Welcome to The Pagan Dictionary!
We hope this will help clarify the various words used in Paganism today.
This dictionary is sourced from The Library of The Tintean Clann Danu, although the author is unknown.
Used with permission from The Wayfinder.
Items marked with * are additional information added by The Pagan Activist. If you wish a word or definition to be added to the dictionary please email Edain.
Enjoy!
The Pagan Activist
Abracadabra
A word from the Jewish mystical tradition of Qabala. Its root is the name of the Gnostic deity Abraxas, meaning "hurt me not". It is said to possess magickal powers, especially of protection from illness.
Adept
Word for an individual highly experienced and proficient in a particular magickal craft.
Aeromancy
Divination by the stars.
Aisling
A Celtic-Irish word meaning "dream" or "vision", pronounced "ash-leen".
Aka
The cord between the astral body and the physical body, most likely this concept is derived from the biblical reference to a "silver cord" connected the body and the soul.
Akasha
The fifth element of magick and the occult, this is the spiritual ether, often called the "Otherworld".
Akashic Records
Edward Cayce's concept which states that somewhere there is a universal hall of data about past lives, magic, healing, and spirituality. It does not exist on the physical plane but rather on a more psychic level. Some believe it can be accessed on the astral plane, others feel it can only be accessed through a visualization journey in the mind.
Alchemist
One who practices alchemy.
Alchemy
A form of high magick which stems from the middle ages noted by the attempts of alchemists to make lead turn into gold.
Alexandrian Tradition
Based on the teachings of Alex Sanders.
Alignment
Synchronization of mental and spiritual vibrations with a god, goddess, or astronomical body. Often the complete balance and centering of the chakras is called an alignment.
Altar
A small working area and shrine many pagans maintain, where they perform most of their ritual and spell work.
Amulet
An object charged with personal energies through ritual or meditation often used to ward off a certain force or person.
Aradia
The Italian goddess Diana's daughter, said to be the origin of all witches. The book "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches" was written by Leland about Aradia and the practice of witchcraft.
Archetype
Symbolic imagery seen in visions, dreams, meditation, and mind quests. Used to interpret the meaning of the vision thereby betting understanding and communicating with the subconscious.
Arthurian Tradition
A Welsh tradition of paganism based on the lore of King Arthur (the "Once and Future King"), Merlin the Magician, and Guinevere.
Asatru
Modern worship of the old Norse gods.
Aspecting
An advanced magical practice which is seen most commonly in a coven as opposed to solitary. The practitioner attempts to manifest an aspect of the Goddess or the God. This is seen in the pagan ritual of Drawing Down the Moon as well as in other pagan religions such as Vodou, where the priest often allows the deity to speak through his or her body.
Asperger
A bundle of fresh herbs either carrying dew or dowsed with spring water, used to sprinkle the water during ritual purification.
Astral Plane
A plane parallel to the physical world, traveled through by the astral body during projection.
Astral Travel
The experience, whether spontaneous or induced, of traveling through the astral realm in the form of the astral body.
Astrology
The practice of revealing the future by interpreting the arrangement of stars and planets in relation to astrological theory and the zodiac.
Athame
The athame is usually a black handled, double edged knife used in rituals. It is symbolic of the element of fire and it can be used while laying down circle boundaries and for inscribing candles. Also a phallic symbol.
Attune
To bring different psyches into harmony.
Augury
Divination based on "signs" or omens.
Aura
An energy field which surrounds living beings. An aura is most often visible only to those born with the skill to see it, or those who developed this ability. A visible aura contains various colors and tells about the spiritual and emotional persona of the plant, human, or creature surrounded by it. However, an aura can also be felt, heard, or sensed through other means.
Balefire
A traditional fire lit outdoors during Yule, Beltane, and Litha.
Beltane*
A Wiccan sabbat held between spring and the onset of summer, between April 30th and May 1st if in the Northern hemisphere or on 31st October if in the Southern hemisphere.
