Pagan Dictionary

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WALPURGISNACHT: 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, Cyntefin, Dydd Calan Mai, Feast of Bíle, Kala-Mae, Kala-Hañv, Lady Day, May Day, May Eve.

WAND: The Elemental Tool of Fire, or in some Traditions, of Air. Traditionally, the wand resembles a rod, often with a crystal placed at one or both ends and is used to direct energy.

WANG LUNG: The Chinese Rain Dragon (Kung Lung or Shen Lung) and the Chinese Earth Dragon (Ti Lung ) together. The other two types of Chinese Dragon are:

T'ien Lung ( Celestial Dragon);
Fu Tsang Lung ( Treasure Dragon).
WANING MOON: The lunar cycle when the moon is decreasing in visibility as the sun's light is reflected from less of its surface. It is considered to be a good time in many magickal systems to do magick that is meant to banish or decrease something. The cycle where the moon increases in visibility is known as the Waxing Moon.

WARD (Indo-European, wer: "to guard, keep safe"):

Any object or thought designed to guard or keep someone or something safe (e.g.: spell, charm, talisman);
Any entity under the protection of another.
WARLOCK (Old English/Anglo-Saxon, waerloga: "traitor"): Traitor, deceiver, oathbreaker, or liar. The term is often used by outsiders to refer to a male Witch and is considered to be derogatory by many pagan traditions (for obvious reasons). In most pagan traditions the term "witch" is not gender specific and is used for both men and women. In some religions (usually nonpagan, like the Church of Satan) the term warlock is acceptable to use to identify male practitioners.

WASHES: Herb and water mixtures with magickal properties, used to wash or sprinkle about the floors and walls of dwellings to attract specific energies and influences.

WATCHTOWERS: Term to describe the corresponding Direction, Color, Element, and Elemental at each point in a Magick Circle. Also known as Cardinal Points, Corners, Four Corners, Quarters, Four Quarters.

WATER: One of the primary elements in most traditions. It is affiliated with cleansing and purification. In traditions that correlate the elements with matter it is one of the four states of matter: liquid. In alchemy Water is associated with the operation of Dissolution and is represented by Tin.

WATER SIGNS: The zodiac signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, all of which are associated with the element of water.

WAXING MOON: The lunar cycle when the moon is increasing in visibility as the sun's light is reflected from more of its surface. It is considered to be a good time in many magickal systems to do magick that is meant to manifest or increase something. The cycle where the moon decreases in visibility is known as the Waning Moon.

WEBWEAVING: Networking with other magickal people through conversation, in writing, or by computer to gather information to mutually assist each party in their studies and life goals.

WEEDIGO, WEEGHTAKO, WEEGHTEKO, WEENDAGO, WEENDEGOAG, WEENDIGO, WEE TEE GO, WEETEGO, WEETIGO, WEHNDIGO, WEHTIGO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WEIRD SISTERS, The: The three sisters from the Norse Edda, who are the spinners of destiny. Urd (origin) represents the past which causes all that follows, Verdandi (becoming) represents the constantly changing present, and Skuld (debt) represents all that is unresolved and yet to be determined. The Weird Sisters dwell under the one of the three roots of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. Also known as Norns. See Also: Well of Urd.

WELL OF URD: The spring that waters Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life in Norse mythology. When a person dies they are judged by Odin at the Well of Urd. Before birth the soul visits the Well of Urd and selects a mother. 

WELSH CYMRI WICCA: A Wiccan Tradition based on Y Tylwyth Teg, a Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land, which maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of both these paths are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.

WENDIGO, WENIGO, WENTIGO, WENTIKO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wetigo, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WEOWIE: Australian Aborigine word for water spirits.

WETIGO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WHEEL OF THE YEAR: One full cycle of the seasonal year, beginning with the Samhain (November 1st) celebration in many traditions or New Year's Day (January 1st) in others. The Wheel represents the cycles of continual birth, death and renewal as mirrored in the changing seasons and the sun, which rules the seasons.

WHIRLING DERVISH: A member of a Muslim fraternity vowed to poverty and austerity and who practices whirling or howling to attain a state of ecstacy. Also known as Dancing Dervish.

WHITE-HANDLED KNIFE: A normal cutting knife, with a sharp blade and white handle. It is used by Wiccans to cut herbs and fruits, slice bread and other non-magickal functions. Also called a Bolline.

WHITE MAGICK: A term used to identify some traditions where Magick is never used for destructive purposes. Also known as the Right Hand Path, Path of Light.

