Wiccan words refer to the vocabulary and phrases used within the spiritual practice of Wicca. Wicca is a modern pagan belief system that revolves around the veneration and worship of nature. It incorporates various religious and spiritual elements, including the use of specific words to communicate and connect with the divine energies and entities. One of the most well-known terms in Wicca is "Witchcraft." This word refers to the practice of magic and spellcasting within the Wiccan tradition. Wiccans believe in the power of intention and energy manipulation to create change and manifest their desires.
Wiccan words
In this section you will find a convenient glossary of words commonly used in the practice of Wicca & Witchcraft. Understanding the meaning of these words will prove helpful in your studies as you continue to learn about the Old Ways.
Adept: An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magical system.
Akasha Spirit: The fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe.
Alchemy: A branch of High Magic developed in the Middle Ages which sought to magically and/or chemically turn base metals into gold.
Altar: A special, flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment.
Amulet: A magically charged object which deflects specific, usually negative energies. A protective object.
Ankh: An Egyptian hieroglyphic widely used as a symbol of life, love, and reincarnation. It is a cross with a looped top.
Arcana: The two halves of a tarot deck. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trumps, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit cards (sometimes called the lesser or lower Arcana).
Aspect: The particular principle or part of the Creative Life Force being worked with or acknowledged at any one time.
Asperger: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to sprinkle water during or preceding ritual, for purification purposes.
Astral Plane: A place which is generally conceptualized as an invisible parallel world which remains unseen from our own solid world of form.
Astral Travel/Projection: The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dream time.
Astrology: The study of and belief in the effects the movements and placements of planets and other heavenly bodies have on the lives and behavior of human beings.
Athame: A cleansed and consecrated ritual blade. Usually double edged and black handled. It is never used to cut anything on the physical plane. Pronounced several ways: Ah-THAM-ee ATH-ah-may ah-THAW-may.
Aura: The life-energy field which surrounds all living things.
Automatic Writing: Form of divination where the channeler uses a pen, paper and an altered state of consciousness to receive messages.
Balefire: A fire lit for magickal purposes, usually outdoors. They are traditional on Yule, Beltane, and Midsummer.
Bane: That which destroys life, which is poisonous, destructive, dangerous.
Banish: To magically end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of.
Bells: Often used as ritual tools. They can be used to invoke directional energies, to ring in the sunrise on a Sabbat, or to frighten away faeries and baneful spirits.
Besom: A witch's broom.
Bi-Location: A type of astral projection during which you maintain awareness of your present surroundings.
Bind: To magically restrain something or someone.
Blue Moon: Whenever there are two Full Moons in one calendar month, the second is referred to as a Blue Moon.
Book of Shadows: A witch's book of spells, rituals, magickal lore. Much akin to a magickal cookbook. Also known as a BOS.
Boline: A white-handled knife, used in magick and ritual for purposes such as cutting herbs or piercing a pomegranate.
Burning Times: Reference to a historical time from around 1000 C.E. through the 17th century when it is said that up to nine million people were tortured and burned by church and public officials on the assumption that they were the Christian version of Witches. This turned into an extremely profitable venture, as all land and property was seized from the accused individual and portions given to the accuser (in reward fashion) and the remainder seized by the church officials. Historians indicate that the majority of people tortured and murdered were woman and children.
Call: Invoking Divine forces.
Calling the Quarters: Verbal or symbolic acknowledgment of the Four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire Water) in a ritual environment.
Cauldron: Linked to witchcraft in the popular mind, this symbolizes the Goddess, the waters of rebirth.
Censer: A heat-proof container in which incense is burned. It is associated with the element air.
Ceremonial Magick: A highly codified magickal tradition based upon Kabbala, the Jewish-Gnostic mystical teachings.
Chakras: Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually associated with a color. They are:
- crown - white
- third-eye - purple
- throat - blue
- chest - pink or green
- navel - yellow
- abdomen - orange
- groin - red
Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet as well.
Chalice: A ritual tool. It represents the female principals of creation.
Channeling: A New Age practice wherein you allow a discarnate entity to "borrow" your body to speak to others either through automatic writing or verbally.
Chaplet: A crown for the head usually made of flowers and worn at Beltane.
Charge: The Originally written in modern form by Doreen Valiente, it is a story of the message from Goddess to Her children.
Charging: To infuse an object with personal power.
Charms: Either an amulet or talisman that has been charmed by saying an incantation over it and instilling it with energy for a specific task.
Circle: Sacred space wherein all magick is to be worked and all ritual contained. It holds ritual energy until the Witch is ready to release it.
Cleansing: Removing negative energies from an object or space.
Collective Unconsciousness: Term used to describe the sentient connection of all living things, past and present. See also Akashic Records.
Coming of Age Ritual: At age 13 for boys, and at the time of a girl's first menses, Pagan children are seen as spiritual adults. The ritual celebrates their new maturity. Generally this is the age when they are permitted membership in covens.
Cone of Power: Psychic energy raised and focused by either an individual or group mind (coven) to achieve a definite purpose.
Conscious Mind: The analytical, materially-based, rational half of our consciousness. The part of our mind that is at work while we balance our checkbooks, theorize, communicate, and perform other acts related to the physical world.
Consecration: The act of blessing an object or place by instilling it with positive energy.
Correspondence - An item that has a magickal association. Correspondences include: days, planets, moon phases, herbs, oils, colors, gemstones, Zodiac signs, hours, etc.
Coven: A group of thirteen or fewer witches that work together in an organized fashion for positive magickal endeavors or to perform religious ceremonies.
Covenstead: The meeting place of witches, often a fixed building or place where the witch can feel safe and at home.
Craft: Witchcraft
Crone: Aspect of the Goddess represented by the old woman. Symbolized by the waning moon, the carrion crow, the cauldron, the color black. Her Sabbats are Mabon and Samhain.
