A ~
Aberffraw- The ancient royal seat of Wales on the isle of Ynys Mon (Anglesey). Today, some Celtic witches like to use the name as a synonym for the Other-world.
Acolyte - A beginner or 'novice/seeker' as used in many magickal orders; sometimes used to denote the lowest rank in the group.
Adbertos - Literally means "sacrifice" and was part of the Celtic religious and community world-view. Rather than the negative connotation given to its English counterpart, adbertos was a positive idea denoting the giving to others, to the clan, and to the larger community as well as the deities. The Celts saw the giving or receiving of sacrifice as being inherent in every living moment. This is a very old word which came to the British Isles and Brittany from Celtic Gual.
Adept - A person accomplished in the magickal arts. A skilled occult practitioner; one who has reached true enlightenment. In some Craft traditions, it designates a particular stage of initiation.
Affirmations - A belief that repetitive "Positive Assertive Thoughts" will influence people & reality; also known as "Power of Positive Thinking."
Aileach - A ruined fortress in Ulster which is said to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann.
Akasha - The omnipresent fifth occult element and omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is the energy out of which the Elements formed and which embraces the other four- earth, air, fire, and water; and from which they stem. This is the realm of pattern" or causality, from which the realm the normally thought of "five senses manifests. Some define it is the "other" of the "two worlds" that the witch or magician walks between.- the spiritual ether (or Aether)
Akashic Records - The plane where all time and space meet, where one may find the answer to all things. 2) the source of "past life" memories.
Alba - A name for the land which is now known as Scotland.
Albion - An old Greco-Celtic name for Britain, one which is still used poetically today. It is believed to be derived from the Latin word albus meaning "white" and referring to the famous cliffs of Dover.
Alchemy - The practice or science of transmuting metals; transmutation of Inner Self to a higher more Spiritual plane.
Alexandrian Tradition - A Wiccan religious tradition which traces its linage to Alex Sanders of England, who died in 1988. Alex and Maxine Sanders were the founders; The Alexandrian tradition is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca, but also includes traces of Ceremonial Magick, Egyptian & Classical religions, Qabala, and the teachings of Aleister Crowley. This tradition has become the most popular in England because of its openness which makes it more accessible to seekers. *Submitted by Storm ~ There are 4 distinct Lines of the Alexandrian Craft in the US today
The first to arrive in the US that we know of is the Baker Line, arriving in Boston, in the early 70's. Its the Largest Line in the US with at least 3 valid, major sublines. The Vivien Crowley Line also called the Whitecroft Line, The Diamond Line, and the Farrar Line.
Algard Tradition - A Wiccan religious tradition founded by Mary Nesnick, of N.Y. City, in late 70's. Their Book of Shadows includes a combination of Gardnerian and Alexandrian components.
Allah - 'God' in Islamic theology; originally 'Al-Lat', the Moon.
All-Power - A term which is used when referring to the great power, or life source, of which the Goddess and God are both a part.
Alraun - A talismanic image made of rowan wood.
Alter - A table or sometimes any flat surface used to hold the symbols and tools during the performance of religious and magickal rituals. Sometimes the altar is round to Symbolize the Goddess, or square to represent the Elements. Best made of wood, and facing North East toward the rising of both Sun and Moon. Traditionally, the left 1/3 is reserved for the Goddess, the center for both Deities, and the right 1/3, for the God.
American Tradition - The tradition was founded by the Mohs, who had much contact with Ed Fitch in the early seventies, but also important contact with Joe Wilson and Thomas Giles, especially with Joe Wilson. The first Mohsian coven dates from 1965, some members of which are still around. The term Gardnerian was not in use until much later. Patricia Crowther still enveighed against the term in the early 70's. Until 1974, Ed was the only practicing Gardnerian on the West Coast. In that year, Athena and Dagda were initiated Gardnerian (back in New York) and returned to California. They were already Mohsian initiates. The Mohs were never initiated Gardnerian. The name, American Tradition, has indeed been used for this tradition, but is also a name used by Scott Cunningham for his own. There is no connection between the two.
