realm of the Dead in

Egyptology.

UNICORN - A mythical magical horned horse.

VISUALIZATION - The process of forming mental images.

WAND - The Wand is another Wicca symbol that derives fromcommon altar tools. The wand is like a portable, handy version of abroom. There is a theory that originally one instrument performedall the purposes served by the two today. Wands can be used fordivination and channeling magical energy. Wands symbolize Divine

wisdom. Where the athame represents the ability of the mind tounderstand, the wand represents the ability to access other levelsof knowledge that are not created by the mind. Wands areassociated with yang energy: the power to create change. Themagical wand goes in the South, for the power of will, magic, andtransformation.

WARLOCK - A derogatory term for a male Witch. It's originalmeaning, derived from the Old English "waer logga," is "oathbreaker" and it was used in reference to a traitor to the Craft duringthe Burning Times. Often wrongly used as a term for a Male Witch.

WATER SIGNS - cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

WHEEL OF THE YEAR - The Pagan calendar which symbolizes theeternal cycle of time. It usually begins with Samhain. The GreatWheel Of life goes on forever, everything that has been will beagain, all of earth and life and everything is recycled over and over.


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WEB - The Web is a Wicca symbol, as is the Spider who weaves it.The Spider is the Goddess Creatrix, and the Web is the world anddestinies She weaves. The Web also symbolizes the interconnectionand interdependence of all life. Destroy one strand, and much of theweb collapses. Witches often do weaving spells, to re-create their

lives. And often, now, to heal the Earth. And the symbolism of theSpider's Web is closely related to that of the Wheel Of Life.

WHITE HANDLED KNIFE - The knife used by a Witch for Craft taskssuch as carving candles, making tools, chopping herbs, etc. Thoughit is not as sacred as the athame, it is reserved for Craft workexclusively.

WICCA -The word witch derives from the Old English nouns Wicca. Itis as old as Witchcraft. The word was used by Gardner as a modernversion of witchcraft based on the old earth Religions of Europe. The

term comes from an Old English word meaning "to bend" or "to havewisdom." A Wicca is a Pagan who uses Witchcraft as part of theirreligion.

WICCAN REDE - And it harm none do what thou wilt.

WIDDERSHINS - Counterclockwise motion used in magical workingsor ceremonies. It means to go backward and is sometimes used inbanishing magick.

WITCH - Someone who practices the craft of magic; in using their

personal energy with a concentration of will, along with the powerand forces of nature, to effect change. (usually also a member ofthe Pagan Religion).

WITCHES BOTTLE- a container filled with sharp objects kept nearhome for protection against others.

WITCHCRAFT - The craft of magic.

WITCH'S HAT- This may be the most typical Wicca symbol. But thereis a good reason. The Witch's Pointy Hat, like the sorcerer's hat, was

created as a pyramid - a shape which is known to raise energyfrequencies. This pointed hat, or Apex, was designed to funnelDivine energies into one. Or, at least to suggest that this power wascoming from Heaven, in the case of religious leaders. The Witches'Hat supposedly has the power to increase intelligence. (Which iswhy, as a "dunce cap," it came to be worn by people who werejudged lacking in the brain department.) Although it seems trivialnowadays, the Apex can be found on priests and Gods and fey folk


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for millennia.

YULE - The Sabbat celebrated on the Winter Solstice, the shortestday of the year. In some traditions it celebrates the birth of the Godand in others the coming birth.circumstances, intruded into

awareness.

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