Besom
A bundle of twigs attached to a handle used to cleanse and purify sacred space. Essentially a witch's broomstick.
Binding
Using magick to restrain someone or something, or to 'bind' them to you.
Blessed Be
A term derived from the ritual of the Five-fold Kiss, it is simple a blessing commonly used by wiccans and pagans as a greeting or a goodbye. Abbreviated as BB or B*B.
Blood of the Moon
A woman's mentrual cycle, considered important and a crucial time for magick to be performed, especially when it crosses the new or full moon.
Bolline; Boleen
A white handled knife used in rituals for carving and cutting magickal symbols into ritual objects.
Book of Shadows
A term coined by Aleister Crowley for a book of rituals, recipes, journal entries, laws/rules, and other documents important to a witch or coven. Each Book of Shadows is different as the individual decides what is necessary for their book.
Broom Closet
Not meant literally, this is a term used to describe someone who is "in the broom closet", or in other words, who is not public with their pagan practices.
Burning Times
This is a word used to describe the execution of the witches during their persecution from the Middle Ages onwards. Most executions were in fact by hanging, not burning. While it is claimed that thousands and even millions were killed, a small fraction were actually witches. Many were herectics or Christians accused of witchcraft by those who disliked them.
Candlemas
Pagan sabbat held on Feb. 1.
Cantrip
A spell cast by a witch. It is small, quick, and has minimal effects.
Cardinal Points
North, East, South, and West. Symbolized by the circle in magic (which connects the points), the four elements, and the watchtowers.
Catharsis
The release of magickal energies at the height or climax of a ritual. Essentially the use of energy at the catharsis is the crux of the rite, determining whether its outcome will be successful or not.
Cauldron
A feminine symbol of the goddess, also of life, death, and rebirth. This is associated with Cerridwen, a goddess who brewed a magickal cauldron from which a single drop was yielded each year. The consumer of her brew would be granted great wisdom. Today her cauldron survives not only in pagan ritual but in the Christian concept of the holy grail.
Censer
A container in which incense is smoldered or burned. It symbolises the element of air. Often a censer is used during ritual to "cense" an area, generally by moving the censer around the area and especially around the circle as a means of purification.
Centering
Grounding your energy through meditation, often before rituals to help harness and direct the balanced energy.
Chakras
Energy centers in the body which are best cleansed, opened, and balanced. Too much or too little energy in one chakra can be the cause for disruption in magick or frustrations in everyday life.
Chalice
A feminine symbol of the element water. This is used during ritual and once the waters of life which it contains is blessed, it is passed around so that everyone in the coven may bring the Goddess "into" themself.
Channeling
Mediumship; a word for an entity talking through a human to convey a message to the physical plane.
Chant
Repetition of magickal phrases, syllables, or words to produce a desired effect as well as bring the chanter to a deeper meditative state.
Chaote
A Chaos magician not actively in practice.
Chi
A Chinese term for the all-encompassing universal life force.
Cheiromancy
Divination based on the examination of the hand, related to palmistry.
Circle
A protected area where ritual work takes place.
Cleansing
Purification through a ritual bath (often with a handful of sea salt thrown in) and through meditation to cleanse the psyche. Traditionally performed before every ritual.
Cone of Power
Psychic energy raised by either an individual or a coven and released to perform a certain goal through magick.
Conjure
To summon entities from the spirit realm into the physical plane.
Consecration
The blessing, cleansing, or positively charging of an object which is meant to be used in magick or dedicated to a deity.
Corn Dolly
A figure made by plaiting wheat, similar to a poppet. It is symbolic of the fertility, grain, and harvest aspects of the Goddess.
Correspondences
Materials used in magick which relate to their specific goal. These can be herbs, stones, moon phases, colors, numbers, etc. An example would be mugwort used in a dream spell, as mugwort is a popular herb corresponding to dreams.
Coven
A group of witches led by a High Priest and/or a High Priestess who meet to worship and practice magic. Traditionally limited to 13, though most are significantly smaller.
