Glossary of terms

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See also: Wiccan/Pagan New Age Dictionary

E

EARTH MAGICK: A practical form of magick wherein the powers and forces of Earth Mother are used to conduct magickal workings or celebrations. Usually items associated with the Earth and nature hold a particular significance in the ritual or spell.

ELDER: Many Wiccan organizations have a group or board of Elders who oversee the operations of the church and its variety of functions. These people have usually gained their positions through a combination of their abilities which may include education, experience, magickal adeptship and counseling. 

ELEMENTS: Usually counted as four: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. However, many Witches add Spirit or Akasha to this category, as well. Each element has a direction within a magick circle or working: East = Air; South = Fire; West = Water; North = Earth; Center = Spirit or Akasha.

ENCHANTMENT: A magickal object that must be kept absolutely secret and hidden from all human eyes ands affects a hidden aura. Enchantments must be charmed first. Gems and magickal writing are good items for Enchantments 

EVOCATION: To call something out from within.
 
 

FASCINATION: A mental effort to control another animal or person's mind. It has been referred to as "mind-bending." Although the technique of fascination runs a borderline when considering humans, it should not be totally trashed. Using it for a love spell would be unethical, and much like committing psychological rape. But if you found yourself in an unsafe situation where your person (or friend or family member) is in real physical danger. I wouldn't have the guts to tell you not to use all the tools and skills available to you. 

GAEA/GAIA: Greek Goddess, now meaning Earth Mother or Mother Earth. Environmental action groups use this term almost as much as we do, if not more these days.

MICROCOSM: The world within us

MAGIC(K): The art and science of focusing your will and emotions to effect change both in the world around you and the world within you. Magick is neither good nor evil, positive nor negative. It is the use of the power that determines the path it will take.

MAGICK CIRCLE: A circular boundary drawn in visionary blue flames or white light that protects the Witch from outside forces while conducting ritual magick. One must never step outside the circle while performing a ritual unless the appropriate precautions have been take to cut a door. Nor should anyone step in during a ritual, unless they are following a pathway made for them. The door is usually cut with the athame or wand. The circle should never be left hanging after your ritual is over. This means that it must be closed just as ceremoniously as it was opened. The magick circle is considered the doorway between the worlds and allow us to move between the two. Some Witches draw the circle in the physical, either permanently on the floor or for temporary use with herbs, sand, salt, chalk or a nine-foot cord. The circle us still cast with blue or white light by the High Priestess/Priest or individual designated to do so. In some covens, the person in charge if a particular quarter is responsible for preparing the area before the coven members arrive. This includes cleaning the area, cleansing, consecrating, and making sure all the necessary supplies have been transported to the location.

MAGICKAL SYSTEMS: Can refer to Traditions, denominations, sects, or pantheons. It is a basic set of guidelines relating to specific Gods and Goddesses or cultural traditions.