Cross-Quarter Days: Refers to Sabbats not falling on the solstices or equinoxes.
Days of Power: See Sabbat. They can also be days triggered by astrological occurrences - your birthday, a woman's menstrual cycle, your dedication/initiation anniversary.
Dedication: The process where an individual accepts the Craft as their path and vows to study and learn all that is necessary to reach adept ship. It is a conscious preparation to accept something new into your life and stick with it, regardless of the highs and lows that may follow.
Deosil: Clockwise, the direction in which the shadow on a sundial moves as the Sun "moves" across the sky. Deosil is symbolic of life, positive magic and positive energies.
Dirk: Ritual knife of the Scottish tradition.
Divination: The magickal art of using tools and symbols to gather information from the Collective Unconsciousness. This can be on people, places, things and events past, present, and future.
Divine Power: The pure energy that exists within the Goddess and God. The life force, the ultimate source of all things.
Dowsing: The divinatory art of using a pendulum or stick to find the actual location of a person, place, thing, or element.
Drawing Down the Moon: A ritual performed during the Full Moon by witches to empower themselves and unite their essence with a particular deity, usually the Goddess.
Drawing Down the Sun: Lesser-known and lesser-used companion ritual to Drawing Down the Moon in which the essence of the Sun God is drawn into the body of a male witch.
Duality: The opposite of polarity. When used as a religious term, it separates two opposites such as good and evil and places those characteristics into two completely separate God-forms.
Earth Magick: The energy that exists within stones, herbs, flames, wind, and other natural objects.
Earth Plane: Metaphor for your normal waking consciousness, or for the everyday, solid world we live in.
Elements: Usually: Earth, air, fire, water. The building blocks of the universe. Everything that exists contains one or more of these energies. Some include a fifth element-spirit or Akasha.
Elementals: Archetypical spirit beings associated with one of the four elements.
Enchantment: A magickal object that must be kept absolutely secret and hidden from all human eyes and affects a hidden aura. They must be charmed first. Gems and magickal writing are good items to use.
Eostre's Eggs: Colored, decorated eggs of Ostara; named for the Teutonic Goddess Eostre. AKA Easter eggs.
Esbat: A gathering or ritual usually occurring on the Full Moon and dedicated to the Goddess in her lunar aspect.
Evocation: To call something out from within.
Faerie Burgh: Mound of earth which covers a faerie colony's underground home.
Familiar: An animal that has a spiritual bone with a witch; many times a family witch. Familiars can also be entities that dwell on the astral plane.
Fascination: A mental effort to control another animal or person's mind. Also known as "mind-bending". Often considered unethical.
Folklore: Traditional sayings, cures, faerie tales, and folk wisdom of a particular locale which is separate from their mythology.
Folk Magick: The Practice of projecting personal power, as well as the energies within natural objects such as herbs, and crystals, to bring about needed changes.
Gaea/Gaia: Mother Earth.
God: Masculine aspect of deity.
Goddess: Feminine aspect of deity.
Grain Dolly: Figure usually woven at Imbolc from dried sheaves of grain collected at the previous harvest. The dolly is traditionally burned at Yule and a new one made the following Imbolc.
Great Rite: Symbolic sexual union (also sacred marriage) of the Goddess and God that is enacted at Beltane in many traditions, and other Sabbats in other traditions. It symbolizes the primal act of creation from which all life comes.
Green Man: Another name for the God.
Grimoire: A magickal workbook containing ritual information, formulae, magickal properties of natural objects and preparation of ritual equipment. Often used interchangeably with Book of Shadows.
Grounding: To disperse excess energy generated during magickal work by sending it into the earth. It also means the process of centering one's self in the physical world both before and after any ritual or astral experience.
Grove: Synonymous with coven.
Guardians: Ceremonial magicians use the Guardians of the Watchtowers or Four Quarters. Some witches use them, too.
Hand Fasting: A Pagan wedding.
Herbalism: Art of using herbs to facilitate human needs both magically and medicinally.
Higher Self: That part of us which connects our corporeal minds to the Collective Unconscious and with the divine knowledge of the universe.
Hiving Off: This term is used for a small coven which splits off from a larger one. Sometimes this is done to keep the gatherings of a manageable size, other times covens split over philosophical differences.
Horned God: One of the most prevalent God-images in Paganism. NOT Satan or the Devil.
Initiation: A process whereby an individual is introduced or admitted into a coven. Usually a ritual occasion. Not to be confused with dedication.
Incense: Ritual burning of herbs, oils, or other aromatic items to scent the air during acts of magic and ritual, and to better help the witch attune to the goal of the working.
Invocation: To bring something in from without.
Karma: The belief that one's thoughts and deeds can either be counted against them or added to their spiritual path across several life times.
Kabbala: Mystical teaching from the Jewish-Gnostic tradition. Ceremonial Magic and the Alexandrian traditions are based in these teachings. Also, Qabalah.
Labrys: A double-headed ax which symbolizes the Goddess in Her Lunar aspect. Has roots in ancient Crete.
Left-Hand Path: Refers to the practice of using magick to control others, to change the will of others, for personal gain. Generally frowned upon by true Wiccans and Witches. Dark Magic.
Libation: Ritually given portion of food or drink to a deity, nature spirit, or ghost.
Macrocosm: The world around us.
Magick/Magic: The projection of natural energies (such as personal power) to bring about needed change. Magic is the process of raising this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Some choose to spell magic with a "K" on the end. This spelling was made popular by Aleister Crowley in the 1900's to differentiate it from the stage magic performed in that time. Some believe that Magic is evil and should not be tampered with, or that it is only possessed by "chosen" ones. Both of these statements are false.
Magic Circle: A sphere constructed of personal power in which rituals are usually performed. Within it the witch is protected from outside forces. The sphere extends both above and below the surface of the ground.
Magical System: The basic set of guidelines relating to the worship of specific Gods and Goddesses or cultural traditions.