Amulet - a magically empowered object that deflects (sends away) specific, usually negative, energies. Generally, a protective object. See Talisman.
Anaphrodisiac - a substance, such as camphor, that reduces sexual desires.
Angelsey - An Island off the north coast of Wales which was a major Druidic center at the peak of Celtic domination in Britain.
Anglo-Saxon - English of circa 5th - 11th centuries.
Anima/Animus - Jungarian concept that ANIMA, is the buried feminine element in a man's psyche & that ANIMUS is the buried masculine element in the female. This then fits to the Pagan views that Self and/or Soul, is both male & female, and with the concepts of reincarnation. See also Yin-Yang.
Animistic - the belief that all forms of nature have a Divine Spirit within.
Annwyn/Annwyfn - Another name for the Welsh/Celtic Otherworld.
Aphorism - A sparsely worded, and direct little saying, such as, 'As above, So below.'
Aphrodisiac - a substance that produces sexual excitement.
Aradia - The Goddess daughter of Diana, and the Goddess of choice of Italian (Strega) traditions. Also a book by Charles Leland, purporting to be an actual 'Book of Shadows' of an Italian Witch. Commonly used in many Wiccan traditions today.
Arcadian Tradition - A male oriented worship of the Horned God, less sexist than Dianic Wicca, as most Arcadian groups admit women.
Arcana - Secret knowledge. Also used to denote a classification of the cards in a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana being the "trumps" numbered from 0 to 21, the Minor Arcana being the 56 "court" cards.
Archetypes - Extremely basic forms within the human psyche; the archaic "racial memories".
Ard-ri - An Irish or Scottish High King. Also spelled Ard-Righ and Ard-Ridh.
Armor - The original Celtic name for Brittany which means "on the sea."
Armorica - The Latin name for Brittany.
Aromatherapy - The use of various flower, herb, oil and incense fragrances and smells. Holistic aroma uses massage and smell. Magickal aroma uses smell and visualization.
As Above, So Below - This saying means that universal & natural laws apply to inner & outer consciousness. That everything is connected and is part of everything else.
Aspects - Qualities or characteristics of something or deity.
Aspecting - When a person during a ritual or magickal exercise, manifests 'aspects' of a God/dess within themselves.
Asperger - A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object, used for purificatory purposes to sprinkle water during or proceeding ritual.
Assiah - In Qabalah, the fourth of the Four Worlds of Creation on the Tree of Life; the realm of manifestation/pure material.
Association of Cymry Wiccae - One of the oldest Witchcraft associations in the U.S. Founded in 1967, it provides member Churches, Covens or Groves with Federal I.R.S. Tax Exempt status. It consists of member Witch and Wiccan churches whose traditions derive most of their religious philosophy from Celtic sources.
Astral - A realm of existence parallel to physical reality but slightly apart from it.
Astral Body - A duplicate of and existing within the physical body, but made of a substance not physical. However, this body can sometimes leave the physical body, and in some cases can temporarily create a separate physical body.
Astral Planes - Various worlds of other dimensions which are co-existent with the earth plane.
Astral Projection - Typically described as the 'Out-of-Body-Experience (OOBE)', transferring the consciousness from the physical body to the Astral Body. The act of separating the consciousness from the physical body and moving it about at will.
Astrology - The belief that the relative positions of planets, planetoids and stars, can influence events & behavior surrounding us; the method used in calculating these related happenings. 'Astronomy' is the hard science.
Astrology (Natal) - Refers to calculating the planetary influences at the time of the subject's birth.
Atavism (Ativistic) - Refers to characteristics of all living organisms, that has a hereditary characteristic trait or deformity which shows up after having skipped a generation or more. The reversion to the original type, like if you plant a hybrid seed but it grows up like its wild ancestor.
