Exploring Pagan Paths

There are many, many different branches on the Tree of Paganism. Once you start reading and researching Paganism, it can be very overwelming. So we are going to take a little while and explore some of these branches or Paths as most people call them. Keep in mind that are hundreds of paths; many secret or exclusive to a family or region. The ones that I can going to talk about here are the more widespread and well-known paths

Before we get into the specific Pagan paths, lets take a moment to discuss what being Pagan really means. The definition of the word pagan many vary from person to person but in a very general sense a pagan is a person who follows one of the Earth religions. Most Paganism work to revive of the beliefs of our pre-christian ancestors. It is the belief that Nature is sacred and the Earth is our Mother. The term 'pagan' originally comes from the Latin word pagani, meaning 'country dweller', or 'people of the land'.

Alexandrian Wicca: This is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca. It was founded in England during the 1960's by Alex Sanders, who referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. It is a structured and formal tradition. The Alexandrians use the athame as a symbol for the element of fire and the wand as a symbol for air. It is also a polarized tradition and the sexuality of that female/male polarity is emphasized.

Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca.

Asatru: The Asatru movement began in the 1970's in Iceland, as a revival of Germanic paganism. It is Norse Heathenism. The Asatru believe in 3 levels of deity: The Aesir (the gods of the clan - representing leadership, community, crafs, etc) The Vanir (which represent the fertility of the land and forces of nature). The Jotnar (these are giants, the Gods of unrest and disorder, in a constant battle with the Aesir.)

Instead of following the Wiccan Rede, modern Asatruar follow a guideline known as the Nine Noble Virtues. They are:

• 
  Courage: not only physical courage, but also moral courage, and the willingness to stand up for what one believes in.
• 
  Truth: spiritual "truth" should a goal for any seeker, and actual "truth" should always be upheld.
• 
  Honor: honor is not only one's reputation, but also the internal moral compass that makes a person who they are.
• 
  Fidelity: remaining true to the Gods, kinsmen, a spouse, and community
• 
  Discipline: the use of personal will to uphold honor and other virtues.
• 
  Hospitality: treating others with respect and kindness, and being a helpful member of the community.
• 
  Industriousness: hard work is the key to achieving any goal.
• 
  Self-Reliance: finding a way to take care of oneself, while still maintaining a strong relationship with the Gods.
• 
  Perseverance: being willing to continue at something, despite potential obstacles.

Amythystian: Founded in 1968 by Lady Amethyst.The Amythystian tradition is rooted in the Order of the Garter, Order of the Royal Oak. They are dedicated to preserving old traditions while growing into a new generation of enlightened ones. This tradition teaches by example in daily life, at home and at work, as well as when among our own. Followers believe in a strict code of ethics exemplified by one's actions and lives by the Wiccan Rede.

Aquarian Tabernacle Church: An American Tradition of Wicca based on English Traditional Wicca, and focused on service to the larger Wiccan and Pagan community through open worship gatherings. ATC was founded in 1979 by Pierre "Pete Pathfinder" Davis. The Church is based in Index, WA. ATC provides regular, open worship circles and also sponsors several annual festivals. ATC also functions as an umbrella organization, accepting affiliations by Wiccan groups wishing to become recognized, open and public Wiccan churches.

Black Forrest Clan: This is Silver RavenWolf's group and is considered Euro-Wiccan, drawing from Silver's German heritage and Pow-Wow and training she received from her Old Guard Wiccan magickal teachers. The Black Forest is not a social organization and does not charge an initiation or elevation fee. The Black Forest training program is designed specifically to train Wiccan Clergy, and therefore does not train individuals new to the Craft, nor is it considered a social organization.

Blue Star Wicca: Blue Star was founded Frank Duffner in 1975 in Pennsylvania. Blue Star practices mostly as a hierarchical, mystery-based tradition with its roots in Alexandrian Craft. Most covens operate on a Grove system, in which uninitiated members and students comprise an Outer Court, and Initiates make up an Inner Court. Traditionally, a Coven (or circle) would include both Inner and Outer court members and would be presided over by a Third Degree High Priest and High Priestess.

British Traditional Witch: A formal, structured, neo-Gardner that is a mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies/ They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.

Caledonii Tradition: Formally known as Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festival of the Scots.

Celtic Wicca: The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardenarian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.

