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CABALA, CABBALA: A body of occult philosophy, doctrines, and magickal and mystical lore derived from certain Jewish rabbinical texts, probably originating in early Chaldean and other Mesopotamian cultures, possibly including ancient Egypt. Also known as Kabala, Qabala, Qabbalah.
CABEIRI, CABIRI: A group of deities of Semitic origin worshipped in Egypt, Phoenicia, Greece and Rome. Worship of the Cabeiri was often affiliated with the worship of Vulcan. Also known as Penates (Roman term).
CACODAEMON: A hostile spirit found in Egyptian, Persian, Chaldean and Greek traditions. Cacodaemons were attached to each mortal from birth as a constant companion and a messenger between the mortal and the gods. They were capable of giving mortals impulses. The Cacodaemons were believed to be the rebellious entities expelled from heaven for their crimes that settled between the earth and the stars. The mythology evolved into a Christianized form called Cacodemons. Also known as Kakodaemon.
CACODEMON:
A malicious spirit that changed shape and cannot be identified on sight;
The misguiding spirit that each person is supposed to have in conjunction with a guardian spirit;
The Twelfth House of the Sun in astrology.
CACOUX: A caste of rope makers in Brittany believed to be sorcerers and banned from entering Churches. Also known as Caqueux.
CADUCEUS: The magickal staff carried by Hermes (Mercury) and the symbol of the medical profession. The staff is entwined with two serpents representing the solar and lunar forces combining to create the Stone. The Stone is represented by a golden ball with wings at the top of the caduceus. This symbol is also affiliated with alchemy.
CAGRINO: Malicious spirits in Europe that ride horses into exhaustion. Also known as Chagrin (Europe), Guecubu (Chile), Harginn (India).
CAILLEACH, CAILLECH, CAILLIACH: (Old Irish, caillech: "veiled one"; Irish, cailleach: "old woman, hag"): A figure created by plaiting the last sheaf of a harvest. In some communities the cailleach was made by each farmer, those pulling off their harvest first calling theirs the "corn maiden" and the last one made was the Cailleach or Harvest Old Wife. In other traditions only one cailleach was made and the figure passed from farmer to farmer until the last harvest was pulled. Although possessing the true Cailleach could be viewed as a reproach for laziness, the figure represents the fertility of the Earth and the Goddess and is used in the spring in a variety of ways to ensure a good harvest. Also known as Biddy, Callach, Corn Dolly, Corn Maiden, Harvest Old Wife.
CAIRN: A conical heap of stones built as a monument or landmark and believed to be used for sacred ceremonies by Pictish and Celtic traditions.
CALA' ME: The May 1st Greater Sabbat that celebrates the beginning of the Light Half of the Year. Also known as Bealtaine, BealeTeine, Bealltuinn, Belltaine, Beltain, Beltaine, Beltane, Beltine, Bel-tine, Boaldyn, Calan Mai, Calan Me, Cétshamain, Cyntefin, Dydd Calan Mai, Feast of Bíle, Kala-Mae, Kala-Hañv, Lady Day, May Day, May Eve, Walpurgisnacht
.
CALAN GAEAF, CALAN GWAF: The November 1st Greater Sabbat celebrating the End and the Beginning of the Year with the final harvest. On this day the veil between the Otherworld and the World is thinnest and entities from either side may cross over or communicate with one another more easily. The laws of time and space are suspended. The sabbat marks the death of the Sun God and his passing into the Land of the Young, where He awaits rebirth through the Mother Goddess at Yule. The Dead travel to the Otherworld and it is the time to bring honor and hospitality to dead ancestors. Also known as Alhalwyn-tyd, Allantide, All Hallows Eve, All Hallows Tide, The Apple Time, Feast of Apples, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Souls, Hallowmas, Hallows, Hallows Eve, Hallowe'en, Hollantide, Kala-Goañv, November Eve, Samain, Samhain, Samhuinn, Sauin.
CALAN MAI, CALAN ME: The May 1st Greater Sabbat that celebrates the beginning of the Light Half of the Year. Also known as Bealtaine, BealeTeine, Bealltuinn, Belltaine, Beltain, Beltaine, Beltane, Beltine, Bel-tine, Boaldyn, Cala' Me, Cétshamain, Cyntefin, Dydd Calan Mai, Feast of Bíle, Kala-Mae, Kala-Hañv, Lady Day, May Day, May Eve, Walpurgisnacht.
CALCINATION: The first operation in alchemical transformation, it is the process of burning a substance to ash or powder. It is represented by the first symbol of the zodiac, Aries. Also known as Oxidation.
CALEDONII TRADITION: A Scottish tradition of Witchcraft that preserves the unique festivals of the Caledoni. Also known as Hecatine Tradition.
CALEN: Chilean sorcerer.