Male Mysteries: Pagan study which attempts to reclaim the power and mystery of the old Gods for today's Pagan males.
Matrifocal: Term used to denote pre-patriarchal life when family clans centered around and lived near or on clan matriarch.
May Pole: Sexual symbol of Beltane representing the phallus.
Meditation: Reflection, contemplation- turning inward toward the self, or outward toward Deity or nature. A quiet time in which the practitioner may either dwell upon particular thoughts or symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.
Megalith: A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is the best-known example of a megalith.
Menhir: A huge stone probably erected by early peoples for religious, spiritual, or magickal reasons.
Microcosm: The world within us.
Monotheism: Belief in one supreme deity who has no other forms and/of displays no other aspects.
Mother: The aspect of the Goddess representing motherhood, mid-life, and fertility. She is represented by the full moon, the egg, and the colors red and green. Her Sabbats are Midsummer and Lughnasadh.
Myth: Cycles Body of lore about any land or people that makes up their mythology.
New Age: The mixing of metaphysical practices with a structured religion.
Nursery Rhyme: Cute doggerel or poems supposedly written for the amusement of children. Much Pagan lore was hidden in these ditties during the years of witch persecutions.
Occult: Literal meaning is "hidden" and is broadly applied to a wide range of metaphysical topics which lie outside the accepted realm of mainstream theologies.
Occultist: One who practices and or studies a variety of occult subjects.
Ogham: Celtic equivalent of the Teutonic runes. The ancient alphabet of the Celtic people.
Old Ones: The A term which refers to all aspects of the Goddess and God.
Old Religion: A name for Paganism as it pre-dates Christianity by at least 20,000 years. Also referred to as the Old Ways.
Pagan/Neo-Pagan: General term for followers of Wicca and other magickal, shamanistic, and polytheistic Earth-based religions. Also used to refer to pre-Christian religious and magickal systems.
Pantheon: A collection or group of Gods and Goddesses in a particular religious or mythical structure.
Pantheism: Belief in many deities who are really one because they are all merely aspects of the single creative life source. Paganism is pantheistic.
Passion Over Ritual: Ritual observed when a loved one dies.
Past-Life Regression: Act of using meditation or guided meditation to pass through the veil of linear time and perceive experiences encountered in a previous existence.
Path Working: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dream time to accomplish a specific goal. Also called vision questing.
Patriarchal: Term used to apply to the world since the matrifocal clans that worshipped Goddesses were supplanted by codified religions that honor all-male deity(s).
Pendulum: A divinatory device consisting of a string attached to a heavy object, such as a quartz crystal, root, or ring. The free end of the string is held in the hand, the elbows steadied against a flat surface, and a question is asked. The movement of the heavy object's swings determines the answer. It is a tool which contacts the psychic mind.
Pentacle: A circle surrounding a five-pointed, upright star (pentagram). Worn as a symbol of a witch's beliefs. Many witches consider wearing it inverted to be blasphemy of their faith and is commonly associated with Satanism.
Pentagram: The basic interlaced five-pointed star, visualized with one point up. It represents the five elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. It is a symbol of power and protection.
Personal Power: The energy which sustains our bodies. It originates within the Goddess and God. We first absorb it from our biological mother within the womb, and later from food, water, the Moon and Sun, and other natural objects.
Polarity: The concept of equal, opposite energies. Yin and Yang is a perfect example. Yin is cold; Yang is hot. Other examples:
- Goddess / God
- Night / Day
- Moon / Sun
- Birth / Death
- Dark / Light
- Psychic mind / Unconscious mind
- Universal balance
Polytheism: Belief in the existence of many unrelated deities each with their own dominion and interests who have no spiritual or familial relationships to one another.
Poppets: Anthropomorphic dolls used to represent certain human beings in magick spells.
Projective Hand: The hand thought to be the point through which personal power is sent from the body. Normally the hand used for manual activities such as writing, dialing the phone, etc. It is also the hand in which tools such as the athame and wand are held.
Psychic Mind: The subconscious or unconscious mind, in which we receive psychic impressions. It is at work when we sleep, dream, and meditate. It is our direct link with the Divine, and with the larger, nonphysical world around us.
Psychism: The act of being consciously psychic, in which the psychic mind and conscious mind are linked and working in harmony. Also known as psychic awareness.
Qabalah: See Kabbala
Receptive Hand: The hand through which energy is received into the body. The left hand in right-handed persons, the reverse for left-handed persons.
Rede: The Basic tenet of witchcraft. "An it harm none, do what thou will.
Reincarnation: The process of repeated incarnations in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless soul.
Ritual Ceremony: A specific form of movement, a manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired effects. In religion ritual is geared toward union with the Divine. In magickal works it produces a specific state of consciousness that allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals.
Ritual Consciousness: A specific, alternate state of awareness necessary to the successful practice of magick. This state is achieved through the use of visualization and ritual. The conscious mind becomes attuned with the psychic mind, a state in which the magician senses energies, gives them purpose, and releases them toward a specific goal. It is a heightening of senses, an expanded awareness of the nonphysical world, a linking with nature and with Deity.
Ritual Tools: General name for magickal tools used by a witch or magician. They vary by tradition and usually represent one of the elements.
Runes: A set of symbols used both in divination and magickal work. There are several types will different origins- Scandinavian, Norse, Germanic.
Sabbat: A witch's festival.
Scourge: Small device made from leather or hemp which resembles a whip and is used in flagellation rites within some traditions.
Scrying: A method of divination. To gaze at or into an object (a quartz crystal sphere, a pool of water, reflections, a candle flame) to still the conscious mind in order to contact the psychic mind. Scrying allows the scryer to become aware of events prior to their actual occurrence, as well as to perceive past or present events through other than the five senses.
Shaman: A man or woman who has obtained knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, usually through periods of alternate states of consciousness. Various types of ritual allow the shaman to pierce the veil of the physical world and to experience the realm of energies. This knowledge lends the shaman the power to change his or her world through magick.
