Welcome to the Witchipedia's glossary of occult terms. Here you will find terms often used in the Pagan, Heathen, magical and occult communities that may confuse a newcomer. This encyclopedia of magical terminology is a wonderful place to get started if you don't know where to start in the Witchipedia. If you don't see the term you are looking for here, feel free to bring your question to the community in our forums or Ask A Witch!
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We have 331 terms listed in our glossary with more being added each day.
What you see on this page is the titles and first paragraph of the articles in our occult glossary whose titles begin with the letter A. To view the full article, please click on the title. You will also be able to comment, ask questions and add more information to the article once you've navigated to its page.
Absinthe
Absinthe is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from wormwood, anise, fennel, and other herbs. Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic beverage that is usually diluted with ice water and melted sugar before drinking. In good quality absinthe, with actual plant oils, ice water makes the absinthe turn...
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional healing methodology originating in China. It utilizes small needles inserted into the skin at very specific points to direct the flow of chi. Acupuncture is popular in the West as a drug free treatment for chronic pain and nausea associated with surgery or the treatment...
Adept
One who has studied and mastered (and continues to study) a magical system is often referred to as an adept. Some organizations have formal guidelines for conferring this title upon a member.
Aeromancy
Aeromancy is a form of divination using the element of Air by observing the sky, particularly meteorological and cosmological events, including the movements of clouds, winds and sometimes comets, the appearance of rainbows and other phenomena such as auroras. The word Aeromancy comes from the Greek...
Air Sign
In astrology, three signs are ruled by the element of air. These are Libra, Aquarius and Gemini. It is said that air sign people have a more mental focus than others. They are also adaptable and curious and enjoy collecting facts, information and stories. Because they are such mental beings, air...
Akasha
Akasha is a Sanskrit word referring to the base material contained in all things. The literal meaning is space or sky and the closest Western synonym is Aether and it has also been related to modern Paganism's fifth element, Spirit or aether Theosophy refers to Akashic records.
Alchemist
Alchemy is both a spiritual and magical practice and a philosophy. Its aim is famously to achieve immortality but also to achieve wisdom through transformation of both the alchemist and the substances he manipulates. Etymology The world Alchemy may have come from the Old French alkemie or the Arabic...
Alchemy
Alchemy is both a spiritual and magical practice and a philosophy. Its aim is famously to achieve immortality but also to achieve wisdom through transformation of both the alchemist and the substances he manipulates. Etymology The world Alchemy may have come from the Old French alkemie or the Arabic...
Amulet
An amulet is an object that is carried or worn on a person or placed in a location in order to draw specific energy or luck toward that person or location. An amulet is often a piece of jewelry made of specific minerals and crystals chosen for the type of magical energy they naturally contain. Often...
Angels
An angel is a spiritual being of light that serves as a messenger and servant of God in the pantheons of both Abrahamic and Zoroastrian traditions. Some magic-users of various traditions call upon angels for advice, protection or to help them achieve certain tasks. The Enochian magick system is...
Animism
The term animism comes from the Latin word anima meaning life or soul . The word commonly refers to a belief system that ascribes the soul (and the awareness and personality that goes along with it) not only to humans but also to other non-human life and sometimes to inanimate objects, natural...
Anointing oil
Anointing oil is sacred oil, blessed and charged and specially formulated for the purposes of sanctifying or elevating sacred objects or people in the service of a higher purpose. The practice in the West seems to come from the Hebrew tradition of anointing priests and later kings and prophets with...
Aphrodisiac
An aphrodisiac is a substance that stimulates sexual arousal when consumed. The word aphrodisiac comes from the Greek ἀφροδισιακόν, aphrodisiakon meaning sexual or of or pertaining to Aphrodite. Substances that have the opposite effect are called anaphrodisiac.
Arete
Arete (ἀρετή) is a Hellenic virtue meaning excellence . Arete is about being all you can be, the best at what you are, giving it your all, meeting your potential. The word arete is often translated as virtue . Arete is about using all the tools available to you to get things done, by any means...
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of fragrance for therapeutic purposes. This often involves the use of essential oils, other plant extracts and various fragrant parts of plants used whole or in pieces. Their fragrance may be inhaled alone, broadcast via a diffuser or added to other products such as massage...
Asperge
Asperging is a form of ritual purification involving the sprinkling of liquid on the item, person or area to be purified. Asperging is generally done with water that has been sanctified in some way. In Hellenic tradition, it is usually sanctified by dropping or dipping a burning bay laurel leaf into...
Aspergillum
An aspergillum is a device used for sprinkling water or other liquid for ceremonial purposes. It may be a specifically designed instrument, like a brush or a silver ball on a stick as seen in many Catholic rituals, or it may take the form of plant matter. Many magic-users use branches of specific...
Astral Body
The astral body is the theoretical subtle or spiritual body, a third option between the eternal soul and the body (according to Platonic theory) though some believe that the astral body and the soul are equivalent. The astral body maintains your personality separate from your physical body, the mind...
Astral magick
Astral magic is a general term for any magic performed on or using the astral plane or involving astral travel or astral projection. Astral Magic: How it Can Improve Your Life at Witches of the Craft
Astral Plane
The Astral Plane is where you go when you engage in astral projection. It is not so much a place, as a state of energetic existence. The astral plane exists as a sort of shadow to the material world and is populated with the energetic aspects of material beings, as well as energetic and spirit...
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