Glossary of Definitions Commonly Used in Wicca and Paganism
How Do I Say That Word, Anyway?
Ever wonder how some of the most common words on this website are pronounced? Here's a quick guide to easy pronunciation of some of the words and phrases you'll encounter in the Pagan and Wiccan lexicon.
Altar
What is an altar, and what's it for?
Athame
Definition of the athame.
What is an Archetype?
Sometimes, when discussing Pagan religions, we refer to archetypes. But what does the word actually mean? Let's look at a definition and examples.
Binding
Definition of the word "binding" when used in a magical context.
Blessed Be
Definition of the phrase "Blessed Be."
Black Magic
Wondering what people really mean when they talk about black magic? Here's a basic definition!
Egyptian Book of the Dead
What is the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead? Here's a definition, explaining what it is and why it matters.
Burning Times
What were the Burning Times, and where does the phrase come from?
Boline
Definition of the word "boline," which is a popular magical tool.
Bruja/Brujo
Have you heard the terms Bruja/Brujo used when discussing witchcraft? Here's a basic definition!
Elders - What Is a Pagan Elder?
Spend any time at all in the Pagan community, and you’re bound to hear someone referred to as an Elder. Let's talk about what that means, and who might be considered an Elder.
What is Celtic?
Many people assume that the word "Celtic" means Irish or Scottish, but it's actually far more complex than this. Learn about what "Celtic" actually means.
What is a Psychic Empath?
There are many different types of psychic abilities. Some people are known as empaths, which means they are sensitive to the energy and emotions of others. Let's look at empathic ability in more detail.
Ceremonial Magic
Glossary definition of ceremonial, or high, magic.
Charge of the Goddess
Where did the Charge of the Goddess originate? Is it ancient writing, or more contemporary?
Cultural Appropriation
You may hear the term Cultural Appropriation sometimes used in discussions of modern Pagan practice. Let's talk about what this means, and why some people may be troubled by it.
English Witchcraft Laws
Up until just a few decades ago, England had strict laws prohibiting anything to do with Witchcraft.
Curse (Hex)
What is a curse, and what can it do?
Degree
What is a degree system in the world of Wicca and Paganism, and how does one obtain a degree?
Great Rite
What is a Great Rite, and who is expected to perform it?
Full Moon
What is the full moon, and how is it significant in modern Pagan and Wiccan spirituality?
Oathbound
The word "oathbound" often comes up in discussion of Wiccan practices and beliefs -- but what does it actually mean?
God and Goddess Candles
In some traditions of Paganism, candles are used that are referred to as "god and goddess candles." Find out what these are, and why someone might use them.
Perfect Love and Perfect Trust
Many people toss around the phrase "perfect love and perfect trust" in the Wiccan community. But what does it really mean? And who does it apply to?
Polytheism -- Definition
Wondering what we mean when we talk about polytheistic religions? Here's a quick defintion of polytheism.
Offering
Are offerings required for the gods and goddesses of Wicca and modern Paganism?
Necronomicon
Wondering what people mean when they refer to a book called "Necronomicon"? It's not as scary as it sounds.
Mortar and Pestle
Wondering what a mortar and pestle is, or why you'd use one? Here's a basic definition of the mortar and pestle, as well as an explanation of how to use it in Pagan practice.
What Does Lineage Mean?
In some Wiccan traditions, you may hear the word "lineage." Is this something that matters to everyone, and what does it mean? Find out with our explanation and definition of "Lineage."
Intuition
Wondering what we mean when we talk about intuition? Here's a basic definition!
Self-Initiation
Can you initiate yourself into the tradition of Wicca?
Pagan Standard Time
What is Pagan Standard Time, and should you try to follow it?
Taglock
You may encounter the word "taglock" in some magical writings. What is it, and how and when do you use one?
Tradition - What is a Magical Tradition?
You may have seen the word tradition used here on About Paganism/Wicca. What does it mean?
What is NeoWicca?
Sometimes you'll hear us use the word NeoWicca here at About Pagan/Wiccan. What does it mean, and what's the difference between NeoWicca and other forms of Wicca?
Medium
Wondering what we mean when we talk about a psychic medium? Here's a basic definition!
Pre-Christian - What Is Pre-Christian?
Wondering what we mean when we talk about a culture or religion being "pre-Christian"? Here's a definition to help you understand the concept.
Hoodoo - What is Hoodoo?
You may encounter references to Hoodoo here at About Pagan/Wiccan. But what exactly does it mean, and who practices it?
What is a Querent?
Wondering what we mean when we refer to a "querent" in Tarot readings? Here's where you'll find the definition.
Year and a Day
The measurement of a year and a day often appears in Wiccan traditions. What's the point of a year and a day, and where does it come from?
What is a Clairvoyant?
There are many different types of psychic abilities. Some people are known as clairvoyants, which means they have an ability to "see" things. Let's look at clairvoyancy in more detail.
Shrine - What is a Shrine?
Are you wondering what a shrine is, and how one would use one in a modern Pagan context? Here are some ideas for things you can add to your personal shrine, if you choose to have one.
Psychic Vampires
Ever wonder why you feel drained after you talk to that certain someone? Let's talk a little bit about energy vampires, or psychic vampires.