WHITE PHASE, The: The second stage in alchemy that takes place during Distillation. Also known as Leukosis.

WHIT TE CO, WHITTICO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibilistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WICCA (Old English wicca: "male witch"; wicce,: "female witch"; wiccan: "witchcraft"):

Any religion that follows the beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies laid out by Gerald Gardner (Gardnerian Wicca) or Alex Sanders (Alexandrian Wicca) that have been passed down through Initiation and Consecration, including those religions founded by Initiated and Consecrated members of another form;
Any religion that has no initiatory connection to Gardner or Sanders, but have based their rituals and practices upon Gardnerian Wicca or Alexandrian Wicca., including solitary Wicca practitioners.
WICCAN:

An Initiate of Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca or a branch of Wicca having initiatory lineage back to either Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca;
A person who follows a Wiccan practice based upon Gardnerian Wicca or Alexandrian Wicca without having initiatory lineage. 
A person who follows or practices a solitary Wiccan tradition;
Something related to Wicca (e.g.: Wiccan Mysteries, Wiccan Book of Shadows).
WICCANING: A Wiccan birth rite similar to a christening in Christianity. The newly born infant is ritually blessed and given a secret Craft name, which can be used until the child is old enough to select his or her own name, if desired. A Wiccaning does not commit a child to Wicca.

WICCAN REDE (Old English, wicca: “male witch”; roedan, “to guide or direct”): The creed of Wicca, summarily expressed by “An’ it harm none, do what you will”. The exact origin of the Rede is uncertain. Gardner claimed the Rede was derived from Good King Pausol and had been incorporated in Traditional Witchcraft by successive generations of Witches. No matter its origins, the Rede defines those who adhere to it as agents of good and as healers.

WICCAN SHAMANISM: Created by Selena Fox, high priestess of Circle Sanctuary, Wiccan Shamanism is a religion that blends Wiccan practice, humanistic psychology and a variety of shamanistic practices from tribal societies around the world. Healing is the primary focus of a Wiccan Shaman, and he/she observes all the sabbats, traditional activities, and the Wiccan Rede in conjunction with shamanic practices such as vision questing and dreamtime.

WIDDERSHINS: Counterclockwise motion or, moving to the left around a circle if facing out, to the right if facing inward, in the Northern Hemisphere. Used in some magickal workings and ceremonies, it is the opposite of Deosil. Also known as Withershins. 

WIENDIGO, WIHTIGO, WIITIKO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Wi'Indago, Windego, Windigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WILL-O’-THE-WISP: 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, Corpse Light, Fair Light, Fox Fire, Fire Demon, Witch Fire. Akin to Corpse Candles, Dead Man's Candles, Fetch-Lights.

WINDAGO, WINDAGOE, WINDAGOO, WINDEGO, WI' NDIGO, WINDEGO, WINDIGO, WINDIKOUK, WINTEGO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WINTER SOLSTICE: 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, Jol, Meán Geimhridh, MidWinter, Yule. 

WINTIGO, WI' NTSIGO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wi'Tigo, Witigo, Witiko, Wittako, Wittikka.

WISE ONES, The: Deities, Demi-Gods, and Masters in physical form.

WITA: 

The study and practice of the religion of the Picts, the pre-Celtic inhabitants of northern Scotland. Pecti-Wita is concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing, and honors the Celtic Dieties. The main tools in Pecti-Wita are the Staff and the Athame or Dirk. Pecti-Witans use a "Keek-Stane" which is, in effect, a scrying stone or the equivalent of a crystal ball. Also known as Pecti-Wita, Pictish Witchcraft.
An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. It is very similar to the Scottish Pecti-Wita which is evolved from Pictish, rather than Irish, tradition. Also known as Witta.
“WITCH” (Women’s International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell): A feminist organization on American college campuses in the 1960’s. WITCH purported that the original guerrilla fighters against the oppression of women and minorities were witches and gypsies. WITCH members demonstrated for numerous causes dressed in rags, wearing pointed, conical hats, carrying brooms, and shrieking curses at the Establishment. WITCH maintained that any woman could become a Witch by saying “I am a Witch” three times.

WITCH: A practitioner of witchcraft; the lower-case "witch" indicates a practitioner who does not regard witchcraft as part of their particular religious belief or practice, for example, Christians or atheists who practice witch's magicks and are thus "witches", while the upper-case "Witch" indicates a practitioner of witchcraft as an intrinsic part of their specific religious beliefs and practices, although not necessarily those of the Wicca.

