Glyph
An ancient magical symbol worm by some witches. It represented the witches name and birthdate. It had strong magical powers and in ways was similar to an amulet or talisman. Glyths were also worn to ward off evil and sickness.
Hex
Similar to a curse. It can be placed on people or property. The word hex comes from the German "Herxse" which means wizard. Special talisman and amulets are available to ward off a hex.
Familiar
Were common during witchcraft in the middle ages. The Familiar accompanied the witch and in some cases was the source of the witches power. The bond was formed by placing a drop of blood from the witch in the animals food. The Witch sometimes consulted the Familiar when seeking omens. Dogs, cats, hares, chickens and rats were often used for a Familiar.
Esbat
In witchcraft the Esbat is a meeting of members of a coven on the night of each full moon. In a year there are thirteen Esbats. In tradition the Esbat will last from midnight until the cock will crow.
In Neopaganism, modern day practices identified by their practitioners as "witchcraft" have arisen in the twentieth century. These may be broadly subsumed under the heading of Neopaganism. However, as forms of Neopaganism can be quite different and have very different origins, these representations can vary considerably despite the shared name.
Evocation
The calling forth of a spirit using spells. In order to contain the power of the spirit a triangle is used. The Witch places a talisman in the centre of the triangle then summons the spirit. The Witch then moves outside of the triangle. It is important never to enter the triangle after the spirit comes forth. Without these symbolic restraints it is believed the witch may lose control over the manifestations.
Palindrome
This is a word that will have the same spelling when read forwards or backwards. Sometimes these words may be found in magic squares. Many of these words are used in spells. The Tamar are known to use such words in their language.
The term Wica first appears in the writings of Gerald Gardner (Witchcraft Today, 1954, and The Meaning of 'Witchcraft, 1959). Gardner uses the word as a mass noun referring to the adherents of his tradition of witchcraft ('the Wica'), rather than the religion itself. Gardner referred to the religion as witchcraft, but never Wica. The word seems to be based on the Old English word wicca, which meant "sorcerer, wizard". Old English wicca and its feminine wicce are the predecessors of the modern English witch.
Deosil
In witchcraft this is the ritual act of moving around a circle in a counter clockwise direction(Southern hemisphere). The witch first stands and faces the circle, then moves to the right. This will help to produce positive magic. If the witch moves to the left this is called Widdershins and produces negative magic. However, in the northern hemisphere, deosil means clockwise and widdershins means counter-clockwise.
