Pagan Dictionary

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'AHAR (Hebrew, 'ahar: "after, behind, later in time"). Cabalistic term for the hierarchies of gods.

'AHERIM: Hebrew term for gods other than Jehovah/Yahweh.

AAHLA: A portion of the Egyptian Afterworld Amenti. Aahla means "field of peace".

AANROO, AANRE, AANRU: The first region of the Egyptian Afterworld which the deceased enters. Beyond aanroo are the seven halls with guardians that only the adept may pass through. Also known as Aarru, Aaru, Sekhet-Aanre, Sekhet-Aarru.

AAREA: Red soil from which men were made in Tahitian creation mythology.

AARRU, AARU: The first region of the Egyptian Afterworld which the deceased enters. Beyond aanru are the seven halls with guardians that only the adept may pass through. Also known as Aanroo, Aanre, Sekhet-Aanre, Sekhet-Aarru.

AB (Egyptian, ab: "the heart"): The source of life and the center of the conscious mind, innermost self, universe and Ra. It was essential that the Ab survive death through embalming because it was believed that the spirit still had to derive its post mortem existence from it.

ABABEL (Hebrew, 'ab: "father"): The mystic Tree of Life described in the Koran, that sends forth new branches and leaves at the rebirth of the kerkes (phoenix).

ABAC (Irish form of Welsh, afanc: "beaver"): 

Legendary Welsh monster in the whirlpool of Llyn yr Afanc in North Wales. No specific description exists but folklore describes it as a giant beaver or crocodile.
Monsters or water-dwelling spirits. These have a human-like appearance;
Also known as Abhac, Addanc, Afanc. 
ABACUS (Greek, abax: "slab"; Hebrew, 'abaq: "dust"):

An ancient sand writing tablet;
A calculating device;
The upper plinth of a capital of a column;
The mystic staff carried by the Grand Master of the Templars.
ABACOMANCY: Divination by interpreting dust patterns.

ABADDON (Hebrew, 'abad: "to perish, be cut off"):

The Underworld, a place of destruction and waste;
The Abyss or Void.
ABDAL (Moslem):

 An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system. A Master.
An individual with an earnest desire to better the world who, through arduous self-denial and self-development, has attained knowledge and powers that befit them to assist in the ruling of the world;
Also known Adept, Rishi, Rahat, Mahatma. 
AB-E-BAGHA, AB-E-HAYAT, AB-E-HEYVAN, AB-E-KHEZR, AB-E-ZENDEGI, AB-I-HAYAT: In Persian mythology, the Water of Life or immortality hidden in the northern part of the earth in the dark. Alexander the Great was alleged to have sought for it in vain.

ABHAC (Irish form of Welsh, afanc: "beaver"): 

Legendary Welsh monster in the whirlpool of Llyn yr Afanc in North Wales. No specific description exists but folklore describes it as a giant beaver or crocodile;
Monsters or water-dwelling spirits. These have a human-like appearance;
Also known as Abac, Addanc, Afanc.
ABHASVARA (Sanskrit, a: "not"; bhas: "to shine upon, illuminate"): A class of sixty-four devas or demigods in Hinduism that manifest during the active phase of the evolutionary process.

AB HATI: The animal soul, heart or feelings in some Egyptian traditions.

ABHAVA (Sanskrit, a: "not", bhu: "to become"):

Nonexistence
The end of the world, annihilation;
The state of returning to the Void. 
ABHICHARA (Sanskrit, abhi: "toward", car: "to go"):

To exorcise a spirit;
To cast a malevolent spell causing death or disease;
Mesmeric power used by sorcerers in India.
ABHIDINA (Sanskrit, abhi: "toward", dina: "to fly"): Similar to astral projection, this is the power to ascend and move within the Astral Plane with full self-possession and the ability to control circumstance and time. Similar to BiLocation.

ABHINJA, ABHINNA (Sanskrit, abhi: "toward", jna: "to know, to master"): 

Inner perception;
The transcendental powers in Buddhism known individually as: 
Divyachakshus (clairvoyance);
Divyastrotra (clairaudience);
Riddhisakshatkriya (manifestation);
Purvanivasajnana (past life recall);
Parachittajnana (telepathy and empathy);
Asravakshaya (omniscience).
ABHUTARAJAS (Sanskrit, a: "not", bhu: "to be born". rajas: "passion"): A class of divine beings who have passed through the material worlds previously and are Masters of themselves, having overcome passion. Believed to number fourteen and associated with the fifth Manu.

ABLANATHANALBA: A Gnostic charm. It is a palindrome (reads the same forward and backward) in Greek characters.

ABLUTION:

Washing the body for religious ceremony;
In alchemy, the process of washing a solid with a liquid, usually in water; 
In spiritualism, the process of exploring and releasing emotions to facilitate cleansing.
ABRACADABRA, ABRACALAN, ABRACAHDABRA: Magickal words found in some ceremonial magick traditions that are said to be formed from the letters of (or a corruption of ) the Gnostic word abraxas . The word is written and rewritten and letters are removed from either end with each line. An ailment diminishes as the letters do. Crowley revamped the word to Abracahdabra to enhance it through it's numerological value. Another variation of the word is Aracalan.

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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 or malice;
Also known as Cylch yr Abred.
ABSOLUTION: Remission of sin, especially in Roman Catholicism. Originally absolution came from a congregation rather than from a priest. The group of believers together worked a change of heart in the sinner.

ABYSS: The abyss is described in all most all faiths worldwide. Its definition and significance vary between religions but it is often described as a chaotic plane of existence or a void that must be crossed to achieve enlightenment.

ACARYA, ACHARYA: Theosophical term for teacher, instructor or guide, usually reserved for spiritual teachers or gurus.

ACHERON (Greek, achos: "pain"): The river of Woe, one of the five rivers surrounding Hades. Acheron was the son of Helios and Demeter who supplied the Titans with drink while they were fighting Zeus and was transformed into a river as a consequence. The others rivers surrounding Hades are:

Cocytus (Wailing);
Styx (Hateful); 
Pyriphlegethon (Fiery); 
Lethe (Forgetfulness). 
ACCIDIE: Sloth. The term originates from the state of mental and physical collapse that afflicted monks who fasted too much.

ACORN: A symbol of life, fertility and immortality in some Celtic traditions.

ACHTHNICHI: Hindu gods of Fire.

