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GLOSSARY OF WITCHCRAFT TERMS

Guidelines:
1. Original text only. Please do not copy and paste definitions.
2. Double check your definition with other sources to verify that you have the correct definition.
3. Associations, such that of herbs, stones, wood, and other items do not belong in this collection.
4. Gods, goddesses, and mythical figures belong in the Glossary of Gods and Goddesses.
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6. This is not an encyclopedia. Keep your definitions short and concise.
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We are making a point to review existing entries to make sure that they fit with the above guidelines. Please bare with us.


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A

A Year and a Day

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In Wicca, "a year and a day" is used as an expression of time. The basis for this can be found by comparing the length of the Lunar and Solar year, which are 364 and 365 days, respectively. Traditionally, the length of time between initiations in Wicca, is "a year and a day", and is also known as a "contract". The reason for this is to allow a relationship to be experienced in all of the seasons.

E:DR

Abalone Shell

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For general usage. To contain empowered herbs, stones, and other objects. Reveal hidden beauty, uncover deceptions. Often used for holding smudge sticks. Makes an excellent offering dish.

E:DR

Absent Healing

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Also known as "distance healing", this form of healing occurs when the person being healed is not in the same location as the healer.

E:DR

ACA THREADS

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Absent or Distance Healing, uses object links, which aid in the healing process. Everything that one comes into contact with, are linked by Etheric threads. (See The Law of Contagion in Magick).

E:DR

Acolyte

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A beginner or novice, in some traditions of Witchcraft, this individual assists the priestess or priest in the execution of their duties as clergy.

E:DR

Acupuncture

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A Chinese form of healing, which is intended to cure and prevent many diseases or ailments, by using very fine needles, which are inserted into certain points of the body, known as meridian points.

E:DR

Adept

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An Adept, is one who is well versed in occult ways, or who has obtained mastery with a specific Magickal technique. An Adept, is also someone who has reached a level of proficiency in many traditions of Witchcraft.

E:DR

AEROMANCY

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A form of divination using air as the medium.

E:DR

Afterlife

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Reincarnation is a belief in Wicca. After death we go to "Summerland," a place where the recent instantiation of life is reviewed before migrating to the next instantiation.

E:DR

Age Of Pisces

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Age Of Pisces: Pisces is just one of many Ages in the Correlian calendar of Zodiacal Ages. All the characteristics that we know of as most prominent in the astrological sign of Pisces are also prominently represented in the events taking place during the Piscean Age. The Age of Pisces has just ended as its span went from 400 to 1999 AD. The Age we are just beginning is the Age of Aquarius.

Agrippa, Heinrich Cornelius

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Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettelsheim (1486-1535) was a famous Christian magician and occultist during the renaissance. Agrippa worked in ceremonial magic, astrology and alchemy. He was highly influenced by Marsiliio Ficino and Raymond Lull (Lully), and in turn influenced later occultists such as John Dee and Giordano Bruno.


Keyword(s):

Air

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Air is connected with life - the breath of life - and with the soul in magic and mysticism. Many traditions of Wicca apply Air to the East and further associate it with the color yellow and the elementals known as Sylphs. There are correspondences with communication, consciousness, and the power of the mind.

Akasha

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Another term used to refer to Spirit in reference to the four elements. Sometimes referred to as the fifth element. It is the space between the four elements that holds them together and makes their individual energies possible. It is all elemental associations as once, as well as the absence of associations.
Keyword(s):

Akashic Records

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These accounts record the chronicles of all the incarnations an individual has lived. Every lifetime is filled with experiences and lessons we gain through the process of living. It is through these records that we review the progress of our spiritual evolution after death. The Akashic records allow us to organize and plan our future life maps before we return to life through reincarnation.

Alchemy

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A branch of High Magick developed in the Middle Ages which sought to magickally and/or chemically turn base metals into gold.

Alexandrian

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A Wiccan tradition started by Alex Sanders in the 1960s. It is considered an off-shoot from the Gardnerian tradition in which Alex was himself trained. There is very specific training and ritual involved for those in an Alexandrian coven, including the Kabbalah and ceremonial magick. Alexandrians are not as secretive about their traditions as the Gardnerians are, even though they are so similar. As with any Wiccan tradition, the defining qualities of an Alexandrian coven are not always clear-cut, and further research will help you understand the details of this tradition.

Alignment

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The practice of synching mental and spiritual energies with a deity or an astronomical body.

ALPHITOMANCY

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Divination by meal, flour or bran.

Altar

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A table or other surface on which ritual tools and items intended to honor the divine are kept. This may include the athame, wand, salt, water, incense, cakes, ale, candles, statues, flowers, and many other items. It can be a working surface or serve more as a shrine.

Altar Cloth

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A cloth that is placed over an altar or behind it to add to the energy conducted during a magickal working. Witches use many different methods to create and decorate altar cloths. The fabric type (natural is usually best) and color chosen as well as the symbols embroidered into the weave all increase the effectiveness of magickal workings.

Altered State of Consciousness

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When a person slips from every day conscious state of awareness into slower cycles of brain wave activity.

Amulet

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An object that naturally produces effects. From rocks and herbs, to spells and other mixtures of items that give off a natural power, amulets are often kept on the body for one to benefit from them.

Anaphrodisiac

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A substance, like camphor or marjoram, that quells sexual desires.

Ancestors

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Deceased family members, friends and inspirational people from history or the media can be ancestors. Ancestors represent our genetic, social, and/or generational roots. Blood or familial relationships are not necessary for an ancestral relationship to form. Any one who guides us or acts as a mentor can be an ancestor. Some traditions of witchcraft employ ancestors in magickal workings as others employ the gods.

Anchorite

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One who voluntarily secludes him/herself from society and lives a solitary life devoted to religious or philosophic meditation.

Animistic

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The belief inanimate and non-living forms of nature have the same consciousness and spirit within them that living beings have.

Ankh

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An ancient Egyptian hieroglyph meaning "life." It combines symbols for masculine and feminine, and representing everlasting life.

Anoint

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Putting oil on a person during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration; to bless or pass on the responsibility of spiritual purpose to a person, animal, place or thing.

Ansuz

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The Rune of Odin, the Rune of the Ash tree, and the Rune of Release. In traditional references it is the "God rune".
Keyword(s):

Aphrodisiac

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A substance that produces sexual excitement.

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