The Alexandrian Tradition was founded by Alex and Maxine Sanders in the UK during the 1960s.

Like the Gardnarian Tradition, the Alexandrian Tradition is widely recognized tradition in the pagan and wiccan community. It is said that the Alexandrian Traditions is not as practiced as Gardnarian because of some bad publicity in the past, supposedly stunting it's growth.

An Adept is one who is considered highly proficient within a magickal system through serious study and accomplishments. Akasha comes from the sanskrit word meaning "luminous" refering to essence/space. It is one of the 5 hindu elements (the black egg of spirit). It has been incorperated into western magick as the energy a soul is made up of, so to speak, in the idea that this akashic energies are all interconnected.

The Akashic Records is a theosophical concept for astral memory of all events, thoughts, and emotions that have arisen since the begining of the world. It is believed that psychics are able to tune into this dimension and revieve impressions of past ages. The most common ideas of viewing the Akashic records is that of entering a large library on the astral plain, usually durring astral projection, where one can choose among every moment in time to view a specific event (past, present, or future).

The Almadel, in medieval magick was a wax talisman inscribed with the names of spirits and/or deities. Being made of wax, it could be thrown in fire or a hot pot for melting, and to destroy it's secret information. Almadels are still sometimes used as in the attatched photo, propped with a candle at each corner of the wax plate.

Alchemy is a branch of High Magic developed in the Middle Ages whit the intention of magically and/or chemically turning base metals into gold. A practice of combining elements of metallurgy, and other sciences with mysticism and religion for many purposes, including the creation of gold and the finding of a panacea that could cure all disease. Amulets are small objects worn or carried for protection, that has been naturally imbued with magickal power. Anima Mundi

A cosmological concept of a world soul or governing force in the universe that allows divine thought to be manifested in laws affecting matter. According to mystic Marsilio Ficino, the wotld soul is omnipresent but cooperating star deamons assist in uniting spirit and matter. Philosophically, the world soul was midway between spirit and matter, a dimension of energy and vitality for the world below.

The Ankh is also known as Crux Ansata which is latin meaning "cross with a handle". It has also been called the key of life, and the key of the Nile. There is much debate on the symbol's origin, though one theory states that it was the Goddess Isis's belt buckle. It is a hieroglyph that reads "life". Many Egyptian Gods/desses are depicted holding the ankh, perhaps in reference to their power over it.... to give life, or take it. To many pagans today, it is seen as a symbol of eternal life, much in the same way as a figure 8 of infinity.

Apo Leo, among the Kahunas of Hawaii, is a specific form of sorcery in which a victim is suddenly unable to speak. The God Uli and Goddess Hiiaka believed to be responsible for causing these types of magickal conditions.

An Ashipu was a Babylonian priest/sorcerer who performed magick ceremonies to counteract evil spells and control nature. They also returned sick people back to health by exorcising evil spirits.

An Apparition is the appearance of someone living or dead in conditions that cannot be accounted for by a physical cause. Though apparitions are often thought of as ghosts, the term is alao used in occult literature to describe human forms tha appear to another person as the result of astral projection or clairvoyance.

Asperger is a bundle of rolled up Herbs used to sprinkle water in a purification. Sometimes metal rods are used, and some also use their athame or wand. Astral Projection is a practice in which a person enters an altered state of conciousness. Durring this altered state, the conciousnes or "spiritual body" leaves the physical body. Astrology is an organized doctrine used for divination and understanding of oneself. Through examining the placement of astrological objects, one can discover underlying meanings of events, a persons character traits or foretell future events.

The word Archetype refers to symbols or images that represent the emotions or knowledge of the subconscious mind. Images within a tarot card are symbols or messages for a recipient, these images are the archetypes or mirrors of subconscious emotions. Archetypal visions have been regarded by mystics as personal revelations from an external divine source.

Atavism is the concept that a primeval force related to an earlier stage if one's evolution can reappear

after many generations. Austin Osman Spare, an english Occultist, practiced a techique called atavism resurgence in order to manifest animal aspects of his personality that he believed had derived from his previous incarnations. The word Atavism is used in the medical feild also to describe birth mutations such as tails, webbed toes, third nipples, and hooved feet on humans.

to the center, then disposes of dust along with all negative energies with it before casting the circle.

To be bewitched is to be under someone's spell. To bewitch is to cast a spell upon someone, in which they are under your control.