ACOSMISM (Greek, a: "not", kosmos: "universe, order, form"): The period of chaos before the manifestation of the universe.

AD-AH (Hebrew, 'adah: "to pass over, march along, continue, advance in perpetuity"):

Progress in time and space;
Eternal change;
The races of early mankind.
ADAM'S EARTH, ADAMIC EARTH: The original undifferentiated matter of this plane in alchemy. It is one step removed from the Alkahest, the pure homogenous element. Also known as True Oil of Gold, the Primal Element.

ADAR LLWCH GWIN (Welsh, llwch: "dust, powder"; gwin: "wine"): Magickal birds akin to Griffins in Welsh tradition.

ADDANC (Modern Welsh, afanc: "beaver"): 

Legendary Welsh monster in the whirlpool of Llyn yr Afanc in North Wales. No specific description exists but folklore describes it as a giant beaver or crocodile.
Monsters or water-dwelling spirits. These have a human-like appearance;
Also known as Afanc , Abac, Abhac.
ADDER STONE: The glass ball or ring prized by Druids as an amulet. Adder stones were thought to have been formed during the summer by bubbles blown from the mouth of the adder and hardened by sliding down the length of the back, forming a crystal ring. Also known as Snakestone.

ADEPT:

An individual who through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal or mystical system. A Master.
An individual with an earnest desire to better the world who, through arduous self-denial and self-development, has attained knowledge and powers that befit them to assist in the ruling of the world;
Also known as Abdal, Rishi, Rahat, Mahatma.
ADHAB-ALGAL: The Mohammedan purgatory.

ADHARARANI: The lower stick of two ceremonial rubbing-sticks (arani) used to ignite the sacrificial fire in some East Indian traditions: the upper stick, uttararani or pramantha, is held upright and set into a groove in the adhararani, and when twirled or rotated rapidly it generates heat and flame. According to the Rig-Veda, the upright stick was made from the Sami tree and the horizontal from the Asvattha or Pipal tree (the sacred fig tree). In the Satapatha-brahmanab both sticks are described as being carved from the wood of the Asvattha.

ADHYATMAN (Sanskrit, adhi: "over, above", atman: "self"): The supreme or original self. Similiar to the concept of soul.

ADHYATMIKA, ADHYATMIKA-DUHKA (Sanskrit, adhi" "over, above", atman "self", dush "defiled"): The first of three kinds of worldly pain or troubles arising from mental or character turmoil.

AD-I (Sanskrit, adi: "first, primeval"): The Aryan name for the first speaking race of mankind.

ADI-GRANTH: Sikh sacred scripture.

ADIBHUTA (Sanskrit, adi: "first, primeval", bhu: "to be, become"): The first, original or primordial Element of Nature.

ADJURATION: A formula of exorcism that commands the spirit to do or say what the exorcist requires.

ADONAI (Hebrew, adonai: "the Lord"):

Term used in Judaic tradition to replace the name Jehovah as it is believed that the pronouncement of the Name has the power to work miracles;
Term used in Thelemic practice to denote the Holy Guardian Angel (HGA), the Augoeides or the Higher Self.
ADOPTIVE MASONRY: Masonic societies which adopt women as members. The first Adoptive Masonry Lodges were established in the early eighteenth century.

ADYTUM:

The innermost room in a temple or shrine, usually limited to access by priests.
A sanctum; sacred or private place.
AEON (Greek, aion: "age, lifetime, eternity"):

The personification of an Age associated with a Deity (e.g. The Christian Aeon)
A long, indefinite period of time;
Also known as Eon.
ÁER (Irish, áer: "cutting"): The act of satirizing, lampooning, or defaming in Old Irish literature. Áer is the weapon that a hero never lacks.

AEROMANCY: Divination interpreting atmospheric conditions. There are several different forms including:

Austromancy (wind); 
Ceraunoscopy (thunder & lightning);
Chaomancy (aerial visions);
Meteormancy (meteors, especially shooting stars).
ÁES DÁNA, ÁES DÁNO (Old Irish, áes: "people"; dána: " art"): Term used in Old Irish literature for poets or individuals with a trade or profession in the arts.

ÁES SÍ, ÁES SÍDH, ÁES SÍDHE (Old Irish, áes: "people"; sídh: "hill"): Literally The Hill People. 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 Áos Sídhe, the Children of Danu, the Danaan, Davana, the Hill Folk, the People of Danu, the Tuatha Dé Danann. See also Daoine Sídhe, Fae, Faerie, Faery, Fairie, Fairy.

AESIR: In the Norse Pantheon, the Sky Gods, including Odin, Frigga, Thor, Loki, Balder and others. See also: Vanir.

AETHERS, AETHYRS: The thirty otherworldly dimensions of consciousness in Enochian magick. They can be reached through the 19 Keyes or 49 Calls. Also known as Aires.

AFANC (modern Welsh, afanc: "beaver"):

Legendary Welsh monster in the whirlpool of Llyn yr Afanc in North Wales. No specific description exists but folklore describes it as a giant beaver or crocodile.
Monsters or water-dwelling spirits in Wales and Ireland. These have a human-like appearance;
Also known as Abac, Abhac, Addanc.
AGATHION: A familiar Spirit which appears only at mid-day. It is believed to be able to take the shape of any animal (including man) and encloses itself in a talisman, bottle, or magic ring.

AGATHODEMON: A benevolent (kind) daemon, dragon or flying serpent in Egyptian tradition.

AGATHOS DAIMON (Good Spirit): The cosmic period between the creation and destruction of the universe and the symbol of the eternity of the universe which undergoes periodic cycles of creation/ destruction/ resurrection. Also known as Aion, the Ouroboros, the Uroboros.

AGE (of): A period of approximately 2000 years that divides the Great (Platonic) Year into Twelve Signs of the Zodiac. The transition in Ages is caused by the precession of the equinoxes and marked by the Vernal Equinox moving into a new sign.

AGE of AQUARIUS: The Great Year division that is believed to begin sometime between 1999 and 2068. The Age of Aquarius is predicted to be characterized by humanism as opposed to religious dogma.

AGE of PISCES: The Great Year division that is believed to end sometime between 1999 and 2068. Also known as the Christian Aeon.

AGLA: A Cabalistic word used for exorcisms. It is made up of the initial letters of the Hebrew words, Athah gabor leolam, Adonai which means "Thou art powerful and eternal, Lord".

