Glossary of Definitions Commonly Used in Wicca and Paganism

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.

What is an altar, and what's it for?

Definition of amulets, what they are used for, and how to make one.

Definition of the athame.

Wondering what people really mean when they talk about black magic? Here's a basic definition!

Definition of the word "binding" when used in a magical context.

Definition of the phrase "Blessed Be."

We've all heard the phrase "once in a blue moon." What does that really mean, and is there any magical significance?

What is the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead? Here's a definition, explaining what it is and why it matters.

Have you heard the terms Bruja/Brujo used when discussing witchcraft? Here's a basic definition!

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.

What were the Burning Times, and where does the phrase come from?

What are cakes and ale, and how are they used in Wiccan and Pagan ceremony?

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.

Glossary definition of ceremonial, or high, magic.

Where did the Charge of the Goddess originate? Is it ancient writing, or more contemporary?

Definition of a circle, when used in the context of Wicca and Paganism.

Looking for a definition of the word "covenstead"? Here's where you'll find it!

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.

What is a curse, and what can it do?

What is a degree system in the world of Wicca and Paganism, and how does one obtain a degree?

What does it mean to move "deosil" in the Wiccan and Pagan faiths?

Many Pagans and Wiccans describe their practice as eclectic. What does that mean, and does it apply to you?

What are the four classical elements, and why are they important in Wicca and Paganism?

Up until just a few decades ago, England had strict laws prohibiting anything to do with Witchcraft.

Find out what an esbat is, and what it's for.

What's the difference between invoke and evoke? It's a small difference, but a pretty important one!

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.

What is the full moon, and how is it significant in modern Pagan and Wiccan spirituality?

What is a Goddess position, and when would you use one?

What is a Great Rite, and who is expected to perform it?

Wiccans and Pagans often celebrate a handfasting -- learn what it is and how it works.

Herbalism is a tradition of folklore that goes back for centuries. Find out why many Wiccans and Pagans still practice it.

Wondering what we mean when we talk about intuition? Here's a basic definition!

What is an initiation, and what is required to obtain one?

What is the Threefold Law, and does it apply to all traditions of Wicca and Paganism?

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."

What is a magical name, and where are you supposed to find one?

What is magick, and why is it spelled with that "k" on the end?

Wondering what we mean when we talk about a psychic medium? Here's a basic definition!

What is a moon candle, where do you get one, and when do you use it?

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.

Wondering what people mean when they refer to a book called "Necronomicon"? It's not as scary as it sounds.

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?

What is the new moon, and how is it magically important to modern Wiccans and Pagans?

The word "oathbound" often comes up in discussion of Wiccan practices and beliefs -- but what does it actually mean?

Are offerings required for the gods and goddesses of Wicca and modern Paganism?

What is Pagan Standard Time, and should you try to follow it?

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?

Wondering what we mean when we talk about polytheistic religions? Here's a quick defintion of polytheism.

In sympathetic magic, poppets are often used to symbolize someone who needs magical assistance.

What does it mean when we talk about the Wiccan or Pagan priesthood?

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.

Wondering what we mean when we refer to a "querent" in Tarot readings? Here's where you'll find the definition.

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.

Can you initiate yourself into the tradition of Wicca?

Sigils are often used in spellwork -- learn what they are and how to create one.

What is skyclad, and do all Wiccans and Pagans use it?

Many people in the Pagan community use the phrase "so mote it be," but what does it really mean? Read the explanation to find out where this expression originates.

You may encounter the word "taglock" in some magical writings. What is it, and how and when do you use one?

In some Wiccan traditions, you may hear the phase, "To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Keep Silent." Sounds mysterious -- but what does it really mean?

What is an Unverifiable Personal Gnosis, or UPG?

What is the waning moon, and how is it important to modern Wiccans and Pagans?

What are the Watchtowers, and how are they used in Wicca and Paganism?

What is the waxing moon, and how is it significant in modern Wiccan and Pagan traditions?

What is the Wheel of the Year in Pagan and Wiccan tradition?

What is a Wicker Man, and where would you find one?

What does it mean to move "widdershins" in a Pagan or Wiccan ritual?

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?