Occult Glossary

A

  • Alchemy: An ancient practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion, focused on the transmutation of matter, with the goal of turning base metals into gold and discovering the elixir of life.
  • Astrology: The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

B

  • Banishing: A ritual used to expel negative energy, entities, or influences from a space or person's life.
  • Black Magic: Practices of magic that are intended to cause harm, manipulate free will, or for personal gain at the expense of others, often considered unethical within many magical traditions.

C

  • Coven: A gathering or community of witches, typically consisting of 13 members, who meet regularly to practice rituals and magick.

D

  • Dark Academiaa literary and aesthetic movement that romanticizes academia, often with themes of intellectualism, nostalgia, and melancholy. It typically features elements such as classic literature, architecture, and fashion, evoking a sense of mystery and sophistication. Followers of Dark Academia embrace the pursuit of knowledge, often immersing themselves in literature, art, and scholarly pursuits. 
  • Divination: The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, including practices like tarot reading, scrying, and astrology.

E

  • Esotericaa broad range of mystical, occult, and spiritual teachings, practices, and knowledge that is often considered secretive or hidden from the mainstream. It encompasses various esoteric traditions, including astrology, alchemy, tarot, Kabbalah, and ceremonial magic, among others. Esoterica delves into the exploration of metaphysical concepts, symbolism, and the hidden aspects of reality beyond the realm of ordinary perception. Practitioners of esoterica seek to uncover deeper truths about existence, consciousness, and the universe through inner reflection, meditation, and spiritual practices. Esoterica is often associated with personal transformation, enlightenment, and the pursuit of higher wisdom.
  • Esoteric: Knowledge that is intended to be understood by a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest.

F

  • Familiar: An animal believed to have spiritual powers and to be in a witch's service, often acting as a protector or assistant in magic.

G

  • Green Magic:  also known as natural magic or earth magic, is a practice deeply rooted in nature and the elements. It involves working with the energies of the earth, plants, and natural surroundings to achieve spiritual, healing, and ecological goals. Green magic practitioners often cultivate a deep connection with the natural world, drawing inspiration from the cycles of the seasons, the growth of plants, and the wisdom of the earth. Rituals and spells in green magic may involve gardening, herbalism, wildcrafting, and communing with nature spirits. This form of magic is often associated with concepts like sustainability, environmentalism, and reverence for the earth. Through green magic, practitioners seek to promote harmony and balance within themselves and the natural world
  • Grimoire: A book of magical knowledge, including spells, rituals, the properties of stones and herbs, and the names of demons and angels.

H

  • Hermeticism: A religious, philosophical, and esoteric tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, focusing on the pursuit of Gnosis and the art of alchemy.

I

  • Invocation: A ritualistic calling upon a deity, spirit, or other supernatural entity, often for assistance or guidance.

J

  • Jinx: A type of curse placed on a person, object, or place, intended to bring bad luck or misfortune.

K

  • Kabbalah: A mystical and esoteric interpretation of Jewish religious teachings, revolving around concepts such as the nature of divinity, the structure of the universe, and the journey of the soul.
  • Kitchen witch: someone who practices magic primarily in the home, focusing on culinary arts, herbalism, and domestic activities as a means of harnessing magical energy. Kitchen witches infuse everyday tasks like cooking, baking, and cleaning with intention and magical significance, believing that these activities can be imbued with spiritual power. They often work with herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients to create potions, brews, and charms for healing, protection, and manifestation. The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home and a sacred space where magical rituals and spells can be performed. Kitchen witches may also incorporate elements of folklore, tradition, and intuition into their practice, using their knowledge of herbs and cooking techniques to enhance their magical work.

L

  • Lucid Dreaming: The practice of becoming consciously aware during a dream state, allowing for control over the dream environment and actions.

M

  • Magick: An alternative spelling of "magic" used to differentiate the spiritual and occult practices from stage magic. It is the art of causing change to occur in conformity with will.

N

  • Necromancy: A form of magic involving communication with the deceased, either by summoning their spirit as an apparition, raising them bodily, or divining for information.

O

  • Occult: Referring to knowledge of the hidden or esoteric knowledge of the supernatural, as opposed to "revealed" knowledge provided by religion.

P

  • Paganism: A term used to describe religious beliefs and practices outside of the world's main religions, often focusing on nature worship and polytheism.

Q

  • Querent: A person who seeks knowledge from a divination reading, such as tarot.

R

  • Ritual: A set of actions performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community.

S

  • Scrying: A method of divination that involves gazing into a reflective surface, such as water, mirrors, or crystals, to receive mystical insights.

T

  • Tarot: A deck of 78 cards used for divination, featuring symbolic imagery and used in certain magical practices as well as psychological analysis.
  • Tasseography - Also known as tea leaf reading or teomancy, is a form of divination where patterns formed by tea leaves in a cup are interpreted to gain insight into a person's life, future, or current situation. This ancient practice involves brewing tea, then pouring it into a cup and allowing the leaves to settle. The reader then examines the shapes, symbols, and patterns left by the tea leaves, often using intuition and symbolism to interpret their meaning. Tea leaf reading is believed to provide guidance, reveal hidden truths, and offer glimpses into the subconscious mind, making it a popular method of fortune-telling and self-reflection.

U

  • Uncrossing: A ritual designed to remove a curse or negative energy that has been placed on a person.

V

  • Visualization: A technique used in magick and meditation involving the mental visualization of specific symbols, outcomes, or goals to manifest them into reality.

W

  • White Magic:  a practice that harnesses natural energies and focuses on positive intentions to bring about beneficial outcomes. Unlike black magic, which is often associated with harmful or manipulative intentions, white magic is used for purposes such as healing, protection, and spiritual growth. Practitioners of white magic typically adhere to ethical guidelines and work in harmony with the universe to manifest their desires. Spells and rituals in white magic may involve elements like herbs, candles, crystals, and visualization techniques to channel positive energy and create positive change. This form of magic emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, respect for free will, and doing no harm to others
  • Wicca: A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature, emphasizing a balance in the divine forces of male and female and practicing ritual magick.
  • Witchcore: An aesthetic and cultural movement inspired by witchcraft, magic, and folklore. It encompasses various elements such as nature, mysticism, and spirituality, drawing inspiration from witchcraft practices and pagan traditions. Witchcore enthusiasts often incorporate symbols like crystals, herbs, and tarot cards into their lifestyle and fashion choices. This trend celebrates the connection to nature, the occult, and the mystical realms, embracing a sense of empowerment and individuality.

X

  • Xenomancy: A form of divination that involves observing the meeting of strangers or the arrival of unexpected visitors.

Y

  • Yggdrasil: In Norse mythology, the world tree, a great ash tree that connects all living things and the various realms of the universe.