Ceremonial Witchcraft: Followers of this Tradition use a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick.

Church and School of Wicca: This is one of the many Welsh-based traditions. It was originally founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970s. As "The Church and School of Wicca" the material is presented to students by correspondence, though the course is virtually the same as the material presented in their book. Originally (in the book) there was no mention of the Goddess at all and there were various sexual aspects which dismayed many who were otherwise drawn to the tradition. The latter situation has recently been modified and there is now mention of the Goddess. It is a widely spread tradition, found throughout this country and abroad.

Circle Wicca: Circle was begun in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic herb farm in southwestern Wisconsin.They publish an annual source, the Circle Guide to Pagan Resources as well as a quarterly magazine, Circle Network News.

Correllian Tradition: The Correllian Tradition is dedicated to the advancement of the Pagan people and emphasizes celebratory as well as initiatory Wicca, and is strongly committed to accessible public ritual.

Covenant of the Goddess: A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, plus solitary elders and associates, who have joined together to win recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized religion.

Covenant of the Goddess: Covenant of the Goddess was organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. It is incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in California, though it has grown to be a nationwide organization with members throughout the United States, as well as a few in Canada and Overseas. Decisions are made at an annual Grand Council or in local councils. The Covenant publishes The Covenant of the Goddess Newsletter and sponsors the COG Merrymeet Festival and Grand Council each year.A coven can apply for membership if it is a cohesive, self-perpetuating group which has been meeting for six months or more; the group follows the code of ethics defined by COG; the coven has three or more members studying for the priesthood, one of whom is an Elder; and the focus of the group's ritual and theology is the worship of the Goddess and the Old Gods (or the Goddess alone).

Dianic Tradition: The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches:

The first branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the country.

The second branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focus exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensus- decision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most covens are open to women of all orientations. The major network is Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind" newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic Craft.

Eclectic Witch: This catch-all phrase indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, denomination, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best.

Faery Wicca: This is an Irish tradition that centers on green Witchcraft and faery magick. It is an ecstatic, rather than fertility tradition, emphasizing on polytheism, practical magic, self-development and theory. Strong emphasis is placed on sensual experience and awareness, including sexual mysticism, which is not limited to heterosexual expression. Starhawk is an initiate.

Family Traditions: These are the practices and traditions, usually secret, of families who have been Witches for generations.

Gardnerian Tradition: Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950's. Gardnerian was one of the few people so determined that the Old Religion should not die that he took the risk of publicizing it through the media. This is a formal, hierachal path with skyclad worship of Aradia and Cernunnos. Gardners believe it takes a Witch to make a Witch.

Georgian Tradition: The Georgians, founded by George E. Patterson in 1970, were chartered by the Universal Life Church in 1972, as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield. In 1980 they were chartered as The Georgian Church.They lean toward the Goddess and generally work skyclad but individual groups or individuals may do as they wish. They are both religious and magickal and celebrate the eight Sabbats. Members are encouraged to learn from all available sources.

Hereditary Witch: One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion by a relative who was living at the same time. How far one has got to go back on the family tree to meet the conditions of the first part of this definition is debatable. Family trades or Family Traditions is another name for it


Kitchen Witch: Basically, this type is one who practices by hearth and home, dealing with the practical side of religion, magick, the earth and the elements. Kitchen witches use herbs, plants and food to do magick.

Minoan Tradition: The Minoan tradition is actually of triad -- the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood, and the Cult of Rhea -- was incorporated in December of 1998 under New York State religious corporations law. Their beliefs do not focus on the gender differences of the deities and many Minoan followers are gay, lesbian and bisexual.

Pictish Witch: Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature: animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary form of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.

Reclaiming: Reclaiming is a community of women and men working to unify spirit and politics. It is a tradition of Witchcraft that began in the 1980s in Northern California.

Pow-Wow: Indigenous to South Central Pennsylvania. This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has deteriorated to a great degree into simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today in Pennsylvania follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth.

Sacred Wheel: An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware withing the past decade. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. Still concentrated in the Eastern states, covens are formed from study groups which include both old-timers and novices.

Seax-Wica: Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardenarian oath.