Athame - Pronounced; 'a-THA-may'; the Witch's traditional magical tool, the consecrated, black-handled dagger. It is never used to cut, but can be used to defend; a personal knife, usually made of steel and is double bladed or edged; with a black handle. Double edged to Symbolize that power works both ways: healing & harming, creation & destruction; light & dark. Both sides necessary & both sides needing to be controlled. The black absorbs power. The owner often engraves magick symbols into the metal. A magickal tool associated with change makes it the symbol of the Element - Fire, and its phallic nature links it to the God. It's direction is the South.
Atziluth - In Qabalah, the first of the Four Worlds of Creation on the Tree of Life; the realm of pure Deity and Archetyes.
Aura - The colored, low level energy field that surrounds living tissue.
Automatic Writing - A form of Divination where the channeler enters an altered state of consciousness in order to receive divine messages through writing.
Avatar - An advanced soul, who chooses to return to a physical body, in order to teach less evolved souls. Ex.: Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, & Zoraster.
Awd Goggie - A Nursery Bogie (one used to scare young children); A protector of fruit most often found in woods and orchards.
B ~
Baculum - Witches rod, staff, wand or 'broomstick' used in divination and certain fertility spells.
Balefire - A ritual fire built for a outdoor Sabbat Festival. The Balefire is used for magickal purposes and is traditionally lit on Yule, Beltaine & Midsummer. The name comes from the Anglo Saxon word Boon meaning "gift" or something extra.
Bane (Baneful) - That which destroys life. Poisonous, dangerous, destructive.
Banish - The magickal act of driving away evil or negativity. A strong purification, sometimes associated with the removal of 'spirits'.
Bard - An ancient teacher who taught by the use of poems and song. They were a class of Druid who were the poets and singers that kept alive valuable oral traditions through song. These songs were called 'cetel' in Ireland and 'lay' in Brittany. They could also be used as magickal spells to curse or bless those who they were directed at.
Bardien - Welsh plural for Bards.
Bardic Tradition - A tradition derived from Celtic Druidism. See also Druids.
Barrow - An elvin or Celtic burial mound often used by covens for Sabbats.
Bauchan (Buckwan) - A less friendly type of brownie. One of the few types who will not leave when seen by the human residents of his home. They mostly stay around just to play tricks, but can be very helpful when the proper mood strikes.
Beastie - A term for the little house spirits that beg for attention by stealing your keys and driving your cat crazy! Can be overly protective, and helpful though really mischievous if you don't acknowledge them from time to time. There is no way to command their loyalty or bonding with you; however, earnest 'willing' and 'calling' for such will generally bring one to you. Negative magick and exercises on your part, will drive one away. Reference to one's pets. Reference to small house entities or spirits.
BCE - Before Common Era; is the nonreligious equivalent of BC.
Bell - An altar tool, symbol of the Goddess and rung during ritual to invoke Her. Also rung to ward off negative or evil and to evoke good energies. Also used to signal the beginning and/or end of a spell. Can symbolize the motion of the Elements and its swinging to and fro, represent the extremes of good and evil; positive and negative.
Beltane (Bealtaine, Beltaine) - This Sabbat is celebrated on May 1st. It is rife with fertility rituals and symbolism, and is a celebration of the sacred marriage of the Goddess and God. The festival celebrated on April 30th or May 1st. It also celebrates the maturity of the God to manhood and the union of the God and Goddess, and her fertility. Also the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the 'Wheel of the Year' is returned to the Goddess. Also called May Day, the old English May Pole tradition was of a phallic symbol, marking the return of vitality, passion and consummated hopes. One of the Ancient Celtic Fire Festivals'. On this night, the cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would 'jump the fires' on Beltaine night. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother Pronounced b' YALt'n. Also see Noswyl Mai.
