Glossary A-C

I have culled the following terms and definitions from a variety of systems and sources. The definitions given here are, of necessity, fairly brief and limited. They should, however serve well enough as a basic description. The list is by no means "complete," although I will continue to add entries periodically.

Abyss - On the Tree of Life of the Qabalah, the gulf separating the uppermost Sephiroth from the lower seven.

Adept - A person who has attained a high degree of mastery of one or more systems of Magick.

Adjuration - A command to a spirit, typically involving the use of divine names.

Air - The element typically associated with the East, as well as symbolically representing Mental ability, consciousness, freedom, and communication.

Akasha - The fifth, subtle Element sometimes referred to as Spirit. The all-pervading spiritual "ether."

Akashic Records - The "recordings" left in the Akasha by every event.

Alchemical Marriage - A metaphor for the attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, the reconciliation of the conscious and unconscious selves.

Alchemy - Probably the most commonly known association of Alchemy is as an occult science which sought to transmute base metals into gold, create the "Elixir of Life", and create the Philosopher's Stone. The purification and transformation of physical substances were (are) also seen symbolically as spiritual transformations.

Alchemy, Inner - A method of controlling the energy raised during sexual excitement for the purposes of working Magick.

Alchemy, Outer - Making use of the Magickally charged sexual fluids for Magickal purposes.

Altar - The working area upon which any tools and props are typically kept during ritual when not actually in use. Layout of the altar varies from Tradition to Tradition, and frequently from one practitioner to another.

Amulet - A consecrated object charged to repel certain things or influences. Frequently used as a protection.

Archaeus - The divider of the Elements. That which individuates and orders each thing in its place, genus, species, etc.

Archetype - A Jungian term referring to an idea, mode of thought, or "god form" that has crystallized from the inherited experiences of the species, from the "collective unconscious."

Ascended Master - A Master or Adept who has attained bodiless consciousness, and chooses to teach from another plane through such methods as dreams and visions, rather than reincarnating.

Astral Body - A malleable vehicle which is used for travel on the Astral Plane, connected to the physical body by a fine "thread." Frequently referred to as "The Body of Light."

Astral Plane(s) - The intermediate plane(s) between the Physical, mundane world and the Higher Planes (the Mental and Spiritual).

Astral Projection - Transference of consciousness from the Material Body to the Astral Body, whether done voluntarily or involuntarily.

Astrology - The science of interpreting patterns and positions of celestial bodies for the purposes of divination and prophecy.

Athame - A ritual knife, traditionally with a black handle. Traditionally, this blade is never used for actual cutting. Some systems interchange the Sword and the Athame.

Athanor - An Alchemical oven. Also used in Sex Magick to refer to the penis.

Augoeides - A term sometimes used in reference to the Holy Guardian Angel or Higher Self.

Banishing Ritual - A ritual designed to cleanse and clear an area. Frequently used as one of the first steps before beginning any Magickal work.

Barbarous Names - Words or names of power. Some theorize that the lack of meaning and context of these names is what imbues them with power by causing a deep subconscious reaction. Others theorize that they have gained their potency through repeated use.

Bell - Sometimes used in ritual as a cue. Typically associated with "feminine" characteristics due to its cauldron/cup-like shape.

Beltane - April 30th and/or May 1st. One of the eight Sabbats celebrated by Wiccans and many Neo-Pagans. Also commonly known as May Eve, May Day, Walpurgis Night, and Bealtaine.

Besom - The Besom is a ritual broom, typically used as a cleansing tool. It also has a phallic/fertility symbolism when used to "ride" by straddling the Besom and jumping.

Binah - Understanding. The 3rd Sephira on the Tree of Life. It is located at the top of the left, feminine pillar.

Binding - A binding is a Magickal working aimed at preventing or limiting the actions of its target. Many regard this as a serious, last resort step due to the ethical implications of interfering with the free will of another.

Black Magic - This is a term frequently used to describe Magick which is done with a negative, or harmful intent. It should be realized that this term describes the intent behind a particular Magickal working, not any form of Magick itself, which is "neutral."