Shamanic Witchcraft: This term refers to practices associated with those of tribal shamans in traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the roles of healer, priest (ess), diviner, magician, teacher and spirit guide, utilizing altered states of consciousness to produce and control psychic phenomena and travel to and from the spirit realm. Followers of this path believe that historical Witchcraft was the shamanic practice of European Pagans; and Medieval Witches actually functioned more as village shamans than as priests and priestesses of "the Old Religion." Shamanic Witchcraft emphasizes serving the wider community through rituals, herbalism, spellcraft, healings, counseling, rites of passage, handfastings, Mystery initiations, etc. The distinguishing element of Shamanic Witchcraft is the knowledge and sacramental use of psychotropic plants to effect transitions between worlds.

Strega Witches: Follows a Tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the United States.

Teutonic Witch: From ancient time, the Teutons have been recognize as a group of people who speak the Germanic group languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition and incorporates deities, symbolism and practices from Norse and Germanic cultures.

Sources:
Bewitching Ways { http://www.bewitchingways.com/wicca/witch.htm }

Wicca { http://www.wicca.com/ }

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

Glossary of Wiccan, Pagan & Witchcraft Terms

Aboriginal: Pagan tradition of the native Australian people.

Adept: An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system.

Alchemy: The art of magickally and/or chemically turning base metals into gold.


Altar: A special, flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment.

Amulet: A magically charged object which deflects specific, usually negative energies. A protective object.


Ankh: An Egyptian hieroglyphic widely used as a symbol of life, love, and reincarnation. It is a cross with a looped top.

Arcana: The two halves of a tarot deck. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trumps, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit cards (sometimes called the lesser or lower Arcana).


Aspect: The particular principle or part of the Creative Life Force being worked with or acknowledged at any one time.

Asperger: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to sprinkle water during or preceding ritual, for purification purposes.


Astral Plane:A place which is generally conceptualized as an invisible parallel world which remains unseen from our own solid world of form.

Astral Travel/Projection:The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dream time.


Astrology: The study of and belief in the effects the movements and placements of planets and other heavenly bodies have on the lives and behavior of human beings.

Athame: (Ah-THAM-ee ATH- or ah-may or ah-THAW-may.) A cleansed and consecrated ritual blade. Usually double edged, and black handled. It is never used to cut anything on the physical plane.


Aura: The life-energy field which surrounds all living things.

Automatic Writing: Form of divination where the channeler uses a pen, paper and an altered state of consciousness to receive messages.


Balefire: A fire lit for magickal purposes, usually outdoors. They are traditional on Yule, Beltane, and Midsummer.

Bane: That which destroys life, which is poisonous, destructive, dangerous.


Banish: To magickally end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of.

B.C.E.:Before Common Era. Synonymous with B.C. without religious bias.

Bells: Often used as ritual tools. They can be used to invoke directional energies, to ring in the sunrise on a Sabbat, or to frighten away faeries and baneful spirits.


Besom: A witch's broom.

Bi-Location: A type of astral projection during which you maintain awareness of your present surroundings.


Bind: To magickally restrain something or someone.

Blood of the Moon: A woman's menstrual cycle. Should this cycle occur over a Full Moon or New Moon, she is far more powerful than during any other time of the month, as long as she acknowledges this strength within herself.


Book of Shadows: A witch's book of spells, rituals, magickal lore. Much akin to a magickal cookbook. Also known as a BOS.

Boline: A white-handled knife, used in magick and ritual for purposes such as cutting herbs or piercing a pomegranate.


Burning Times: Reference to a historical time from around 1000 C.E. through the 17th century when it is said that up to nine million people were tortured and burned by church and public officials on the assumption that they were the Christian version of Witches. This turned into an extremely profitable venture, as all land and property was seized from the accused individual and portions given to the accuser (in reward fashion) and the remainder seized by the church officials. Historians indicate that the majority of people tortured and murdered were woman and children.

Call: Invoking Divine forces.


Cauldron: Linked to witchcraft in the popular mind, this symbolizes the Goddess, the waters of rebirth.

C.E.: Common Era. Synonymous with A.D. but without religious bias.


Censer :A heat-proof container in which incense is burned. It is associated with the element air.

Ceremonial Magick:A highly codified magickal tradition based upon Kabbala, the Jewish-Gnostic mystical teachings.


Chakras: Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually associated with a color. They are: crown - white; third-eye - purple; throat - blue; chest - pink or green; navel - yellow; abdomen - orange; groin - red. Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet as well.