Athame (ath-uh-may). Usually a black handled, two edged blade used to cut/cast the magick circle. It is NEVER used to do any physical cutting. The blade is said to be double edged in honor of balance between forces, between worlds, and God & Goddess. The black handle is believed to obsorb energy from the user making it easier to direct their energy out of its tip. In wicca, the athame represents the element of fire, and the phallic symbol durring the Rite of Union. Bane was a term often used to describe poisonous plants in the Middle ages, and carries on through current times as well. Alot of plants such as Dog's Bane and Leapord's Bane got their names from this concept. I have have also seen the word Bane/Baneful used to describe thoughts and actions of others, in that they are harmful. Bane=Bad. Lol

This is a work you encounter often in magick and witchcraft. Though it is usually explained well, some still confuse binding magick with other types. Binding is used to restrain someone from a specific thing or person. You can use binding magick to keep someone from thinking something or doing something. You can also bind someone to a specific thing or person. Binding is used in Handfasting rituals to bind partners together, and the parting ritual is used to unbind the two people so that they may go their seperate ways. I hope this helps to clarify what Binding actually is.

The second dark moon (new moon) within a calendar month is a black moon. In working magic, a black moon is thought to be a time of enormous magical power in the spiritual world. Spellwork at this time is especially powerful. I find that there is debate on the deffinition of a black moon. It's not an idea I have seen in many of the new books, but I tend to lean toward this deffinition of a black moon. See the entry for black moon on Wikipedia for more ideas on this.

The Besom is a brush or broom, traditionaly made from twigs, is used to sweep away negative energy and prepare sacred space for ritual. Used widely in Wicca and other traditions, one sweeps the cirle in a clockwise (deosil) spiral from the outside inward

"Blessed Be". I have had a request for this phrase and am happy to post it. This is a phrase used by many witches both as a greeting and a farewell, but it is also used as an affirmation following certain statements as one might say "Amen" or "Selah". It is widely used during ritual, following incantations and chant, and to let others know you wish blessings

upon them. Blessed Be, or Blessed ye be, or Be Blessed!

"Blood of the Moon" refers to a woman's menstrual cycle that falls durring a full or new moon. She is believed to be much more powerful durring that time.

"Book of Light" is another term for Book of Shadows, also known as Grimoire or Mirror Book. It has only been recently that I've heard a BOS referred to as a Mirror Book or Book of Light, and in doing research can't really find anything about the BOS being called a Book of Light. It seems to me that it is used in place of 'BOS' because one dose not like the "shadow" part of the title. If anyone has any other information on this subject please feel free to share it! A Cairn is a stack of stones often used as a landmarks. "Cairn" comes from a Scottish Gaelic word, and they can be found all over the world in small stacks as shown, and even in entire artificial hills, and in complexity from loose, conical rock piles to delicately balanced sculptures and elaborate feats of megalithic engineering. Today, some stack cairns in prayer and meditation, and it is suggested that they are still used as landmarks today.

the altar. It is used in the Rite of Union, and also for holding liquid offerings in ritiual.

Channeling is a spiritual practice in which someone opens their mind to communications from a discarnate being, spirit guide, or other entity. The person becomes temporarily possessed by the entity so that messages can be transmitted to others present. The channeler is usually unaware of any messages until afterward when others can inform them of what was said. Channelers can also be called mediums. The word Celtic refers to a person or association of Welsh, Irish and Scottish heritage and some parts of northern Spain. Chanting is the action of repeating a word, phrase, or sound. Chanting is used as a form of prayer, spiritual focus, and to raise magickal energy within a circle or spell. To "Charge" something it to embew it with magickal energy/power. More often than realized, some are unclear on what an author means by telling them to charge a stone or candle, if they have not previously explained the process. Charging can be done by placing an object in direct sun or moonlight, holding the object in both hands to 'push' your energy into it, or placed on a pentacle patent for focus of energy from.multiple sources.

A censer is usually a brass burner for burning incense and herbs used to 'cense' or cleanse sacred space. It is widely used in Wicca and othe traditions and witchcraft practices. Photo by me of my censer siting on our air shelf.

Churingas were oval stones or pieces of wood inscribed with sacred markings among the Austrailian Aboriginies. They were linked to animal totems, and were not to be seen by women or

The Chalice is one of the major tools in Wicca and for some Witchcraft practitioners. It represents the womb of the Goddess and the element Water on

uninitiated men.

A Compress is a cloth soaked in hot or cold liquid that is applied to the body for healing purposes. It may simply be used to apply pressure or to apply heat or cold to an affected area or it may be used to apply medication. The Cone of Power is a raised energy within the circle which is visualized as a cone of energy reaching upward from the center of the circle. This energy is then directed toward a goal predetermined by the witches involved.

Clavicle, from the Latin 'clavis' meaning Key, the mystical key to unlocking an occult secret. An example of the clavicle from occult literature and grimoires would include the medieval grimoire known as "The Key of Solomon" (Clavicula Solimonis). The clavicle is also a bone in the human body, in no way related to this post. Lol

Covenstead is the place chosen by the coven to meet regularly for Sabbats & Esbats. It is a permanent location for celebrations and meetings. It can be a room, a coven member's home, a rented space, or a building. The covenstead can also serve as storage for ritual items and materials so that members do not have to carry things from home to rituals. The covenstead is usually ritually dedicated and consecrated as the coven's sacred meeting place.