CALLACH: (Old Irish, caillech: "veiled one"; Irish, cailleach: "old woman, hag"): A figure created by plaiting the last sheaf of a harvest. In some communities the callach was made by each farmer, those pulling off their harvest first calling theirs the "corn maiden" and the last one made was the Cailleach or Harvest Old Wife. In other traditions only one callach was made and the figure passed from farmer to farmer until the last harvest was pulled. Although possessing the true Callach could be viewed as a reproach for laziness, the figure represents the fertility of the Earth and the Goddess and is used in the spring in a variety of ways to ensure a good harvest. Also known as Biddy, Cailleach, Caillech, Cailliach, Corn Dolly, Corn Maiden, Harvest Old Wife.
CALLING, CALLING DOWN: The ritual to summon or invite a non-material force or entity of a higher order of being than oneself (usually an an aspect of the Goddess or the God). Examples include the ritual of Drawing Down the Moon and the Voudoun practice of the deity speaking through a priest or priestesses body. This practice is more commonly known as Invocation. Also known as Aspecting, Drawing Down.
CAMBION: An offspring of humans and incubi (or succubi) that are neither good nor evil by nature. According to folklore, unless touched, a cambion will show no sign of life until they reach seven years of age.
CANDLEBEARER: In Wicca, the male assistant to the High Priest. Also called Officer or Summoner.
CANDLEMAS: The February 1st Greater Sabbat marking the midpoint of the Dark Half of the year and a time of purification and sharing. This sabbat celebrates the Return of the Goddess from the Underworld, bearing in Her arms the Infant Sun, and the beginning of Spring as the slumbering seeds begin to stir within the womb of the Earth. Also known as Brigidmas, Brigit's Day, Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of the Waxing Light, Festival of the Lactating Ewes, Gouel Varia ar Gouloù, Gwyl Ffraed, Gwyl Mair Dechrau'r Fwanwyn, Imbolc, Imbolg, Laa'l Breeshey, Lá Fheile Bride, Lupercalia, Oimealg, Oímealg, Oimelc, Óimelc, Oímelg.
CANTRIP:
A spell, usually in the form of a chant or rhyme, that can be cast quickly from any location. Originates in Scotland;
Sometimes used to refer to a palindrome, a word or phrase that reads the same forward or backward.
CAPNOMANCY: Divination by interpreting smoke rising from a fire, especially sacred fires. A form of pyromancy.
CAQUEUX: A caste of rope makers in Brittany believed to be sorcerers and banned from entering Churches. Also known as Cacoux.
CARPOCRATIAN: A sect of Gnosticism founded by Carpocrites of Alexandria. Carpocrites claimed that Christ had studied the mysteries at the Temple of Isis in Egypt for six years and had taught these mysteries to his apostles, who in turn, taught Carpocrites. The sect was believed to have lasted for several centuries and used theurgic magick.
CARDINAL POINTS: Term to describe the corresponding Direction, Color, Element, and Elemental at each point in a Magick Circle. Also known as Corners, Four Corners, Quarters, Four Quarters, Watchtowers.
CARDINAL SIGNS: In astrology, the four Signs of the Zodiac which initiate the Elemental Tides:
Aries ~ Fire;
Cancer ~ Water;
Libra ~ Air;
Capricorn ~ Earth.
CARRAHDIS: A caste of priest in New South Wales, Australia.
CARROMANCY: Divination by interpreting melting wax (usually poured into cold water). Also called Ceromancy, Ceroscopy.
CARTOMANCY: Divination using modern playing cards. Some sources include Tarot and other Divinination cards in this category.
CATABOLIGNE: A type of demon reputed to kidnap, kill and crush human beings.
CATHARSIS (Greek, katharsis, "to purify"): Purging, or release, from the body. In magick, it is the release of energies gathered for Magickal Work and marks the climax of a ritual. Variant spelling is Katharsis.
CATOPTROMANCY: Divination by interpreting images in a reflective or transparent object such as a mirror, crystal globe or pool of water. The earliest recorded form of catoptromancy turned a mirror toward the moon to catch moonbeams. Also known as Crystallomancy, Crystalomancy, Dubjed, Enoptromancy, Scrying.
CATOXTROMANCY: Divination by interpreting images reflected in mirrors. A form of Catoptromancy, Crystallomancy, Crystalomancy, Dubjed, Enoptromancy, Scrying.
CATTOBOMANCY: Divination by interpreting images reflected in metal vessels (e.g.: bowls or cups). A form of Catoptromancy, Crystallomancy, Crystalomancy, Dubjed, Enoptromancy, Scrying.
CAULDRON: A round metal pot with a curved bottom and three feet (usually). A symbol of the Goddess in many pagan traditions. It also represents life, death, and rebirth to many. The cauldron is central to most Celtic mythology and is considered to be the origin of the Grail in Arthurian mythology.
CAUSAL PLANE: A term sometimes used for the Lower Spiritual sub-plane of the Spiritual Plane in Theosophy.