Chalice: A ritual tool. It represents the female principals of creation.


Channeling: A New Age practice wherein you allow a discarnate entity to "borrow" your body to speak to others either through automatic writing or verbally.

Chaplet: A crown for the head usually made of flowers and worn at Beltane.


Charge: The Originally written in modern form by Doreen Valiente, it is a story of the message from Goddess to Her children.

Charging: To infuse an object with personal power.


Charms: Either an amulet or talisman that has been charmed by saying an incantation over it and instilling it with energy for a specific task.

Circle: Sacred space wherein all magick is to be worked and all ritual contained. It both holds ritual energy until the witch is ready to release it, and provides protection for the witch.


Cleansing: Removing negative energies from an object or space.

Collective Unconsciousness: Term used to describe the sentient connection of all living things, past and present.


Coming of Age Ritual: At age 13 for boys, and at the time of a girl's first menses, Pagan children are seen as spiritual adults. The ritual celebrates their new maturity. Generally this is the age when they are permitted membership in covens.

Cone of Power: Psychic energy raised and focused by either an individual or group mind (coven) to achieve a definite purpose.


Conscious Mind: The analytical, materially-based, rational half of our consciousness. The part of our mind that is at work while we balance our checkbooks, theorize, communicate, and perform other acts related to the physical world.

Consecration: The act of blessing an object or place by instilling it with positive energy.


Coven: A group of thirteen or fewer witches that work together in an organized fashion for positive magickal endeavors or to perform religious ceremonies.

Covenstead: The meeting place of witches, often a fixed building or place where the witch can feel safe and at home.

Craft: Witchcraft


Crone:Aspect of the Goddess represented by the old woman. Symbolized by the waning moon, the carrion crow, the cauldron, the color black. Her Sabbats are Mabon and Samhain.

Cross-Quarter Days: Refers to Sabbats not falling on the solstices or equinoxes.


Days of Power: See Sabbat. They can also be days triggered by astrological occurrences - your birthday, a woman's menstrual cycle, your dedication/initiation anniversary.

Dedication: The process where an individual accepts the Craft as their path and vows to study and learn all that is necessary to reach adept ship. It is a conscious preparation to accept something new into your life and stick with it, regardless of the highs and lows that may follow.


Deosil: Clockwise, the direction in which the shadow on a sundial moves as the Sun "moves" across the sky. Deosil is symbolic of life, positive magick, positive energies.

Dirk: Ritual knife of the Scottish tradition.


Divination: The magickal art of using tools and symbols to gather information from the Collective Unconsciousness. This can be on people, places, things and events past, present, and future.

Divine Power:The unmanifested, pure energy that exists within the Goddess and God. The life force, the ultimate source of all things.


Dowsing:The divinatory art of using a pendulum or stick to find the actual location of a person, place, thing, or element.

Drawing Down the Moon: A ritual performed during the Full Moon by witches to empower themselves and unite their essence with a particular deity, usually the Goddess.


Drawing Down the Sun:Lesser-known and lesser-used companion ritual to Drawing Down the Moon in which the essence of the Sun God is drawn into the body of a male witch.

Duality:The opposite of polarity. When used as a religious term, it separates two opposites such as good and evil and places those characteristics into two completely separate God-forms.

Earth Magick: The energy that exists within stones, herbs, flames, wind, and other natural objects.

Earth Plane: Metaphor for your normal waking consciousness, or for the everyday, solid world we live in.

Elements: Usually: Earth, air, fire, water. The building blocks of the universe. Everything that exists contains one or more of these energies. Some include a fifth element- spirit or Akasha.

Elementals: Archetypical spirit beings associated with one of the four elements. Elementals are sometimes called Faeries.

Eleven: Secretive tradition of the craft which works closely with elemental beings.

Enchantment: A magickal object that must be kept absolutely secret and hidden from all human eyes and affects a hidden aura. They must be charmed first. Gems and magickal writing are good items to use.

Eostre's Eggs: Colored, decorated eggs of Ostara; named for the Teutonic Goddess Eostre.
Esbat:A ritual usually occurring on the Full Moon and dedicated to the Goddess in her lunar aspect.

Evocation: To call something out from within.

Faerie: See Elemental

Faerie Burgh: Mound of earth which covers a faerie colony's underground home.

