Lesson 1: Glossary (started 3-17-03)

[Kaylara]

Well, to begin, I thought that it was important to aquaint everyone with the terminology used within paganism and the pagan community.

I have some words, but feel free to offer any that you feel are useful to know.

To start, I'm going to ask you to define the following words:

Pagan
Wicca
Deosil
Widdershins
Polarity
Elements
Athame
Besom
Bolline
Wand
Quarters
Cross-Quarters
Wheel of the Year

[gyroWang]

Oh dear!
As a total newbie I'll have to take a little time to look those up, back in a few days :)
Anywho, here some feedback while U wait, i think its great to start so small, I looked at some of the other lesson threads by other people and although they looked useful they made my head spin simply cos i didnt have the vocabulary to understand what some parts.

[Kaylara]

That's why I wanted to start here. I will be posting my definitions shortly, but I want to give everyone time to get their answers together.

[Lunacie]

A few more good words to know:

Ritual
Esbat
Sabbat
Pentacle
Spell
Grounding
Centering
Meditation


I quite understand if you want to wait and cover any or all of these in later lessons.

[Gently Gazing Eyes]

Eepers.. there's a couple on there I never even heard of. Well, actually only one, but still! :eek:

[Kaylara]

Well, which word don't you know?

[Gently Gazing Eyes]

I'd never heard or read of the word Widdershins. :(
I know or at least think I know the others though. :)

[st0rm]

Originally posted by PaganInkubus

I'd never heard or read of the word Widdershins. :(
I know or at least think I know the others though. :)

widdershins means against the sun or anti-clockwise

[Gently Gazing Eyes]

Ahh.. thanks there. :)

[IsisErin]

I know most of those words, so I guess that's a good start.

What's bolline? And I'm not sure I understand the significance of 'cross-quarters'. Thanks.

[Rainx]

Psst here's a hint folks, use Google (http://google.com/) or pick up your favourite Wicca 101 book! Seriously, if you don't start learning how to research now you'll regret it later.

All these terms are easy to learn if you take a few minutes to look them up.

[~ Monk ~]

Kaylara, should we just get our defs together and wait for you to post yours, or should we post ours now?

[Kaylara]

If you have them, you can post them. I will be posting my definitions tonight! :)

[Eudaimonia]

It's taken four years, but you just made me feel like I'm not a newbie anymore! Thanx for the ego boost Kaylara!

[Sylv]

Ok, I decided to do the definitions myself, and here they are. There are only three that I didn't word for myself-for those, credit is given. :)
Pagan-usually a blanket term covering (depending on the person using it), someone not following one of the major monotheistic reasons, someone not following one of the five major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism), or someone who is a polytheist
Wicca-one pagan religion (I'm willing to bet it has the most books written about it), began by Gardner in England, has since morphed into lots of different sects, united by a belief in polarity (God/Goddess-usually considered different aspects of unknowable being), following the Wiccan Rede (short version: An it harm none, do what ye will), and the Threefold Law (whatever you do comes back to you three times stronger
Deosil-clockwise
Widdershins-counterclockwise
Polarity-the concept that there are two opposite 'things' which make up the world (good/evil, black/white, God/Goddess, feminine/masculine)
Elements-a varying number, according to the tradition one follows, of 'things' which make up the world (the more common being water, fire, earth, air, spirit, wood, and metal)
Athame-double-bladed, black-handled knife used for ritual purposes, doesn't cut 'real' things-may cut things like doors in a circle, or define a circle, usually identified with either the air or fire element
Besom-broom used in ritual, usually to clean the space of all negative energy as well as things like dust, etc., sometimes propped up in a room for protection, jumped over by the new couple at weddings for fertility
Bolline-white handled knife used to do things like harvest herbs
Wand-usually made out of wood or metal, sometimes with rocks and symbols added, it's a symbo used in ritual to help channel energy and represents either fire or air
Quarters-the two equinoxes and solstices that some pagans use to divide up their year and usually are holidays (Yule/Winter Solstice, Ostara/Vernal Equinox, Midsummer/Summer Solstice, Mabon/Autumn Equinox)
Cross-Quarters-the dates in between the quarters that Wiccans, and other pagans, celebrate as holidays (Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasadh, Samhain)
Wheel of the Year-illustrates the idea that time is cyclical instead of linear, and is a kind of 'calendar' showing the quarters and cross-quarters
Ritual-a focused mental/physical ceremony to either honor or thank one's chosen pantheon, perform a magickal working/act, or celebrate a holiday (adapted from Witch's Brew definitiong)
Esbat-usually on a full moon, it's a kind of ritual that's purpose is usually magickal or celebrating the lunar cycle
Sabbat-on the four quarters and the four cross-quarters, it's a ritual that celebrates the solar cycle and whatever the certain quarter/cross-quarter is associated with
Pentacle-five pointed star surrounded by a circle, represents many things-the more common being the element earth, the five elements of earth, fire, water, air, and spirit with the latter being on top, and to some pagans (especially Wiccans) a symbol of their faith, much like the cross is to Christians
Spell-the act of doing magick, by sending out energy to try to achieve your goal
Grounding-usually done after the energy has been raised, it brings you out of the spiritual state and back to 'mundane' reality, often involves a visualization where you are a tree feeding the excess energy into the earth (hence the name)
Centering-connecting to the place within you that is the seat of what makes you, *you* and the place where all your energy is directed from and to (adapted from Cave of the Word Witch)
Meditation-to meditate is to focus mentally on one thought, idea, or concept (from Cave of the Word Witch, May 1987, by Bill Witt NEW ATLANTIS BBS, 301-632-2671, Member of the ParaNet system)

