Book of spells

Wiccan/ pagan glossary A-D

A

Altar- an area or surface built or designed exclusively for magical or religious working and rituals.

Amulet- a natural object, often of a stone or fossil used as a protection device to the holder

Ankh- the most famous Egyptian hieroglyphic, the ankh symbolises life, love and reincarnation. It is often worn around the neck and is shaped like a cross with a loop on top

Aquarius -the eleventh sign of the zodiac, ruling from January 21 –February 19; and Air sign ruled by the planet Uranus

Aradia (air-a-dee-a) – Italian goddess, claimed to be Queen of Witches by some Wiccans

Aries – the first sign of the zodiac, ruling from March 21 – April 20; a Fire sign ruled by the planet Mars

astral body – representation of person or things found in astral plane

astral plane – a kind of dimension composed of energy

astral projection – an out-of-body experience usually induced through trance

athame – small, double-edged ritual dagger, usually black-handled; used to draw Circles and direct energy

aura – an energy field surrounding all living things

B

balefire – a sacred outdoor fire burned by some Wiccan at certain Sabbats

banish – to drive away or release a spirit or energy

B.C.E. – Before Common Era; an alternate dating system corresponding to B.C

Beltain – Sabbat held on May 1st; also known as May Day, May Eve, Rood Day, Roodmas, and Walpurgisnacht

besom – a magical broom

Big Blue Book – sometimes Uncle Bucky's Big Blue Book, refers to Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, a commonly read beginner's book

binding – a spell which generally involves tying knots in cords or a similar action, aimed at restricting energy or actions

bolline – a small, white handled knife

Book of Illuminations – alternate name for what is traditionally called Book of Shadows

Book of Light – alternate name for what is traditionally called Book of Shadows

Book of Shadows – a collection of rituals, notes, spells, etc. as well as sometimes a journal of workings

Burning Times – name given to Reformation and Inquisition, when the Church actively killed people for practicing "witchcraft"

C

Cancer – fourth sign of the zodiac, ruling from June 22 – July 22; a Water sign ruled by the Moon

Candlemas – Sabbat held on February 2nd; also known as Imbolg/Imbolc, Oimelc, or Candelaria

Capricorn – tenth sign of the zodiac, ruling from December 23 – January 20; an Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn

cauldron – pot or kettle, generally used as Goddess symbol

C.E. – Common Era; an alternate dating system corresponding to A.D.

censer – an incense burner

ceremonial magick – the art and practice of controlling spirits through force of will, requires dedication and study

chakras – seven energy points within the body

chalice – special glass/goblet used in rituals

circle – magical construct used in rituals

consecration – act of blessing an object with positive energy

corn dolly – a human or animal figure fashioned out of a sheaf of corn; used in spells and as fertility symbol

coven – a group of people who come together to ritual and study

Crone – one of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess

crone – older, wise woman

D

divination – art of foretelling future events or revealing knowledge through the use of tools (eg. Tarot, runes, etc.)

Drawing Down the Moon – invoking the Goddess into one's self, usually in a ritual

Dawning Down the Sun – invoking the God into one's self, usually in ritual