Shamanism: The practice of shamans, usually ritualistic or magickal in nature, sometimes religious.
Shillelagh: Magickal tool corresponding to the staff in other traditions. Usually made from blackthorn wood.
Sigil: Magically oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal working. Ones you create yourself are the most effective. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, etc.
Simple Feast: A ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God.
Sky Father: Shamanistic in origin. It refers to the sky, or that which is above us, as a masculine deity.
Skyclad: The act of celebrating or performing magickal works in the nude. Considered deeply spiritual, NOT sexual.
Solitary: Pagan who works and worships alone.
Spell: A magical ritual or concentrated form of energy, usually non-religious in nature and often accompanied by spoken words. It should always be clear, concise, focused and emotional.
Spiral: Symbol of coming into being.
Staff: Ritual tool which corresponds to the wand or athame.
Subconscious Mind: Part of the mind which functions below the levers we are able to access in the course of a normal working day. This area stores symbolic knowledge, dreams, the most minute details of every experience ever had by a person.
Summerland: The Wiccan Land of the Dead where a soul travels waiting to be reincarnated/
Sympathetic Magic: Concept of likes attract. Most common way spells are worked.
Talisman: An object charged with personal power to attract a specific force or energy to its bearer.
Tarot Cards: Set of 78 cards which feature pictures and symbols used to conned the diviner with the collective unconscious.
Threefold Law: Karmic principle that energy that is released is returned three times over.
Tradition: Branch of paganism followed by any individual Pagan or coven.
Trilithon: A stone arch made from two upright slabs with one lying atop these. They are featured in Stonehenge.
Triple Goddess: One Goddess in all of her three aspects: Maiden, Mother, Crone.
Virgin: Youngest aspect of the Triple Goddess. Also known as the Maiden. Represented by the waxing moon, colors white and blue. Her Sabbats are Imbolc and Ostara.
Vision Quest: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dream time to accomplish a specific goal. Also called path working.
Visualization: The process of forming mental images. Magickal visualization consists of forming images of needed goals during ritual. It is also used to direct personal power and natural energies for various purposes during magick, including charging and forming of the magick circle.
Wand: Ritual tool brought to the craft from ritual magick.
Warlock: Antiquated term misused in reference to a male Witch. It means oath-breaker or Liar. Most Pagans, and witches find the term offensive.
Web Weaving: Networking with other magickal people via conversation, writing, e-mail, to gather information which will mutually assist each party.
Wheel of the Year: One full cycle of the seasonal year.
Wicca: A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature. Some major identifying motifs are: reverence for both the Goddess and God; acceptance of reincarnation and magic; ritual observance of astronomical and agricultural phenomena; and the use of magical circles for ritual purposes.
Wiccaning: When a baby is presented in circle to the Goddess and God. They can sometimes be given a craft name which (s)he will keep until about 13 and can choose their own at their Coming of Age celebration.
Wicce: Synonymous with Wicca. In some circles, Wicce is used for women and Wicca is used for men.
Widdershins: Counter-clockwise motion, usually used for negative magical purposes, or for dispersing negative energies or conditions such as disease.
Witch: A practitioner of folk magick, particularly that kind relating to herbs, stones, colors, wells, rivers, etc. It is used by some Wiccans to describe themselves. This term has nothing to do with Satanism.
Witchcraft: The craft of the witch- magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors, and other natural objects. This belief system also has nothing to do with Satanism.
Yggdrasil: One of the best known Tree of Life symbols. It unites all existence from the Underworld, to the Physical world.
Copyright © The Celtic Connection
Glossary of Wiccan & Pagan Terms
I’ve defined some words you are likely to see here on my site, or in other sites and books dealing with Wicca. I’ve provided short definitions, just enough to get the idea across.
A
Air – one of the four magical elements
Akasha – fifth element, spirit
altar – table or flat surface used during rituals to hold ritual tools, books, etc.
amulet – a magical charged item, often worn around the neck for protection
Animism – the spiritual belief that everything in nature, animate and inanimate, possesses a soul
ankh – Ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and rebirth; similar to, but not the same as crux ansata
Aquarius – the eleventh sign of the zodiac, ruling from January 21 – February 19; and Air sign ruled by the planet Uranus
Aradia (air-a-dee-a) – Italian goddess, claimed to be Queen of Witches by some Wiccans
Aries – the first sign of the zodiac, ruling from March 21 – April 20; a Fire sign ruled by the planet Mars
Asatru – Norse Reconstructionism
astral body – representation of person or things found in astral plane
astral plane – a kind of dimension composed of energy
astral projection – an out-of-body experience usually induced through trance
athame – small, double-edged ritual dagger, usually black-handled; used to draw Circles and direct energy
aura – an energy field surrounding all living things
B
balefire – a sacred outdoor fire burned by some Wiccan at certain Sabbats
banish – to drive away or release a spirit or energy
B.C.E. – Before Common Era; an alternate dating system corresponding to B.C.