CAUSIMOMANCY, CAUSINOMANCY: Divination from observing the behavior or reaction of objects placed in a fire. It is a particularly good sign if combustible materials do not catch fire.
CE (Common Era): The non-religious equivalent of AD (Anno Domini).
CELESTIAL LIGHT: A halo that surrounds visions given to the ascetic at the time of death. It is described as "the lightning which shineth from the west to the east" and is believed to be the sacred light of all the ages.
CELTIC RECONSTRUCTIONISM: A culturally specific and historically based pagan path that attempts to recreate the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles. It embodies a strong reverence for nature.
CELTIC SHAMANISM: A shamanic path that is based on the Faery Faith of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and especially of Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany.
CELTIC TRADITIONALIST: A reconstruction of the beliefs and practices of the original Celtic people. Unlike Druidry, this tradition focuses more on the beliefs of the average Celtic man or woman.
CELTIC TREE ALPHABET:
The ancient Celtic alphabet. Each character consists of from one to five parallel strokes, written over, under, and through the line, either upright or sloping. Each character is called a few. References vary in citing the number of characters in this alphabet, the most common sources quoting twenty fews, but others cite twenty-five or twenty-seven characters. Also known as Ogham, Ogham Staves, Tree Alphabet.
The sacred trees that represent the names of each of twenty characters in the Celtic alphabet. Also known as Ogham, Tree Alphabet.
CELTIC TREE CALENDAR: The Celtic lunar calendar of thirteen months named for the sacred trees and characters of the Celtic alphabet. Also known as the Ogham Calendar, Ogham.
CELTIC WICCA: The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with Gardnerian Wicca, and heavily stressing the Elements, Nature and the Ancient Ones. Celtic Wicca focuses on knowledge of, and respect for, the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.
CELTIC WITAN CHURCH: A legally incorporated church and religious organization formed for the study and practice of the goddess-oriented nature-based religion of the ancient Celtic peoples. This is a fertility religion concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing. The Church honors the Celtic deities with full moon rituals and sabbat festivals. There are many open rituals and training programs.
CENSE: To perfume with incense, either by carrying or swinging the censer, or by passing an object through the incense smoke.
CENSER: A heat-proof container in which incense is burned. Incense is used for used for purification in many religious rituals. It symbolizes the Element of Air in many pagan traditions.
CENTAUR: A mythological creature that has the head, torso and arms of a human and the body of a horse. Usually depicted as male.
CENTERING: Grounding personal energy through meditation.
CENTER PATH: A term used to identify some traditions, paths, or practitioners where Magick may be used for both destructive and beneficial purposes.
CEPHALOMANCY: Divination interpreting the skull or head of a donkey or goat. Also known as Kephalonomancy.
CERATION (Greek, keros: "waxy"): The softening of a hard material to a more malleable waxy state in alchemy. Ceration is part of the Fermentation process.
CERAUNOSCOPY: Divination by interpreting thunder and lightning. A form of Aeromancy.
CEREMONIAL MAGICK: Magick that calls upon the aid of beneficent spirits and is akin to religion. Ceremonial Magick is based upon a blend of doctrines of Plato and other Greek philosophers, Oriental mysticism, Judaism and Christianity and currently is divided into three forms : Enochian, Thelemic and Eclectic. Enochian Magick originated with John Dee and Edward Kelly in the 16th century and communication with spirits involved the Nineteen Calls (or Keys): incantations in the Enchonian language, a complex language of unknown origin. This system of Magick was revived by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and studied at length by Aleister Crowley. In turn, Crowley developed the Thelemic Magick system from his studies and Ceremonial Magickians have since expanded to develop Eclectic Magick systems based on a variety of different systems, inclusive of Alchemy, Egyptology, Kabbalistic doctrines, Chaos Magick etc.. Ceremonial Magick requires a rigorous discipline and has an intellectual appeal, the mage derives power from God (the Judeo-Christian God) through the successful control of spirits, usually demons, which are believed easier to control than angels. Demons may be good, evil, or neutral. In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magick is a transcendental experience that takes the mage into mystical realms and into communication with the Higher Self. Also known as High Magick, Ritual Magick, Theurgic Magick, Theurgy.
CEREMONIAL WITCHCRAFT: A tradition of Witchcraft with an emphasis on Egyptian and/or Qabbalistic Ceremonial Magick.
CEROMANCY, CEROSCOPY: Divination by interpreting melting wax (usually poured into cold water). Also called Carromancy.
CÉTSHAMAIN: The May 1st Greater Sabbat that celebrates the beginning of the Light Half of the Year. Also known as Bealtaine, BealeTeine, Bealltuinn, Belltaine, Beltain, Beltaine, Beltane, Beltine, Bel-tine, Boaldyn, Cala' Me,Calan Mai, Calan Me, Cyntefin, Dydd Calan Mai, Feast of Bíle, Kala-Mae, Kala-Hañv, Lady Day, May Day, May Eve, Walpurgisnacht.