[Rainx]

Originally posted by Sylv
Pagan-usually a blanket term covering (depending on the person using it), someone not following one of the major monotheistic reasons, someone not following one of the five major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism), or someone who is a polytheist

This is interesting - most people say religions that aren't JCI (Judaic, Christian, Islamic) aka Abrahamic. Why do you disclude Buddhists and Hindus as well?

Also, some Pagans aren't polytheist necessarily... :) For example, I believe in a universal permeating energy that is divine and exists within all living things - not necessarily many deities.

But wow some of your definitions were great. I was trying to think of how I'd word some of them too.

[Theres]

i would certainly include Hindus among the Pagans, although i'm not so sure about Buddhists.

and there will no doubt be debate regarding the quarters and cross-quarters forever... but MY belief is that the four Greater Sabbats (Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain) are the quarters and the four Lesser Sabbats (Yule, Ostara, Midsummer and Mabon) are the cross-quarters.

[Duhkha]

It could even be said (and is) that Buddhism isn't even a religion, but a philosophy so it doesn't work in that analogy. Hinduism and especially Buddhism are syncretic religions, so the major world religions aren't dilineated that way.

[Rainx]

As to the quarters and cross quarters being lesser and greater, it made more sense to me that the quarters were greater and the cross-q's lesser, but I've read it the other way around. To me it would make sense that the most important quarters ("greater") are marked noticeably in the environment, though perhaps there was a different reason for using those terms??

As to Buddhism, I agree with you. I don't know enough about Hinduism to say either way, though I'm not clear on your comment about how the major world religions are delineated the same way as Hinduism/Buddhism because they are syncretic. Could you clarify for the slow and dumb at heart? :D

[Kaylara]

Sylv,
Excellent definitions! Thank you so much for posting them. Does anyone have any questions on these?

Kaylara

[Gently Gazing Eyes]

*sits and admires sylv's definitions*

The definition I'd most likely be questioned on would be my personal definition of "pagan," because it has so many different meanings depending on those who use it. For example, ask a Christian what it means and you literally hear that it means "Evil," as opposed to simply "opposing God" or some other thing. I agree that Buddhism isn't so much a religion as it is a philosophy, and I know little of Hindu so I won't speak. I have really considered Pagan as having to do with nature-based religions but is there a case in which this is not so? I'm sure there's bound to be some polytheistic religions that don't celebrate the eight sabbats and such as that.

[Rainx]

Many Pagan religions aren't earth based.

[~ Monk ~]

OK, here's what I came up with:


Originally posted by Kaylara
To start, I'm going to ask you to define the following words:

Pagan - a term that originally meant "country dweller", now used to describe those who are not Christian, Muslim or Jewish.

Wicca - a nature-based religion that honors fertility and the life force

Deosil - clockwise

Widdershins - counter-clockwise

Polarity - a relationship between two opposite attributes or tendencies

Elements - the four substances (earth, air, water and fire) that are regarded as the fundamental constituents of the universe.

Athame - a black or dark-handled ritual knife whose elemental associate is air.

Besom - a broom or brush of twigs tied together on a long handle, used to cleanse or sweep away negative energy.

Bolline - a small, white-handled hand sickle used only for the harvesting of herbs for magickal use.

Wand - a stick, usually made of wood or metal, which is used to focus and channel energy during ritual. It may also be used to draw magickal symbols and to invoke the God/Goddess.

Quarters - four of the eight sabbats, or days of celebration, which are marked on the natural four quarters of the solar year: Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice, Spring Equinox, Autumn Equinox.

Cross-Quarters - the remaining four sabbats, celebrated at the midpoints between the Solstices and Equinoxes: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasadh.

Wheel of the Year - a representation of the turning of the seasons, essentially a 'sabbat calender' showing the quarters and cross quarters.

I see Lunacie added some additonal terms that I missed. Do I get extra credit if I hand them in late? :D

[Sequoia]

Hmm. . . for me. . .