Beltain – Sabbat held on May 1st; also known as May Day, May Eve, Rood Day, Roodmas, and Walpurgisnacht
besom – a magical broom
Big Blue Book – sometimes Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue Book, refers to Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, a commonly read beginner’s book
binding – a spell which generally involves tying knots in cords or a similar action, aimed at restricting energy or actions
bolline – a small, white handled knife
Book of Illuminations – alternate name for what is traditionally called Book of Shadows
Book of Light – alternate name for what is traditionally called Book of Shadows
Book of Shadows – a collection of rituals, notes, spells, etc. as well as sometimes a journal of workings
Burning Times – name given to Reformation and Inquisition, when the Church actively killed people for practicing “witchcraft”
C
Cancer – fourth sign of the zodiac, ruling from June 22 – July 22; a Water sign ruled by the Moon
Candlemas – Sabbat held on February 2nd; also known as Imbolg/Imbolc, Oimelc, or Candelaria
Capricorn – tenth sign of the zodiac, ruling from December 23 – January 20; an Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn
cauldron – pot or kettle, generally used as Goddess symbol
C.E. – Common Era; an alternate dating system corresponding to A.D.
censer – an incense burner
ceremonial magick – the art and practice of controlling spirits through force of will, requires dedication and study
Cernunnos – Celtic god, often used for name of Wiccan Lord (not universally accepted)
chakras – seven energy points within the body
Charge of the Goddess – well-known piece of poetry by Doreen Valiente
chalice – special glass/goblet used in rituals
circle – magical construct used in rituals (see A Circle)
cone of power – energy raised and focused by group or individual for magic working or ritual
consecration – act of blessing an object with positive energy
corn dolly – a human or animal figure fashioned out of a sheaf of corn; used in spells and as fertility symbol
coven – a group of people who come together to ritual and study
cowan – non-Wicca or non-Pagan (derogatory)
Craft, The – Witchcraft; also Masonic term
Crone – one of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess
crone – older, wise woman
D
deosil (day-o-sil) – clockwise direction, also known as “sunwise”
divination – art of foretelling future events or revealing knowledge through the use of tools (eg. Tarot, runes, etc.)
Drawing Down the Moon – invoking the Goddess into one’s self, usually in a ritual
Dawning Down the Sun – invoking the God into one’s self, usually in ritual
E
Earth – on of the four magical elements
eke-name – one’s sacred and secret name, used only with the divine and/or with fellow worshippers
elements – four ancient building blocks of the universe – Earth, Air, Water, Fire
enchantment – another word for spell
esbat – a regular meeting of a Wiccan coven or circle; sometimes used to refer to Full or New Moon rituals
Eostre – Spring Equinox Sabbat
evocation – calling up spirits or other magical entities
F
fetch – a name of one’s astral body
Fire – one of the four magical elements
fivefold kiss – ritual kiss on feet, knees, near genitals, breasts/chest, and lips
G
Garderian tradition – Wiccan tradition which traces unbroken lineage to Gerald Gardner
Gemantria – Hebrew numerical science which consists of adding up the numerical value of a word and comparing it to other words with the same value
Gemini – the third sign of the zodiac ruling from May 22 – June 21; an Air sign ruled by the planet Mercury
God – male aspect of pair of deities; the Lord
Goddess – female aspect of pair of deities; the Lady
Goddess worship – pagan faiths where the female divinity is the major focus; not Wicca
Great Rite – symbolic or actual sexual act performed as part of a ritual; also known as “Sacred Marriage”
green magic – low magic, magic focusing on the physical
Green Man – representation of the Lord as ruler of the forest
grimorie – a book containing a collection of spells
ground/grounding – root self in physical world
H
hand, projective – energy emitting right hand
hand, receptive – energy receiving left hand
handfasting – a Wiccan marriage ceremony
Hermes Trismegistus – “Thrice Great Hermes”, alleged teacher the magical system known as Hermetism
henotheism – the belief is one or more gods, without denying the existence of other gods
high magic – ritual magic, magic focused on spiritual realm
High Priest/HP – male head of coven; representative of God
High Priestess/HPS – female head of coven; representative of Goddess
Horned God – generally seen by Wiccans as the male consort of the Goddess; male deity with stag horns rising from His head
I
Imbolc/Imbolg – Sabbat held on February 2nd
incantation – a ritual recitation of a prayer or spell, usually rhymed, to produce a magical effect
invocation – calling upon a higher power (deities, Spirit, etc) for support or assistance
J
K
Kabbalah – occult theosophy of rabbinical origin; magical system including the Tree of Life and gemetria; also Cabala, Cabbala, Kabala or Qabbalah)
Kabbalist – one who practices Kabbalah
karma – the force generated by a person’s actions thought to determine the nature of one’s next incarnation
L
Lammas – Sabbat held on August 1st
left-hand path – use of magic of self-gain and/or evil
Leo – the fifth sign of the zodiac ruling from July 23 -August 21; a Fire sign ruled by the Sun
Libra – the seventh sign of the zodiac ruling from September 24 – October 23; an Air sign ruled by the planet Venus
Litha – Summer Solstice Sabbat
lingam – a stylized phallic symbol of the masculine cosmic principle
low magic – green magic, magic general focused on the physical
Lughnasadh – Sabbat held on August 1st
M
Mabon – Fall Equinox Sabbat
magic – “The Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will” – A. Crowley
magick, majic, majick – alternate spellings for magic (not accepted by all)
Maiden – one of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess
maiden – female assistant to High Priestess in some traditions
meditation – the act of engaging in quiet contemplation or reflection
Midsummer – Summer Solstice Sabbat
Mother – one of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess
N
Neo-Paganism – an umbrella term, referring to modern-day practices which aim to revive nature religions, Goddess-worship and/or mystery traditions
New Age – a modern spiritualism movement, followers of which believe we create our own reality
numerology – a method of divination that analyzes the symbolism of numbers
O
Old Ones – name encompassing all gods and goddess
Old Religion – used to refer to Witchcraft, Paganism, and/or Wicca (lots of differing opinions here as to its correctness)
once-born – non-Wiccan (derogatory)
Ostara – Spring Equinox Sabbat
P
pagan – a non-Christian, Muslim or Jew
Pagan – a follower of an Earth-Based religion
pantheism – belief in or worship of more than one god belonging to more then one pantheon
pentacle – five-pointed star, three dimensional
pentagram – five-pointed star, two dimensional
Pisces – the twelfth sign of the zodiac ruling from February 20- March 20; a Water sign ruled by the planets Jupiter and Neptune