CHAGRIN: Malicious spirits in Europe that ride horses into exhaustion. Also known as Cagrino (Europe), Guecubu (Chile), Harginn (India).
CHAKRAS: Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually associated with a color. Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet as well. Too much or too little energy in one chakra is believed to be the cause for many disruptions in magick or frustrations in everyday life. The seven chakras are:
Crown ~ white;
Forehead (Third Eye) ~ purple;
Throat ~ blue;
Chest ~ pink or green;
Navel ~ yellow;
Abdomen ~ orange;
Groin ~ red.
CHALICE: A vessel used to hold consecrated liquid in religious ritual. It is the Elemental Tool of Water in many pagan traditions and is considered to be a feminine symbol. Also known as the Cup, the Goblet.
CHAM:
A tribe of Indo-Chinese who settled in South Asia;
The term for sorcerer in South Asia.
CHANGELING: A nonhuman being substituted for a human infant by the faery or malevolent spirits.
CHANNELING: Unlike the concept of demonic possession, where a person is taken over by malicious spirits for harm, channeling is a voluntary, culturally sanctioned displacement of personality. The spirits, deities, demons, advanced entities or the dead, are invited to enter a human being to educate or communicate with the living. Channeling is not the same as contacting the dead for information or help (necromancy) and because it is normally voluntary it is considered distinct from Obsession or Possession. Some channeling is involuntary when the dead are unaware of their state and need help to pass into the next realm. Also known as Mediumship, Spirit Possession. See also: Exorcism, Obsession, Possession, Demon Possession, Spirit Exorcism.
CHANT: The repetitive recitation of magickal phrases, syllables, or words to produce a desired effect. Chants are very effective in inducing a meditative state.
CHAOMANCY: Divination by interpreting aerial visions. A form of Aeromancy.
CHAOS (Latin; Greek, chaos, "abyss"):
The disorder of formless matter and infinite space that existed before the ordered universe;
Any great confusion or disorder.
CHAOS MAGICK, CMT: A magickal system invented by Austin Osman Spare, and developed by a few others during the 1980's. Chaos mages enter the "abyss", in simplistic terms the "Unknown". Anarchistic, clever, self-referential, and self-annihilistic, Chaos Magick is an extraordinary deconstruction of magick, semantics, and psychology designed to eradicate consensual belief structures and, using the energy freed by this act, glimpse the fractal contours of reality. It is a synthesis of ceremonial magick, freestyle shamanism and sigilizing, however, its practitioners reject the traditional discrimination of magick into white, grey, and black, and assume a highly individualistic approach to the interplay between ethics and personal will.
CHAOTE: A Chaos magician. Chaotes are encouraged to pursue study of other traditions and magickal practices once they have effectively mastered Chaos Magick and the term Chaote is sometimes mistakenly thought to mean a Chaos magician not actively in practice.
CHARGE:
To fill with energy, as a battery, or a magickal object, Tool, or talisman;
To give instructions to, or command authoritatively;
Iin Wicca, the traditional address given by the Goddess or God to practitioners; The Charge of the Goddess written by Doreen Valiente is an example of a Wiccan Charge.
CHARM:
Spoken or chanted words of magickal intent;
Words written or inscribed with magickal intent;
An object magickally charged for a particular intent.
CHARM WAND: A glass rod filled with seeds charged to protect a home from malicious spirits.
CHARTOMANCY: Divination using writing paper.
CHEIROMANCY: Divination through analysis of hand shape, fingers, fingernails and the palms. According to legend, it is one of the oldest Witch skills, taught to mortals by Aradia, daughter of Lucifer and Diana. Also known as Chirognomy, Chirology, Chiromancy, Palmistry.
CHERUBIM: A class of angels that are wholly or partly humanlike with wings. Sometimes cherubim are described as having two or more faces or as having a partial animal form.
CH'I, CHI ("chee"): The Chinese word for the natural (spiritual) energy of the Universe and the integral component of the metaphysical belief system of Buddhism. Chi is thought to permeate all things, including the human body, and problems are generally attributed to disharmony or imbalance in the chi. Healing of political, social, emotional, and/or physical problems include focus on restoring balance and equilibrium of the chi. Similar to the concept of Akasa. Also know as Qi.
CHILDREN OF DANU, The (Old Irish, tuatha: "family, clan"; dé Danann: "of Danu"): The Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods who withdrew to live in the hills of Ireland after their defeat by the Milesean Celts. The descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann became known as the Daoine Sídhe, the faery folk and the term sídhe now means faery in the Irish language. In Theosophy, the Tuatha Dé Danann are known as Davana and are enemies of the gods. Also known as Áes Sí, Áes Sídh, Áes Sídhe, Áos Sídhe, the Danaan, Davana, the Hill Folk, the People of Danu, the Tuatha Dé Danann. See also Daoine Sídhe, Fae, Faerie, Faery, Fairie, Fairy.