Covenstead
Meeting place established by a coven.
Cowan
A slang term for a non-witch or non-pagan, generally used as a derogatory word for a pagan who is considered a fake or a poser.
Craft, the
The Craft is a term used to refer to witchcraft and wicca.
Crone
A term of respect used for a witch who has passed menopause or who is over 50-56 years old.
Croning
A rite of passage into being a crone.
Cross of Confusion
An ancient Roman symbol which questioned the validity of Christianity.
Cross Quarter Days
A term used for the fire sabbats (Samhain, Imbolb, Beltane, Lammas). The most important festivals of the years which form the "cross" in the wheel of the year.
Cunning Man
A practitioner of magick; this term dates back to long before Christianity. He was relied on by villagers to bring a good harvest, protect them from evil, and provide charms and medicines. The Cunning Man survived the coming of Christianity, but not for very long.
Curse
Conscious direction of negative energy towards a person, place, or object.
Daemon
A Greek word for spirit.
Days of Power
Significant magickal days around the year. See also Sabbats.
Degree
The level or status of a practitioner of magick. You must face various tests of knowledge and practical experience in order to progress to another degree within your tradition.
Deosil
Clockwise. Used often to describe movement in rituals. The opposite is Widdershins.
Divination
Method of inquiring into a situation through tools, some examples of divination are scrying, tarot, runes, and oneiromancy.
Dracomancer
A practitioner of magick who uses dragons in their workings.
Drake
A dragon, generally refers to a young one.
Drawing Down the Moon
A ritual which invokes the Goddess into the High Priestess by the High Priest.
Dreamtime
The Shamanic concept of a world which parallels this one.
Druidism
An ancient celtic order of priests which has undergone a modern revival into neo-paganism.
Earth Magick
A practical form of magick which involves drawing energy from Mother Earth (or Gaia) and the element or elementals of earth for rituals.
Earth Power
Defines the force or vibration that exists in many inanimate objects like stones, water, fire, and plants. Can be controlled and used in magick.
Eclectic
A person (or the practice of a person) who combines attributes from various traditions to create a unique spiritual blend of Wicca, paganism, or witchcraft that suits them best.
Elemental
A spirit formed of one of the elements. The 5 elementals are salamanders (fire), sylphs (air), undines (water), gnomes (earth), and spirit (akasha).
Elements
The 5 major elements in nature and magick. Earth, water, fire, air, and akasha (or spirit) which encompasses all of the other elements and is not visible.
Elixir
A magically charged liquid which has to have a crystal or gem sitting in it for a specific amount of time before it is ready to drink.
Empowerment
An individual's assertion of personal power, energy, force, and strength in all fields... spiritual, physical, mental, magickal.
Enchantment
A method of spellcasting which involves, generally, spoken words of power. An enchantment can be put on something to gain control or authority over it. Enchanted objects generally "carry" the magick put upon them with them, so it does not cease to work but is continually having its effect.
Esbat
A gathering for ritual work, generally during the full or new moon.
Essential Oil
A plant oil which is extracted through a very complex process that generally yields very little product, making it costly to buy true essential oils. It's a misconception to think of them as actually being oily because they rarely are. These are called for often in rituals.
Evocation
Calling up spirits or elementals.
Familiar
A spirit or guardian who is close to a human being and considered a companion in magick. The spirit often manifests itself in a sacred object or a pet. This explains the misconception that all witches have black cats, which is not necessarily true though a cat is a magickal creature and often does become a familiar.
Fascination
The practice of controlling another's mind psychically. Can be considered very manipulative and by some traditions a breaking of the Rede, especially when used to frivolously control people.
Fate
The destined result of life after a sequence of fated events.
Five-fold Kiss
A traditional salute generally performed between the High Priest and the High Priestess. This involves kissing 5 areas on the body of the Priestess with the accompanying magickal words:
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways."
"Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar."
"Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be."
"Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty."
"Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the sacred names."
