There are a few terms used in this course that may be new to you.  Some of these will be familiar,  but here they are defined specifically for their use in the context of this Comprehensive Witchcraft Course.

Earth-Based Religion
A spiritual path with a focus on the Earth, and living in harmony with life and the cycles of nature.

Pagan
A person who follows a polytheistic religion, generally Earth-based.

Neo-Pagan
Another way of saying Pagan, usually to differentiate Pagan from modern Paganism (neo means new).

Witchcraft
The craft of using natural energies to manifest change within the world and the self.  Witchcraft is not a specific religion.

Witch
An individual who practices Witchcraft.

Wiccan
A Neo-Pagan reconstructionist religion or spiritual path. Very loosely structured with very individualized practice and worship. Wiccans identify as Wiccans or Witches and work in Covens, Partnerships, or as Solitaries.  There are many types of Wicca, and each Witch/Wiccan may define his or her path differently. Some formal traditions have developed including Gardnerian, Seax-Wicca, Alexandrian, Strega, Faery, and others.  Most Wiccans use the terms Wicca and Witch or Witchcraft and Wicca interchangeably, although Witchcraft may also be a non-religious path.

Coven
A group of three or more Witches who work together.

Partnerships
Two Witches working together. Often, but not always, life companions.

Solitary
A Witch who works alone.

Note: Some covens are made up of solitary Witches who gather occasionally to work together only when there is a true need or a large Sabbat festival. Some Partners will also occasionally visit or work with Covens.

The Craft
Witchcraft or Wicca, also used by Masons in reference to their practices.

The Old Ways
Witchcraft, Pagan traditions, and folk customs.

Words of Power
A basic concept of magic is that words contain energy.  It is held that when you know and speak the name of something or someone, you can influence that thing or person. In the Craft, when you use Words of Power, it means that you are speaking (aloud or within your mind) words with intent, and using your will and desire to direct energy through those words.  Words of Power are often spoken in a chanting manner, or with specific intonations in order to cause specific vibrations and harmonies.

Polytheism
is the belief that deity takes many forms, the belief in more than one god.

Omnipresent
describes that which present at all times in all places.

Monotheism
is the belief that there is only one god.

Patriarchy
is a form of organization in which the father or authoritarian male is ruler.

Matriarchy
a form of organization in which the mother or authoritarian female is ruler.

Animism
1. attributing conscious life to objects and phenomena in nature.
2. belief in the existence of disembodied spirits.

Personification
For purposes of this lesson: to represent or symbolize a complex or abstract quality, idea, person, entity or energy. To represent an abstraction.