CHIMAERA, CHIMERA: A mythological fire breathing creature that had a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent or dragon's tail. The term is also used to describe a foolish or impossible idea.
CHIROGNOMY, CHIROLOGY, CHIROMANCY: Divination through analysis of hand shape, fingers, fingernails and the palms. According to legend, it is one of the oldest Witch skills, taught to mortals by Aradia, daughter of Lucifer and Diana. Also known as Cheiromancy, Palmistry.
CHOCHMAH: In the supreme triangle of the Cabala the threes sides are reason, Kether, necessity, Chochmah, and liberty, Binah.
CHRISTIAN AEON: The Great Year division that is believed to end sometime between 1999 and 2068. Also known as the Age of Pisces.
CHRISTIANITY: The doctrine of faith based on the acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God (Yahweh/Jehovah) in accordance with the New Testament in the Bible. Christianity encompasses religions including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Morman and Fundamentalist Christian sects.
CHURCH:
A group of believers in the same religion;
The place of worship for a group of people following the same religion.
CHURCH & SCHOOL OF WICCA (The): A Welsh-based Wiccan tradition founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970's. The Frosts are coauthors of The Witches Bible.
CHURCH OF ALL WORLDS: A Neo-Pagan religion founded in 1962 and incorporated March 4, 1968 that is inspired by science fiction as mythology. It is dedicated to the celebration of Life, maximizing the potential of mankind, and achieving the balance between individual freedom, personal responsibility, and collective harmony in Nature.
CHURCH OF THE ETERNAL SOURCE: A Neo-Pagan religion founded by Don Harrison in 1970 and based on a reconstruction of the Mysteries of ancient Egypt and the worship of the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses.
CHURCH OF SATAN: The controversial form of Satanism founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, which split into several factions in 1975. Practitioners follow the Satanic Bible (written by LaVey) as scripture. The Church of Satan does not recognize the existence of Satan as an entity but uses the name as a symbol of the material world and the carnal nature of man. The Church of Satan renounce sacrifice and crime as conducive to meeting their spiritual goals.
CHURCH OF SEVEN ARROWS, The: A Universal Life Church congregation with a shamanic component that was founded in 1975. See also: Shamanism.
CINGULUM: A Witch's magickal Cord, often worn as a belt or girdle. It is used for binding, measuring and counting.
CINNABAR: Mecuric Sulfide, a bright red toxic ore that emits a reddish smoke and oozes mercury as it burns. Also known as Dragon's Blood.
CIRCLE:
A representation of unity and immortality;
A group of people who come together to do magick that are not participating in a coven working;
Space that is ritually cleansed and protected to conduct ritual and/or magick. Many traditions believe that it is most effective if the space is in the form of a nine foot circle. Also known as Circle of Being (COB), Circle of Protection (COP), Magick Circle.
CIRCLE OF BEING (COB), CIRCLE OF PROTECTION (COP): Space that is ritually cleansed and protected to conduct ritual and/or magick. Many traditions believe that it is most effective if the space is in the form of a nine foot circle. Also known as Circle of Being (COB), Circle of Protection (COP), Magick Circle.
CIRCLE WICCA: A Wiccan tradition founded in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic herb farm in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin. Circle is incorporated as a non-profit spiritual center and is recognized as a legal Wiccan Church by state and federal governments. Circle differs from many traditions of Wicca in that it is more aligned with Shamanism and Amerindian ways than with the Western European influences found in the majority of Craft traditions.
CIUPIPILTIN: Vampires in ancient Mexico.
CLAIRAUDIENCE: Divination through hearing the future. Clairaudience is often categorized under the broader heading of Clairvoyance.
CLAIRVOYANCE: Divination through seeing the future. Clairvoyance specifically refers to the visual image of future events, but other forms of "seeing" the future are commonly called clairvoyance including:
Clairaudience (hearing);
Metagnomy (induced through hypnotic trance);
Precognition (inner knowing); and
Psychometry (induced through contact with a physical object).
CLAIRVOYANT: Someone who practices divination. Also known as Ariolater, Aruspex, Diviner, Haruspex, Seer, Soothsayer. See Also: Oracle, Prophet, Theomancer.
CLEANSING: The act of removing any negative energy, vibrations or images from an object or place by utilizing positive psychic energy.
CLEDOMANCY, CLEDONOMANCY: Divination by interpreting random events or statements.
CLEIDOMANCY: A form of radiesthesia (divination using a pendulum) using a suspended key as the pendulum. Also known as Clidomancy.
CLEROMANCY: Divination by sortilege with dice. It is sometimes used synonymously with Sortilege (divination by casting or drawing lots).