WITCH BALL: A glass sphere often painted on the inside to reflect light or filled with pins and string designed to ward off evil spirits. They were usually hung in the front window of the home. Some references link the witch ball with the origin of glass ball ornaments hung on Christmas trees. 

WITCHCRAFT: The craft, or magickal arts and practices, of witches; as with witch, and Witch, the lower-case (witchcraft) applies to practice of magick outside of religious belief and upper-case (Witchcraft) applies to the religious belief systems.

WITCH DOCTOR: 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 Conjure Man, Jujuman, Leaf Doctor, Root Doctor. See also: Traditional Healer.

WITCHES LEAGUE OF PUBLIC AWARENESS (WLPA): An international organization founded in 1986 by Laurie Cabot and Christine Dumas to protest the filming of John Updike’s novel, The Witches of Eastwick, a gross misrepresentation of the Craft. The WLPA works to end prejudice and bigotry against Witches and Witchcraft. It does not handle individual discrimination cases.

WITCH FIRE: 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, Corpse Light, Fair Light, Fox Fire, Fire Demon. Akin to Corpse Candles, Dead Man's Candles, Fetch-Lights.

WITCH GODS, The: Beings, deities or presences often invoked during Wiccan ceremony to witness or guard the rituals. The Witch Gods are thought to be either spiritually evolved beings, once human, or spiritual entities created by or charged by the Goddess and the God to protect the Earth and to watch over the four directions. They are sometimes linked with the Elements. Also known as the Old Ones, the Mighty Ones.

WITCHING HOUR: The hour of midnight on the night of the full moon.

WITCH’S LADDER: A string of 40 beads or a cord with 40 knots that enable a Witch to concentrate on repetitive chants or incantations without having to keep count. This enables the Witch to focus will and energy on the desired goal. They are used frequently for self-healing.

WITHERSHINS: Counterclockwise motion or, moving to the left around a circle if facing out, to the right if facing inward, in the Northern Hemisphere. Used in some magickal workings and ceremonies, it is the opposite of Deosil. Also known as Widdershins.

WI' TIGO, WITIGO, WITIKO (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wittako, Wittikka.

WITTA: An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. It is very similar to the Scottish Pecti-Wita which is evolved from Pictish, rather than Irish, tradition. Also known as Wita.

WITTAKO, WITTIKKA (Algonquin, witiku: "evil spirit, cannibal"): A malicious shapeshifting spirit that stalks the forests of North America searching for humans to consume. It may take the form of a cannibalistic person breathing flames, a spirit with a heart of ice that flies through the night sky, or any other form it chooses. The Wendigo will drive anyone who lays eyes upon it and lives into a cannibal devoid of individuality and mad with bloodlust. Also known as Weedigo, Weeghtako, Weeghteko, Weendago, Weendegoag, Weendigo, Weetego, Wee tee go, Weetigo, Wehndigo, Wehtigo, Wendago, Wendigo, Wenigo, Wentigo, Wentiko, Wetigo, Whit Te Co, Whittico, Wiendigo, Wihtigo, Wiitiko, Windago, Windagoe, Windagoo, Windego, Windigo, Wi' Ndigo, Windikouk, Wintego, Wintigo, Wi' Ntsigo, Wi' Tigo, Witigo, Witiko.

WIZARD (Middle English, wis, “wise”): A term used in various periods of history for magicians, sorcerers or witches and is seldom in use today. The wizard as a High Magician was an intellectual who pursued alchemy, the Hermetic wisdom, and the doctrines of Agrippa, Dee, Paracelsus and other Neoplatonic philosophers. In archaic use, a wizard was synonymous with wise man or wise woman. It is sometimes used today to describe Ceremonial Magicians but is not used synonymously with Witch. 

WONMUTTA: Australian Aborigine word for a sorcerer. Literally, "clever man".

WORDS OF POWER: Powerful words which, when rhythmically chanted in a Magick Circle, effect the conjuration of spirits and demons or the achievement of spells. The Words of Power are the secret names of God or deities, or words substituted for these names. Also known as Names of Power.

WORKING: The process of using magick to reach a desired positive goal. Also known as Magickal Working.

WORT (Anglo-Saxon, wyrt: "root, herb"):

A plant or herb, most often seen in compound form (e.g.: St. John's Wort, liverwort);
A liquid prepared with malt which becomes beer, ale, etc. after fermentation.

WORT CUNNING: The art of using herbs for magick and/or physical and emotional healing. Also known as Herbalism.

 
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