Body of Light - A term sometimes used to refer to the Astral Body.

Bolline - A working knife, traditionally white-handled. This knife is the tool typically used for purposes such as harvesting herbs, cutting wands, carving candles, etc.

Book of Shadows - A Wiccan term which has been adopted by many neo-pagans. This book is a combination Magickal diary, and recipe book. In addition, it will typically contain rituals, spells, beliefs, and the like.

Burning Times - A term commonly used to refer to the persecution of "witches" during the Middle Ages, even though many areas did not use burning as punishment for those convicted of Witchcraft. Much historical inaccuracy and myth is associated with this term, up to and including the supposed death toll of nine million.

Candle Magick - A form of sympathetic Magick which uses different colored candles to represent different attributes and influences.

Cauldron - A black, cast iron pot which comes in various sizes. Frequently used for burning candles or incense, scrying, and making oils and brews. Symbolically represents the womb of the Goddess in Wicca.

Censer - A metal device, typically in the basic shape of a ball, in which is burned. The upper half forms a perforated lid, which allows smoke from incense burned within to escape. Commonly suspended from a length of chain. Typically associated with the Element of Air.

Centering - A meditative technique focusing upon one's center of gravity, and realization of the self as the center of all space and time.

Ceremonial Magick - A highly ritualized form of Magickal practice, which may or may not be practiced in a religious context. Frequently involves contact and communication with other Intelligences.

Chakra - Centers or nodes of energy in the human aura. They are frequently perceived as whirls, circles, or lotuses.

Chalice - The cup used in ritual to hold consecrated water, wine, or juice. It is associated with the Element Water. It is also frequently associated with cleansing, healing, scrying, and the womb.

Channeling - The act of serving as a vessel for non-physical entities while in a trance state in order to facilitate communication.

Charm - A Magickally charged object carried to attract positive energies and influences. May also be used to describe a spell designed to do the same.

Ch'i - A Chinese term literally meaning "breath" or "wind." The Chinese name for the vital force within all things.

Cingulum - A 9ft. length of cord used in some traditions for various ritual purposes, such as measuring out the Circle, and spell work.

Circle - Typically used to refer to a ritual area cleansed and formed to contain raised energy until it is ready to be released toward its intended purpose/target. Circles are also frequently considered to be a place between worlds. Sometimes set up as a form of protection also.

Cone of Power - A "cone of energy" which is raised during ritual spell work, charged with intent, and directed toward its specified target and goal. Especially used in group workings within Wicca and Witchcraft.

Consecration - The act, process, or ceremony of making something sacred. This typically involves cleansing and a ritual dedication toward some specific purpose.

Corn Dolly - A human or animal figure made from corn sheafs. Associated with fertility.

Coven - An organized group of witches who meet and work together regularly. Traditionally, covens have between 3 and 13 members.

Cowan - A term sometimes used to refer to someone who is not a follower of one of the many individual pagan or Masonic paths. The term comes from Freemasonry.

Craft, The - A name sometimes used to refer to the religion and/or practice of Witchcraft or to Freemasonry. Not to be confused with the movie, which bears little resemblance to reality! ;)

Crone - There are multiple symbolic references associated with this term. It refers to the waning and dark phases of the moon, the post-childbearing phase in a woman's life, and the third aspect of the Wiccan Goddess. The Crone is frequently associated with wisdom, maturity, death and rebirth, and spiritual peace.

Cult - A system of religious beliefs and practices. Frequently used by adherents of one religion to describe another religion of which they do not approve. Often associated with fanaticism or false religion.

Curcurbite - In Alchemy, a type of container. In Sex Magick, the vagina.

Curse - A Magickal working designed specifically to cause harm in one form or another to its intended target, typically over a prolonged period of time.

All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.