CLIDOMANCY: A form of radiesthesia (divination using a pendulum) using a suspended key as the pendulum. Also known as Cleidomancy.
COAGULATION: The seventh and last operation in alchemical transformation. Coagulation is the solidification of substance.
COB (Circle of Being): Space that is ritually cleansed and protected to conduct ritual and/or magick. Many traditions believe that it is most effective if the space is in the form of a nine foot circle. Also known as Circle, Circle of Protection (COP), Magick Circle.
COCKATRICE: A mythological creature with the head (and sometimes wings) of a rooster and the body of a dragon. The serpentine animal was hatched from a hermaphroditic cock's egg by a toad and nursed by a serpent. Also known as Basilisk.
COCYTUS (Greek,: "wailing"): The river of Wailing, one of the five rivers surrounding Hades. The others are:
Acheron (Woe);
Styx (Hateful);
Pyriphlegethon (Fiery);
Lethe (Forgetfulness).
CODEX REGIUS, CODEX UPSALIENSIS, CODEX WORMIANUS: The Edda, a collection of lays and stories based on the mythic wisdom of the ancient Norse, is comprised of three manuscripts: the Codex Reguius being the Elder Edda; and the Codex Wormianus and the Codex Upsaliensis comprising the Younger Edda.
COHOBATION: A method of redistillation in alchemy where the distillate is poured back into its residue.
COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUS/UNCONSCIOUS: A group mind manifesting synergically as a single awareness either in conscious or subconscious form.
COMMON ERA (CE): The non-religious equivalent of AD (Anno Domini).
CONE OF POWER: Psychic energy raised and focused by either an individual or group mind (coven) and concentrated within the Magick Circle to achieve a definite purpose. A Cone of Power was raised by a group of witches in England from various traditions to protect England from German invasion in World War II.
CONJUNCTION:
The meeting point of two forces (e.g.: conjunction of Mars and Venus)
The fourth operation in alchemical transformation that signifies the joining of opposing archetypal forces such as the Sun and Moon.
CONJURE:
To summon;
To solemnly charge or command;
To work magick (slang).
CONJURE MAN: A Traditional healer or priest to African tribal members, believers in Vodoun, Santería, or Macumba, or those who seek the healing power of herbs from them. Also known as Jujuman, Leaf Doctor, Root Doctor, Witch Doctor. See also: Traditional Healer.
CONSCIOUS MIND: The analytical, materially-based, rational half of our consciousness.
CONSECRATE:
To make sacred; to hallow, to set apart as holy;
To devote entirely to, dedicate to;
To make someone a certain rank or office by religious ceremony.
CONSECRATION: The act of blessing an object, place, or person by instilling it with positive energy.
CONTACTS: Forces or entities with whom magickal links are established; especially, the forces, entities, energies and magickal current from which a group or individual draws their power.
COP (Circle of Protection): Space that is ritually cleansed and protected to conduct ritual and/or magick. Many traditions believe that it is most effective if the space is in the form of a nine foot circle. Also known as Circle, Circle of Being (COB), Magick Circle.
CORD: A ceremonial rope usually made from silk or natural fibers that is used in a variety of ways in Mmagickal Work.
CORN DOLLY: A figure created by plaiting the last sheaf of a harvest. In some communities the corn dolly was made by each farmer, those pulling off their harvest first calling theirs the "corn maiden" and the last one made was the Cailleach or Harvest Old Wife. In other traditions only one corn dolly was made and the figure passed from farmer to farmer until the last harvest was pulled. Although possessing the true corn dolly could be viewed as a reproach for laziness, the figure represents the fertility of the Earth and the Goddess and is used in the spring in a variety of ways to ensure a good harvest. Also known as Biddy, Cailleach, Caillech, Cailliach, Callach, Corn Maiden, Harvest Old Wife.
CORNERS, The: Term to describe the corresponding Direction, Color, Element, and Elemental at each point in a Magick Circle. Also known as Cardinal Points, Four Corners, Quarters, Four Quarters, Watchtowers.
CORN MAIDEN: A figure created by plaiting the last sheaf of a harvest. In some communities the corn maiden was made by each farmer, those pulling off their harvest first calling theirs the "corn maiden" and the last one made was the Cailleach or Harvest Old Wife. In other traditions only one corn maiden was made and the figure passed from farmer to farmer until the last harvest was pulled. Although possessing the latter form of corn maiden could be viewed as a reproach for laziness, the figure represents the fertility of the Earth and the Goddess and is used in the spring in a variety of ways to ensure a good harvest. Also known as Biddy, Cailleach, Caillech, Cailliach, Callach, Corn Dolly, Harvest Old Wife.
CORPSE CANDLES: Mysterious lights that portend death. Also called Fetch-Lights, Dead Man's Candles. Akin to Corpse Light, Jack-O'-Lantern, Will-O'-the-Wisp, Fair Light, Fox Fire, Fire Demon, Witch Fire.
