Witchcraft

Question 1

Animism

Answer 1

The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence or soul.

Question 2

Asperge

Answer 2

To cleanse and purify a space. This is usually done by spraying water around a room or using an herbal bundle to cleanse the space.

Question 3

Athame

Answer 3

[Typically] A blunt, double-edged knife with a black handle, usually used in ceremonial magick and traditional Wiccan practices. It is associated with masculine energy as well as the elements of fire and air.

The athame is a powerful tool for defining limits and boundaries.

The athame cuts on a spiritual level and is not for cutting materials.

Do:
* Consecrate your athame.
* Keep your athame in a safe place.
* Cast circles with your athame.
* Draw pentagrams with your athame.
* Direct energies and cast spells with your athame.

Don’t:
* Cut or carve materials with your athame.
* Use your athame as a weapon.
* Abuse your athame; Consider a wand for gentler applications.

Question 4

Pentagram

Star

Answer 4

The five-pointed star is a symbol of power and protection in Wicca and other Neopagan traditions.

An invoking pentagram is used when we wish to draw something to us. Meanwhile, a banishing pentagram is used to repel or send something away.

Question 5

Boline

Answer 5

A [typically] smaller, white-handled knife, called a boline, is the tool of choice when cutting ingredients or carving surfaces.

It is used for practical purposes such as harvesting herbs, inscribing candles with symbols or sigils, or cutting physical cords

Question 6

Balefire

Answer 6

An open fire, usually used in a ritual or spell. Balefires are lit during pagan festivals such as the sabbats (witch’s holidays).

Question 7

Besom

Answer 7

A broom made of twigs tied around a stick. Used in cleansing rituals and to invite beneficial energies to a space.

The most common use of brooms is to sweep away negative energies, thereby cleansing and purifying the space. Typically, the negative energy gets swept out of the front door, while practitioners practice rhythmic sweeping and chant a spell.

Brooms over the door are known to ward off harmful gossip, unwanted guests, and even curses.

Question 8

Blot

Answer 8

A communal event where animal sacrifice is used as an offering to a deity or god. Members of the ritual feast on the sacrifice in celebration. In today’s age, sacrificing a live animal is less common, there will be lots of good food and wine in its place.

Question 9

Burning Times

Answer 9

A name given to the days of the Reformation, Inquisition, etc., when Witches were tried and executed by inquisitors, sometimes burned at the stake.

Question 10

Casting a Circle

Answer 10

To project a circle or cone of energy where the practitioner will contain the energy generated by their ritual or magick.

Question 11

Cense

Answer 11

To perfume something ritually with the odor of burning incense, such as a room, person, or object.

Question 12

Charge

Answer 12

Intentionally passing a specific energy or intention to an object, person, or space. Items that have been charged are sacred or consecrated for a specific purpose.

Question 13

Charm

Answer 13

From the Latin carmen meaning “song, incantation,” but came to be a generic term referring to any type of magick.

As a noun, it commonly refers to a small object that protects its wearer from evil.

As a verb, it commonly refers to refers to the act of using magick to exert control over a person.

Question 14

Conjure

Answer 14

Originally had to do with the taking of oaths. Its magickal associations came when it was used to refer to binding demons to one’s will. In time, “conjurer” became a generic term for a magick-user.

Question 15

Covenstead

Answer 15

A meeting space for witches to gather as a Coven.

Question 16

Craft Name

Answer 16

A name chosen by the practitioner for themselves within the magickal and spiritual community. This name can be a representation of their craft, abilities, interests or can sometimes be given to them by other members of their coven or elders.

Question 17

Deosil

Answer 17

The clockwise motion of directing energy during a spell or ritual. This can be done with your hand, a wand, a knife, etc.

Question 18

Elementals

Answer 18

Personified spirits of each Element.
Elementals are considered interdimensional beings, which means that they can move through different planes. Likewise, they maintain a strong bond with Nature, which is why many cultures consider them protectors or guardians of the earth.

• The entities that live among the rocks of the Earth are Gnomes.
• The beings of the Water are called Undines.
• The creatures of the Fire are known as Salamanders.
• The elementals of the Air are designated by the name of Sylphs.*

Question 19

Esbat

Answer 19

Meeting of a coven, outside of the Sabbats, where healing, feasts, psychic work, and rituals take place, sometimes in the Full Moon but not necessarily.

Each of the 13 Full Moons is a celebration called an “Esbat”, an excellent opportunity to perform rituals, connect with Nature, and with other Witches.