polytheism – belief in or worship of more than one god
Q
Querent – in divination, the person who ask questions of the reader
R
rede/Wiccan Rede – “An it harm none, do what thou will”
ritual – a religious or magical ceremony, characterized by formalized actions and words
ritual magic – high magic, magic focusing on spiritual realm
runes – divination tool using symbols carved into wood or stone
runes – symbols, early alphabets
S
Sabbats – the eight holy days based on the seasons
Sagittarius – the ninth sign of the zodiac ruling from November 23 – December 22; a Fire sign ruled by the planet Jupiter
Samhain – Sabbat held on October 31st
scry – gaze into or at an object with the intent to see future events or distant places
Scorpio – the eight sign of the zodiac ruling from October 24 – November 22; a Water sign ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto
skyclad – naked
Solitary – a name given to Wiccans or other pagans who work and worship alone
spell – a magical working aimed at changing reality
Spirit – the fifth (yes, fifth) of the four magical elements
spirit – an animating or vital principle within all living beings
spirit – a discarnate entity, such as a ghost or apparition
sympathetic magic – magic which works on the principle that like attracts like; image magic; creative visualization
T
talisman – object marked with magical signs, used for protection or to attract beneficial energy
Tarot cards – set of 78 cards, 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, used for self-discovery or divination
Taurus – the second sign of the zodiac ruling from April 21 – May 21; an Earth sign ruled by the planet Venus
theism – belief in the existence of a god or gods
Threefold Goddess – Maiden, Mother and Crone; goddess with three changing faces
Threefold Law – belief that all actions, good or bad, are returned three times over
tradition – group of covens sharing a common lineage, rituals, and beliefs
U
Uncle Al – refers to Aleister Crowley, who is believe to have influenced Gerald Gardner, the Father of Wicca
V
Virgo – the sixth sign of the zodiac ruling from August 22 – September 23; an Earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury
W
wand – ritual tool, usually made of wood and 21″ in length
Water – one of the four magical elements
Wheel of the Year – a term used by Wiccans to mean one complete cycle of the year, encompassing all eight Sabbats
Wicca – Earth-Based religion
Wiccan – follower of Wicca
Wiccaning – a Wiccan birth rite where the Lord and Lady are asked to watch over the baby
widdershins – counter-clockwise direction
witch – practitioner of witchcraft
Witchcraft – art of spell casting, focusing mainly on low magic
X
Y
yang – in Taoism, the active, male, positive principle
yin – in Taoism, the passive, female, negative principle
yoni – a stylized representation of the female genitalia symbolizing the feminine principle
Yule – Winter Solstice Sabbat
Witch Vocabulary: A List of 60+ Pagan Words and Terms
To be a Witch is to be an eternal seeker, a student of nature and of the spirit world. Witches are constantly expanding their knowledge and their vocabulary, and new words associated with witches appear all the time. Do you know what all these witchy terms mean?
Here’s a list of witch-related words for you to gain a better understanding of the nuances of the witch vocabulary of our time, including Wiccan terminology and other pagan slang.
Wiccans believe in the power of intention and energy manipulation to create change and manifest their desires. Through the use of rituals, spells, and incantations, Wiccans tap into their innate magical abilities. Another prominent concept in Wicca is "The Wheel of the Year.
Witch Words List 🔮
Witchy Words ListAdept – One who is skilled at magick by the very nature of their being. Their power is their birth rite, and are masters of whatever they set their minds to.
Alchemy – A protoscience that gained popularity in Europe through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It is often described as a precursor chemistry, since alchemists were concerned with the transmutation of elements.
Altar – A sacred space of devotional or ritual work. This space is usually a table, shelf, or corner where offerings are presented to spirits and where one may perform rituals or spell work.
Ancestors’ Altar
What to put on your Ancestor Altar? In this blog post, we will explore what is an ancestor altar, why and how you should cultivate your own, and how to set up a sacred space for your ancestors. Find photos of ancestor altars, courtesy of the members of the Infinite Roots Coven.
Animism – The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence or soul.
Arcane – From the Latin for “hidden” or “secret.” The term has often been applied to mystical secrets and the word arcanum is used in alchemy, and arcana in Tarot.
Aspect – An archetype of a deity or entity. A form, facet, or persona of a deity. In astrology, an aspect is an angle that planets make to each other in a chart.
Asperge – To cleanse and purify a space. This is usually done by spraying water around a room or using an herbal bundle to cleanse the space.
Astral Plane – The multi dimensional plane within the astral realm where one can travel using their astral body.
Athame – A double-edged knife with a black handle, usually used in ceremonial magick and traditional Wiccan practices. It is associated with masculine energy as well as the elements of fire and air.
Athame: Do’s and Don’ts
The athame is the Witch’s ceremonial blade. Its traditional physical form among many British Traditional Witchcraft lines is that of a cross-shaped, double-edged, black-handled dagger.
In this blog post, we explore 5 do’s and 3 don’ts of the athame in regular Wiccan/Neopagan practice:
Balefire – An open fire, usually used in a ritual or spell. Balefires are lit during pagan festivals such as the sabbats (witch’s holidays).
Badmouth – Originally used to describe someone who hexes or curses someone.
Banish – To use magick to rid something or repel something from a person or area.
Besom – A broom made of twigs tied around a stick. Used in cleansing rituals and to invite beneficial energies to a space.
Witch’s Broom Consecration
The most common use of brooms is to sweep away negative energies, thereby cleansing and purifying the space.
Learn how to consecrate your broom before you hang it over the door on inside a room for protection against negative energies, and find a printable page in PDF to add to your Witch’s Grimoire.
Blot – A communal event where animal sacrifice is used as an offering to a deity or god. Members of the ritual feast on the sacrifice in celebration. In today’s age, sacrificing a live animal is less common, there will be lots of good food and wine in its place.
Book of Shadows – Personal notebook kept by a practitioner of magick to record their work. This would include spellwork, rituals, personal wisdom, dreams, and observations. Start your own Book of Shadows with these printable dividers for a Book of Shadows binder. 📖
Boline – A small sacred knife used to cut items during a ritual. In contrast to the “Athame”, a “Boline” usually has a white handle.