AGNI, AGINYA: The sixth chakra located in the region of the fontanel in the pituitary body. Also called Ajina, Ajnakhya, the Fiery Chakra.

AGNOSTICISM (Greek, agnostos: "unknowable): The religious doctrine that asserts that it is impossible to know whether there are Deities or anything beyond physical/material phenomena. It is different from Atheism which asserts that Deities do not exist.

AHAM: In Theosophy, the conception of one's individuality, the ego. Similar to Soul.

AHAVANIYA: Sanskrit term for the sacrificial fire into which offerings are thrown.

AHISMA (Sanskrit, a: "not", hims: "to injure, kill, destroy): The cardinal virtue of respect for sanctity of life as embodied in the spiritual teachings of Buddism, Jainism, and some Hindu sects.

AHURU-ASTER: Spiritual teachers of the Mazdeans, including the Zoroastrians. Also known as Zoroaster, Zuruaster.

AILUROMANCY: Divination through interpreting the appearance and behavior of cats. A form of augury.

AIN (Hebrew: "nothingness"): The Void in Cabalistic tradition.

AIN SOF: In Cabalistic tradition, the Infinite or Unlimited Absolute; that which cannot be comprehended through thought but is accepted and acknowledged by faith.

AION (Greek, aion: "age, lifetime, eternity): The cosmic period between the creation and destruction of the universe and the symbol of the eternity of the universe which undergoes periodic cycles of creation/ destruction/ resurrection. Also known as the Ouroboros, the Uroboros, the Agathos Daimon (Good Spirit).

AIR: One of the primary elements in most traditions. It is affiliated with dimensions, intelligence and the connection between spirit and physical. In traditions that correlate the elements with matter it is one of the four states of matter: gas. In alchemy Air is associated with the operation of Separation and is represented by Iron.

AIR SIGNS: The zodiac signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius which are associated with the element Air.

AIRES: The thirty otherworldly dimensions of consciousness in Enochian magick. They can be reached through the 19 Keyes or 49 Calls. Also known as Aethers, Aethyrs.

AISA: Greek term for the balance of all of one's actions throughout all of one's incarnations, which thus determines one's future experiences. It is not a doctrine of sin and punishment, but fate or destiny as a result of one's actions. This concept is most frequently associated with Hindu philosophy. Also known as Karma, Law of Cause and Effect.

AISLING (Irish, aisling: "dream"): Dream or vision. Pronounced ash-leen.

AITHIHYA, AITIHA: Spiritual teachings communicated through oral traditional recitation in Hindu traditions.

AJINA, AJNAKHVA: The sixth chakra located in the region of the fontanelle in the pituitary body. Also called Agni, Aginya Ajina, Ajnakhya, the Fiery Chakra.

AKA: The cord connecting the astral body and the physical body.

AKARSA, AKARSHA (Sanskrit, a: "near to, towards, krish "to draw, pull"): Drawing something to oneself magickally.

AKASA, AKASHA (Sanskrit, akas: "to be visible, appear, shine, be brilliant"): The Fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is related to outer space, inner space, the unmanifest, and the life force. Akasa is believed to be located in the sphere of Vibratory Sound in ceremonial magick. Also known as Soniferous Ether, Nyingpo, Tsang, Quintessence. Akin to the concept of Anima Mundi. See also: Elements.

AKASHIC RECORD: The record of all events that have and will occur, based on the premise that existence is not linear. Any part of the Akashic Record can be accessed by adepts and this believed to be the source for divination, precognition, and past life recall. Akin to the concept of Astral Light.

AKATHASO: Malicious spirits that inhabit trees in Burmese tradition.

AKERT: Egyptian name for the Underworld ruled by Osiris in his aspect of Un-Nefer.

AKH: The Egyptian concept of the soul had three parts ba (incarnation), akh (transitional) and ka (immortal). Upon death the soul would split into ba and akh. The akh would fly to the Afterworld and transform into the ka. The ba would remain with the mummy.

AKO-MANO: Evil thought in Zoroastrianism as opposed to Vohu-Mano (good thought).

ALAYA: The Universal Soul or Self of All Things.

ALBAN ARTHAN, ALBAN ARTHUAN: The Lesser Sabbat celebrated on or about December 21st marking the rebirth of the Sun God from the Mother Goddess, it is a celebration of Renewal and Rebirth as the dark force gives way to the Sun. Also known as Jul, Jol, Meán Geimhridh, MidWinter. Winter Solstice, Yule.

ALBAN EILER: The Lesser Sabbat celebrated on or about March 21st, marking the beginning of the return of the evident fertility of the Earth and the return of the God, the Sun. It is a celebration of Balance and Harmony as the day and night are equal in length. Alban Eiler is a fire and fertility festival. Also known as Meán Earraigh, Ostara, Spring Equinox, Spring Solstice, Vernal Equinox.

ALBAN ELFED, ALBAN ELUED: The Lesser Sabbat celebrated on or about September 21st. This sabbat marks the balance and harmony in the days and nights being equal before the God gives way to the night. Also known as Autumnal Equinox, Mabon, Meán Fómhair.

ALBAN HERUIN: The Lesser Sabbat celebrated on or about June 21st , marking the point of the year when the God is at the height of His power as evidenced by the Sun during the Longest Day of the Year. Also known as Litha, Meán Samhraidh, Midsummer, Summer Solstice.

ALCAHEST: Literally translated as "universal solvent", it is the Power that makes alchemic transformation to perfect form possible. Also known as Alkahest, Allgeist.

ALCHEMIST: A Ceremonial Magickian focused on perfecting First Matter through alchemy.

ALCHEMY (from the Greek, chemeia, "chemistry", the Arabic, al kimya, "the chemistry", or the Egyption, khemeia, "the preparation of black ore"): A form of ceremonial magick commonly believed to be focused on the transmutation of base metals into precious metals (e.g.: converting lead to gold). The ultimate goal of the Alchemist is to transform the chaotic primordial First Matter (the Khem) into perfection; a goal that is accomplished through spiritual enlightenment.

ALCHERINGA: The collection of events beyond living memory which shaped the physical, spiritual and moral world and which still exist and sustain the present. Alcheringa is the basis of Australian Aboriginal spirituality and Alcheringa stories are the guidelines to understand the role and responsibilities of individuals. Also known as The Dreamtime.

ALECTORMANCY, ALECTROMANCY, ALECTRYOMANCY: Divination through interpreting the appearance and behavior of sacred chickens (originally); current versions include the interpretation of fowls eating grain and marking the cock's crow as letters are recited. A form of augury.

