TE Classrooms: Wiccan Glossary

A list of wiccan/pagan words and their everyday meanings.

Browse the glossary using this index

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A

Altar

Pronunciation: all-ter

Also Known As: shrine, table

Common Misspellings: alter

The altar is often the focus of most pagan ceremonies, usually found at the center of the rite. Essentially it is a table that is adorned in altar cloths, and other decorations that are appropriate for the ritual at hand. It also holds the tools that will be used during the ritual.

Amulet

Pronunciation: am-yoo-let

Also Known As: charm, talisman, symbol

An amulet is any natural object that is consecrated and used for healing, protection, luck or attraction. Examples of an amulet are such things as rocks or stones, acorns, four leaf clovers, hair, or wood. Generally an amulet is worn as a necklace.

Ankh

An Egyption hieroglyphic that is widely used as a symbol for life, reincarnation, and love.

Astral

This word has a lot of definitions. To keep it simple, let's describe it as another demension or reality. I have heard it referred to as "dreamtime" which i think is an excellent label. This reference is from the Australian people and their teachings, which are well worth your further study.

Astral Travel

The ability of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane.

Athame

Pronunciation: a-tha-may

Also Known As: Magical knife

An athame is a magical knife used in ritual for circle castings. It can be hand made or purchased.

B

Blessed Be

Pronunciation: Bless-ed be

Also Known As: Blessings, Bright Blessings

This is a traditional greeting among Wiccans as well as many other pagan paths. To say "Blessed Be" to someone means you wish good things upon them.

Burning Times

The term "burning times" is often used to describe the period between the 15th and 18th centuries where many people were convicted of witchcraft and killed. In a lot of cases they were burned at the stake however many were also hanged, stoned to death, pressed and tortured.

In America there were no witches burnt at the stake, during the famous Salem Witch Trails those convicted were hanged, one man was pressed to death.

C

Charge of the Goddess

The "Charge of the Goddess" is a poem written by Doreen Valiente in the 1950's it is used today in many wiccan rites.

Circle

The "circle" is a place of worship for the Wiccan. Unlike a church or temple the circle can be created any time, any place. Most wiccans and pagans prefer to cast outdoors in nature, but many others, especially solitaire wiccans will cast indoors. The athame is used to cast your circle but you may also use your hand or wand.

A consecrated circle will keep positive energy within it while deflecting negative energy.