Craft Name
It is the custom in Withcraft to adopt a new name upon initiation. This reflects ones new identity as a witch. You may only disclose your craft name to other members of the coven. Certain covens have strict rules about disclosing craft names to outsiders. The main reason for secrecy around craft names is is because of the power of names in witchcraft. It is believed that knowing the craft name of a witch gives a magical power over that person. Many spells involve writing a persons name upon a piece of paper or object. Craft names tend to be individualistic in nature and may reflect heritage or aspirations. You select a craft name through meditation, study or divination. Some are given craft names by the high priestess. Witches may also change their craft name as they advance in the levels.
Crossroads
Are a customary site of religious and magical significance. The Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Hecate, was also the Goddess of the crossroads. Crossroads, an intersection of roads. This meaning is used metaphorically as a place where other things, both physical and abstract meet. It was said that Hecate appeared on crossroads at midnight with spirits and howling dogs. Offerings were left at the crossroads for her. In Celtic Ireland and Wales it was tradition to sit at crossroads and listen for the howling of winds which would prophesy the year to come. Crossroads also represent the intersection of positive, neutral and negative forces.
Five Fold Kiss
Conducted in certain ceremonies it is a ritual kissing of five parts of the body. Five Fold Kiss is only done within the magic circle and is symbolic of homage paid by the goddess and god to each other. The five fold kiss may only be conducted man to woman or woman to man. The recipient stands with legs and arms outstretched. The kisses correspond to the pentacle. Each kiss is accompanied by a blessing.
Drawing Down The Moon
A ritual in which the covens high priestess enters a trance and becomes the Goddess. The Goddess is symbolized by the moon. This is done with the help of the high priest who draws down the spirit of the Goddess into the high priestess. The origins of Drawing Down The Moon can be found in classical times. The ancient Thessalian witches were said to control the moon. In some modern rituals the high priestess may recite the "Charge of the Goddess" which comes from the Gardnerian tradition. Drawing down the moon is one of the most difficult and most serious rituals in neo-pagan witchcraft. A similar ritual for invoking the horned God is called "Drawing down the Sun".
A Witch Ladder is a string of forty beads or a cord with generally forty knots. The number of knots and nature of charms varies with the intended effect (or "spell"). The knots or beads enable the witch to do repetitive chants without having to keep count. The Ladder helps the witch to focus will and energy on the desired goal. Sometimes feathers, bones, and other trinkets are braided into the string as symbols for a desired spell effect. An earlier version of a witch's ladder consisted of a rope or cord of three, nine, or thirteen knots. The witch's ladder can be created a section at a time or all at once. Either way, special chants are spoken during the creation process to empower the talisman to do its creator's bidding.
Not all people who practice witchcraft consider themselves Wiccan or Neopagan.
Magic Circle
A sacred place where all rites and ceremonies are carried out. It acts as a doorway to the Gods. More important, the Magic Circle is a boundary of concentrated power. Within the circle you are able to transcend the physical and open your mind to a higher level of consciousness. In ancient times circles were drawn around sick people to protect them against demons. The magic circle was also used in ancient Pagan rites. The magic circle serves to keep out unfriendly spirits. Negative energy is cleared prior to casting a magic circle. The magic circle should be nine feet in diameter but larger circles are sometimes cast for large groups. The alter and ritual tools are placed inside the circle. The magic circle is drawn on the ground or sometimes laid out with a cord. The witch visualizes a field of energy. The working space of the magic circle is in fact a three dimensional sphere. Candles are placed on the ground at the cardinal points. Convener's enter through a symbolic gate which is then closed. The magic circle is then consecrated with the four elements. Then the guardians of the four elements are invoked. The God and Goddess are invoked through ritual. The purpose of the ritual is then stated and carried out. At the close of the ceremony food and drink is offered to the coverners. The candles are then extinguished and the circle is ritually closed.