	Smiling Panther's Den \| home Glossary A-C \| Glossary D - F \| Glossary G - I \| Glossary J - M \| Glossary N - R \| Glossary S \| Glossary T - W \| Glossary X - Z Glossary A-C I have culled the following terms and definitions from a variety of systems and sources. The definitions given here are, of necessity, fairly brief and limited. They should, however serve well enough as a basic description. The list is by no means "complete," although I will continue to add entries periodically. Abyss - On the Tree of Life of the Qabalah, the gulf separating the uppermost Sephiroth from the lower seven. Adept - A person who has attained a high degree of mastery of one or more systems of Magick. Adjuration - A command to a spirit, typically involving the use of divine names. Air - The element typically associated with the East, as well as symbolically representing Mental ability, consciousness, freedom, and communication. Akasa - See Akasha. Akasha - The fifth, subtle Element sometimes referred to as Spirit. The all-pervading spiritual "ether." Akashic Records - The "recordings" left in the Akasha by every event. Akasic Library - See Akashic Records. Alchemical Marriage - A metaphor for the attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, the reconciliation of the conscious and unconscious selves. Alchemy - Probably the most commonly known association of Alchemy is as an occult science which sought to transmute base metals into gold, create the "Elixir of Life", and create the Philosopher's Stone. The purification and transformation of physical substances were (are) also seen symbolically as spiritual transformations. Alchemy, Inner - A method of controlling the energy raised during sexual excitement for the purposes of working Magick. Alchemy, Outer - Making use of the Magickally charged sexual fluids for Magickal purposes. Altar - The working area upon which any tools and props are typically kept during ritual when not actually in use. Layout of the altar varies from Tradition to Tradition, and frequently from one practitioner to another. Amulet - A consecrated object charged to repel certain things or influences. Frequently used as a protection. Aquastor - See Simulacrum. Archaeus - The divider of the Elements. That which individuates and orders each thing in its place, genus, species, etc. Archetype - A Jungian term referring to an idea, mode of thought, or "god form" that has crystallized from the inherited experiences of the species, from the "collective unconscious." Ascended Master - A Master or Adept who has attained bodiless consciousness, and chooses to teach from another plane through such methods as dreams and visions, rather than reincarnating. Astral Body - A malleable vehicle which is used for travel on the Astral Plane, connected to the physical body by a fine "thread." Frequently referred to as "The Body of Light." Astral Plane(s) - The intermediate plane(s) between the Physical, mundane world and the Higher Planes (the Mental and Spiritual). Astral Projection - Transference of consciousness from the Material Body to the Astral Body, whether done voluntarily or involuntarily. Astrology - The science of interpreting patterns and positions of celestial bodies for the purposes of divination and prophecy. Athame - A ritual knife, traditionally with a black handle. Traditionally, this blade is never used for actual cutting. Some systems interchange the Sword and the Athame. Athanor - An Alchemical oven. Also used in Sex Magick to refer to the penis. Augoeides - A term sometimes used in reference to the Holy Guardian Angel or Higher Self. Aura - The energy field which surrounds all living things. Banish - To release or drive away an entity or influence. Banishing Ritual - A ritual designed to cleanse and clear an area. Frequently used as one of the first steps before beginning any Magickal work. Barbarous Names - Words or names of power. Some theorize that the lack of meaning and context of these names is what imbues them with power by causing a deep subconscious reaction. Others theorize that they have gained their potency through repeated use. Bell - Sometimes used in ritual as a cue. Typically associated with "feminine" characteristics due to its cauldron/cup-like shape. Beltane - April 30th and/or May 1st. One of the eight Sabbats celebrated by Wiccans and many Neo-Pagans. Also commonly known as May Eve, May Day, Walpurgis Night, and Bealtaine. Besom - The Besom is a ritual broom, typically used as a cleansing tool. It also has a phallic/fertility symbolism when used to "ride" by straddling the Besom and jumping. Binah - Understanding. The 3rd Sephira on the Tree of Life. It is located at the top of the left, feminine pillar. Binding - A binding is a Magickal working aimed at preventing or limiting the actions of its target. Many regard this as a serious, last resort step due to the ethical implications of interfering with the free will of another. Black Magic - This is a term frequently used to describe Magick which is done with