Besom - Broom, usually the round type. Symbol of the Element Water. Typically used to cleanse a ritual area by 'sweeping'; to ride over crops in fertility rites. This is where the myth of the 'witch flying/riding' on broomsticks originated. Women, usually menstruating, would ride brooms or pitchforks over crops to bless them. It was believed, the higher they jumped, the higher crops would grow. Also used in handfastings. Upon completetion of the Handfasting rites, the couple join hands and 'jump over' the broom. This is done so that the couple may leave their individual pasts behind them as they begin their new path together. With the past they leave behind any negativity or apprehensions they might have had up to this point. These unwanted energies are then often swept (grounded) out of the circle by the High Priestess or High Priest.
Beyond The Veil - This is a term pertaining to those things beyond our 'normal' 5 senses, such as angels, fairies, ghosts, etc. and things like channeling.
Biddy - A 'doll' made from the last sheaf of the last harvest. See also Corn Dolly.
Bigotry - A willful ignorance.
Binah - The 3rd sephirah on the Tree of Life. The English translation of the Hebrew is 'understanding'.
Bind - To cast a spell upon; also to practice ligature.
Biorhythm (Circadian) - This is the study of 3 physical, intellectual, & emotional vibrations or components, that start when we are born or at conception; Opinions vary. These then are tracked to predict high & low days in a person's life. More simply put, these are our 'internal clocks', doing things like changing our temperature & blood pressure throughout the day... Physical: state of the body, strength, vigor, pain, etc. Intellectual: state of the mind, logical thinking, problem solving ability, etc. Emotional: state of personality, happy, irritated, angry, sad, elated, etc.
Birthstone (Sunstone) - The crystal or gemstone assigned to one's birthmonth, representing the Sun aspect. A natalstone.
Blessed Be - a traditional greeting/parting among Witches. Pronounced as three syllables.
Bodhran - The traditional goat skin drum used in Celtic music and ritual.
Boggart - Another Brownie type Faerie quite akin to a poltergeist.
Bolline - A white handled knife, single edged to reflect it's working nature, and used in ritual purposes of cutting herbs, or engraving candles, etc. It is a working tool as opposed the magickal Athame. The white is to tell it apart from the black handle. Sometimes pictured as a miniature scythe, a curved bladed tool; a magickal sickle, used to cut herbs and mistletoe.
Book Of Shadows - A compendium of Witch rituals, spells, training techniques, procedures, guidelines, and other materials important to a Witch and/or coven. There are many types of these books in existence, a large number of them have been published even though most witches consider the contents a secret. (2) a Wiccan book of rituals, spells and other magickal lore. Best when handwritten. This is a very personal item. Some say it may only be viewed by another Witch.
Book, Mirror - A diary record of personal magickal events.
Brazier - A thurible or incense burner. Usually ceramic or metal and often designed to be suspended or swung by a chain; usually ornate. The Brazier is often partly filled with sand so that incense sticks may be inserted or charcoal briquettes placed inside to burn. Catholics call this a Censer.
Breed - This is actually a mis-spelling of the phonetic sounding 'Bride', another name for Brigid, etc. and refers to the Goddess as well as the holiday of Imbolc, Candlemas, etc. Feb.1st.
Brehon - Called Breithamhain in Old Irish, these were the judges of the old Celtic world whose decisions were held in high regard. The Brehon Laws were the law codes which governed old ireland.
Breiz - The native name of the Bretons' Celtic language, also called Brezonek.
Bretagne - The French name for Brittany.
Breton - The name for a person from Brittany, that Celtic part of France where the population has always considered itself more Celtic than French.
Brezonek - The Celtic/Brythonic language of Brittany still spoken today as a first or second language of over a million Bretons.
Briah - In Qabalah, the second of the Four Worlds of Creation; the realm of the mind and archangelic forces.
Brigid - Also see Candlemas, a Sabbat Festival customarily held on February 2 eve.
British Tradition - This tradition of Wicca actually has two sub divisions; 1.) Any of the old traditions closely related to the Gardnerian Craft but excluding family traditions and other British traditions dissimilar to Gardnerian Wicca. 2.) Any of the old British traditions, including the old family and Bardic traditions.