The Craft Name is one a person chooses to use only for ritual and magickal work. It is usually inscribed onto the witch's tools, robe, and written spells. It was origionally meant to remain secret between the witch, the Gods, and/or coven. The reason people choose a craft name is to distinguish between the mundane self and the magickal self. One would choose a name of a God or Goddess with attributes they wish to possess, or a word(s) that hold power for them. Some are given names by the Gods, in certain cases which may come to them in a vision or dream.

appears to q magician durring his ritual. The term Dakini is sometimes used in India as a general term for Earth Mother Deities as well.

Creative visualization refers to the practice of seeking to affect the outer world by changing one's thoughts and expectations. In magick, we use creative visualizations to see ourselves (in our mind's eye) already possessing what it is we want, in order to encourage its manifestation. There are may uses for creative visualization, in which one uses their mind to cause atmospheric and emotional changes. It is also used in healing for visualizing specifically colored energy to be used for healing a person. Yet another use for creative visualization is Guided Meditations. During a guided meditation, we concentrate and visualize what the guide tells us to see.

Decoction is a method of extraction by boiling, of dissolved chemicals, from herbal or plant material, which may include stems, roots, bark and rhizomes. Decoction involves first mashing, and then boiling in water to extract oils, volatile organic compounds, and other chemical substances. Decoction can be used to make tisanes, teas, coffees, tinctures and similar solutions. The process can also be applied to meats and vegetables to prepare bouillon or stock. (Wikipedia)

A Croning is a ceremony held to mark a woman's transition from Mother to Crone, considered the final stage of a woman's life. It isn't just about age or how grown the kids are though. It's also about spiritual progression and celebrating the wisdom gained through time and experience.

Dakini: In Tibet, a witch or terrifying female demon that

The Dei Lucrii were local or personal gods of profit worshipped and evoked by ancient Romans to ensure lucrative business ventures. The god Mercury eventually took over their function. The Delphic Oracle was an influential ancient Greek oracle who made pronouncements at the temple of Apollo at Delphi, beneath Mount Parnassus. Apollo's priestess was named the Pythia, a reference to the Python or giant serpent that Apollo had slain when he first came to Delphi. After sacrificing a goat, the Pythia would mount a tripod and squat there, breathing in intoxicating smoke (possibly from henbane seeds), and awaiting divine inspiration. As she entered a state of trance, priests would interpret the oracles from the Pythia, and relay her answers to the inquirers. (watkins dictionary of magic)

essence of the material.

Deosil is a term refering to the clockwise movement inside a magick circle. It is mostly used in Wiccan traditions to weave positive energy in the circle by only moving deosil. Some move deosil exclusively feeling that the opposite (widdershins which will be addressed in a later post) weaves negative energy. Still others move both ways not condidering such concepts. It is a personal preference for practitioners outside of Wiccan traditions who do what theu feel is right at the moment.

Divination is a "blanket" term refering to countless types of scrying and auguries used to divine the past, present, and future. This would include things like scrying mirrors, pendulums, tarot cards, pyromancy, geomancy, bibliomancy, and the list goes on. There are ways to divine bird calls, water ripples, and the rings of tree aging. I couldn't possibly name them all!

Dolmen comes from a Breton expression which means "table of stone". They are prehistoric megaliths consisting of a large unhewn stone reating ontop of two or more upright stones. Dolmens among other megaliths were significant in

Distillation is the process of purification of material used in alchemy to extract the "volatile spirit" from "impure" substances through heat. Vaporization (known as sublimation) is followed by cooling and condensation believed to draw out the pure

Celtic religion, and later in Celtic folklore. The word Druid can be defined in many ways depending on the individuals perception of the word, as it has been used for too many years to count. Originally a Celtic order of astronomers and healers. The association has migrated to people who hold strong understanding of nature and hold an attachment to divine energies and spiritual purpose to preserve it. An Effigy is an object used to represent a specific person. You may also know them as poppets, wangas, and voodoo dolls though each of these terms may mean something different for the person being represented. Effigies are used in magick and spells with the intent that whatever is done with the object will also be done to the person (good or bad). A photo can also be used as an effigy.

Dowsing is a form of divination used to locate water, metals, and ot that are out of sight, usually below the ground, by the use of a tree branch or metal forked rod. Also known as "water witching", dowsing has been around for about 7,000 years. A person who uses this form of divination is called a Dowser, and dowsing may also be done with a pendulum.

"Drawing Down the Moon" or "Calling Down the Moon" is a ceremonial invocation of the Great Goddess into the High Priestess, performed by the High Priest in Wicca. It has become common in solitairy practice as well though.

"Drawing Down the Sun" or "Calling Down the Sun" is a ceremonial invocation of the Sun God into the High Priest, performed by the High Priestess in Wicca. It has become common in solitairy practice as well though.

