Glossary G

Garter - A "belt" of leather, lace, velvet, etc. which is worn on the leg above the knee by women in some traditions as an indication of rank.

Gematria - A part of the Literal Qabalah. It is the technique of converting names or words into numbers in order to find meaning in their mathematical relationships, working from the premise that words or phrases which add up to the same number are somehow related.

Glyph - A carved or visualized figure, such as a rune, which conveys information and/or is charged for a specific purpose.

Goetia - Typically used in reference to medieval grimoires oriented toward the summoning of various spirits, or in reference to Magick used in evocation.

Gray Magick - This is a term which is frequently used to refer to Magick which is used for the purpose of causing either physical or non-physical good for yourself or others. Magick worked for gain, but which does not cause harm. It is important to realize that this term actually refers to the intent behind a particular Magickal working, not any form of Magick itself, which is "neutral."

Great Rite, The - In Wicca, this is the major ritual of male/female polarity. It symbolizes the "Sacred Marriage" between the God and the goddess. The ritual may involve actual intercourse between the High Priest and High Priestess if they both are consenting (and preferably either married or established lovers), or it may be done symbolically by the High Priest plunging his Athame point down into the Chalice held by the High Priestess.

Great Work, The - The work of attaining enlightenment, and advancing along the path of spiritual evolution.

Green Witchcraft - A term sometimes used to refer to forms of Witchcraft which lean more toward the use of plants and herbs, oils, brews, and simple tools as opposed to forms more heavily influenced by Ceremonial Magick.

Grimoire - A book of Magickal procedures. The term is probably most frequently used to refer to medieval works such as The Greater Key of Solomon the King.

Grounding - A return to normal consciousness, and shedding of excess energy raised by releasing it back to its source or into the earth.

Hermetic - May refer to any of the following: Something of or relating to Hermes Trismegistus, of or pertaining to the occult sciences (especially Alchemy and Ceremonial Magick), or a Magician or Priest of a Hermetic Tradition.

Hermeticism - The Magickal, astrological, and Alchemical doctrines derived from Western sources, particularly Hebrew and Egyptian.

Hex - Frequently used to refer to an "evil spell" or curse, or the action of casting such a spell.

Hexagram - A six pointed star usually used in Western Magick to represent the seven planets, the sun being the center of the star. There are, however, a fair number of other symbolic meanings associated with the hexagram as well. May also refer to any of the six-line figures of the I Ching.

Hex Sign - Brightly colored protective symbols which typically involve some form of star on a background. These are painted on the sides of barns and on the doors and window shutters of many Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouses.

Hochma - Wisdom. The 2nd Sephira on the Tree of Life. It is at the top of the right, masculine pillar.

Holy Guardian Angel - A being attached to or part of each person which acts as a spiritual guide or guardian.

Hoodoo - A form of folk Magick which combines some European techniques with those of Vodou. Practiced primarily in the Southeastern US, especially Louisiana.

Horned God, The - In Wicca, the consort of the Goddess, symbolizing male sexuality, Death and Rebirth, as well as the Divine Masculine.

I Ching - The Chinese Book of Changes, which guides in the interpretation of the I Ching divinatory system. Frequently refers to the system itself, which uses 64 variations of hexagrams to communicate information or attributes in divination.

Ideogram - A picture or symbol which represents a thing or idea in such a way as to transcend preconditioning and cultural context.

Incantation - The ritual recitation of words of power or special phrases, often rhymed, in order to produce a Magickal effect.

Initiate - Typically used to refer to someone who has been inducted into a group or society.

Initiation - May refer to either a spontaneous, intense personal experience which integrates and validates previous personal development, or to a ritual signifying admittance to or advancement within an organization. The latter type is frequently designed to bring about the type of intense personal experience previously mentioned.

Invocation - An invitation for a "higher spirit" to take notice or be present. May also refer to a summons to an entity to enter the invoker's body.