Brownie - The most famous of the house sprites. A Brownie will stick around & finish extra cleaning as long as he gets food for his labor. The food must never be directly offered to the Brownie & one must never try to see him. The breaking of either of these taboos will cause the Brownie to become angry & leave. A well treated Brownie can be incredibly helpful, & faithful to no end. He will often punish the servants, call for a midwife or doctor when one is needed, & some have loved their human companion so much that they are said to have immigrated to America with them. The best place to leave food for a Brownie is on a warm hearth.
Brythonic- One of the Celtic language groups; also a name used to refer to the Pagan traditions of Wales, Cornwall, and England.
Burin - An engraving tool, often made with wooden handle carved by user and a sharpened nail.
Burgh- The grassy hillocks of Ireland, Scotland, and Man under which the faerie's live.
Burning Times, The - This refers to the period of history called the 'Middle Ages', when an arguable number of persons were put to death, supposedly for witchcraft. Burning was hardly the only manner of death, & witchcraft hardly the only reason. The Christian Church, during this time stamped out religious practices they didn't understand, & added a great deal of wealth to their coffers; as did landowners greedy of their neighbors. This was a term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in Scotland, and on the continent of Europe. In England and the U.S., they were hanged.
C ~
Cabala(Kabbalah, Qabbalah, Qabalah): collection of Jewish theological and philosophical learning commonly used as the basis for the Western Ceremonial Magickal Tradition.
Cabochon - A cut and polished stone, with one rough face.
CAIlEACH - In Scots and Irish Gaelic its literally means Old Woman. At one time it was a term used reverently to refer to the Crone Goddess.
Cairn - The stone burial mounds used by the Celts. They were honored at Mabon. So sacred were these mounds that a breed of dog, the Cairn Terrier was developed to protect them.
Caledonia - The old Roman name for Scotland, still used poetically today.
Candle - Also referred to as 'taper'.
Candle Dressing - Candle should be held pointing north-south. It is massaged with oil proper to the ritual to be done; or use pure virgin olive oil. Massage from the center of the candle toward each end.
Cantref - Similar to tribal lands or country.
Cape - An outer garment, thrown back behind the shoulders to cover the back.
Cardinal Point - North, East, South, & West. These are often marked in the Circle, by candles of green, red, yellow, and blue, respectively. You can use candles, crystals, & herbs.
Carmina Gadelica - A collection of Gaelic lyric poetry and lore with a Pagan emphasis, collected from oral sources in the late nineteenth century by musicologist and folklorist Alexander Carmichael. It is also a primary source for knowledge about Celtic folk magick. This work compares with the famous Carmina Burana in scope.
Cartomancy - The act of reading cards in divination work.
Catharsis - Is from 'Cathartic', which is a purgative.
Catharsize - Means to clean & purify, then 'Catharsis' also means to purify but usually thought of as emotional rather than physical, like calming music or a pretty picture; it clears the mind, soothing the emotions, etc.
Catholic - With a small 'c', means: open to all', a generic name borrowed by the first Christians to entice people into their churches.
Cauldron - An iron, fire proof pot or kettle. Usually having 3 claw feet and a handle, this is from the Celtic stories of Kerridwen, whose cauldron had three powers: inexhaustibility, regeneration, and inspiration. It's use is for cooking or brewing and is the symbol of the Goddess, the Element Water, and reincarnation, immortality and inspiration. Linked to witchcraft in popular mind, this is a primal Goddess image used like a chalice or cup. In many of the mythological stories of Ireland and Britain the cauldron is symbolic of the womb of the Mother Goddess in which all life begins, ends, and regenerates. The Irish word is 'coire' and in Welsh is 'pair'.
CAW (Church of All Worlds) - Neo-pagan church founded by Otter (Oberon) G'Zell, who also publishes the Pagan adult magazine Green Egg & child magazine HAM (How About Magick).
Ceilidh - A Scottish or Irish dance. The word literally means visit.
