Glossary of Pagan Terms – General Terms
A
Animism
The belief that all things—plants, animals, rocks, rivers, and even the wind—possess a spiritual essence or consciousness. Many Pagan paths incorporate animism into their worldview.
Arcana
A term used in Tarot readings, referring to the two main divisions of the deck: the Major Arcana (22 cards representing deep spiritual lessons) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards representing everyday events).
As Above, So Below
A phrase from Hermetic teachings that reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all things—what happens in one realm (spiritual) is mirrored in another (physical).
B
Balance
A key principle in many Pagan traditions, referring to harmony between forces such as light/dark, masculine/feminine, and nature/humanity. Often symbolized by the Yin-Yang or the balance of the elements.
Banish
To remove unwanted energies, spirits, or influences through ritual or spellwork. Often done before casting a circle or after a negative experience.
Blessed Be
A common greeting or farewell among Pagans, especially Wiccans, used as a blessing. It signifies goodwill and spiritual connection.
C
Casting a Circle
A ritual act of creating a sacred, protected space for magical workings, meditation, or ceremonies. The circle acts as a boundary between the mundane and spiritual worlds.
Chakras
Energy centers within the body, originating from Hindu traditions but widely used in modern Pagan and New Age practices. There are seven main chakras, each associated with a specific energy and color.
Correspondences
The symbolic associations between objects, colors, herbs, planets, elements, and deities. Used in spellwork and rituals to enhance magical intent.
D
Divination
The practice of seeking knowledge or guidance from spiritual sources through tools like Tarot cards, runes, pendulums, or scrying.
Deity
A god, goddess, or spiritual being worshipped or honored in Pagan practice. Many Pagans are polytheistic, meaning they honor multiple deities.
Druidry
A spiritual and philosophical path inspired by ancient Celtic traditions, focusing on nature, poetry, and the cycles of the Earth.
E
Earth Signs
The three zodiac signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) that are grounded, practical, and reliable.
Elements
The five fundamental forces in many Pagan traditions: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. They are often invoked in rituals and associated with directions, seasons, and energies.
Equinox
One of two points in the year (Spring and Autumn) when day and night are equal in length. Celebrated in Pagan traditions as Ostara (Spring Equinox) and Mabon (Autumn Equinox).
Esoteric
Knowledge or wisdom that is hidden, mystical, or meant for those who are spiritually initiated. Many Pagan teachings are considered esoteric.
F
Familiar
A spirit or an animal (often a cat, owl, or toad) that assists a witch or magical practitioner. In folklore, familiars were believed to be supernatural entities aiding in spellwork.
Folk Magic
A form of magic rooted in cultural traditions, often passed down through generations. Examples include Hoodoo, Appalachian Granny Magic, and Scandinavian Trolldom.
Full Moon
A powerful lunar phase often used for rituals, spellwork, and divination. Many Pagans celebrate Esbats (moon rituals) on this night.
G
Gaia
A name for the Earth as a living being, originating from Greek mythology. Many Pagans see Gaia as a mother goddess who nurtures all life.
Grimoire
A book of magical knowledge, rituals, and spells. Unlike the Book of Shadows, which is more personal, a grimoire is often an instructional text.
Grounding
A practice that helps a person connect with the Earth’s energy, often used after rituals or energy work to restore balance and stability.
H
Handfasting
A Pagan wedding ceremony where a couple’s hands are bound together with a ribbon or cord to symbolize their union.
Hearth Witch
A witch who focuses on magic in the home, using everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, and crafting as spiritual and magical acts.
Hermeticism
A philosophical and magical tradition based on the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, emphasizing alchemy, astrology, and theurgy.
I
Imbolc
A Pagan festival celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, marking the early signs of spring. It is associated with Brigid, the Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, and fertility.
Incantation
A spoken or chanted phrase used in spells and rituals to invoke magical energy.
Invocation
A ritual act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or force to be present during a ceremony or spell.
J
Jotun
A type of giant in Norse mythology, often associated with the wild forces of nature. Some Heathens honor Jotnar as part of their spiritual practice.
Journeying
A spiritual practice in which a person enters an altered state of consciousness to seek guidance from spirits, ancestors, or deities.
K
Karma
A concept from Hinduism and Buddhism that has been adopted by some Pagans, referring to the idea that actions have consequences, either in this life or future ones.
Kitchen Witch
A witch who practices magic through cooking, herbs, and household crafts. Their focus is on practical, everyday magic.
L
Ley Lines
Invisible energy pathways that some believe crisscross the Earth, connecting ancient sacred sites like Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Giza, and Machu Picchu.
Litha
The Summer Solstice festival, celebrated around June 21st, marking the longest day of the year. It honors the Sun God and the peak of summer energy.
M
Magick
A term used by many Pagans and occultists (especially influenced by Aleister Crowley) to differentiate spiritual or ritual magic from stage magic (illusion and tricks).
Mercury-Ruled Signs
Gemini and Virgo, both ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, intelligence, and analysis.