Question 20

Define

Esoteric

Answer 20

From Ancient Greek esōterikós, “belonging to an inner circle.” It often refers to occult orders and belief systems like Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and Rosicrucianism, whose teachings are not shared outside of a group of initiates.

Question 21

Equinox

Answer 21

Happens twice a year, when the duration of the day is equal to the duration of the night (12 hours each). The equinoxes occur around March 21st and September 21st and correspond to spring and autumn.

Question 22

Evil Eye

Curse

Answer 22

A particular look or stare that is believed to bring bad luck for the person at whom it is directed, for reasons of envy or dislike. It is a curse or legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, and usually given to a person when they are unaware.

Question 23

Evil Eye; Nazar

Answer 23

Evil eye talismans, or nazar in Arabic, mean “attention” or “vision.” They’re in the shape of an eye and are typically the color blue, though you may also find them in colors, including red, pink, green, white and black. People who believe in the evil eye often wear an amulet to protect themselves from any negative energy or intent.

Evil eye colors
* Green: represents balance, health, joy and prosperity
* Pink: represents happiness and friendship
* Blue: represents good luck and warding off negative energy
* White: represents clarity and focus
* Black: represents protection
* Red: represnts protection against envy and malevolent intentions

Question 24

Familiar

Answer 24

An entity that has a spiritual bond with a Witch on a higher plane; Commonly found in animal form, a Familiar is a spiritual entity that aids a witch in their practice. These Familiar spirits could take on nearly any form, sometimes human likeness. Sometimes the Familiar was described as a grotesque creature of fantasy, a mixture or blend of several creatures all rolled into one thing.

For a modern witch to lay claim to a Familiar spirit, the animal must have made a pact with the witch.

• Used as magickal shields
• A tool to assist in magickal workings
• Spirit taking on a physical form - usually animal
• Gifted or there was a deal made with the witch
• Comes and goes as they please
• Are magickally inclined

Question 25

Green / Earth Witchcraft

Answer 25

The discipline of tuning into the energies of Earth through herbs. It’s an important piece in the puzzle of working with the Five Elements of Nature: Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Spirit.

Question 26

Hedgecraft

Answer 26

A path loosely based on the old wise women (and men), cunning folk, herbalists, healers and witches, mainly from European backgrounds.

Question 27

Hex

Answer 27

From the German hexen, for practicing witchcraft. A hex is usually understood as a curse or malignant spell placed upon a person.

Question 28

Quarters

Answer 28

The four corners and/or watchtowers associated to each cardinal direction in a magickal circle. They are symbolic structures called upon to guard over a circle during a ritual.

Question 29

Rede

Answer 29

From Middle English, meaning “advice” or “counsel”, the Wiccan Rede provides the key moral system for Wiccans; “An it harm none, do what thou will”.

Question 30

Sabbat

Answer 30

Each of the eight Wiccan holidays celebrated in a calendar year. The first sabbat is Yule and then comes Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain. These festivals are considered sacred days and it’s tradition to celebrate them in good company.

Question 31

Shadow Work

Answer 31

The shadow represents the repressed aspects of the personality that are rejected by the ego. Shadow work is an introspective practice where we face our pain instead of fighting it.

Question 32

Skyclad

Answer 32

To be nude. Some Pagans prefer to be nude during rituals, to perform them skyclad.

Question 33

Solstice

Answer 33

The time when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point at noon, resulting in the shortest and longest days of the year, typically around June 21-22 and December 21-22.

Question 34

Summerland

Answer 34

A place beyond the material plane, similar to an afterlife, where souls go between incarnations.
In Wiccan belief, The Summerland symbolizes a time of transition, where the soul can bask in the divine energy of nature and experience spiritual growth.

Question 35

Widdershins

Answer 35

Motion of energy directed in a counter-clockwise movement. This can be used to undo or reverse a spell.

Question 36

Baneful / Dark Magic

Answer 36

Has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for “evil” and selfish purposes.

Baneful magic is considered anything to and/or someone without their explicit consent. It can be anything: protection, abundance, love, harm, blessings, etc.

Not all Pagan traditions divide magic into such simplistic categories as “good” or “bad.” There’s no way to perform magic without influencing something or someone, somehow, somewhere.

Baneful Magic also covers:
* Magical workings that impact the free will of others
* Magic performed to bring about destruction or harm, such as cursing or hexing
* Magic invoking the spirit realm for a negative purpose
* Magical workings that are baneful; i.e., that restrict or eliminate the actions of other people

Question 37

White Magic

Answer 37

Has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for “good” and charitable purposes.

White magic should alway be performed with consent and positive intentions.