Celtic Lands - The areas of the world which are still populated by the descendants of the Celts are well known to most: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. Before and during their scattered migration to these places the Celts had flourishing Kingdoms in numerous places in Europe and the Middle East. Gaul, in western coastal Europe, is the best known of these. Other strongholds included Galatia in central Turkey, Galacia in northwestern Spain, Gallia Cisalpina nestled between the Alps and the Apennine mountains in central Europe, and numerous smaller settlements in what are now the countries of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and southern France.
Celtic Tradition - Old Celtic Tradition as practiced by the late Lady Gwynne (or Gwen) Thompson d. 1987. This is a tradition similar to Welsh Traditional but which adopted rituals similar to those of Gardnerian. This Family Tradition derived from Southern Welsh sources and was brought to the U.S. through Nova Scotia. American Celtic Tradition as practiced by Lady Sheba (Jessie Bell) allegedly derived from Family traditional, Mike Howard of "The Cauldron" in Wales, and Gardnerian sources. In England, British Celtic covens are called tribes. See also Welsh Traditions.
Ceol - Irish and Scottish Gaelic word for music.
CE - Common Era is the nonreligious equivalent of AD.
Censer - A heat-proof container in which incense is smoldered; an incense burner or any similar object. 2) Symbol of the element Air. See also Brazier.
Centering - The act of feeling solid, balanced and focused emotionally.
Cernnunos - A much used Witches God-name. The only known name of the Celtic Horned God of Nature.
Chakra - The term encompassing the 'Power Points' of the body; these are spinning 'wheels' of energy; about 2" above your head is a chakra that works with your Higher Consciousness.
The Seven Major Chakras: Crown / pituitary, 3rd Eye / pineal, throat / thyroid, heart / thymus, solar plexus / lyden, spine / adrenal, lumbar / gonads. Plus various Minor Chakras: such as the ones at the center of your hand (palms), soles of the feet, behind each eye, in front of ears (where the jaw bone hinge is), above each breast, behind the knees. However, the one behind the knees or a separate one (?) is about 2" above the knee, then about 1" toward the inside of the leg; if your press and release several times (don't rub!), you can neutralize leg pain sometimes.
Chalice - A Water Element symbol. A symbol of marriage, abundance, and inexhaustible sustenance; see Cauldron for same qualities. A ceremonial cup or goblet placed on the altar and representing water and the west, and it is also representative of the feminine principle of creation.
Chaplet - A crown worn on the head and usually made of flowers and worn at Beltane. Chaplets can also be made of vines and other natural material.
Charm - Set of spoken, written or chanted magickal words. Also an object carried for its beneficial magickal influence.
Channeling (Physical) - Is the action of psychic impulses on a physical level; such as using a tarot deck.
Channeling (Mental) - Is the action of psychic impulses on a mental level; such as clairvoyance. A term often used by authors wishing to sell their books, as this was quite a 'fad' for several years. It's the exercise where a person 'channels' the thoughts of a person considered 'dead'. This includes spirit entities, 'angels', and deceased persons.
Charge of the Goddess - Not an exercise but a well-known literary work. Doreen Valiente wrote it for Gardner and it came from the Charge of the Goddess in Aradia, Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland. The High Priestess intones these words, as the Goddess to her 'hidden children' during ritual.
Charging (To Charge) - To infuse an object with your personal power.
Chatomancy - The property of some stones such as Tiger's Eye or Moonstone; of showing apparent movement, illumination or opalescence, within it.
Chiromancy - The act of reading palms, or 'Palmistry' in divination work. Pronounced, kie - ro - mancy.
Chesed - The 4th sephirah on the Tree of Life. The English translation of the Hebrew is 'mercy'.
Chokmah - The 2cnd sephirah on the Tree of Life. The English translation of the Hebrew is ' wisdom''.
Chthonic - Of or pertaining to the depths of the Earth. There seem to be rather powerful chthonic magickal or psychic forces tied in with the structure of each planet. A type of Magick associated with the Necronomicon of H.P. Lovecraft. Not real,
Cingulum - Witch's girdle cord.