ALEMBIC: In alchemy, the upper part of a still; a still head. Sometimes used to refer to a complete still.

ALEUROMANCY: Divination through sortilege of fortunes written on slips of paper. The fortunes were inserted into balls of dough that were baked, mixed, and distributed randomly. This form of divination is the origin of Ash Wednesday pancakes and fortune cookies. Another version involves the interpretation of patterns left in a bowl of flour rinsed in water. Aleuromancy was the domain of Apollo in some traditions.

ALEXANDRIAN WICCA: Founded by Alex Sanders in England. Sanders claimed to have been initiated as a Hereditary Witch by his grandmother but critics claim many Alexandrian rituals are almost identical to Gardnerian ones, with a little more emphasis on ceremonial magic. The tradition's rituals, while basically Gardnerian, are modified with many Judeo-Christian and Ceremonial Magick elements. Covens work skyclad. The eight Sabbats are observed and the Goddess and God are revered. Alexandrian Wiccans are considered to be Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from Alex and Maxine Sanders, through a line of Alexandrian High Priests and High Priestesses, who follow the Alexandrian Book of Shadows, and who practice the Alexandrian Tradition of Wicca.

ALFHEIM, ALFHEM: The home of Elves in Norse mythology.

ALFRIDARYA: A magickal premise akin to astrology that states each planet in turn influences the life of an individual for a specific number of years.

ALGARD WICCA: A Wiccan tradition that combines both Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca traditions, founded in 1972 by Mary Nesnick, an American who was initiated into both Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions.

ALIGNMENT: 

Synchronization of mental and spiritual vibrations with God, Goddess, Elements, or an astronomical body. 
Complete balancing and centering of the chakras.
ALHALWYN-TYD: 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 Allantide, All Hallows Eve, All Hallows Tide, The Apple Time, Calan Gaeaf, Calan Gwaf, 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. 

ALKAHEST: Literally translated as "universal solvent", it is the Power that makes alchemic transformation to perfect form possible. Also known as Alcahest, Allgeist.

ALL, The: A term for the concept of unity and multiplicity in deity and creation (i.e.: The All is everything and everything is the All).

ALLANTIDE: 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, All Hallows Eve, All Hallows Tide, The Apple Time, Calan Gaeaf, Calan Gwaf, 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. 

ALLGEIST: Literally translated as "universal solvent", it is the Power that makes alchemic transformation to perfect form possible. Also known as Alcahest, Alkahest.

ALL HALLOWS EVE, ALL HALLOWS TIDE: 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, The Apple Time, Calan Gaeaf, Calan Gwaf, 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. 

ALLITERATION: Beginning every word with the same letter. A means of generating poetic expression and used to enhance spell construction.

ALMOGANENSES: The Spanish name for witches reputed to be able to communicate with animals to divine the future and to be able to follow the track of anyone (or anything) over any terrain.

ALOMANCY: Divination by interpreting salt. The origin of misfortune associated with spilled salt. Also known as Halomancy.

AL-OM-JAH: A name for the highest caste of priest in Egyptian tradition.

ALPHA STATE: The altered state of consciousness where brain waves register at 7-14 cycles per second. This is the state associated with relaxation, meditation and dreaming. Beta State, at 14-30 cycles per second, is the conscious state of being awake, alert and engaged in physical activity. Theta State, at 4-7 cycles per second, is the semi-conscious state associated with drowsiness, euphoria, and deep tranquility. Delta state, at 1 -3 cycles per second, is the unconscious state of deep, dreamless sleep.

ALPHITOMANCY: 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. Alphitomancy was often used to identify criminals or adulterers. Also known as Cursed Bread.

ALRAUN: An artificial elemental embodied in an image made from rowan or ash wood and sometimes mistakenly called Mandrakes.

ALRUNES:

Female demons or sorceresses said to be the mothers of the Huns.
Statuettes of old sorceresses revered in Northern Europe and believed to be able to divine the future.
ALTAR: Altars are usually an elevation of earth, stone or wood that serve as a working area and shrine. They are usually set aside exclusively for religious rituals and objects and are the focal point of ceremonies in many religions.

ALUDEL: A pear-shaped earthenware bottle, open at both ends, used as a condenser in the sublimation process in alchemy. Also called the Hermetic Vase, the Philosopher's Egg, and the Vase of the Philosophy.

AMALGAM: In alchemy, a solid metal formed by the combination of mercury with another metal.

AMARKOSA: A dictionary of Sanskrit spiritual terms written by Amara, a sage, scholar and Buddhist between the 2nd and 6th centuries CE.

AMARAPURA: Buddhist sect in Ceylon.

AMBARVALES, AMBARVALIA: The May 29th Roman festival honoring Mars and later Ceres, when fields were blessed and rituals were completed to evoke fruitfulness in the harvest.

AMEN (Hebrew, 'aman: "to be firm, faithful, trustworthy, sure"): The closure to most Christian prayer. When used as an adverb it means "truly, certainly, verily, or so be it". Akin to the Sanskrit Aum (Om) and the Pagan term Blessed Be both in archaic and current meaning.

AMENTI:

The Realm of God in Theosophy;
The Place of Judgment in Egyptian tradition.
AMERICAN ECLECTIC WICCA: A broad range of individuals or groups that have based their philosophy, rituals and practices on the published works of Scott Cunningham and StarHawk. American Eclectic Wiccans emphasize spontaneity and intuitive understanding of the Mysteries. Because they downplay, or discarded, the importance of Oaths, Initiations, Lineage, and Tradition many Traditional Wiccans object to these groups using the name Wicca, and believe they should be called American Eclectic Witchcraft.

AMERICAN TRADITIONAL WICCA: The groups that have no initiatory connection to Gardner or Sanders, but who have based their rituals and practices on what has been published about the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions; they therefore follow a Wiccan practice based upon Gardnerian or Alexandrian without having initiatory lineage.

AMERICAN WICCA: An offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca, founded by Ed Fitch and several Southern Californian Gardnerians in the late 1970's. The tradition includes Gardnerian material and additional material supplied by the founders. Also known as Mohsian Wicca.

AMENTI, AMENTET: The Egyptian After World ruled by Osiris The last house of the Tuat, where the gods reside. Also known as Sekhet-Hetep or Sekhet-Hetpet.