Familiar: An animal that has a spiritual bone with a witch; many times a family witch. Familiars can also be entities that dwell on the astral plane.

Fascination: A mental effort to control another animal or person's mind. Also known as "mind-bending". Often considered unethical.

Folklore: Traditional sayings, cures, faerie tales, and folk wisdom of a particular locale which is separate from their mythology.

Folk Magick: The Practice of projecting personal power, as well as the energies within natural objects such as herbs, and crystals, to bring about needed changes.


Gaea/Gaia: Mother Earth.

God: Masculine aspect of deity.

Goddess: Feminine aspect of deity.

Grain Dolly: Figure usually woven at Imbolc from dried sheaves of grain collected at the previous harvest. The dolly is traditionally burned at Yule and a new one made the following Imbolc.

Great Rite: Symbolic sexual union (also sacred marriage) of the Goddess and God that is enacted at Beltane in many traditions, and other Sabbats in other traditions. It symbolizes the primal act of creation from which all life comes.

Green Man: Another name for the God

Grimorie: A magickal workbook containing ritual information, formulae, magickal properties of natural objects and preparation of ritual equipment. Often used interchangeably with Book of Shadows.

Grounding: To disperse excess energy generated during magickal work by sending it into the earth. It also means the process of centering one's self in the physical world both before and after any ritual or astral experience
.
Grove: Synonymous with coven. Used mostly by Druids.

Guardians: Ceremonial magicians use the Guardians of the Watchtowers or Four Quarters. Some witches use them, too.

Hand Fasting: A Pagan wedding.

Herbalism: Art of using herbs to facilitate human needs both magickally and medicinally.

Higher Self: That part of us which connects our corporeal minds to the Collective Unconscious and with the divine knowledge of the universe.

Hiving Off: This term is used for a small coven which splits off from a larger one. Sometimes this is done to keep the gatherings of a manageable size, other times covens split over philosophical differences.


Horned God: One of the most prevalent God-images in Paganism. NOT Satan or the Devil!!!

Initiation: A process whereby an individual is introduced or admitted into a coven. Usually a ritual occasion. Not to be confused with dedication.

Incense: Ritual burning of herbs, oils, or other aromatic items to scent the air during acts of magick and ritual, and to better help the witch attune to the goal of the working.


Invocation: To bring something in from without.

Karma: The belief that one's thoughts and deeds can either be counted against them or added to their spiritual path across several life times.

Kabbala: Mystical teaching from the Jewish-Gnostic tradition. Ceremonial Magick and the Alexandrian traditions are based in these teachings. Also, Qabala.

Labrys: A double-headed ax which symbolizes the Goddess in Her Lunar aspect. Has roots in ancient Crete.

Left-Hand Path: Refers to the practice of using magick to control others, to change the will of others, for personal gain. Generally frowned upon by true Wiccans and Witch's. Dark Magick.

Libation: Ritually given portion of food or drink to a deity, nature spirit, or ghost.


Magick: The projection of natural energies (such as personal power) to being about needed change. Energy exists in all things: us, plants, stones, colors, sounds, movements, words. Magick is the process of raising this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Magick is a natural, not supernatural, practice, but is little understood. Magick is neither black nor white. It simply is. What the magician decides to do with the magick is another matter...

Magick Circle: A sphere constructed of personal power in which rituals are usually performed. Within it the witch is protected from outside forces. The sphere extends both above and below the surface of the ground.

Magickal System: The basic set of guidelines relating to the worship of specific Gods and Goddesses or cultural traditions.

Male Mysteries: Pagan study which attempts to reclaim the power and mystery of the old Gods for today's Pagan males.

Matrifocal: Term used to denote pre-patriarchal life when family clans centered around and lived near or on clan matriarch.

May Pole: Sexual symbol of Beltane representing the phallus.

Meditation: Reflection, contemplation- turning inward toward the self, or outward toward Deity or nature. A quiet time in which the practitioner may either dwell upon particular thoughts or symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.

Megalith: A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is the best-known example of a megalith.

Menhir: A huge stone probably erected by early peoples for religious, spiritual, or magickal reasons.

Monotheism: Belief in one supreme deity who has no other forms and/of displays no other aspects.

Mother: The aspect of the Goddess representing motherhood, mid-life, and fertility. She is represented by the full moon, the egg, the colors red and green. Her Sabbats are Midsummer and Lughnasadh.