Circadian Rhythms - Is the same as biorhythms.
Circle - Sphere of magick, either personal or coven. Also a looser group of Wiccans, not part of a Coven. Should really be thought of as a globe rather than a Circle. It is a place not of this world nor of the world of the Gods, but a place between the worlds where we can meet the Gods.
Circles of Being - In Welsh Witchcraft philosophy both the macrocosm and microcosm are divided into three circles of being. The inner circle is Abred, the middle is Gweynfyd, and the outer most is Ceugant. The inner most circle is often represented by the magick circle wherein all magick and ritual is performed.
Circle Dance - A ceremonial or recreational dance wherein the members of a grove or coven link hands and move deosil within a ceremonial area. The basic grapevine circle step is; right foot cross over, left foot sidestep, right foot cross back, left foot sidestep, etc.
Clan - The extended family system of the Celts. Originally clans were united by being descended from a single female ancestor, but by the third century C.E. that had been largely supplanted by a male ancestor. The clan raised children, built cities, provided education, had an internal justice system connected to the larger political region in which they lived, and formed armies for mutual protection.
Claiming - Action of consciously/unconsciously of seeing an object you want VERY much, & placing a psychic 'mark' on it, that holds the item until you can get it. Also called 'Marking It'.
Clairvoyance - The ability to see things not normally perceptible to sight; means clear seeing. Clairvoyant is the person with this ability. Clairaudience means 'clear hearing'. Clairsentience means 'clear sensing' or empathy.
Clas Myrddin - The ancient name for Britain. It literally means "Merlins Enclosure."
Cleopatra's Needle - An obelisk shaped crystal, used as a collector of negative and pent-up energy. Usually placed in a flower part or sea sand to ground.
Cloak - An outer garment that sits across the shoulders covering the back & coming across to cover the front, with a clasp at the neck.
Cloak (Traveler's, Witches) - Same as the Cloak above, but with a hood. When used as a Witch's garment, best make it of natural fibers; include secret pockets for tools such as herbs or crystals; and include protective herbs in the linings. This is a personal item, DON'T let others wear your cloak! A symbol of dignity and invisibility.
Cluricaune - Perhaps the most amusing of house spirits. A cousin to the Leprechaun the Cluricaune somehow ended up lacking any of his well-known relatives industriousness. His primary concern is wine, wine, & more wine. The only way the Cluricaune really will help you is by scaring greedy drinkers away from your wine stock. (Doesn't really help much anyway since he will end up drinking it all himself.) It is wise to watch your alcohol intake when you have a Cluricaune they don't like anyone else drinking too much of 'their' wine, usually a good hearty pinch is the price for drunkenness.
Coibche - An Irish word for dowry, or marriage portion.
Collective Unconscious - Believed to be the all-knowing, all-pervasive, all-encompassing energy source which is tapped through divination, meditation and other magickal work. It is the term used to describe the connection between all living things, in all incarnations. The original Source; the pure Spirit, through connection to your Higher-Self.
Coming Of Age Ritual - At age thirteen for boys, and at the time of a girls first menstrual cycle, Pagan children are considered to be spiritual adults. They join with other Pagans to celebrate their new maturity with rituals and parties and are permitted full membership in covens. This is also the time when ritual tools are given to them as gifts, or else the are allowed to choose their own.
Comehither - The act of 'calling' something or someone to get in touch with you. Sometimes used in reference to an item that wants a person. Such as a crystal, that you feel compelled to buy; or a person you feel compelled to phone. Goes both ways.
Color Breathing - A method of concentrating on breathing various colors to have a mental, emotional, and physical effect on the body.
Concentration - Focusing the mind on one object or idea so that nothing else exists during the period of concentration.
Cone Of Power - The force raised from the assembled members of the grove or coven working in the circle for a specific purpose. Some raise power during ritual, then form it into 'cone' shape & send it out on the world in a magickal spell.
