Introduces words and concepts that are a central part of most Pagans. Providing definitions on what is Wicca and Witchcraft and the tools used in Magick.
Pagan Glossary

Pagan Glossary

Introduces words and concepts that are a central part of most Pagans. This Pagan Glossary is designed to be a useful resource on common - and not so commonly used words, people and objects.

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Sabbat
Sabbat A witch's festival.
Added: 02/12/2001

Scarab Beetle – Kheper
Scarab Beetle – Kheper

Scarab Beetle – Kheper

Another very popular amulet and magical symbol was the scarab or dung beetle.  This symbol again represents rebirth and renewal of life.  Scarab amulets were made in a whole range of materials, and form a very important sub-group of amulets.  They were usually made from stone or faience, although they are found in other materials.  They were made in varying sizes, from the tiny to the large heart scarabs.  The underside is usually flat and sometimes contains an inscription, the owners name, the king’s or a god’s name, or a special hieroglyphic phrase.  They started out as personal seals, but soon they become magical amulets.

The ancient Egyptians observed these beetles, and they thought that new beetles just emerged from the sand and so believed them to be self-generating.  In reality, the female dung beetle lays eggs in the dung, which it then buries in the sand. But to the ancient Egyptians the scarab beetle came to represent rebirth and was a very powerful magical symbol.

Added: 04/09/2008 23:27:00

Scourge
Scourge Small device made from leather or hemp which resembles a whip and is used in flagellation rites within some traditions.
Added: 02/12/2001

Scrying
Scrying A method of divination. To gaze at or into an object (a quartz crystal sphere, a pool of water, reflections, a candle flame) to still the conscious mind in order to contact the psychic mind. Scrying allows the scryer to become aware of events prior to their actual occurrence, as well as to perceive past or present events through other than the five senses.
Added: 02/12/2001

Shaman
Shaman A man or woman who has obtained knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, usually through periods of alternate states of consciousness. Various types of ritual allow the shaman to pierce the veil of the physical world and to experience the realm of energies. This knowledge lends the shaman the power to change his or her world through magick.
Added: 02/12/2001

Shamanism
Shamanism The practice of shamans, usually ritualistic or magickal in nature, sometimes religious.
Added: 02/12/2001

Sheela na Gig
Sheela na Gig Sheela Na Gigs are quasi-erotic stone carvings of a female figure usually found on Norman churches. They consist of an old woman squatting and pulling apart her vulva.
Added: 04/09/2008 23:21:00

Shillelagh
Shillelagh Magickal tool corresponding to the staff in other traditions. Usually made from blackthorn wood.
Added: 02/12/2001

Sibyls
Sibyls Sibyls are female prophets of the antiquity. In Christian times they were supposed to have predicted the arrival of Christ.
Added: 05/09/2008 00:10:00

Sigil
Sigil Magically oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal working. Ones you create yourself are the most effective. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, etc.
Added: 02/12/2001

Simple Feast
Simple Feast A ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God.
Added: 02/12/2001

Sky Father
Sky Father Shamanistic in origin. It assigns deification to the sky as a male entity.
Added: 02/12/2001

Skyclad
Skyclad The act of celebrating or performing magickal works in the nude. Considered deeply spiritual, NOT sexual.
Added: 02/12/2001

Solitary
Solitary Pagan who works and worships alone.
Added: 02/12/2001

Spell
Spell A magickal ritual, usually non-religious in nature and often accompanied by spoken words. It should be clear, concise, focused and emotional. Need must be present.
Added: 02/12/2001

Spiral
Spiral Symbol of coming into being.
Added: 02/12/2001

Staff
Staff Ritual tool which corresponds to the wand or athame.
Added: 02/12/2001

Stang
Stang Ritual tool from Pagan Rome which resembles a two-pronged trident. Often used in place of the wand or circle.
Added: 02/12/2001

Subconscious Mind
Subconscious Mind Part of the mind which functions below the levers we are able to access in the course of a normal working day. This area stores symbolic knowledge, dreams, the most minute details of every experience ever had by a person.
Added: 02/12/2001

Summerland
Summerland The Pagan Land of the Dead.
Added: 02/12/2001

Sympathetic Magick
Sympathetic Magick Concept of likes attract. Most common way spells are worked.
Added: 02/12/2001

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