AMNIOMANCY: Divination by inspecting and interpreting the caul of a baby at birth.

AMULET: A natural object that is charged to deflect specific negative energies or thought forms and it is usually found rather than created. Examples of amulets include the four-leaf clover and sand dollars. An amulet differs from a talisman which is crafted and charged by the practitioner. See also: Talisman.

ANACES, ANACTES: Greek term meaning "kings, chiefs" and often used to describe the gods. Also known as Anakes, Anaktes.

ANAHATA: The fourth of the seven chakras placed by some near the heart and by others near the root of the nose.

ANAHATA-SABDA (Sanskrit, a: "not", han: "to beat" sabd: "to cry out"): The immaterial sound produced by no form of material substance. It is believed to be most often heard by those who are dying and by adepts during meditation.

ANAKES: Greek term meaning "kings, chiefs" and often used to describe the gods. Also known as Anaces, Anactes, Anaktes.

ANAKIM: An ancient race of giants described in the book of Numbers in the Bible. They were men of great stature, the sons of Anak, who lived in Canaan.

ANAKTES: Greek term meaning "kings, chiefs" and often used to describe the gods. Also known as Anaces, Anactes, Anakes.

ANALOGETICISTS: Those who follow the teachings of Ammonius Saccas, named for their use of analogy and correspondence in the interpretation of myths and symbolic legends.

ANALOGY: The process of arguing or educating using the logic of similarities between two separate things or events.

ANAMNESIS (Greek, ana: "back again", mimnesco: "remember): The state of consciousness where past, future, present, and parallel existence can be perceived. This is the state an adept seeks to reach doing Aspect Work.

ANANISAPTA: A Cabbalistic word made up of the initial letters of the prayer: Antidtum Nazareni Auferat Necent Intoxicationis; Sanctificet Alimenta, Poculaque Trinitas Alma. When written on virgin parchment, it is believed that it is a powerful talisman to protect against disease.

ANASTASIS (Greek, ana "back again", stasis "movement"): Used primarily to refer to resurrection of the dead or symbolically of initiates who are new individuals when they complete the trials of initiation.

ANATHEMA:

A thing or person accursed or damned;
The formal curse excommunicating or damning someone from their religion.
ANCESTOR WORSHIP: The belief inherent in some religions, such as Shintoism, that asserts the continued existence of the deceased and the influence that the living descendants have upon their existence. Descendants have an obligation to support their ancestors through their actions and reverence.

ANDROGYNOUS (Greek, adrogynos: "man-woman"): Hermaphroditic, being male and female in one. Connotatively it denotes a level of existence that transcends the need for sexuality and gender.

ANDROID: A man made by other means than the natural mode of reproduction.

ANDROSPHINX: In Greek mythology, a mythological creature with the head of a man and the body of a lion. The female version is called a Sphinx. In Egyptian mythology the Androsphinx and the Sphinx are synonymous.

ANGAKOK: Inuit term for shaman.

ANGANTA YENE: The possession or obsession of a person by a spirit in India.

ANGEL (Greek, "messenger"):

A messenger of God or the Divine;
A supernatural being with powers exceeding that of humanity;
A guiding spirit or influence;
Individuals in the office of priest or bishop in various religions;
A person deemed to be good, beautiful, innocent etc.;
Symbol of sublimation or the ascension of the volatile principle in alchemy.
ANGELOLGY: The hierarchical system of angels, especially (but not exclusively) found in the Cabalistic system in Judaism and the Celestial and Ecclesiastical systems in Christianity. The Christian hierarchy consists of (in rank order):

Seraphim; 
Cherubim;
Thrones; 
Dominations or Dominions; 
Virtues;
Powers; 
Principalities; 
Archangels; 
Angels.
ANGURVADEL: The Icelandic legendary sword inherited by Frithjof. It had a golden hilt, shone like the Northern Lights and the characters engraved on the blade glowed dull and pale during times of peace and glowed red and fiery in times of war.

ANIMA:

Literally, life principle or soul;
Female spirituality;
The personification of the feminine aspect of a man's unconscious. 
ANIMA BRUTUS, ANIMA DIVINA: The animal soul (anima brutus) and the immortal soul (anima divina) that comprise the human soul in Greek and Roman philosophy.

ANIMALISM: The doctrine that man is a mere animal with no soul or spiritual quality.

ANIMA MUNDI: The Soul of the World, a pure ethereal Spirit which is believed to be diffused throughout nature. Akin to the concept of Akasa.

ANIMISM (Latin, anima: "air, soul"):

The belief that all life is produced by a spiritual force separate from matter;
The belief that natural phenomena and objects are alive and have souls;
The doctrine of the existence of soul as independent of matter; 
The belief in the existence of spirits, demons, etc.
ANIMUS:

Literally, animating force, intention to act, or animosity;
The rational soul;
Male spirituality;
The personification of the masculine aspect of a woman's unconscious.
ANK, ANKH: 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 Ansated Cross, Crux Ansata.

ANNUNCIATION, The: The March 25 Feast Day in some Christian traditions that celebrates the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary to announce that she would be the mother of God.

ANNUS MAGNUS:

The Great Year, a cycle of 25,920 years. 
The interval between two successive ecliptic conjunctions of all the planets, including the sun and moon.
ANNWFN, ANNWN, ANNWYL (Welsh, an: "in"; dwfn: "the world"): The Welsh Otherworld akin to the sídh and Tech Duinn (House of Don) . In Druid teachings Annwn is the lowest plane of Abred. The soul originates in Annwn and evolves through every possible life form until it reaches the human world. Persistent evil doing will sink a soul back to Annwn to begin the evolution again. Annwn is ruled by Arawn and Hafgan, although Pwyll is often mistakenly cited as king of Annwfn because he ruled for one year in Arawn's place. Pronounced an-noon.

ANOINTED (Greek, christos, anointed): A ceremony denoting a high degree of initiation performed with oil or unguent that is smeared or poured over the individuals head.

ANSATED CROSS: 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, Crux Ansata.

ANSWERER, The (Irish, frecraid: "the answerer"): The sword of Manannán mac Lir that could pierce any mail and whose every wound was fatal. It was brought by Lug Lámfhota from Tír na mBeó (the Land of the Living.) Also known as Frecraid, Fragarach, Freagarach.

ANTARDHANAM: Sanskrit term for the ability of an adept to disappear at will.