Myth: Cycles Body of lore about any land or people that makes up their mythology.


New Age: The mixing of metaphysical practices with a structured religion.

New Religion: Pagan term used in reference to Christianity.


Nursery Rhyme: Cute doggerel or poems supposedly written for the amusement of children. Much Pagan lore was hidden in these ditties during the years of witch persecutions.

Occult: Literal meaning is "hidden" and is broadly applied to a wide range of metaphysical topics which lie outside the accepted realm of mainstream theologies.

Occultist: One who practices and or studies a variety of occult subjects.


Ogham: Celtic equivalent of the Teutonic runes. The ancient alphabet of the Celtic people.

Old Ones: The A term which refers to all aspects of the Goddess and God.


Old Religion: A name for Paganism as it pre-dates Christianity by at least 20,000 years.

Pagan/Neo-Pagan: General term for followers of Wicca and other magickal, shamanistic, and polytheistic Earth-based religions. Also used to refer to pre-Christian religious and magickal systems.

Paganing: When a baby is presented in circle to the Goddess and God, and given a craft name which s/he will keep until about 13 and can choose their own at their Coming of Age celebration. Also called Wiccaning.

Pantheon: A collection or group of Gods and Goddesses in a particular religious or mythical structure.

Pantheism: Belief in many deities who are really one because they are all merely aspects of the single creative life source. Paganism is pantheistic.

Passing Over Ritual: Ritual observed when a loved one has dies.

Past-Life Regression: Act of using meditation or guided meditation to pass through the veil of linear time and perceive experiences encountered in a previous existence.

Path Working: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dream time to accomplish a specific goal. Also called vision questing.

Patriarchal: Term used to apply to the world since the matrifocal clans that worshipped Goddesses were supplanted by codified religions that honor all-male deity(s).

Pendulum: A divinatory device consisting of a string attached to a heavy object, such as a quartz crystal, root, or ring. The free end of the string is held in the hand, the elbows steadied against a flat surface, and a question is asked. The movement of the heavy object's swings determines the answer. It is a tool which contacts the psychic mind.

Pentacle: A circle surrounding a five-pointed, upright star (pentagram). Worn as a symbol of a witch's beliefs. Many witches consider wearing it inverted to be blasphemy of their faith and is commonly associated with Satanism.

Pentagram: The basic interlaces five-pointed star, visualized with one point up. It represents the five elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. It is a symbol of power and protection.


Personal Power: The energy which sustains our bodies. It originates within the Goddess and God. We first absorb it from our biological mother within the womb, and later from food, water, the Moon and Sun, and other natural objects.

Polarity: The concept of equal, opposite energies. The Eastern Yin Yang is a perfect example. Yin is cold; yang is hot. Other examples: Goddess/God, night/day, Moon/Sun, birth/death, dark/light, psychic mind/unconscious mind. Universal balance.

Polytheism: Belief in the existence of many unrelated deities each with their own dominion and interests who have no spiritual or familial relationships to one another.

Poppets: Anthropomorphic dolls used to represent certain human beings in magick spells.

Psychic Mind: The subconscious, or unconscious mind, in which we receive psychic impressions. It is at work when we sleep, dream, and meditate. It is our direct link with the Divine, and with the larger, nonphysical world around us.


Psychism: The act of being consciously psychic, in which the psychic mind and conscious mind are linked and working in harmony. Also known as psychic awareness.

Quabala:See Kabbala

Receptive Hand: The hand through which energy is received into the body. The left hand in right-handed persons, the reverse for left-handed persons.

Rede: The Basic tenet of witchcraft. "An it harm none, do what thou will.

Reincarnation: The process of repeated incarnations in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless soul.

Ritual Ceremony: A specific form of movement, a manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired effects. In religion ritual is geared toward union with the Divine. In magickal works it produces a specific state of consciousness that allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals.

Ritual Consciousness: A specific, alternate state of awareness necessary to the successful practice of magick. This state is achieved through the use of visualization and ritual. The conscious mind becomes attuned with the psychic mind, a state in which the magician senses energies, gives them purpose, and releases them toward a specific goal. It is a heightening of senses, an expanded awareness of the nonphysical world, a linking with nature and with Deity.

Ritual Tools: General name for magickal tools used by a witch or magician. They vary by tradition and usually represent one of the elements.