Elysium, in Greek Mythology, is a place where deceased heroes and virtuous people lived in eternal life. It was aslo called the Elysian Fields, was a part of the Underworld, and all under the rule of Hades.

"Dressing a Candle" a phrase used to describe the process of annointing a candle with oil or special liquid for use in spell work.

Esbat is another common word, but I was surprised to find how many pagans and witches did not know it's actual meaning. The Esbat, in Wiccan traditions, is a meeting held each month at the Full Moon. Some witches also include the New or Dark Moon as Esbat meetings as well. The Esbat is usually held for healings, initiations, and moon magick in various forms.

eye.

Essence is an intrinsic, fundamental nature or quality of something. The inward nature of anything which represents the underlying characteristics and relation to anything else.

Evocation: There may be some differences of opinion here, but when I began my research 20 years ago there was a difference between evocation and invocation. What I post for thses two terms differs from the new deffinitions I am finding now. Evocation is described as the act of calling a spirit into a magick circle, to be present durring a ritual. When we call upon the elements, our ancestors, and deities to witniss our rites, this is evocation.

The Evil eye was thought to be a look directed toward someone that could cause sickness, bad luck, or injury. It is a well known idea among many cultures, and could likely be the origin of the phrases "if looks could kill" and "the stink eye". The term also refers to the power attributed to certain persons of inflicting injury or bad luck by such an envious or ill-wishing look. The evil eye is usually given to others who remain unaware. The picture shown in this post is an "charm" that can be bought at many new age shops, and also arabic shops, that is believed to protect the wearer against the evil

The witch's Familiar is the centuries old concept of a supernatural being/spirit which assists a witch or a new witch in her/his magickal work. The familiar would come to the witch in various forms including animals and even human forms.

Farine Guinee is powdered ash, used in voodoo to produce vevers on the ground which invoke the loa.

Fire Water is sometimes mentioned in discussions on offerings to spirits commonly in voodoo, hoodoo, and other witchcraft traditions. Fire water

is usually an alchoholic beverage resembling water (clear). Sometimes Rum or Vodka is offered along with tobacco and foods to spirits who are being petitioned for a specific reason.

In Voodoo, the Fort is one who is highly skilled in ritual procedures and therefor has the strength to command the Loa.

The term "First Blood" is used to refer to the coming of age rite of passage for young girls who have come upon their first menstrual cycle. It is a celebration of a girls journey from childhood into womanhood.

A Gad is protective tattoo in voodoo given during magickal initiation, acting as a charm against evil forces.

Within witchcraft, Gazing is the action of percieving psychic visions or information relating to individuals or masses by staring intently into or on the surface of an object. This would include crystal ball gazing, candle flame gazing, black mirror scrying, and water scrying among others.

Djinn is the plural for Genii, also Genn, Jinni, Genie, or Jinn. They are daemon or spirits of Arabian tradition, thought of as a higher order of being than humans and formed of "more subtle" matter. According to Islamic belief, the genii ruled the earth before the creation of Adam and were regarded as

an intermediate race of spirit beings between angels and humans. They were believed to have special architectural skills, and according to the Qur'an, were employed by Solomon to assist in errecting his magnificant temple.

A Grimoire is a hand written book of spells, commonly refered to today as a Book of Shadows. I notice that some feel the two are different so I decided to post this to clarify. The grimoire is a book of charms, rituals, and spells written by the practitioner.

naturally formed holes running clean through them. These holes are usually formed by centuries of wave action. It is this association with running water (which itself is said to negate the effect of evil) that is believed by many people to be the source of the Hag Stones reputation for guarding their owner against ill-fortune and the Evil Eye. )0(*Carodwen*)0(

A Guide is a spiritual being who assists an individual through certain aspects of their life. There are many types of guides, including Spirit Guides, Relative Guides, Guardians, and Teachers. If not manifested in this physical world as a living being, they are often seen from head to torso, floating on air, and rarely with legs and feet.

The Hand of Glory. Much to many folk's surprise, this was once an actual practice. It was an amulet used in black magick, made from the severed right hand of an executed murderer, ideally cut from the corpse while the body still hung on the gallows. The hamd was squeezed of blood, pickled, and dried. The hand was fitted with candles between (or inside) the fingers. It was believed to "freeze people in their track", and was therefor used as protection against theives. I would imagine that one of these (provided it was authentic) would be viewed as extremely valuable today, since murderers are no longer hanged like they once were.

Hag Stones, also known as Witch Stones, Fairy Stones, Holy Stones and Eye Stones, are stones with

I post for thses two terms differs from the new deffinitions I am finding now. Invocation is the act of calling a spirit into yourself, to work their power through your body in assistance with spellwork.