CORPSE LIGHT: A phosphorescent light seen in marsh and swamp areas, which in folklore is either the manifestation of a malicious lost soul or a death omen. Also known as Jack-O'-Lantern, Will-O'-the-Wisp, Fair Light, Fox Fire, Fire Demon, Witch Fire. Akin to Corpse Candles, Dead Man's Candles, Fetch-Lights.
CORRESPONDENCES:
Systems used in magick to group tools and concepts together and to assign power correlates and relationships between and within the groups. (e.g.: elements, moon phases, zodiac, planets, numbers, colors etc.)
The materials used in spellwork to enhance the Working through power drawn from the innate relationship between the material and the desired goal.
COSCINOMANCY, COSKIOMANCY: A form of radiesthesia (divination using a pendulum) using a sieve which was sometimes suspended from tongs or shears.
COSMIC EGG: A sacred symbol in many cultures that thematically represents creation and resurrection in most religions, including Christianity. In alchemy the egg is important as it represents the sealed hermetic vessel in which the Great Work was consummated (i.e.: creation). Also known as Egg.
COSMOLOGY: The study of the nature and origin of the universe including religious mythologies and constructs.
COUNCIL OF AMERICAN WITCHES: An alliance of American Wiccans from different traditions that was active in 1973-74 in an effort to define the principles of Wicca. Carl Weschcke, a Wiccan priest and president of Llewellyn Publications, spearheaded the effort. The group drafted “The Principles of Wiccan Belief” which many Witches endorse and which was later incorporated into one or more editions of the handbook for chaplains in the United States Army.
COUNTER CHARM: A charm designed to counteract the effect of another charm.
COUNTS OF HELL: Demons of a superior order in Demonology. They may be evoked at all hours of the day, providing the evocation takes place in a wild and remote area.
COVEN ("a group of confederates, a band"): An organized group of Witches that regularly meets and works together, especially a group of initiated Witches that follow a specific Tradition, and its rites and practices. Covens are sometimes limited to no more than thirteen members for both practical and magickally symbolic reasons.
COVENANT OF THE GODDESS WICCA: A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, solitary elders and associates who organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. The Covenant works to have Wicca recognized as a legitimate and legally recognized religion. 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 which may cover a city, state or an even larger area. A coven can apply for membership if it 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).
COVENDOM: Traditionally, the area one league (three miles) in all directions from the Covenstead, from which the Coven members are drawn, and defining the boundaries between Covens. In modern practice, a covendom is the area defined by the dwelling places of the members of a Coven which may overlap another Covendom.
COVENSTEAD: The place where a Coven regularly meets, usually the home of the High Priestess and/or High Priest.
COWAN:
An outsider, non-initiate; especially for an intruder or unfriendly outsider;
A derogatory term for a pagan who is considered a fake or a poser (slang).
CRAFT, The:
Traditional Witchcraft;
Masonry as referred to by Masons;
Wicca.
CRAFTERS, The: Those who practice the Traditional Witchcraft or Wicca.
CRAFT NAME: The name of a Witch taken upon initiation that reflects ones new identity as a Witch. A Witch selects a Craft name through meditation, study or oracular divination. Some use trances to receive a name bestowed by the Goddess. Differentiated from a Magickal Name in that the Craft Name is usually the name a Witch identifies him/herself as publicly and the Magickal Name is the true identity of a person and is therefore usually kept secret.
CRANIOSCOPY: Divination and character analysis by studying the shape and structure of the human skull. Also known as Phrenology.
CRITHOMANCY, CRITOMANCY: Divination by interpreting food, usually cakes and breads, that are offered in sacrifice.
CROM DUBH SUNDAY: The August 1st Greater Sabbat that celebrates the first harvest, when the fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for dark winter months. The sabbat also marks the weakening of the God as the days grow shorter. Also known as August Eve, Bilberry Sunday, Fraughan Sunday, Death of the God-King, Domhnach Chrom Dubh, Feast of Bread, Feast of Lug (Lugh), Festival of the First Fruits of Harvest, Festival of the Sacrifice and Death of the God-King, Garland Sunday, Laa Luanistyn, Laa Luanys, Lammas, Lammas Day, Lughnasa, Lughnasadh, Lugnasad, Lúnasa, Lúnasdain, Lúnasdal, Lúnasduinn, Martinmas, St. Martin's Eve.
CROMLECH:
A prehistoric tomb or monument consisting of a large flat stone laid across several upright stones. Also known as Dolmen, Portal Tomb.
An ancient monument of monoliths arranged in a circle and surrounding a mound.
CROMNIOMANCY: Divination by interpreting onions or onion sprouts.
CRONE (Middle Dutch, kronje, "old ewe"):
An old woman;
An adept and mature female witch acknowledged as such in the pagan community;
A female witch who has passed menopause.