Pagan - a catch-all term for a group of religions, which may or may not be earth-based, that are not of the majority of recognized religions (such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Shinto, etc).

Wicca - a relatively new, earth-based religion, centered on a God and Goddess. A newer religion based on older ideas.

Deosil - not a clue. 8O

Widdershins - umm. . . clockwise? ^^;; *blank look*

Polarity - erm. . . relating to north and south, or being magnitized?

Elements - a name given to a group of natural existing phenomenon. . . Water, Earth, Air, Fire, Spirit. . . as well as Lightning, Plant, Metal, Wood, Light. . . but I guess those aren't as mainstream :)

Athame - a ceremonial dagger/knife/etc (which I think is supposedly representing the masculine?)

Besom - I've heard it, but I don't know what it means.

Bolline - see above.

Wand - a tool, normally elongated, usually made out of wood, often decorated with crystals, ribbons, etc, and used to direct energy.

Quarters - directions? (N,S,E,W)

Cross-Quarters well, I don't know, then.

Wheel of the Year - the path of the different holidays and equinoxes and such?

[gyroWang]

Thanks, i got most of them. I'm going to print sylv's answers (the most complete looking) and keep them someplace safe. :)

[Sylv]

hmm..about my paganism definition I was trying to think of different ways I'd heard it used. Personally, I would consider Hinduism pagan, and not Buddhism but I've heard people go many different ways. I think I like Puma's definition-it put across much better what I was trying to say. *nods* I think everyone would have a different defintion of paganism, so Puma's is general enough to work. :)
You're welcome Kaylara, and I'm glad they helped some people. Fun thread!

[Erincelt]

Deosil - not a clue.

Widdershins - umm. . . clockwise? ^^;; *blank look*


Deosil = clockwise, invoking|inviting
Widderhsins = counter-clockwise, banishing|releasing

[Sequoia]

ahh. . . ^^ thank you

[GoddessLovesMe]

My confidance just went up five notches! I knew most of those :boing: Yay!!!!!

[Kaylara]

I decided not to post my answers since such good definitions were given...


Originally posted by Lunacie

A few more good words to know:

Ritual
Esbat
Sabbat
Pentacle
Spell
Grounding
Centering
Meditation


Lunacie suggested these, and I thought that we should try these words next.

I have a few additions to this list for this weeks lesson:
Invocation
Equinox
Solstice
Akasha
Astral
pantheon

If you know them, post them! :)

[Erincelt]

While you're at it.. add Evocation, as Invocation and Evocation are not neccessarily the same thing.

[~ Monk ~]

Here are my humble offerings. I wasn't sure about astral, so I went with a definition of astral projection... :huh:

Ritual: an act that is repeated. In Wicca, rituals can be seen as a celebration of life and the cycle of living.

Esbat: the meeting of coven members on the night of each full moon. There are 13 Esbats in a year.

Sabbat: a day of celebration honoring the cycles of nature. There are eight sabbats in a year (Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh and Mabon).

Pentacle: a five pointed star surrounded by a circle. The pentacle is used to symbolize the elements of Air, Fire, Earth, Water and Spirit.

Spell: a magickal working used to achieve a goal such as healing or changing a condition.

Grounding: the act of creating an outlet for excess energy.

Centering: the act of clearing out doubts or wandering thoughts.

Meditation: using visualization to connect with your essence, relax and relieve stress, heal, center and enlighten.

Invocation: a prayer to the God, Goddess or the elements.

Equinox: the time of the year when the sun crosses the equator. This happens twice per year.

Solstice: the time of the year when the sun is farthest from the equator. This happens twice per year.

Akasha: also known as the fifth element or spirit. The spark of life. The driving force to unite, live, create and procreate.

Astral: a state of altered consciousness in which ones leaves the body?

Pantheon: the collective gods of a people.

Evocation: calling up the appearance or attendance of non-physical spirits.

[Erincelt]

Mm.. an Esbat isn't neccesarily a meeting at a Full Moon, it can be any meeting for ritual other than a Sabbat. Some Traditions and/or groups only meet at Sabbats and Full or New Moons, and I'd say that's how this definition got started... but the word refers to any (non-Sabbat) ritual.

[~ Monk ~]

Originally posted by Erincelt

Mm.. an Esbat isn't neccesarily a meeting at a Full Moon, it can be any meeting for ritual other than a Sabbat. Some Traditions and/or groups only meet at Sabbats and Full or New Moons, and I'd say that's how this definition got started... but the word refers to any (non-Sabbat) ritual.

Hmm. I've also seen Esbat defined as a meeting during a new, full, waxing and/or waning moon (any or all), but never a general term for *any* ritual. I went with the definition that first came to my mind - I take it this is a term that differs from Tradition to Tradition, person to person?