Broom closet – One who practices Magick or follows a pagan lifestyle, and keeps that aspect of their life to their self. Being “In the broom closet” means you practice in secrecy from your friends and family.
Burning Times – A name given to the days of the Reformation, Inquisition, etc., when Witches were tried and executed by inquisitors, sometimes burned at the stake.
Cakes and ale – Ceremonial food that is served to the participants of a ritual or celebration. Foods may include whatever preferences the participants have.
Casting the circle – To project a circle or cone of energy where the practitioner will contain the energy generated by their ritual or magick.
Circle Casting for Wiccans and Non-Wiccans
When should I cast a circle? What’s a good chant to bless a circle? Do I need a tool or can I use my finger? Learn everything about sacred circles here:
Cense – To perfume something ritually with the odor of burning incense, such as a room, person, or object.
Charge – Intentionally passing a specific energy or intention to an object, person, or space. Items that have been charged are sacred or consecrated for a specific purpose.
Charm – From the Latin carmen meaning “song, incantation,” but came to be a generic term referring to any type of magick. As a noun, it commonly refers to a small object that protects its wearer from evil. As a verb, it commonly refers to refers to the act of using magick to exert control over a person.
Conjure – Originally had to do with the taking of oaths. Its magickal associations came when it was used to refer to binding demons to one’s will. In time, “conjurer” became a generic term for a magick-user.
Coven – A group of witches is called a Coven. A witch’s magickal family may be considered their coven if they have formed a group to perform magick alongside each other.
An Online Coven Awaits You
Don’t study alone! If you’re a regular practitioner, visit our Coven, get initiated or browse the online Book of Shadows.
If you’re a Baby Witch, read on! Find a Beginner Witch Guide with all the lessons you need.
Covenstead – A meeting space for witches to gather as a Coven.
The Craft – Refers to Witchcraft as a whole. One who follows the path of witchcraft follows the path of the craft.
Craft name – A name chosen by the practitioner for themselves within the magickal and spiritual community. This name can be a representation of their craft, abilities, interests or can sometimes be given to them by other members of their coven or elders.
Deosil – The clockwise motion of directing energy during a spell or ritual. This can be done with your hand, a wand, a knife, etc.
Dianic – A Wiccan type of groups within the Goddess tradition, focused on female experience and empowerment, sometimes linked to feminism and led by women.
Drawing down – Invocation of a Goddess into one who possesses the ability and strength to handle the energy of the deity.
Drawing Down the Moon Ritual
Renewal and blessing are the main ingredients of this beautiful evocation. Follow this guided meditation in solitary, with a chant to activate lunar powers.
Druid – From Old Celtic words for “oak” and “to know/see,” perhaps referring to divination using mistletoe, were a high-ranking political/religious class in some ancient Celtic cultures.
Eclectic – One who shapes their practices from many different cultures and belief systems. Someone who follows their own experimental journey rather than dedicating themselves to one predefined path.
Elder – One who has reached old age within the Pagan community. This person will typically guide and share their wisdom with others.
Elementals – Personified spirits of each Element. Traditionally: Gnomes, Undines, Sylphs, and Salamanders. Learn more about working with the Elementals here.
Esbat – Meeting of a coven, outside of the Sabbats, where healing, feasts, psychic work, and rituals take place, sometimes in the Full Moon but not necessarily.
13 Esbat Rituals in the Full Moon
Each of the 13 Full Moons is a celebration called an “Esbat”, an excellent opportunity to perform rituals, connect with Nature, and with other Witches. Learn more about special spellwork for each of the moons of the year:
Esoteric – From Ancient Greek esōterikós, “belonging to an inner circle.” It often refers to occult orders and belief systems like Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and Rosicrucianism, whose teachings are not shared outside of a group of initiates.
Equinox – Happens twice a year, when the duration of the day is equal to the duration of the night (12 hours each). The equinoxes occur around March 21 st and September 21 st and correspond to spring and autumn.
Evil Eye – A particular look or stare that is believed to bring bad luck for the person at whom it is directed, for reasons of envy or dislike. It is a curse or legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, and usually given to a person when they are unaware.
Familiar – An entity that has a spiritual bond with a Witch on a higher plane, sometimes said to shape-shift into a physical being such as a companion animal.
Familiars and a Pet
Familiars and a Pet…NOT the same thing. Nor should you want your beloved pet to be your Familiar. For a modern witch to lay claim to a Familiar spirit, the animal must have made a pact with the witch. Keep reading here:
Great Rite – Wiccan ritual involving symbolic sexual intercourse (actual sex or symbolic) with the purpose of drawing energy from the powerful connection between a male and a female participant.
Green Witch – A practitioner who works with plants, flowers and herbs, studies herbalism, botany and folk magick. Green Witches talk to nature for guidance and respect every living being.
Green Witch Spells & Grimoire
Green Witchcraft is the discipline of tuning into the energies of Earth through herbs 🌿. It’s an important piece in the puzzle of working with the Five Elements of Nature: Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Spirit. Find all the spells here:
Grimoire – A book of magick spells and invocations. Contrary to a Book of Shadows, it does not contain journal entries or personal outlines of magickal workings.
Handfasting – A marriage or union ceremony within the Pagan community.
Hedgecraft – A path loosely based on the old wise women (and men), cunning folk, herbalists, healers and witches, mainly from European backgrounds.
Hex – From the German hexen, for practicing witchcraft. A hex is usually understood as a curse or malignant spell placed upon a person.
Kindred – Members of a community gather for mutual benefit and to share their beliefs.
Left-hand path – A type of practice which pursues the empowerment of the self over nature or any spiritual order. It focuses on the strength and will of the practitioner rather than on the communion or alignment with Divinity or nature.