Conjuration - Act of summoning non-physical entities.
Conjure - To work magic, usually by setting up an altar or central concentration point and focusing the mind by chants, mantras or invocations.
Consecration - A ritual of sanctification or purification. A ritual of dedication.
Contact - A non-physical being who acts as a guide and instructor.
Cords Of Life - Is a Starhawk ritual. Using decorated & colored cords, the purpose is to get an idea of 'you reap what you sow.'
Corn Dolly - A human shaped formed from braided grain (not corn husks) stocks, with grain heads where the head is located. Represents the Mother Earth's fertility. Often made from the last of the harvest. See also Biddy.
Coven - An organized group of Witches and/or Wiccans led by a Priestess, Priest or both, and joined through initiation. Covenstead; the home of the coven. Traditionally, a coven consists of thirteen females and males. An equal number of men and women is optimum for working purposes.
Covendom - The area watched over by a coven.
Covenstead - The meeting place of the coven, also called a temple.
Cowan - Unwelcome non-Pagan intruder. Non-craft person, an outsider. Term also used by freemasons to describe the same type of person. A person, not of Wiccan beliefs. Was used as a derogatory term for a 'fake' or 'gameplayer' Pagan; a fool who doesn't know what they are talking about.
Coyote - A tricky, prankster, perverse or clowning person named after the Nat.Am. 'Coyote', who tricks man into learning needed lessons.
Craft, The - The Witches name for the practice of Witchcraft or Wicca craft referring to 'Craft' of the Wise Ones.
Cromach - A Scottish walking stick with a crooked handle similar to an Irish shillelagh.
Cromlech - Welsh word for an uneven structure of stone often used by a grove as a temple.
Crone - Third aspect of the Mother Goddess. A Witch of 50 or 56 yrs, or post menopause. A term of respect. Croning; then is the ritual which celebrates a person reaching this status. The Crone Goddess is symbolized by the waning moon, the carrion crow, the cauldron, and the color black. Her Sabbats are Mabon and Samhain. She rules from Lughnasadh to Samhain, when the God aspects take over. The male counterpart can be a Sage or Seer depending on tradition.
Cross-Quarter Days - The traditional Pagan holidays which occur exactly between each Sabbat or seasonal festival; i.e., Candlemas, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain. These are the 4 holidays that fall between the Quarter holidays, they are the midpoints of the season or Quarters & relate to lambing, harvest, planting, & slaughter times. As opposed to Solar dates of 'Quarters', these being the 4 holidays that recognize Solstices & Equinoxes.
Cruachan, Cave of - The Irish name of the entrance to the Otherworld. In the Christian mythology of the islands this became disparagingly known as the 'Gateway to Hell'.
Crystal - Any of the many types of gems, minerals and rocks, which are used according to their characteristic vibrations or qualities in Earth Magic.
Crystal Ball - Though many types of crystal can be bought in sphere (round) form, this term is almost exclusively a reference to the clear quartz type, used for scrying and divination. Its round shape makes it a Goddess symbol, which is why periodic moonbaths will keep it clear of negative energies and enhance its psychic powers.
Cumdach - A lavishly ornamented shrine, usually used as a resting place for sacred illuminated books.
Cup - An altar tool that often looks like a cauldron on a stem. Symbol of the Goddess and fertility; and of the Element Water.
Curse - A conscious direction of negative energy toward a person, place, or thing.
Curragh - The animal skin covered skiffs mentioned in myths and which are still used today in rural Ireland and Scotland.
Cyfarwydd - The Welsh word for 'storyteller'. The traveling cyfarwydd was an integral part of the social structure of the Celtic world, and was largely responsible for the survival of the oral traditions.
Cymraeg - The name of the Welsh language. It comes from the word Cymru which means Wales.
Cywydd - A form of native Welsh poetry which came into fashion around the fifth century and dominated Welch writing until the eighteenth century
Cymry - The Welsh name for the Welsh people.