Full Moon
Phase of the moon when it has waxed fully. Best time for spells involving psychic powers, and for magick in general.
Futhark
Runic alphabet used often in divination, its origins are Norse (Germanic). Divided into the elder Futhark and the younger Futhark (which has fewer runes).
Gardnerian Tradition
Tradition of witchcraft based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, who was essentially the founder of modern Wicca.
Geomancy
Divination by the earth.
Glamour
A form of magick which involves changing people's immediate perception of you. It generally is simply altering your physical appearance (eye color, hair length, height, etc.) temporarily. However, it can also include changing people's emotional reaction to you. Glamours last only as long as the magician feeds energy into it.
Glyph
A sigil imbued with magick.
Gnome
An elemental that dwells in the earth plane. See also Elementals.
Gods
Immortal beings, also called deities, worshipped by their followers and invoked for magick. A "god" is generally male, whereas the female version is "goddess".
Grammary
Written magick, including symbols, signs, Ogham, and sigils.
Great Rite
This rite see most commonly in witchcraft marks the initation into the third degree. Sexual in nature, but can be performed symbolically instead.
Grimoire
A magickal workbook which contains various information on rituals, formulae, correspondences, and preparation of ritual tools and space. Similar to a Book of Shadows.
Gris-Gris
In African religious systems, a charm, fetish, or amulet.
Grounding
Sending excess energy generated during a ritual into the earth, symbolically, back to the God or the Goddess from which it came.
Handfasting
The Wiccan equivalent of a wedding ceremony. It is only legal if performed by a registered clergyman. Handfasting vows are meant to be renewed annually, and thus are a "safer" commitment than marriage unless made legal.
Handparting
Similar to a seperation or divorce, symbolically the cutting of the binds created by a handfasting.
Haruspicy
Divination by animal entrails.
Heathen
1. One who does not recognize the God of the Bible. 2. A pagan. 3. An irreligious, uncivilized person. Can be used in this context as a derogatory term for a pagan, despite the fact that it's an inaccurate generalization.
Hedge Wizard
A rural practitioner who has little formal training, or none at all.
Heptagram
A seven-pointed star drawn with one unbroken line. Symbolic of the number seven, which is important not only to the seven traditional astrological planets but also to the seven planes and subplanes and the seven chakras.
Hereditary Witch
A person who descends from a line of witches and has learned the Craft from a member of this descent.
Hex*
Alternative word for Curse.
Hex Mark*
Used by Dutch settlers to ward of evil and often painted on the outside of buildings.
Hexagram
A geometric figure formed by two overlapping triangles, also called the Star of David. While it is used in modern magick to invoke or banish spirits, it is traditionally Jewish.
Hierophant
A priest of the mysteries who reveals his secrets only to this initiates.
High Magick
Ceremonial magick involving the actions of deities or spirits.
High Priest
A male witch within a coven who has been initiated into the 3rd degree. Abbreviated in written rituals as HP.
High Priestess
A female witch within a coven who has been initiated into the 3rd degree. Abbreviated as HPS in written rituals.
Higher Self
Non-physical, true self. The enlightened, "actual" persona of the individual as opposed to what the person seems to be or thinks they are.
Horned God
Pagan father God often mistaken for, or associated with, Satan. This is an incorrect assumption.
Hydromancy
Divination by liquid, especially water.
Imbolc*
Pagan sabbat celebrated on Feb. 2 if in the Northern hemisphere or on 1st August if in the southern hemisphere.
Incantation; Incant
The spoken part of a spell.
Initiate
A person who has undergone the rite of entry into a coven, circle, or other organization.
Initiation
Admission ceremony for an intiate to gain entry into a coven or circle. Generally in the form of a ritual with an oath of secrecy.
Invocation
The bringing of a divine power from the exterior into a ritual or
magickal working through chant or prayer. An invocation is generally an
acknowledgement of the deity and a request that they be present for the
working.
Inward Silence
The silencing of the emotions and thoughts that disturb the effectiveness of a ritual.