Magic or Magick – Some prefer to use the term “Magick” to differentiate it from stage magic performed by illusionists. The word “magic“ has its roots in magh-, which meant “to be able, to have power”, later found in Latin magice, meaning sorcery. The correct term for stage magic is “illusionism” as it is not actual Magic, but rather an illusion of Magic. Aleister Crowley chose to use Magick with a -k for his practices and rituals. The term has since been re-popularized by those who have adopted elements of his teachings, but not everyone.
Otherkin – Those who belief they have an aspect within them that is non-human. Examples: Vampires, werewolves, fairies, shape-shifters, etc.
Pendulum – A handheld device, usually a crystal or metal piece hung on a chain, used to receive yes or no answers.
Polytheism – The belief in many gods. A polytheist may worship multiple gods in their craft.
Quarters – The four corners and/or watchtowers associated to each cardinal direction in a magickal circle. They are symbolic structures called upon to guard over a circle during a ritual.
Cast a Circle & Call the Quarters
The Four Quarters are spirits that rule over each direction: North, East, South and East. Each is associated with one of the four classical elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Guided Video with step-by-step ritual:
Reconstructionist – One who tries to recreate a single pre-Christian tradition, emphasising historical accuracy over eclecticism, usually with a few exceptions.
Rede – From Middle English, meaning “advice” or “counsel”, the Wiccan Rede provides the key moral system for Wiccans; “An it harm none, do what thou will”.
Runes – Scandinavian alphabet mainly used today for divinatory purposes. Runes are usually inscribed on small stones.
Sabbat – Each of the eight Wiccan holidays celebrated in a calendar year. The first sabbat is Yule and then comes Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain. These festivals are considered sacred days and it’s tradition to celebrate them in good company.
Shadow Work – The shadow represents the repressed aspects of the personality that are rejected by the ego. Shadow work is an introspective practice where we face our pain instead of fighting it.
Sigil – A magickally charged seal, symbol, or glyph used in spells or charms. Learn how to make a sigil here.
Skyclad – To be nude. Some Pagans prefer to be nude during rituals, to perform them skyclad.
Solstice – The time when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point at noon, resulting in the shortest and longest days of the year, typically around June 21-22 and December 21-22.
Summerland – A place beyond the material plane, similar to an afterlife, where souls go between incarnations. Read more here: The Summerland and the Afterlife
What Happens When we Die?
People have tried to understand what happens after death since the dawn of time. Discover the concept of Summerland, and what Wiccans and other neopagans believe we go when we die. Watch the lesson here:
Tradition – The beliefs, structures, history, rituals, and techniques followed and passed on for generations by a specific group of Pagans.
Uncle Al – A nickname for Aleister Crowley, used graciously.
UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) – A term used for one’s individual experience or beliefs shared within a community. They may very well just be the perspective of the individual rather than the group as a whole.
Warlock – From Old English for “traitor, liar, oath-breaker.” It was sometime used to refer to a person who was in league with the devil, and from there it evolved (mainly in fictional work) into a male equivalent of “witch.”
Wiccaning – Blessing a child or a newborn into the world, by those who are part of the Wiccan community. A Neopagan ritual analogous to the christening or baptism of an infant.
Widdershins – Motion of energy directed in a counter-clockwise movement. This can be used to undo or reverse a spell.
Keep browsing Spells8 to find a Witch Spell list and printable pages. Subscribe to our Wiccan Newsletter to receive weekly updates from this blog.
🤔 Have any questions? Visit the Forum to discuss this topic and others!
" This term represents the annual cycle of seasonal holidays and celebrations that Wiccans observe. These festivals are based on the solstices, equinoxes, and key points in the agricultural calendar. Each festival has its unique traditions, rituals, and meanings, connecting Wiccans to the cycles of nature and the changing energies of the Earth. "Wicca" itself is a word that encompasses the entire spiritual tradition. It refers to the religious and magical practices of those who follow the Wiccan faith. Wiccans commonly use this term to identify themselves and their beliefs. Other notable words in the Wiccan vocabulary include "coven," which refers to a group of Witches who gather together for religious practices, studies, and support. "Pentacle" is a symbol often associated with Wicca, representing the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit) and the interconnectedness of all things. "Blessed be" is a common greeting or farewell among Wiccans, highlighting their desire for blessings and positivity. It's important to note that Wiccan words may vary among different traditions and individuals practicing this belief system. Some practitioners may have their unique terminology or regional variations of certain words. Still, the shared vocabulary and phrases in Wicca help create a sense of community, shared understanding, and connection to the divine forces and energies that Wiccans revere..
Reviews for "The Power of Wiccan Affirmations: Speaking Words of Empowerment"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I found "Wiccan words" to be extremely boring and uninteresting. The author tries to convey deep and meaningful messages but fails miserably. The language used is convoluted and unnecessarily complex, making it difficult to understand the point being made. Overall, I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Wiccan words" based on the positive reviews, but it did not live up to my expectations. The book lacks a cohesive structure and often jumps from one topic to another without clear transitions. The author's writing style is disjointed and confusing, making it hard to stay engaged. I also found some of the ideas shared in the book to be vague and not well-explained. Ultimately, I did not enjoy reading this book and would not read anything else by this author.
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4. Emily - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Wiccan words." The book lacked substance and did not provide any meaningful insights into Wiccan practices or beliefs. Instead, it focused on trivial and unnecessary details that added no value to the overall reading experience. Furthermore, the writing style was overly verbose and pretentious, making it feel like the author was simply trying to impress rather than inform or inspire. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in Wicca or seeking a deeper understanding of the subject.
5. David - 2/5 stars - As someone interested in Wiccan spirituality, I was excited to read "Wiccan words." However, I found the book to be confusing and vague. The author tends to use flowery and poetic language that often lacks clarity, leaving me unclear about the intended message. It felt like the author was more focused on showcasing their writing skills rather than providing practical or insightful information about Wiccan practices. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.