Pagan Dictionary

JACK-O’-LANTERN: 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 Will-O’-the-Wisp, Corpse Light, Fair Light, Fox Fire, Fire Demon, Witch Fire. Akin to Corpse Candles, Dead Man's Candles, Fetch-Lights.

JAINISM (Sanskrit, jainas: "saint"): A major religion originating in India that has some similarity to Buddhism. Jainism does not recognize the authority of the Veda and its philosophy includes belief in the eternity of matter, the periodicity of the universe, the immortality of human's and animal's minds. It stresses non-violence and Jains are particularly known for avoiding harming any living thing.

JAMAICAN VOODOO: The polytheistic religion and magickal system of West African origin found in the Caribbean, South America and North America today. It recognizes that there are a multitude of gods and ghosts who each have their own myths, rites, offerings, taboos, and magical forces. Obeah is a healer god, who can also be invoked to bring illness and other calamities to one's own enemy. Also known as Obea, Obeah, Obi, Oby, Jamaican Voodoo.

JINN (plural), JINNIY, JINNEE, JINNI (singular forms): A class of beings described in the Koran, both male and female, between angels and human kind and represented as being created from smokeless fire, abounding particularly in desert places. Popularly djinn are regarded as being able to appear to mankind in the form of domestic animals or of human beings of gigantic size, the benevolent ones appearing in beautiful shape, the malevolent in horrible guise. Also known as Djinn, Genie, Genii.

JOL: 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 Alban Arthan, Alban Arthuan, Jul, Meán Geimhridh, MidWinter. Winter Solstice, Yule.

JUJUMAN: A Traditional healer or priest to African tribal members and believers in Vodoun, Santería, or Macumba, or those who seek the healing power of herbs from them. Also known as Conjure Man, Leaf Doctor, Root Doctor, Witch Doctor. See also: Traditional Healer.

JUL: 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 Alban Arthan, Alban Arthuan, Jol, Meán Geimhridh, MidWinter. Winter Solstice, Yule.