[Theres]

i generally take esbat to mean any Moon-oriented celebration/ritual, and sabbat to mean any Sun-oriented celebration/ritual.

[Kaylara]

Very good Shpongle! Your definitions are very well thought out and nicely worded. (and correct.)

Anyone else have any definitions?

[Kaylara]

Originally posted by Greenman

i generally take esbat to mean any Moon-oriented celebration/ritual, and sabbat to mean any Sun-oriented celebration/ritual.

Perfect!

I completely agree. :)

Kaylara

[Lunacie]

For me also Esbats are moon-related and Sabbats are sun-related. I thought Spongle's answers were good, although I would add that when centering I am also getting in touch with the Divine within myself, sort of a reminder that we are Divine spirit in human form. It's a good prelude to meditation.

[~ Monk ~]

So far this has been a great review and refresher for me. I hope more people jump in. :D

[Kaylara]

Me too, since I'm not going to post any more words until I get more answers here. :)

Kaylara

[Xentor]

Originally posted by PaganInkubus I have really considered Pagan as having to do with nature-based religions but is there a case in which this is not so? I'm sure there's bound to be some polytheistic religions that don't celebrate the eight sabbats and such as that.

Mine's an omnitheistic / universal energy / reincarnation religion. It's not polytheistic and it isn't nature-based either. Celebrating sabbats isn't one of my favourite passtimes.

However, since it doesn't fit anywhere else, it usually gets classified "pagan".

[Xentor]

Originally posted by Puma Hime
Besom - I've heard it, but I don't know what it means.

I just love that word. "Besom". It looks so much like its Dutch counterpart "bezem", and its German counterpart "Besen". And it is one, too!

[Xentor]

Never saw that word before, but I do know about the fifth element. I define it as Emptiness, a stage wherein the other elements can be invoked as needed.

In my martial arts training the elements are used as a way to both describe and reach the different states of the body and mind. Depending on the situation, one invokes the correct state of mind/body to react, beit physical, social, spiritual or in any other way.

We train both mind and body very hard just to reach the state of Emptiness.

This martial arts training dates back 900 years into the history of Japan and China, and I guess the general elemental philosophy it uses relates to the elemental systems used in (some) pagan paths.

[Mnemosyne]

I just came across this good website. It gives good detail about all the sabbats.

http://www.ctwpag.com/sabbats.htm

[Kaylara]

bump

[Ben Gruagach]

I hope people don't mind me bumping this thread to add a couple of terms that probably need to be clarified.

Wicca: as it has been pointed out already, this is the name of a specific modern Pagan religion. Please note that the religion isn't "wiccanism" or "wiccanity" or "wiccaism" or anything like that. If you're talking about the religion, the word is Wicca. And, like Christianity, there are many different sects or traditions within Wicca. You can be a Gardnerian Wiccan, an Alexandrian Wiccan, or a member of any number of other traditions, or might be a solitary or eclectic Wiccan who doesn't adhere to any one tradition within Wicca.

Wiccan: a person who practices the religion of Wicca. Please note that a person who practices Wicca is not a "wiccanist" or "wiccanite" or anything like that. Just "Wiccan" will do fine if you're talking about a person who is a member of this religious group.

And just like with followers of Jesus, it is usually respectful to capitalize the name of the religion and the term used for the religion's faithful. So it's more respectful to write Christian rather than christian, and Christianity rather than christianity. And it's more respectful to write Wicca rather than wicca, and Wiccan rather than wiccan.

[Miss Edith]

Im new, Im late, I'm going to answer what I know, then hide :)
(If I'm wrong, which I most certainly will be, please correct me)


Invocation- Calling upon or praying to a certain God or Goddess or Element

Equinox - I know It happens in Spring for representing New life and Autumn symbolising the final harvest of the year... Im not 100% sure on what it entails

Solstice- On in Summer, One in Winter - Again I'm not very clear on this.

Akasha- The Spirit. I noticed some people call it the fifth element, which is a term I haven't heard before :) Its cool to be learning!

Astral - A different Level of consciousness, theres say, the astral world and the physical world.

pantheon- Collection of Gods and Goddesses That are believed in by a group.

Ritual- A repeated act that becomes familiar.

Esbat- a Moon based Meeting/Ritual

Sabbat- a Sun based meeting/Ritual

Pentacle- the 5 pointed star, with the points representing Spirit, Fire, Earth, Air and Water.

Spell- I liked Shpongle's definition of this :)

Grounding- Releasing excess energy

Centering- Clearing your mind and focusing your energy on a certain thing.

Meditation- Entering a state of relaxation, Focusing the mind and becoming centered and calm. There's various method's of meditation, I prefer passive- when images and thoughts are allowed to rise in the mind as they will, formulating around a set symbol or idea.