The Journey of the Soul is a journey undertaken by the shaman to retrieve the soul of a person who has been bewitched or inflicted with disease. In other circumstances it is on to communicate with the gods. The journey occurs durring a trance state with the aid of drumming and the ingestion of psychedelic sacramental plants. Hoodoo is a form of magick origionating from Africa. It is often confused with Voodoo, which is more of a religious practice where Hoodoo is not connected to a specific religious belief. Hoodoo was a popular form of magick among the African Americans on plantations in the southern US. It includes the making and wearing of "charms" for luck and protection, and also to direct misfortune against enemies. One of the main focuses of Hoodoo is rootwork, the magickal properties of herbs and roots.

The Kachina are ancestral spirits and gods of the clouds, among the Hopi Indians of the Northwestern U.S. They are impersonated by masked dancers durring ritual ceremonies that relate to the fertility of crops in February. Kachina ancestor spirits are also represented by ornately carved and colored dolls.

Intutive Magick could be defined as the practice of magick based on your intuition. I use this method often, allowing my inner voice to dictate my actions and what material to use. I think that a certain amount of intuitive magick is used by most witches who follow their instincts rather than doing what a book directs them to do.

Invocation: There may be some differences of opinion here, but when I began my research 20 years ago there was a difference between evocation and invocation. What

A Kahuna is a Hawaiian Shaman. The term is also used to describe a "master" or expert in a particular feild. A Kahuna lapaau laau specializes in herbal medicine, a kahuna hoonoho specializes in trance mediumship, and kahuna hoonohonoho specializes in sorcery.

Kamigakari is a Shinto term for divine spirit possession, the entry of a spiritual being into a human body.

A Kobold is is a gnome or spirit that haunts houses or underground mines, according to German Folklore. They are generally invisible, causing mischief without detection.

Kundalini is an energy described as a serpent coiled up at the base of the spine. It is said to lay dormant, and released by practices such as yoga or guided meditations and that its awakening brings about spiritual bliss and enlightenment.

The Left Hand Path (LHP) is a path that is reflected in the inverted pentagram: material over spiritual. It is mostly focused on personal gain, and does not adhear to any karmic repercusions, but rather conciquences to your actions. Left-handers have no problem with negative magicks or curses and use them to gain what they want. (Defined with help from a left hand practitioner).

Offerings, often refered to as Libation, are common among the wiccan/pagan community as well as other cultures and religions. In pagan traditions, offerings are given to spirits, Gods, and Goddesses who are being petitioned or just as thanks. Their offerings usually consist of bread, cake, fruits, nuts, honey, milk, and/or wine. Some spirits enjoy specific offerings as can be found with research.

An Omen is a phenomenon that is believed to fortell the future. Sometimes called a portent or presage, it signifies the advent of change. While the change can be either good or bad, it is often expressed as something "ominous" in a foreboding sense. Omens are mostly seen within nature.

The Ouroboros , in Gnosticism and alchemy, is a symbol depicting a snake swallowing its tail. It symbolizes the cycle of life and nature, the fusion of opoosites, and the transcendance of duality.

The word "Pagan" was used in the past as a derogatory term refering to the heathen or "nonbeliever: One who was not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim. It has been embraced by practitioners of neopaganism, witchcraft, and magick who were didicated to reviving the old religion and reestablishing the worship of the old Gods. Today, a pagan can also be known as someone who is centered around a Nature based spiritual system, though not always a religous one. Just as "Not all Pagans are Wiccan".

The Pendulum is a tool used in divination and dowsing. It is essentially a weight suspended from a pivot point so that it can swing freely. Pendulums like the one pictured can be bought, but pendulums are easy to make at home as well. I personally prefer homemade tools. The swing of the pendulum is said to represent an "answer" of sorts according to your teachings.

Prana is sanskrit word meaning breath or lifeforce. It is described as being specific vital fluid or energy in the body. It is also used to denote the principle underlying life itself.

A Rite of Passage is usually a ceremony of sorts celebrating a significant life change such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death (but not limited to these).

He/she is also distiguished from the priest who performs rituals but does not enter a trance state such as the shaman.

The Sacred Circle is the space in which magick is cast. I get the question of why we need such a place often, so I wanted to include this. When we cast a circle, we seperate ourselves from this world. It is a space between worlds that we have created, and also a protection from energy influences other than our own. Moreover, we build it to contain the enery we raise until it is ready to be sent out into the universe.

Sahu, in ancient Egyptian magick, is the highest of the 5 human bodies sometimes known as the "spiritual body". It is through the sahu that the magician perceives the transcebdental gods and undergoes spiritual transformation.

Shadow People are dark/shadow-like, humanoid figures seen from the viewer's peripheral vision. It is said that they move as if jerking or vibrating, and quickly desintigrate into nearby walls or mirrors. There are tons of theories about this, as it is one of the most commonly reported paranormal phenomena in the US. Though the viewer may feel that these entities are agressive in nature, it is often said that they are a type of guardian spirit.

