I wanted to make this post to bring awareness to the most common used terms in the witch community. Please keep in mind that these are only a few words used. If you would like a detailed list of words, you can visit Flying the Hedge. Even though she goes over Pagan words, some of these words are also used in the witch community.
Pagan
Paganism is a religion and also includes, neo-paganism and reconstructive paganism. Each of these have a specific belief system that will fall under paganism. Each one has their own traditions and practices.
Wiccan
A Wiccan is a which who follows the Wiccan religion. They have specific deities, morals, and practices. They’re guided by the Wiccan Rede which says, whatever magic you perform on others will come came to you three-fold.
Coven
A coven is a group of witches who practice together. They’ll gather for ceremonies, sabbats, and for any other event. A coven can be any number of witches.
Ceremonies & Traditions
Esbats
A ritual or ceremony that celebrates the full moon. Witches will perform full moon rituals and/or divination. They will also change their alters to honor the moon and to tap into the moons power. The types of spells that are effective during the full moon are: love, success, and money spells. This is also a good time to do a moon bath where you meditate to cleanse your energy.
Sabbats
These are Pagan holidays that’s on the Wheel of the Year. Many sabbats are linked to an annual solstice or equinox. There’s eight different sabbats that Pagans celebrate. Below is a list of these holidays.
- Samhain
- Yule
- Imbolc
- Ostara
- Beltane
- Litha
- Lughnasadh
- Mabon
Spell-casting Terms
Calling in the Quarters/Elements
Calling in the Quarter or Elements is when a witch invites or call upon the four elements to their space. When doing spells, some witches call upon the four elements for protection and power.
Manifesting
This is when you bring something tangible into your life through attraction and belief. A great example of this is Law of Attraction.
Spells
This is an act that you will perform with a specific intention in mind. You can use spells that others have created or create your own.
Intention
This will be the thoughts, action, and power you want your spell to accomplish. This can be an outcome, mood, or any change you want to happen. Intentions will need to be worded in a very specific way in order to be effective.
Energy Sources and Helpers
Familiars
A creature that shows up in a witch’s life to provide guidance and companionship. They will help a witch develop in their individual practice.
Spirit Guides
Spirits who you can call on when you need guidance, performing magic, or doing divination work. Your spirit guides can be people who have passed, angels, gods, goddesses, and/or elemental spirits.
Deities & Patron Deities
These are gods or goddesses that you believe in and connect with. Deities and patron deities can be religionist spiritual beings, ancient mythology, or any folklore that resonates with you.
Elemental Spirits
These are nature spirits that are strongly connected with the four elements. These can be fairies, mermaids, gnomes, elves, or any other creature found in myths, legends, and folklore.
Inner Guidance or Intuition
This would be when you tap into your own intuition or guidance. It’s more of an instinctive feeling we have about things.
Sacred Space
A space where you will do most of your practice at. This can be any space in or around your home. A space that is just yours and where you are comfortable at.
Magical Terms
Magic(k)/Witchcraft
A practice that manipulates energy. You can read more on my thoughts about what is witchcraft here.
Lightworker
Has a passion for seeing everything in the Light of God or for good. Someone who is here to help transmute the darkness into light.
Baneful Magic
Any spell or ritual that is used in a way that is harmful to others. This can be mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Secular Witchcraft
Anyone who practices magic outside of a religion. They will keep their religion and beliefs completely out of their witchcraft.
Eclectic Witchcraft
Anyone who will pull from different sources and religions to create their own practice. They’ll explore and find their own path spirituality.
Types of Witches 1:1
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