Runes: A set of symbols used both in divination and magickal work. There are several types will different origins- Scandinavian, Norse, Germanic.

Sabbats: Pagan holidays.

Scourge :Small device made from leather or hemp which resembles a whip and is used in flagellation rites within some traditions.

Scrying: A method of divination. To gaze at or into an object (a quartz crystal sphere, a pool of water, reflections, a candle flame) to still the conscious mind in order to contact the psychic mind. Scrying allows the scryer to become aware of events prior to their actual occurrence, as well as to perceive past or present events through other than the five senses.


Shaman: A man or woman who has obtained knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, usually through periods of alternate states of consciousness. Various types of ritual allow the shaman to pierce the veil of the physical world and to experience the realm of energies. This knowledge lends the shaman the power to change his or her world through magick.

Shamanism: The practice of shamans, usually ritualistic or magickal in nature, sometimes religious.

Shillelagh: Magickal tool corresponding to the staff in other traditions. Usually made from blackthorn wood.


Sigil: Magically oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal working. Ones you create yourself are the most effective. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, etc.

Simple Feast: A ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God.


Sky Father: Shamanistic in origin. It assigns deification to the sky as a male entity.

Skyclad: The act of celebrating or performing magickal works in the nude. Considered deeply spiritual, and not sexual in any way.

Solitary: Pagan who works and worships alone.

Spell: A magickal ritual, usually non-religious in nature and often accompanied by spoken words. It should be clear, concise, focused and emotional. Need must be present.

Spiral: Symbol of coming into being.

Staff: Ritual tool which corresponds to the wand or athame.

Stang: Ritual tool from Pagan Rome which resembles a two-pronged trident. Often used in place of the wand or circle.

Subconscious Mind: Part of the mind which functions below the levers we are able to access in the course of a normal working day. This area stores symbolic knowledge, dreams, the most minute details of every experience ever had by a person.


Summerland: The Pagan Land of the Dead.

Sympathetic Magick: Concept of likes attract. Most common way spells are worked.

Talisman: An object charged with personal power to attract a specific force or energy to its bearer.

Tarot Cards: Set of 78 cards which feature pictures and symbols used to conned the diviner with the collective unconscious.


Threefold Law: Karmic principle that energy that is released is returned three times over.

Tradition: Branch of paganism followed by any individual Pagan or coven.


Trilithon: A stone arch made from two upright slabs with one lying atop these. They are
featured in Stonehenge.

Triple Goddess: One Goddess in all of her three aspects: Maiden, Mother, Crone.


Virgin: Youngest aspect of the Triple Goddess. Also know as the Maiden. Represented by the waxing moon, colors white and blue. Her Sabbats are Imbolc and Ostara.

Vision Quest: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dream time to accomplish a specific goal. Also called path working.

Visualization: The process of forming mental images. Magickal visualization consists of forming images of needed goals during ritual. It is also used to direct personal power and natural energies for various purposes during magick, including charging and forming of the magick circle.

Wand: Ritual tool brought to the craft from ritual magick.


Warlock: Antiquated term misused in reference to a male Witch. It means oath-breaker or Liar. Most Pagans, Witch's find the term offensive.

Web Weaving: Networking with other magickal people via conversation, writing, e-mail, to gather information which will mutually assist each party.


Wheel of the Year: One full cycle of the seasonal year.

Wicca: A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature. Some major identifying motifs are: reverence for both the Goddess and God; acceptance of reincarnation and magick; ritual observance of astronomical and agricultural phenomena; and the use of magickal circles for ritual purposes.


Wicce: Synonymous with Wicca. In some circles, Wicce is used for women and Wicca is used for men.

Widdershins: Counter-clockwise motion, usually used for negative magickal purposes, or for dispersing negative energies or conditions such as disease.


Witch: A practitioner of folk magick, particularly that kind relating to herbs, stones, colors, wells, rivers, etc. It is used by some Wiccans to describe themselves. This term has nothing to do with Satanism.

Witchcraft: The craft of the witch- magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors, and other natural objects. This belief system also has nothing to do with Satanism.

Yggdrasil: One of the best known Tree of Life symbols. It unites all existence from the Underworld, to the Physical world.

Check back from time to time, as I will add things to this list as I think of them.
If I left anything out or if there anything that you would like added, please email me at skylanightshade@yahoo.com .