ANTARIKSHA, ANTARIKSA (Sanskrit, antar: "within, interior", iksh: "to behold, see"): The plane, or level of energy and existence, between the Mental and the Physical Planes. Also known as Astral Plane; Bhuvar (Vedic).

ANTHESTERIA: The ancient Greek Flower Festival celebrated from the 11th to the 13th of the month of Anthesterian (February to March). The festival paid particular respect to Dionysos, with wine, feasting and the marriage of the wife of the Archon Basileus to Dionysos. The souls of the dead were thought to walk the earth on these days and the third day was marked by offerings to these souls and to Hermes.

ANTHROPOMANCY: Divination interpreting the entrails of human sacrifice. This practice is obviously illegal and unethical and is not used by pagans today. Recorded instances of anthropomancy are from ancient Egypt and Rome and were documented as heinous acts at the time of their occurrences. Also known as Antinopomancy, Splanchomancy.

ANTHROPOMORPHISM: Assigning human qualities, attributes, and possibly human form to that which is not human, including deities and divine beings.

ANTINOPOMANCY: Divination interpreting the entrails of human sacrifice. This practice is obviously illegal and unethical and is not used by pagans today. Recorded instances of anthropomancy are from ancient Egypt and were documented as heinous acts at the time of their occurrences. Also known as Anthropomancy, Splanchomancy.

ANUNNAKI:

The lower angels of earth or the underworld in Babylonian mythology. They were the judges of the dead. Below the anunnaki were several classes of genii.
The children and followers of An in Sumerian mythology and also judges of the dead.
ANUTTARAS: A class of deities in Jainism.

ÁOS SÍDHE (Old Irish, áes: "people"; sídh: "hill"): Literally The Hill People. 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, the Children of Danu, the Danaan, Davana, the Hill Folk, the People of Danu, the Tuatha Dé Danann. See also Daoine Sídhe, Fae, Faerie, Faery, Fairie, Fairy.

APAH (Sanskrit, apah: "the waters"):

Feminine deities in Theosophy and the mothers from whom all issue forth;
The waters of space, out of which the universe is produced;
Also known as Apas.
APANTOMANCY: Divination through interpreting any objects (or beings) that happen to present themselves. A common form of apantomancy is is interpreting the appearance and behavior of animals during chance meetings (a form of augury). The superstition associated with a black cat crossing one's path is apantomancy.

APAS (Sanskrit, apah: "the waters"):

Feminine deities in Theosophy and the mothers from whom all issue forth;
The waters of space, out of which the universe is produced;
Also known as Apah.
APAVARGA (Sanskrit, apa-vrij: "to leave off, fulfill"): Theosophical term for the freeing of the soul from the necessity of repeated rebirths.

APOCALYPSE (Greek, apokalyptein: "to disclose"):

Literally, a prophetic disclosure; revelation
Most commonly refers to the events described in the last book of the New Testament; the book of Revelation where the end of the world is foretold;
The end of the world.
APOCATASIS (Greek, apocatasis: "restoration, return"): The concept that reincarnation is a loop where the same life is experienced over and over again until perfection is achieved.

APORRHETA:

Forbidden, secret;
Secret instructions delivered to a candidate for initiation;
Information forbidden to tell the uninitiated.
APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION: The doctrine of several Christian religions, particularly Catholic sects, that the powers Christ bestowed on St. Peter have been handed down in an unbroken line to those currently delivering the sacraments.

APOTHEOSIS (Greek, apo: "from"; theos: "a god"): Deification of human beings. Often done with kings, emperors and war heroes in mythology. Some traditions delineate Apotheosis to male deification (god) and Apotheasis to female deification (goddess).

APOTROPAIC (Greek, "turning away"): Protective.

APPARITION (Latin, apparers: "to appear"): The appearance of an object or being that cannot be explained by any natural objective event. Visual images, auditory and tactile (e.g. smell, touch) can be classified as apparitions. Thus spirit contact, manifestations (including ghosts), visions and various forms of clairvoyance can be classified as apparitions.

APPLE: A symbol of religious significance in many cultures throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia. The apple is thematically linked with immortality of spirit or flesh although specific variations occur in each religion as the apple may either confer or deny immortality.

APPLE TIME, The: 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, Calan Gaeaf, Calan Gwaf, 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. 

APPOLLONIAN: A term to denote spirit or solar-orientation in religion. Derived from the association of the Greek God Apollo with the sun, it is often used in religious studies to describe religions which emphasize mastery of the instincts by the conscious mind.

APPORT: The name given an object or being that has physically manifested during a séance. Fruit, money, jewels, tree branches and live lobsters are among apports reported.

APPORTATION: The carrying or projecting of an object through space by will.

APPRENTICE (Latin, apprehendere: "to take hold"):

A person who is obligated to work for a master craftsperson or adept in return for instruction;
Any novice or beginner.
APSARAS: Celestial water nymphs in East Indian mythology. They are married to the gandharva, celestial musicians, and reside on the Astral Plane.

AQUARIAN TABERNACLE CHURCH (ATC): Founded in 1979 by Pete "Pathfinder" Davis as a coven dedicated to providing religious services and support to the larger Wiccan community. The ATC became the first Wiccan church with full legal status and recognition by the governments of three nations: Canada, Australia, and the U.S.A. The Aquarian Tabernacle Church is a positive, life-affirming spirituality that is is a non-dualist, non-racist, non-sexist, non-exclusivist, bi-polar, and ecologically oriented faith dedicated to the preservation of Holy Mother Earth, the revival of the worship of The Old Gods in a modern context, the achievement of the fullest of human potentials and the creation of a peaceful world of love, freedom, health and prosperity for all sentient beings.

ÁR NDRAÍOCHT FÉIN (“Our Own Druidism”): Founded in 1983 by P.E.I (Isaac) Bonewits, former Archdruid of several groves in the Reformed Druids of North America. Ár Ndraíocht Féin is an American based neo-pagan Druid religious fellowship. It has no direct links to the ancient Druids but is a reconstruction of Druidic and Indo-European pagan rituals and religions. It integrates religion with alternate healing arts, ecology-consciousness, psychic development and artistic expression. It is organized in groves, many of them named after trees. They have eight seasonal High Days (celebrated on the same dates as the Sabbats) and they conduct regular study and discussion groups in addition to a wide range of artistic activities.

