Glossary of Definitions Commonly Used in Wicca and Paganism
Here's where you'll find definitions of the phrases and words found on this site.
Altar
What is an altar, and what's it for?
What is an altar, and what's it for?
Amulet
Definition of amulets, what they are used for, and how to make one.
Definition of amulets, what they are used for, and how to make one.
Athame
Definition of the athame.
Definition of the athame.
Blessed Be
Definition of the phrase "Blessed Be."
Definition of the phrase "Blessed Be."
Burning Times
What were the Burning Times, and where does the phrase come from?
What were the Burning Times, and where does the phrase come from?
Cakes and Ale
What are cakes and ale, and how are they used in Wiccan and Pagan ceremony?
What are cakes and ale, and how are they used in Wiccan and Pagan ceremony?
Charge of the Goddess
Where did the Charge of the Goddess originate? Is it ancient writing, or more contemporary?
Where did the Charge of the Goddess originate? Is it ancient writing, or more contemporary?
Circle
Definition of a circle, when used in the context of Wicca and Paganism.
Definition of a circle, when used in the context of Wicca and Paganism.
Degree
What is a degree system in the world of Wicca and Paganism, and how does one obtain a degree?
What is a degree system in the world of Wicca and Paganism, and how does one obtain a degree?
Deosil
What does it mean to move "deosil" in the Wiccan and Pagan faiths?
What does it mean to move "deosil" in the Wiccan and Pagan faiths?
Eclectic
Many Pagans and Wiccans describe their practice as eclectic. What does that mean, and does it apply to you?
Many Pagans and Wiccans describe their practice as eclectic. What does that mean, and does it apply to you?
Elements
What are the four classical elements, and why are they important in Wicca and Paganism?
What are the four classical elements, and why are they important in Wicca and Paganism?
English Witchcraft Laws
Up until just a few decades ago, England had strict laws prohibiting anything to do with Witchcraft.
Up until just a few decades ago, England had strict laws prohibiting anything to do with Witchcraft.
Esbat
Find out what an esbat is, and what it's for.
Find out what an esbat is, and what it's for.
Goddess Position
What is a Goddess position, and when would you use one?
What is a Goddess position, and when would you use one?
Great Rite
What is a Great Rite, and who is expected to perform it?
What is a Great Rite, and who is expected to perform it?
Handfasting
Wiccans and Pagans often celebrate a handfasting -- learn what it is and how it works.
Wiccans and Pagans often celebrate a handfasting -- learn what it is and how it works.
Herbalism
Herbalism is a tradition of folklore that goes back for centuries. Find out why many Wiccans and Pagans still practice it.
Herbalism is a tradition of folklore that goes back for centuries. Find out why many Wiccans and Pagans still practice it.
Initiation
What is an initiation, and what is required to obtain one?
What is an initiation, and what is required to obtain one?
Magical Name
What is a magical name, and where are you supposed to find one?
What is a magical name, and where are you supposed to find one?
Magick
What is magick, and why is it spelled with that "k" on the end?
What is magick, and why is it spelled with that "k" on the end?
Moon Candle
What is a moon candle, where do you get one, and when do you use it?
What is a moon candle, where do you get one, and when do you use it?
Offering
Are offerings required for the gods and goddesses of Wicca and modern Paganism?
Are offerings required for the gods and goddesses of Wicca and modern Paganism?
Poppet
In sympathetic magic, poppets are often used to symbolize someone who needs magical assistance.
In sympathetic magic, poppets are often used to symbolize someone who needs magical assistance.
Self-Initiation
Can you initiate yourself into the tradition of Wicca?
Can you initiate yourself into the tradition of Wicca?
Sigil
Sigils are often used in spellwork -- learn what they are and how to create one.
Sigils are often used in spellwork -- learn what they are and how to create one.
Skyclad
What is skyclad, and do all Wiccans and Pagans use it?
What is skyclad, and do all Wiccans and Pagans use it?
The Law of Threefold Return
What is the Threefold Law, and does it apply to all traditions of Wicca and Paganism?
What is the Threefold Law, and does it apply to all traditions of Wicca and Paganism?
Watchtowers
What are the Watchtowers, and how are they used in Wicca and Paganism?
What are the Watchtowers, and how are they used in Wicca and Paganism?
Wheel of the Year
What is the Wheel of the Year in Pagan and Wiccan tradition?
What is the Wheel of the Year in Pagan and Wiccan tradition?