Sortilege is a form of divination by casting lots. It is used in various forms such as drawing straws from a cluster, picking a card from the pack, throwing dice/bones, or opening a book and taking the first passage one notices as an oracle (bibliomancy).

The Shaman is a sorcerer, magician, medicine man, or healer who is able to enter a trance state under will. He/she serves as an intermediary between people and the spirit world and realm of the gods. The shaman is destinguished from mediums who become possessed in a trance. Where the medium does not control the experience, the shaman does.

The Stang is a tool sometimes used in traditional witchcraft in place pf the staff, wand, or athame. It is a wooden 2 or 3 pronged stick resembling a trident and dates back to the early Roman Empire.

Among the Gitksan Indians of Canadian northwest, the Swanassu is a shaman or medicine man. Another term, Halaait, is used to describe a shaman who performs healing ceremonies in which patients are treated in a group.

Syzygy in astrology is the "yoking together" of 2 celestial bodies, wether in opposition or conjunction. The term is often used to describe a relationship between a planet and the sun.

The Taurobolium was a ritual associated with Cybele and Mithra in the Roman Empire. It was a rebirth ceremony where neophytes were 'baptized' in the blood of the sacred bull. The blood was regarded as a symbol of life force which bestowed special powers of of mystical renewal.

A Tincture can be made by soaking dried herbs in ethyl alcohol at least 140 proof (70%) to capture its odor. (Note: rubbing alcohol CANNOT be used for this. Fresh herbs won't work. Never drink tinctures!) Tinctures are most commonly used for annointing tools, the self, and paper to be burned.

Transmogrification is the act of changing the physical properties and appearance of an object or being through magickal means. This can mean through a spell, or through a kinetic power.

seen it used within other traditions as well.

In alchemy, Virgin's Milk is the pure whit tincture created by the albedo and which could transform base metals into silver. It is also a term used to refer to the mercurial watee or "water of life": the white philosophical mercury known as Mercurius.

A taglock is a magical link to an individual. For example, in poppet magic, you would use a taglock inside the doll to identify the person to be targeted by the spell such as a photo, personal object, or part of them like hair, etc. Witches also use taglocks in protection magick for themselves by including a part of themself like hair, nail clippings, blood, or urine.

A Psychopomp is from the Greek meaning "Guide of Soul". It was used for the god Hermes in his role as a guide for the dead in the Underworld. It is generally used to describe spirits and Gods/desses who guide the spirit to the underworld, but has also been used to describe the shaman in his role durring the "Journey of the Soul" ceremony.

In Voodoo, the Battrie Maconnique is a rhythmic beat produced by clapping or drumming. In magickal ceremonies the Battrie Maconnique is said to represent a rapping on the door which leads to the loa realm.

A Gaian is someone who believes in focusing their spirituality only on the Earth (Gaia.) May include some Pagans, Wiccans, Creation-Centered Christians, Scientific Pantheists and others.

A Moon Candle is a white, unscented pillar uses in some pagan and wiccan traditions specifically for moon rituals and esbats. Most who use a moon candle use the same one all year, wrapping it up before the new moon rite, and then leaving it unwrapped until the night of the full moon.

The Higher Self is the part of each individuals soul which contains the root memories and wisdom of Divine knowledge. The part of the soul that connects all spiritual beings to the collective Divine conscience.

Hermetic means obscure, secret, or unrevealed. It is also of or pertaining to alchemy or occult practices dirived from the Greek god and mythological alchemist Hermes Trismegistus, who was said to possess a magic ability to seal (with spells) treasure chests so that nothing could access their contents. Hermeticism is a magical and religious movement stemming from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus.

The Medicine Bag is a ceremonial bag which holds a variety of objects which hold special or spiritual meaning to the owner. It can contain, stones, feathers, amulets or charms. For healers it is often filled with useful herbs which are utilized in healing ceremonies and practices. I believe the medicine bag derived from Native American practices, but have

OM (aum) is a sacred Sanskrit sound origionating from India. The syllable is also referred to as omkara ( okra) or aumkara ( aukra), literally "om syllable", and in Sanskrit it is sometimes referred to as praava, literally "that which is sounded out loudly". It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or prior to any prayer or mantra. The name omkara is taken as a name of God in the Hindu revivalist Arya Samaj and can be translated as "I Am Existence". This deffinition from Wikipedia

The word Namast is an ancient gesture that origionates from the Indian subcontinent. It is a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting. It is alao regarded as a salute as if saying "I recognize the divine within you". When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Ajali Mudr or Pranamasana, can also be performed wordlessly and carries the same meaning.

The word stave can refer to many things. A stave is the set of 5 lines and 4 spaces used for notations in sheet music. A stave is also simply a long stick. In a magickal context, we refer to runes made from long pieces of wood as rune staves, or stave runes. A staff is sometimes refered to as a stave as well. And last but not least, Icelandic staves are a system of symbols used in magick.