ARACALAN: Magickal words found in some ceremonial magick traditions that is said to be formed from the letters of the Gnostic abraxas. The word it is written and rewritten and letters are removed from either end with each line. An ailment diminishes as the letters do. The most common variation of the word is abracadabra and it also appears as abracalan. Crowley revamped the word to Abracahdabra to enhance it through it's numerological value.

A  R A C A L A N

R A C A L A

R A C A L

A C A

C



ARACHNOMANCY: Divination by interpreting the appearance and behavior of spiders. A form of augury.

ARAMBHA: The Theosophical teaching that a Supreme Entity formed the universe out of pre-existing material.

ARANI:

One of the two ceremonial rubbing-sticks used to ignite the sacrificial fire: the upper stick, uttararani or pramantha, is held upright and set into a groove in the lower stick, adhararani, and when twirled or rotated rapidly it generates heat and flame. According to the Rig-Veda, the upright stick was made from the Sami tree, and the horizontal from the Asvattha or Pipal tree (sacred fig tree). In the Satapatha-brahmana both sticks are described as being carved from the wood of the Asvattha.
The dual elements of Father and Mother in nature.
ARBATEL, The: A magickal ritual of Christian origin published at Basle in 1575. Only one of the original nine volumes still exists but it is considered to be one of the best authorities on spiritual essences, their powers and degrees.

ARCADIAN WICCA: A Wiccan tradition centered around worship of the Horned God. Covens are open to both males and females.

ARCANA (Latin, pl. of arcanum; "mystery"):

Secret or hidden knowledge or methods; secrets or mysteries;
The esoteric properties of symbols in divinatory systems like the Tarot, the Cabala, and the I Ching;
The two halves of a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trumps depicting dominant occurrences in our lives. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit that assist in fleshing out the trump situations, or indicate smaller occurrences in our lives. The Minor Arcana are also called the Lesser Arcana. See also Tarot Cards.
The primary chemicals of early alchemy. The Major Arcana consists of the four compounds: Vitriol, Natron, Liquor Hepatis, and Pulvis Solaris. The seven chemicals comprising the Minor Arcana are: Sulfuric Acid, Iron, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Nitrate, Liquor Hepatis, Red Pulvis Solaris, and Black Pulvis Solaris. 
ARCANE:

Hidden or secret; 
Esoteric.
ARCANUM EXPERIMENT: The ultimate alchemical experiment that would combine the arcana chemicals and reveal the hidden principles of the Universe.

ARCHANGELS:

Guardians of the ten Sephiroth of the Cabala.
An angel of the highest rank in common understanding, although references indicate archangels to be of the second lowest order of angels in Christian theology. Seraphim being the highest.
ARCHETYPES: Symbolic imagery seen in visions, dreams, meditation, and mind quests considered to represent the same thing in the human psyche or collective unconscious and are thus used as the basis for interpretation. Most Dream Interpretation dictionaries are based on archetype symbolism.

ARCHON:

A ruler;
In Gnosticism, rulers of the earth and universe who guarded passage through the spheres.
ARIOLATER: Someone who practices divination. Also known as Aruspex, Clairvoyant, Diviner, Haruspex, Seer, Soothsayer. See Also: Oracle, Prophet, Theomancer.

ARIOLATIO: Divining by interpreting altars.

ARITHMANCY, ARITHOMANCY, ARITHMOMANCY: Divination by interpreting numbers. Greeks used the number and value of the letters in the names of two combatants to predict the victor. This form of divination has been adopted and modified by many cultures over the millennia. One of its evolved forms is the current magickal system of Numerology.

ARITHMOSOPHY: Divination by Bertiaux's method of converting words to numbers. A form of Arithmancy and Numerology.

ARMAGEDDON: The site of the Great War that culminates in Judgment Day in the Bible. Also known as the Plain of Meggido.

ARMOMANCY: Divining by inspecting the shoulders of a person. Used originally to determine the suitability of a person for sacrifice to the gods.

AROMATHERAPY: The practice of using fragrance for magick and/or physical and emotional healing.

ARS NOTORIA: The science of Tarot.

ART, The: Magick; the skills and practice of magick.

ARUSPEX: Someone who practices divination. Also known as Ariolater, Clairvoyant, Diviner, Haruspex, Seer, Soothsayer. See Also: Oracle, Prophet, Theomancer.

ARUSPICY: Divination by interpreting animal entrails. Aruspicy is sometimes considered to be a form of augury (interpreting form and behavior of animals).  Similar to Anthropomancy (interpretation of human entrails) and Heiromancy (interpretation of sacrificed animals) Also known as Haruspicy, Extispicy, Extispicium.

ASATRU FREE ASSEMBLY: Founded in 1972 by Stephen McNallen, Asatru Free Assembly is a Norse Pagan tradition that recognizes both the Aesir and the Vanir.

ASGARD, ASGARDHR, ASGARTH (Old Nose, ass: "god"; garthr: "yard, home, stronghold") The home of the Aesir in the Norse Eddas. Asgard is situated on the plane called Gladsheim, which is also the locale of Valholl. Asgard is separated from Midgard (Earth) by the rivers Ifing (doubt) and Tund (time) and by a wall of purging fire. 

ASIAH: In Cabalistic tradition the first of the three classes or natural ranks among the spirits of men, who must advance from the lower to the higher.

ASIPU: A caste of priests in ancient Semitic tradition.

ASPECT:

One of the forms or faces of a god or goddess;
One of the manifestations of a human being;
The position of a body in the solar system with respect to the sun.
ASPECT WORK, ASPECTING:

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 Calling Down, Drawing Down.
Advanced magickal work based on the premise that time is not linear and the practitioner can move into other "aspects" of self including, past, present (parallel) and future lives. Most commonly done in pairs with the partner acting as recorder and ground to assist the practitioner to return. The ideal conscious state achieved in aspecting is anamnesis.
ASPERGE: To sprinkle with water for religious purification.

ASPERGER: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to sprinkle water for purification in religious ceremony.

ASPIDOMANCY: Divining by entering casting a circle and summoning an entity.

ASSON: A large ritual rattle made from calabash, a squash, which symbolizes the office of a Voudon priest or priestess.

ASTRAGALOMANCY, ASTRAGYROMANCY: Divination through the sortilege of sheep bones (originally). Now commonly done with dice bearing numbers and letters.

ASTRAL BODY: The body that functions in the astral plane. It is believed by many to be the spirit consciousness and the instrument of emotions and incentive. Also known as Astrosome.