CRONING:
The ritual that confers the title Crone upon a female witch;
The rite to observe and celebrate the onset of menopause.
CROSLET: A vessel made of heat resistant material used to liquefy metals in alchemy. Also known as Crucible.
CROSS: The ancient symbol taking many forms including the swastika, Celtic, Christian and ankh cross forms. A symbol of centrality and the union of male and female in divine conjunction. When circled it symbolizes the earth in many traditions.
CROSS-CORRESPONDENCES: Correspondences found in the script of two or more automatic writers acting without collusion, and under such conditions that the possibility of communication by normal means is removed.
CROSSING THE BRIDGE: The rite to observe the physical death of a pagan. The rite celebrates death as a rebirth and the ritual varies in each path. Also known as Passing Rite, Rite of Death, Rite of Passing.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS: The festivals of Imbolc, Beltain, Lammas and Samhain, whose observance in ancient cultures generally predated that of the Quarter Days of the Solstices and Equinoxes These are considered the most important festivals of the years which form the "cross" in the wheel of the year and are the only sabbats celebrated in some traditions. Also known as the Greater Sabbats, Fire Festivals.
CRUCIBLE: A vessel made of heat resistant material used to liquefy metals in alchemy. Also known as Croslet.
CRUX ANSATA: An Egyptian hieroglyphic that is widely used as a symbol for everlasting life, love and reincarnation. It combines the symbols of male and female, or spirit and material, in a looped cross. Its use dates back over 3,000 years. Also called Ank, Ankh, Ansated Cross.
CRYSTAL BALL: A crystal sphere used for divination, especially for scrying. Also called a Showstone.
CRYSTALLOMANCY, CRYSTALOMANCY: Divination by interpreting images in a reflective or transparent object such as a mirror, crystal globe or pool of water. Also known as Catoptromancy, Dubjed, Enoptromancy, Scrying.
CULT (Latin, cultus: "care, adoration"; colere; "to cultivate"):
A system of religious beliefs and ritual and those following the religion;
A religion regarded as unorthodox and those following the religion;
A system for the cure of disease based on dogma;
Great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement or work.
CUNNING FOLK: Archaic term for a traditional healer or "white witch". The cunning folk offer protection and healing services to their communities and were/are often tolerated by Christian Churches. The Cunning Folk role remains intact in the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. See also: Traditional Healer.
CUP, The: A vessel used to hold consecrated liquid in religious ritual. It is the Elemental Tool of Water in many pagan traditions and is considered to be a feminine symbol. Also known as Chalice, the Goblet.
CURANDERA, CURANDERO: Female and male practitioners of Brujeria, a Mexican shamanistic magickal system that is an integration of Roman Catholicism and Native American lore. The terms are sometimes used in Mexico, Meso-America and Hispanic communities in the US to refer to any witch. Bruja (female) and Brujo (male) are primarily sought for remedies for physical illness and the Curandera (female) and Cureandero (male) are sought for spells and charms to remedy emotional, romantic, and social problems. Both disciplines use herbal and folk remedies. The Bruja and the Curandera (females) are considered to be more powerful than their male counterparts. See also: Brujeria, Bruja, Brujo, Curandera.
CURSE: A word or words in the form of a spell designed to cause harm or destruction. A popular form of a curse is the simplistic "a down mouth be yours". Other curses can be more complex in form and delivery. Similar to Taboo, a word of that prohibits and restricts. Also known as Blight.
CURSED BREAD: A divination practice to identify guilty parties by feeding an individual or group a loaf of barley. Innocent people would feel no ill effect but guilty ones would experience indigestion. Cursed Bread was often used to identify criminals or adulterers. Also known as Alphitomancy.
CUSP:
A point where two curves or arcs meet;
Either horn of a crescent moon;
The intersection of two signs or houses in Astrology.
CYCLOMANCY: Divination by interpreting revolving wheels.
CYDFIL: The third circle in Abred (the Welsh circle of transmigration), intermediate between Obryn (the mineral and vegetable kingdoms) and Dyndeb (the spiritual kingdom).
CYLCH YR ABRED:
The innermost and beginning of three concentric cycles of existence in Druidism. It has four stages identified in Welsh traditions as Annwn, Obryn, Cydfil, and Dyndeb.
The stage of struggle against, and evolution beyond, evil;
Also known as Abred.
CYNTEFIN: The May 1st Greater Sabbat that celebrates the beginning of the Light Half of the Year. Also known as Bealtaine, BealeTeine, Bealltuinn, Belltaine, Beltain, Beltaine, Beltane, Beltine, Bel-tine, Boaldyn, Cala' Me, Calan Mai, Calan Me, Cétshamain, Dydd Calan Mai, Feast of Bíle, Kala-Mae, Kala-Hañv, Lady Day, May Day, May Eve, Walpurgisnacht.
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