~Encyclopedia Wicca~

~A~

 
   
Adept A person highly skilled in magick
Aeromancy Divination by atmospheric phenomena.
Affirmation An affirmation is a statement designed to have a positive effect on the conscious mind when repeated at frequent intervals throughout meditation ritual spells.
Air One of the classic four elements, which represents the mind, intellect or imagination; it corresponds to the East and the colour blue.
Akasha The fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is the energy out of which the Elements formed.
Akashic Records In the early part of this century the famed psychic Edgar Cace brought to general society the thought form of Akashic Records.  Supposedly, there is a giant database somewhere that can be accessed for information on subjects such as past lives, healing, and other magickal/spiritual practices.  This record-system cannot be accessed by material equipment, such as PC networking with a larger computer.  In this case, the mind of the psychic or Witch accesses the data through Universal connections.
Alchemy Alchemy is the medieval chemical science designed to purify and perfect the performance of chemical experiments and magic rituals
Alectromancy Divination by a rooster pecking grain.
Alexandrian Witches Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from Alex and Maxine Sanders, through a line of Alexandrian High Priests and High Priestesses, according to the Alexandrian Book of Shadows, and who practice the Alexandrian Tradition of Wicca
Alraun An artificial elemental embodied in an image made from rowan wood
Altar In witchcraft, an alter is a flat surface designed to hold rituals tools and symbols throughout the course of a spell being cast.
Amniomancy Divination by using the caul.
Amulets Amulets are objects infused with magical properties and which offer the wearer a sense of protection. They also help maintain health, produce virility and fertility, and create luck. The style of object varies greatly in different cultures but the purpose of amulets is generally the same. 
Anima The personification of the feminine aspect of a man's unconscious
Animals Present in magick as familiars (companions and psychic helpers), Huna Lower-Self aspects (the subconscious identified with a particular mammal), power animals (animal spirits which guide, protect and empower individuals), and totem animals (those spirits which do the same for clans or tribes)
Animus The personification of the masculine aspect of a woman's unconscious
Ankh Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for "life", combining the symbols of the male and female genitals in a looped cross, representing both Initiation and everlasting life
Anthroposcopy Divination by observing facial features.
Apollonian In religious studies, describes "solar-oriented" religions which emphasize mastery of the instincts by the conscious mind (named for Apollo, as the Greek God of light and the Sun)
Aradia A champion Italian Goddess sworn to protect her people against the aggression of masculine faith and its persecutors during the reign of medieval terror.  The original Aradia was a female Christ figure in Italy who taught around 1353.  She was imprisoned more than once, escaped several times and eventually disappeared.  The second Aradia you will hear about is Leland's Aradia, a book detailing information from an Italian Gypsy Witch.  The third Aradia is the daughter of Diana and Lucifer (God of the Sun).  She is considered the Queen of the Witches.
Arcana (pl. of arcanum) secret or hidden knowledge or methods; secrets or mysteries
Arcane Hidden or secret; esoteric
Arithmancy Divination by numbers (numerology)
Art, the Generally, the Magickal Arts or Art Magickal; the skills and practices of magick; however, "Art" has the connotation of "ability, talent", of something innate, rather than merely a learned skill or practice, such as distinguishes the artist from the draftsman: both may need to learn the skills of the trade but the innate talent of the artist awakens and is channelled by such training
Aspecting Any advance magic activity where the practitioner manifests a particular aspect of a goddess or god (whether in speech, appearance, behaviour or thought) is known as aspecting.
Aspects Forms, facets or personae of Deity: for example, Artemis, Persephone and Kore are aspects of the Maiden, and The Maiden is an aspect of the Goddess or God in thought, feelings, behaviour, speech and appearance.
Asperge To sprinkle with water during a ceremony
Asperger, or Aspergillum A device used to sprinkle water for purification at the beginning of rituals.  Some are constructed of brass, but a spray of evergreen, a pine cone, or fingers will do as well.
Astral This word conjures lots of definitions.    It is basically another dimension of reality, also known as "dream time".
Astral Plane The plane, or level of energy and existence, between the Mental and the Physical Planes; it is the plane of the instincts and emotions, and as such, it is frequently said to consist of the "Upper Astral" - most influenced by thought and by the Mental Plane, and the "Lower Astral" - most influenced by the senses and the Physical Plane
Astral Temple A group-mind construct on the astral plane, created as a sacred place where members of a lodge or coven may go in their spirit-forms to rest, heal, learn or communicate.
Astral Travel/Projection The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dreamtime.
Astrology The study of the relationships and movements of the planets as they relate to human qualities and events.
Athame ("ah-thay-mee") The Witch's sacred magickal knife; in Traditional Wicca, it is black-hilted and double-edged, with the Signs used in its consecration generally painted or inscribed on the hilt; the Elemental Tool of Air, or in some Traditions of Fire
Attunement An activity which brings the minds, emotions and psyches of a group into harmony prior to a ritual; chanting, singing, guided meditation and breathing exercises are common ways to attune.
Augury Divination from the behaviour of birds.
August Eve See Lammas
Aura The force-field that surrounds the physical body, whether of humans, animals, or plants, and even places and things; composed of two layers: the inner "etheric aura" or "health aura" is a band of bluish-white energy which closely follows the outlines of the body, beyond which radiates the "astral aura" whose size, color, and shape or structure as perceived by clairvoyant sight indicates the emotional and mental state and the personality and spiritual development
Austromancy Divination by the winds.
Autumn Equinox See Equinox
Averse Against; harmful; opposed to, or having negative intent or results
Axinomancy Divination by the balanced axe or by a stone on a red hot axe head