White magic spells are all intended to be positive, uplifting, and gentle; they are never coercive.

Question 38

Passion Magic

Answer 38

Passion Magic spells are used to find a new lover, turn a good friend into a lover, draw a loved one closer, receive a proposal of marriage, celebrate married life, enforce sexual fidelity, mend lover’s quarrels, bring back a lost lover, magnify lust, enhance libido, attract casual sexual partners, or increase fertility.

Passion magic spells can be gentle or strong, suggestive or coercive; what makes them all Passion magic spells is that they have something to do with romance, love, lust, fertility, or sexuality.

Question 39

Wealth Magic

Answer 39

Wealth Magic spells are used to bring in cash, draw in money, receive a job offer or promotion, bring back money owed, magnify gambling wins, enhance good luck, attract business partners and customers, or increase prosperity.

Wealth magic spells can be gentle or strong, suggestive or coercive; what makes them all Wealth magic spells is that they have something to do with money, gambling, business success, or wealth.

Question 40

Power Magic

Answer 40

Power Magic spells are used to bring in personal success, draw in allies, receive a favourable verdict in court, magnify rulership, force others to behave as desired, enhance control, attract helpful spirits or demons, or increase will power.

Power magic spells can be gentle or strong, suggestive or coercive; what makes them all Power magic spells is that they have something to do with controlling, commanding, compelling, or bending others to one’s will.

Question 41

Low Magic / Folk Magic

Answer 41

Low magic, also called folk magic, is the type that peasants have performed for centuries. It is simple, practical magic designed to help with the problems of everyday life. It often involves the four elements or the natural world in some way. Low magic means that you’re working with the natural forces around you to alter or change something subtly. You’re not trying to create something new or destroy something (as with high magic), but you’re just directing or nudging the energy in a slightly different direction.

Examples of folk magic include simple candle spells, jar spells, herbalism, charms, and mojo bags.

Question 42

High Magic / Ceremonial Magic

Answer 42

High magic is the stuff of the occult, of secret societies. It’s the kind of magic that gets big, major results, but it also takes a lot of work to learn and truly understand.

Often, high magic is incredibly secretive and can be developed by secret societies such as The Golden Dawn. And while students can technically pick up a book written by an occultist and perform a high magic ritual, it’s much better if you spend the time to learn the principles yourself before doing a ritual you don’t totally understand.

Question 43

Enochian Magic

Answer 43

A form of High Magic.

Enochian magic is used to summon and communicate with angelic beings. It can also be used for protection, healing, and other purposes.

Question 44

Chaos Magic

Answer 44

Practical Magic.

The idea of chaos magic is to use whatever ideas and practices are helpful to you at the moment, even when they contradict previous ideas and practices. This means you can use virtually any types of magic/magical system at any moment. All that matters is what is useful.

It can be used for anything from improving your health to manifesting your dream life.

Question 45

Sympathetic Magic

Answer 45

Sympathetic magic has nothing to do with actual sympathy but is a type of magic that relies on the principle of “like attracts like.” This means that you can use objects to represent people or things in order to influence them.

For example, if you want to hex someone, you might use a voodoo doll. Your ritual must include connecting the doll’s energy to the person to create a link. Then, anything you do to the doll is also (metaphorically) done to the person. If you want to heal someone, you might use a magical talisman. If you want to increase your strength, you might use a magical charm.

Question 46

Left Hand / Right Hand

Answer 46

In some magical traditions, there is a distinction between “left-hand magic” and “right-hand magic.” This refers to using magic for self-serving purposes (left-hand) or altruistic purposes (right-hand). Some people believe that left-hand magic is inherently evil because it is used for selfish reasons, while right-hand magic is good because it is used to help others.

However, this is not always the case. It is possible to use left-hand magic for good and right-hand magic for evil purposes. It all depends on the intent of the magician.

Other magicians see the left-handed path as the path of destruction, while the right-handed path is that of creation. But then it follows that the right-handed path can be used to create something harmful (which is inherently negative). And similarly, the left-handed path can be used to destroy something harmful, to stop it from hurting others (which is inherently positive).

Question 47

Alchemy

Answer 47

Alchemy is a type of magic that is all about transformation. It is the art of turning one thing into another, often using chemicals and laboratories. In the past, alchemists were able to turn lead into gold.

Nowadays, alchemy is used more for personal transformation.

Alchemy is a very powerful type of magic but can also be dangerous if not used correctly. This is because alchemy deals with powerful emotions and energies. And once something is “changed” it isn’t an instantaneous process to change it back.