Midsummer
Another name for Litha, the Summer Solstice celebration.
Morrigan
A Celtic goddess associated with battle, fate, and transformation. Often depicted as a shapeshifter, she is one of the most revered deities in modern Paganism.
N
Neo-Paganism
A modern movement reviving ancient polytheistic and nature-based spiritual traditions, often drawing from pre-Christian European practices.
Norse Paganism
A spiritual path that follows the gods, goddesses, and traditions of the Norse people, including Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Also known as Heathenry.
O
Ostara
The Spring Equinox celebration (around March 21st), symbolizing rebirth and renewal. It is named after a Germanic goddess of fertility.
Oracle Cards
A divination tool similar to Tarot but more freeform, with decks varying widely in theme and symbolism. Used for guidance and spiritual insight.
P
Paganism
A broad term for spiritual paths that are polytheistic, nature-based, or rooted in pre-Christian traditions. Includes Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, and more.
Pentagram
A five-pointed star, often symbolizing the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit). When enclosed in a circle, it becomes a Pentacle, a common Pagan symbol of protection.
Q
Quartz
A powerful crystal used for healing, energy amplification, and spiritual clarity. Clear quartz is one of the most widely used stones in magic.
R
Ritual
A structured spiritual or magical ceremony, often performed to mark seasonal festivals, honor deities, or cast spells.
Runes
An ancient writing system used by Germanic and Norse peoples. Today, they are often used in divination and magic. The most common system is the Elder Futhark.
S
Sabbat
One of the eight festivals in the Wheel of the Year, marking important seasonal transitions. Examples include Samhain, Yule, Beltane, and Lughnasadh.
Scrying
A form of divination that involves gazing into an object (like a crystal ball, black mirror, or bowl of water) to receive visions or messages.
Sigil
A symbol created for a magical purpose, often designed to manifest an intention or protect the user.
Solstice
A time of the year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point, marking Litha (Summer Solstice) and Yule (Winter Solstice).
Spirit Guide
A spiritual entity that offers guidance, protection, or wisdom to a practitioner.
T
Tarot
A set of 78 cards used for divination, self-discovery, and spiritual insight. The deck is divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards).
Threefold Law
A Wiccan belief that whatever energy (good or bad) a person puts out into the world will return to them three times as strong.
U
Underworld
A realm associated with the dead and ancestral spirits in many mythologies. In some Pagan traditions, it is seen as a place of transformation and wisdom, not just an afterlife.
Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG)
A term used in Pagan and Heathen circles to describe spiritual experiences, insights, or revelations that are personal rather than historically documented.
Universal Energy
A concept in many spiritual traditions that describes the life force or divine energy that connects all living things. Known as Chi (China), Prana (India), or Awen (Druidry).
V
Veil Between Worlds
The idea that there is a barrier between the physical and spiritual realms, which is believed to be thinnest on Samhain and Beltane, making spirit communication easier.
Veneration
The practice of showing respect or devotion to deities, ancestors, or spirits. Common in ancestor worship and polytheistic traditions.
Visualization
A technique used in meditation, spellwork, and rituals to create a mental image of a desired outcome. Essential in energy work and manifestation.
W
Wand
A ritual tool used to direct energy, often associated with the element of Air or Fire, depending on tradition. Commonly used in Wicca and ceremonial magic.
Wheel of the Year
A sacred calendar in many Pagan traditions that marks eight seasonal festivals (Sabbats): Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and Mabon.
Witch
A person who practices witchcraft, often using herbs, spells, and rituals for spiritual or magical purposes. Witches can be Pagan, Wiccan, or secular.
Witchcraft
The practice of magic, spellwork, and rituals. It is not a religion, but a practice that can be used within Pagan, Wiccan, or independent paths.
Wicca
A modern Pagan religion, founded in the mid-20th century, that worships the Goddess and God, follows the Wiccan Rede, and observes the Wheel of the Year.
Wiccan Rede
A core ethical statement in Wicca: “An it harm none, do what ye will.” This means one is free to act as they choose, so long as they cause no harm.
X
Xenoglossy
The ability to speak or write in a language one has never learned, often considered a psychic or past-life phenomenon in some esoteric traditions.
Xeromancy
A form of divination using dry objects, such as reading patterns in ashes, bones, or dried leaves.
Y
Yggdrasil
In Norse mythology, the World Tree that connects the Nine Realms. Revered in Heathenry and Norse Paganism as a symbol of cosmic balance and wisdom.
Yule
The Winter Solstice celebration (around December 21st), marking the rebirth of the Sun. Many modern Christmas traditions have roots in Yule customs, such as decorating trees and lighting candles.
Z
Zodiac
The system of 12 astrological signs based on the positions of celestial bodies. While rooted in ancient astrology, many modern Pagans incorporate Zodiac signs into magical and divination practices.
Zener Cards
A deck of symbols used for ESP (Extrasensory Perception) testing, sometimes employed in psychic development and Pagan divination practices.