Karma
A concept which originated in Hindu philosophy that is used to explain injustice and retribution. By karma, a trespass in this life will be punished in the next. Essentially, "what goes around comes around". Actions bad or good will eventually be returned to you.
Ki
Japanese word for the universal life force, synonymous with the Chinese term, Chi.
Kitchen Magick; Kitchen Witchcraft
A practical tradition of witchcraft mainly for suburban or lower budget witches that allows one to utilize household items instead of the often difficult to obtain ritual items.
Lamen
A disc of metal with magickal symbols inscribed on it, worn around the neck during rituals.
Lammas*
A pagan sabbat which takes place on August 1st if in the Northern hemisphere or on 2nd February if in the southern hemisphere.
Left-hand Path*
A path for people who believe in Satanism, amongst other paths.
Levitation
The supernatural phenomenon involving suspending a body in midair without physical bolster.
Litha*
The pagan summer sabbat. Also called Summer Solstice. Celebrated on 21st June or thereabouts if in the Northern hemisphere or on 21st December if in the Southern hemisphere.
Lithomancy
Divination by stones.
Loa
An ancestral deity in the Vodou religion.
Mabon*
Pagan sabbat celebrated in early autumn. Celebrated on 21st September or thereabouts on the Autumn Equinox if in the Northern hemisphere or on 21st March if in the Southern hemisphere.
Macrocosm
The greater world or universe.
Mage
A master magician; often a mage is a scholarly and skilled practitioner who prefers that the only tools of their magick be their mind, ability, and spirit.
Magick; Magic
The art and occult science of changing events around you by manipulating energy in nature, the self, and the spirit world.
Magickal Name
A name chosen by the dedicant or initiate to symbolise rebirth into their new path.
Magickal Voice, the
The commanding, assertive voice used to read power words during rituals which allows no doubt or insecurity in. This applies whether the voice is speaking tone, a loud whisper, or in song.
Maiden
1. The name of one of the members of a coven, generally the assistant to the High Priestess. 2. One of the aspects of the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) symbolised by the waxing moon, creation, and the time between Beltane and Imbolc.
Meditation
The practice of inverting the mind to pay attention to the inner silence instead of the outer chaos. Other forms of meditation focus on the outer chaos instead. This practice is accepted in almost all religions, but is encouraged most in Buddhism.
Merry Meet
A greeting commonly used by Wiccans and pagans. It basically means "Greetings". Abbreviated as MM.
Merry Part
A friendly phrase that basically means "Goodbye", used by Wiccans and pagans. Abbreviated as MP.
Metaphysical
Having the nature of metaphysics.
Metaphysics
A field of abstract thought and philosophy about topics not on the concrete or physical level of understanding. This includes subjects like existence, the soul, being, the supernatural, astral travel, psychicism, and so on.
Microcosm
The lesser world, the physical. Said to parallel the macrocosm, or greater world.
Midsummer
Sabbat celebrated in June.
Mojo
Magick.
Mojo Bag
A small bag generally worn around the neck which is charged with energies towards a certain goal and filled with charms, herbs, and/or stones.
Necromancy
1. The art of revealing the future through magick and especially through communication with the deceased. 2. The practice of summoning the souls of the dead.
Necronomicon
A pseudo-grimoire. The notion of such a book was made by H.P. Lovecraft in fictional writing, but an unknown author wrote it and some people today still believe it is a valid source of occult information.
Neo-Pagan
Literally, new pagan. Modern earth religion which branches from paganism and is based on ancient pre-Christian religious practices. Wicca, for example, is a neo-pagan religion, derived from ancient witchcraft and paganism.
New Age
The modern movement which involves combining metaphysical concepts with the practice of an organized religion.
OBE, OOBE
Out-of-body experience.
Occult
Study and science of things esoteric, secret, paranormal, and supernatural.
Ogham
The magickal Celtic alphabet made up of 20 letters called fews, each representing a different kind of tree.