The Labyrinth is an intricate set of paths used as a means of spiritual searching. In earlier times, one would enter a labyrinth garden, evaluating their own success and failures along the way in order to learn more about their own personality and nature.

Namapathy is the practice of healing through sounds and music such as healing mantras, singing bowls, drumming, chanting, etc. It is believed that certain tones can have an effect on the physical body.

A Yoni is a stylized representation of the female genitalia symbolizing the feminine principle. It's counterpart is the Lingham which represents the phallus.

Theurgy describes the practice of rituals, sometimes seen as magical in nature, performed with the intention of invoking the action or evoking the presence of one or more gods, especially with the goal of uniting with the divine, achieving henosis, and perfecting oneself.

A Trilithon is a stone arch with 2 upright slabs of rock and one sitting on top. The word trilithon is derived from the Greek "having three stones" and was first used by William Stukeley. It is commonly used in the context of megalithic monuments. The most famous trilithons are those of Stonehenge in England and those found in the Megalithic temples of Malta, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Wikipedia)

"Between the Worlds" is a common phrase within the witches' community. It is the idea that when you cast your circle, that space becomes one that is between this world and the "other" world. That other world is open to debate as we all see things a different way. Some say the astral planes, and others say the spirit world. Still others may have a different view, with those 2 being the more popular theories. Our circle becomes a place seperate from mundane life, and therefore we are between that mundane world and the "magickal/spiritual" world.

Animism is the belief that all things, animate and inanimate, have a soul.

Gemantria is a Hebrew numerical science which consists of adding up the numerical value of a word and comparing it to other words with the same value

Aspecting is a magickal activity when a practioner takes on an aspect of the Goddess or God for different purposes. Aspecting includes feelings, behavior, appearance, mannerisms, etc. related to a specific deity. It often seems like possession, and happens more often than some realize in ceremonies such as Drawing Down the Moon or Sun, and when Gods are invoked to carry out ritual actions.

A Blessing is done by requesting Divine energy be wrapped (inside and out) around an object, person or event in love, honor and kindness. To wish good thoughts and peace upon an object, person or event.

The word Occult was originally used to suggest a secret or hidden tradition of esoteric knowledge. It is now associated with secret mystical studies and also mystery practices held within secret societies such as the Rosicrutions and Freemasonry. An Occultist is one who practices any of secret mystic arts within the traditions of magick, theosophy, mysticism, and spirituality.

Metaphysics: Meta "higher and beyond", physics "study of science". A philosophical doctrine that all things are a part of one main source (intelligence and energy), and that each thing animated or inanimate should be respected for its particular form of this one main source. From Latin, the study of science beyond the physical realm, studying the first principals or underlying creations and causes of things.

Labrys is the term for a symmetrical doubleheaded axe originally from Crete in Greece, one of the oldest symbols of Greek civilization; to the Romans, it was known as a bipennis. The double-bitted axe remains a forestry tool to this day, and the labrys certainly functioned as a tool and hewing axe before it was invested with symbolic function. Labrys symbolism is found in Minoan, Thracian, and Greek religion, mythology, and art, dating from the Middle Bronze Age onwards, and surviving in the Byzantine Empire.

The Essene were an ancient Jewish sect of ascetics and mystics who existed in the 2nd century.

To Commune is the act of communicating or sharing experiences with spiritual entities. We Commune with our Gods durring rituals, prayer, and offerings.

Precognition is to percieve metally or through intuition regarding the future of one's self or other people. Most often this occurs durring a precognitive dream or vision in a meditative state.

The term Hellenic: of or pertaining to or characteristic of the ancient Greek and Roman cultures; "classical mythology". Also the branch of the Indo-European language family that consists only of Greek. I post this term because I've heard it used in concerns with certain religious or spiritual practices and I wanted to make sure that others are clear on what the word actually means.

I have included the word mundane because it is often used in the world of magick to destinguish our magickal selves from our everyday life. I have seen it used countless times in books and articles pertaining to our everyday life and tasks such as washing dishes, going to work, or even tieing shoes. Mundane means acking interest or excitement; dull. It is also a reference to this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one.

Macumba is a form of magickal religion and spirit worship practiced in Brazil. Related to Haitian Voodoo, Macumba is an umbrella term for a variety of practices which are by no means identical. It encompasses African animism and the worship of Yoruba deities; blends spiritism with folk belief; and also takes in elements of christianity correlationg christian saints with a African deities. A believer or devotee of Macumba is called a Macumbeiro.

A poultice, also called cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. It can be used on wounds such as cuts. It can also be a porous solid filled with solvent used to remove stains from porous stone such as marble or granite. The word "poultice" comes from the Latin puls, pultes, meaning "porridge." (wikipedia)

Quarrent (Querent) is a term often used in tarot reading to refer to the person who is recieving the reading. The word Significator is also used in this respect. A person who provides psychical information to the Quarrent is called the Quesited.