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 G - I Garter - A "belt" of leather, lace, velvet, etc. which is worn on the leg above the knee by women in some traditions as an indication of rank. Gematria - A part of the Literal Qabalah. It is the technique of converting names or words into numbers in order to find meaning in their mathematical relationships, working from the premise that words or phrases which add up to the same number are somehow related. Giburah - Strength. The 5th Sephira on the Tree of Life. Glyph - A carved or visualized figure, such as a rune, which conveys information and/or is charged for a specific purpose. Goetia - Typically used in reference to medieval grimoires oriented toward the summoning of various spirits, or in reference to Magick used in evocation. Gray Magick - This is a term which is frequently used to refer to Magick which is used for the purpose of causing either physical or non-physical good for yourself or others. Magick worked for gain, but which does not cause harm. It is important to realize that this term actually refers to the intent behind a particular Magickal working, not any form of Magick itself, which is "neutral." Great Rite, The - In Wicca, this is the major ritual of male/female polarity. It symbolizes the "Sacred Marriage" between the God and the goddess. The ritual may involve actual intercourse between the High Priest and High Priestess if they both are consenting (and preferably either married or established lovers), or it may be done symbolically by the High Priest plunging his Athame point down into the Chalice held by the High Priestess. Great Work, The - The work of attaining enlightenment, and advancing along the path of spiritual evolution. Green Witchcraft - A term sometimes used to refer to forms of Witchcraft which lean more toward the use of plants and herbs, oils, brews, and simple tools as opposed to forms more heavily influenced by Ceremonial Magick. Grimoire - A book of Magickal procedures. The term is probably most frequently used to refer to medieval works such as The Greater Key of Solomon the King. Grounding - A return to normal consciousness, and shedding of excess energy raised by releasing it back to its source or into the earth. Handfasting - A Wiccan wedding ceremony. Hermetic - May refer to any of the following: Something of or relating to Hermes Trismegistus, of or pertaining to the occult sciences (especially Alchemy and Ceremonial Magick), or a Magician or Priest of a Hermetic Tradition. Hermeticism - The Magickal, astrological, and Alchemical doctrines derived from Western sources, particularly Hebrew and Egyptian. Hesed - Mercy. The 4 th Sephira on the Tree of Life. Hex - Frequently used to refer to an "evil spell" or curse, or the action of casting such a spell. Hexagram - A six pointed star usually used in Western Magick to represent the seven planets, the sun being the center of the star. There are, however, a fair number of other symbolic meanings associated with the hexagram as well. May also refer to any of the six-line figures of the I Ching. Hex Sign - Brightly colored protective symbols which typically involve some form of star on a background. These are painted on the sides of barns and on the doors and window shutters of many Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouses. High Magick - A common term for Ceremonial Magick. Higher Self - A personification of the spiritual or transcendental self. Hochma - Wisdom. The 2nd Sephira on the Tree of Life. It is at the top of the right, masculine pillar. Hode - Splendor. The 8th Sephira on the Tree of Life. Holy Guardian Angel - A being attached to or part of each person which acts as a spiritual guide or guardian. Hoodoo - A form of folk Magick which combines some European techniques with those of Vodou. Practiced primarily in the Southeastern US, especially Louisiana. Horned God, The - In Wicca, the consort of the Goddess, symbolizing male sexuality, Death and Rebirth, as well as the Divine Masculine. Huna - A Magickal tradition native to the Hawaiian Islands. I Ching - The Chinese Book of Changes, which guides in the interpretation of the I Ching divinatory system. Frequently refers to the system itself, which uses 64 variations of hexagrams to communicate information or attributes in divination. Ideogram - A picture or symbol which represents a thing or idea in such a way as to transcend preconditioning and cultural context. Incantation - The ritual recitation of words of power or special phrases, often rhymed, in order to produce a Magickal effect. Initiate - Typically used to refer to someone who has been inducted into a group or society. Initiation - May refer to either a spontaneous, intense personal experience which integrates and validates previous personal development, or to a ritual signifying admittance to or advancement within an organization. The latter type is frequently designed to bring about the type of intense personal experience previously mentioned. Invocation - An invitation for a "higher spirit" to take notice or be present. May also refer to a summons to an entity to enter the invoker's body. 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.