a negative, or harmful intent. It should be realized that this term describes the intent behind a particular Magickal working, not any form of Magick itself, which is "neutral." Bodhisattva - See Ascended Master. Body of Light - A term sometimes used to refer to the Astral Body. Bolline - A working knife, traditionally white-handled. This knife is the tool typically used for purposes such as harvesting herbs, cutting wands, carving candles, etc. Book of Shadows - A Wiccan term which has been adopted by many neo-pagans. This book is a combination Magickal diary, and recipe book. In addition, it will typically contain rituals, spells, beliefs, and the like. Burning Times - A term commonly used to refer to the persecution of "witches" during the Middle Ages, even though many areas did not use burning as punishment for those convicted of Witchcraft. Much historical inaccuracy and myth is associated with this term, up to and including the supposed death toll of nine million. Cabala - See Qabalah Candle Magick - A form of sympathetic Magick which uses different colored candles to represent different attributes and influences. Candlemas - See Imbolg Cauldron - A black, cast iron pot which comes in various sizes. Frequently used for burning candles or incense, scrying, and making oils and brews. Symbolically represents the womb of the Goddess in Wicca. Censer - A metal device, typically in the basic shape of a ball, in which is burned. The upper half forms a perforated lid, which allows smoke from incense burned within to escape. Commonly suspended from a length of chain. Typically associated with the Element of Air. Centering - A meditative technique focusing upon one's center of gravity, and realization of the self as the center of all space and time. Ceremonial Magick - A highly ritualized form of Magickal practice, which may or may not be practiced in a religious context. Frequently involves contact and communication with other Intelligences. Chakra - Centers or nodes of energy in the human aura. They are frequently perceived as whirls, circles, or lotuses. Chalice - The cup used in ritual to hold consecrated water, wine, or juice. It is associated with the Element Water. It is also frequently associated with cleansing, healing, scrying, and the womb. Channeling - The act of serving as a vessel for non-physical entities while in a trance state in order to facilitate communication. Charm - A Magickally charged object carried to attract positive energies and influences. May also be used to describe a spell designed to do the same. Ch'i - A Chinese term literally meaning "breath" or "wind." The Chinese name for the vital force within all things. Cingulum - A 9ft. length of cord used in some traditions for various ritual purposes, such as measuring out the Circle, and spell work. Circle - Typically used to refer to a ritual area cleansed and formed to contain raised energy until it is ready to be released toward its intended purpose/target. Circles are also frequently considered to be a place between worlds. Sometimes set up as a form of protection also. Cone of Power - A "cone of energy" which is raised during ritual spell work, charged with intent, and directed toward its specified target and goal. Especially used in group workings within Wicca and Witchcraft. Conjuration - See Evocation. Consecration - The act, process, or ceremony of making something sacred. This typically involves cleansing and a ritual dedication toward some specific purpose. Corn Dolly - A human or animal figure made from corn sheafs. Associated with fertility. Coven - An organized group of witches who meet and work together regularly. Traditionally, covens have between 3 and 13 members. Covenstead - The location at which a coven regularly meets. Cowan - A term sometimes used to refer to someone who is not a follower of one of the many individual pagan or Masonic paths. The term comes from Freemasonry. Craft, The - A name sometimes used to refer to the religion and/or practice of Witchcraft or to Freemasonry. Not to be confused with the movie, which bears little resemblance to reality! ;) Crone - There are multiple symbolic references associated with this term. It refers to the waning and dark phases of the moon, the post-childbearing phase in a woman's life, and the third aspect of the Wiccan Goddess. The Crone is frequently associated with wisdom, maturity, death and rebirth, and spiritual peace. Crystal Ball - A sphere of crystal or glass used for scrying. Cult - A system of religious beliefs and practices. Frequently used by adherents of one religion to describe another religion of which they do not approve. Often associated with fanaticism or false religion. Curcurbite - In Alchemy, a type of container. In Sex Magick, the vagina. Curse - A Magickal working designed specifically to cause harm in one form or another to its intended target, typically over a prolonged period of time. Background for this page provided by: All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.