ASTRAL FLUID, ASTRAL LIGHT: The invisible aura and life force of the cosmos in Theosophy that contains images of everything that transpires on the physical and astral planes. It is fluid and tenuous and the slightest act of imagination or will can bend it to an individual's desired direction. Magicians work within sacred space when accessing the Astral Light to protect themselves from the infinite cross currents present in it. Akin to the concept of the Akashic Record.

ASTRAL PLANE: The plane, or level of energy and existence, between the Mental and the Physical Planes. Also known as Antariksha or Antariksa (Sanskrit); Bhuvar (Vedic).

ASTRAL PROJECTION: The process of extending one's subjective point of reference beyond the limits of the physical body to move within the Astral Plane or Dreamtime. Most people do this with an accompanying image of their Astral Body as a vehicle. Astral projection can occur spontaneously or can be induced.

ASTRAL TRAVEL: The act of moving through the astral plane or dreamtime in astral form.

ASTROLOGY: Divination by interpreting the movements of heavenly bodies, particularly the major planets. Also known as Astrosophy.

ASTROMETRY: The branch of astronomy dealing with the measurement of heavenly bodies and their positions and movements.

ASTRONOMY: The study of the stars and other heavenly bodies, dealing with their composition, motion, position and relation to one another. Astronomy is considered to be a physical science.

ASTROSOME: The body that functions in the astral plane. It is believed by many to be the spirit consciousness and the instrument of emotions and incentive. Also known as Astral Body.

ASTROSOPHY: Divination by interpreting the movements of heavenly bodies, particularly the major planets. More commonly known as Astrology.

ATHAME : A cleansed and consecrated sacred magickal knife used in ritual work by Witches. The knife is rarely used to cut anything on the material plane. In Traditional Wicca, it is black-hilted and double-edged, with the Signs used in its consecration generally painted or inscribed on the hilt. It is considered to be the Elemental Tool of Air, or in some traditions, the Elemental Tool of Fire. Pronounced ah-thay-mee.

ATHANOR (Arabic, al-tannur: "oven"): A brick or clay furnace, usually shaped like a tower with a domed roof, used by alchemists to perfect matter. It was designed to keep even heat over long periods of time. Also known as House of the Chick.

ATHEISM (Greek, a "without"; theo "god"): The religious doctrine that deities do not exist.

ATMADHYANA: The fourteenth stage of knowledge in the unity of the soul with Brahman in Hinduism. Atmadhyana is the condition of joy in understanding "I am Brahman."

ATMAN (Hindu, atman: "soul, self"): In Theosophy, the union of the soul with God. It is believed that the soul is neither body or consciousness but individualism is merely a condition that exist when the Self is loses its sense of oneness with God.

ATMIC PLANE: The Otherworld in Hindu tradition. Also known as Nirvana.

ATTUNE: To bring into harmony or agreement. Most commonly refers to harmonizing energy in magickal practice.

ATZILUTH: The supreme circle in the three worlds according to Cabala. The perfect revelation.

AUGURY: Often used synonymously with divination to mean the interpretation of signs and omens. More accurately, it is divination based on the appearance or behavior of animals. Includes:

Alectryomancy (chickens);
Arachnomancy (spiders);
Entomomancy (insects);
Hippomancy (horses)
Ichthyomancy (fish);
Myomancy (mice);
Ophiomancy (snakes); 
Zoomancy (any animal);
Haruspicy (interpreting animal entrails) is sometimes consider augury.
AUGUST EVE: 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 asBilberry Sunday, Fraughan Sunday, Crom Dubh 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. 

AUGUST SPIRITS, The: The deceased members of the family revered in the Shinto religion.

AUM: The meditative word representing the Hindu Trinity, Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. More commonly written as Om.

AURA: The force-field that surrounds the physical body, whether of humans, animals, or plants, and even places and things; composed of two layers: the inner "etheric aura" or "health aura" is a band of bluish-white energy which closely follows the outlines of the body, beyond which radiates the "astral aura" whose size, color, and shape or structure indicates the emotional, mental, and spiritual state of the individual. An aura is most often perceived visually but it can also be felt, heard, or sensed through other means.

AUSTATIKCO-PAULIGAUR: A class of malicious spirits in Persian tradition. They are eight in number and keep the eight sides of the world: Indiren, king of the djinn; Augne-Baugauven, god of fire; Eemen, king of death and the underworld; Nerudee, earth; Vaivoo, god of air and wind; Varoonon, god of clouds an rain; Gooberen, god of riches; and Essaunien or Shivven, whose domain is not identified.

AUSTROMANCY: Divination by interpreting wind. A form of aeromancy.

AUTOGRAPHY, AUTOMATIC WRITING, AUTOMATIC SPEAKING: Spirit communication done unconsciously by an individual often in trance, obsession or possession states. Automatic communication has occurred with people in a fully conscious state without their awareness of the action and distinct personality and knowledge variants (e.g.: fluency in an ancient language) have been documented. Autography and Automatic Writing apply to written communication and are also known as Psychography. They are distinct from Direct Writing where a spirit writes directly without human or mechanical assistance. All forms are distinct from Psychomancy where the diviner summons the spirit consciously for communication.

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX: The Lesser Sabbat celebrated on or about September 21st. This sabbat marks the balance and harmony in the days and nights being equal before the God gives way to the night. Also known as Alban Elfed, Alban Elued, Mabon, Meán Fómhair.

AVATAR: Incarnation of a Deity in physical form. Rama Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu.

AVERSE: Against; harmful; opposed to, or having negative intent or results.

AVICHI: Theosophical hell. Individuals who have not divested themselves of strong desires and passions find themselves tormented by fleshly cravings that cannot be fulfilled while existing in the Otherworld. It is believed that the soul eventually lets go of their carnality and that the torments cease with enlightenment.

AVIDYA: The Theosophical term for ignorance, especially spiritual ignorance that causes an individual to pursue vain courses of fulfillment. Its antithesis is Vidya.

AWEN, The : A Druidic symbol forming the Divine name, translating literally as "inspiration". The symbol is drawn as three rays of light that symbolize the source of Light in the cosmos and in man. It has also come to be associated as representative of the Druidic virtues of courage, brotherhood, and selfless service.

AXINOMANCY, AXIOMANCY: Divination using an axe or hatchet. Both the handle and the blade are used in various forms.

AZOTH: The alchemic term for the Universal Spirit. It is usually represented by a cross or a circle with the letters TARO at the four points.

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