Old Religion
This is a term often used for Wicca and witchcraft. It was used because witchcraft is believed to descend from ancient paganism. However, it is misleading when used in relation to Wicca, which is a fairly young and modern religion based on witchcraft.
Omen
An sudden occurence which is interpreted as being a sign of good or evil. Often it will be small yet significant; a vase falling over or a cup of water spilling, for example.
Oneiromancy
Divination through dreams.
Oracle
A person through which otherworldly entities can be communicated with, similar to channeling. People often see oracles to ask questions or to be given insights to their future.
Ostara*
Sabbat which occurs to celebrate the onset of spring. The Christian holiday of Easter originated from Ostara, a celebration named after the goddess of Spring and rebirth, hence the egg and the rabbit as the primary symbols. Celebrated on 21st March or thereabouts on the Spring Equinox if in the Northern hemisphere or on 21st September if in the Southern hemisphere.
Pagan
1. A follower of paganism. 2. Something related to paganism. (For example a pagan book, pagan artwork, etc.)
Pagandom
Part of the world inhabited primarily by pagans.
Paganism
Any religion other than Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Generally categorized as an earth religion. Most are polytheistic (have more than one god or goddess). Literally means "country dweller".
Pagan Standard Time
A slang term for when people cannot arrive or get an event on time. Almost extinct because it was a poor excuse to begin with. Abbreviated as PST.
Pallomancy
Divination with a pendulum.
Pantheon
A hierarchy of gods and goddesses in a particular religious structure, such as the Greek pantheon, the Roman pantheon, etc.
Past Life Regression
A technique used by hypnotists to lead a person in a trance which allows them to supposedly recall events from previous lives, when their soul was in a different physical body at another time period and place. Assuming belief in the human soul, this is actually very logical, and can be explained as simply a matter of helping the human mind connect to the soul mind and read the memories stored there.
Pendulum
A tool often used to communicate with spirits or divine. See also divination.
Pentacle
A disc (generally circular) which is inscribed with a pentagram on its surface.
Pentagram
A five-pointed star drawn with a single line. Upright, it resembles a human figure, with spirit taking the highest importance. Inverted (upside-down) it is often considered a Satanic symbol. This is not always true, though. In Wicca an inverted pentagram is a sign used by a second degree initiate to symbolise their progress and the facing of the "dark" side of life. When inverted, it represents the elements taking precedence over spirit.
Pecti-Wita
A Scottish tradition of Wicca, see also Witta.
Philtre
A potion, especially for love.
Phrenology
Character analysis by studying the shape and surface of the skull.
Projective Hand
A term often used in ritualism to describe your most powerful hand, generally the one you write with.
Prophet
One who receives inspiration, information, or insights into the future from a divine source.
Psychic Awareness
The open state of awareness in which the conscious mind can tap into the psychic mind.
Psychic Mind
The sub- or un-conscious mind which is receptive of psychic messages. When we are psychically aware, the two minds link and we can intercept these messages.
Pyromancy
Divination by fire.
Qaballa
Jewish mysticism; metaphysical practices based on the Judaic Qabalistic texts.
Quarter Days
The solstices and equinoxes.
Quarters
The north, east, south, and west parts of the circle, often representative of the four watchtowers
Receptive Hand
The hand which has less power, generally whichever hand you do not write with. This hand is used less in holding and charging ritual items, however, it receives outside energy which is used to feed the magick.
Rede
A tenet, rule, doctrine, or law.
Reincarnation
The rebirth of the soul into other physical forms from one life (reincarnation) to the next. The new physical form can be animal or human.
Right-hand Path*
A term used for a person who does not believe in Satanism. Opposite of left-hand path.
Rite
A ritual.
Ritual
A formal series of generally predetermined actions (both mental or physical) performed to harness and then direct magickal powers toward the accomplishment of the goal at hand.
Runes
A tool of magick and divination. There are many types of runes, all of them alphabets of some sort. Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and modern Wiccan runes are just a few. They are usually tossed randomly after deciding a subject, and then decifered based on their positioning.