Retrograde, in astrology, is a term applied the the apparent backward motion of a planet in relation to the zodiac. This motion occurs when a planet's

longitude is decreased, as viewed from the earth.

Sihir is a Turkish word which translates to magick, sorcery, witchcraft, charm, incantation, conjuration, or spell. Sihir is also an Arabic that translates to black magick or sorcery, and is used in the Quran refering to the "pact" between magician and Satan. The best known reference to magic in Islam is the Sura AlFalaq (meaning dawn or daybreak), which is a prayer to ward off black magic.

A Sigil is a magickal sign. They are occult symbols representing specific supernatural energy or entities, usually drawn on paper using a numeric table or magick square corresponding to the energy/entity.

In Wicca, the Scourge is a symbolic ritual implement used in ceremonial initiation. It typically has 8 tails with 5 knots in each tail, and is applied gently by the initiator with light strokes (not to harm the candidate) to provide a sense of symbolic reinforcement. (watkins dictionary of magic)

Syncretism is the merging of religious ideas and traditions. Examples include the Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis who is a Hellenistic form of Osiris, and the Roman and Gnostic deities Mithra and Abraxas, both of whom have Persian antecedents.

Thaumaturgy is a Greek word that translates to "wonderworker" (a Thaumaturgist). It is the capability of a magician to work miracles. It is also viewd as magick done for practical reasons such as to obtain things like healing or money, and what some would consider "personal gain".

The Wand is one of the major tools in Wicca and is widely used among witches and practitioners. The wand is a tool used to direct personal energy toward or into a specific object or place. A wand can be made of various material, as show in the photo taken by me of a stellagtite, a flat rock, a s phantom selenite wand, a clear quartz wand with sphere, and a sycamore stick.

Among the Mazatec Indians of Mexico, the Velada is a healing ceremony involving the use of psilocybe mushrooms. Both the patient and female shaman take the psychadelic mushroom so that both may hear the healing words which are revealed from the spirit world. The shaman, meanwhile, goes on a spirit journey to learn the cause of the sickness, and to seek healing power from the gods.

The Wheel of the Year depicts the 8 Sacred Sabbats celebrated by many witches and pagans. (I'm sure we all know this, but I had to include it.) It shows the cycles of the seasons and the fertility of nature. These are the solstices and equinoxes, and the four points between.

Verser is the act of pouring drops of water, coffee, or liquor on the ground as an offering to the loa in voodoo.

A Vision Quest is a ritual quest for a guardian spirit undertaken by a young male or female in the Native American religion. A vision quest may take several days and nights, when the young person goes to an isolated area where the spirit guide is more likely to appear.

The Wiccan Rede, pronounce 'reed', is a principal statement of ethical/moral code of conduct that all Wiccans are asked and expected to follow.

Widdershins is the counterclockwise movement within the magick circle. It is said that walking widdershins is a 'negative' action. I have used the action in reversal spells, but some move deosil (clockwise) exclusively. Do you? How do you feel about moving widdershins?

A Wireenum, among the Aborigines of western New South Wales, is a medicine man or shaman who derives his powers from his contact with the great god Baiame.

A Wiccaning is a ceremony in which an infant is introduced to each element/direction and to the God & Goddess. The child is introduced into the craft, so to speak, and often given a craft name until they choose their own. The parents sometimes state vows to their child and ask the God & Goddess for blessings upon their child. After the child has been blessed, he/she is passed around the circle and introduced to each circle member as a new member of their community. (This may vary from one tradition to another but the idea remains the same). The ceremony is also called a Paganing to those who aren't necissarily wiccan.

The Witch's Bottle, or Witch Bottle is one of the oldest practices in witchcraft. Unlike "just any ol' spell bottle", the witch bottle is an object used for protection against harm, other's magick, and ill wishers. The photo shown are of CT scans of a 400 year old witch bottle, and it was concluded that the contents were nails and urine. It is made durring ritual with the idea of 'expelling' negativity, trapping it, and keeping it from harming you. Those who would wish to harm you would feel the pangs of those nails. Other ingredients are acceptable in this practice such as broken glass, needles, dead bugs, and excrament.

The Witching Hour is a phrase that carries a modern meaning of "midnight". It was coined in Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and from my research does not seem to have any previous use. It was thought to be a time when supernatural powers were hightened, and later on was thought to be the time of day when witches worked their magicks. To modern witches, midnight is a time "between time", and choose midnight to create a space "between worlds". I chose the image for this post because I personally believe that every hour is the witching hour, and that the phrase has fictional roots not really related to real witchcraft.

Zoanthropy is the belief that a person can or has shifted into an animal form. It is like Lycanthropy, but in Lycanthropy the animal is a wolf where as in Zoanthropy it can be any animal. This term is also used to describe a mental illness, whre the patient believes they have turned into an animal.