Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985
Glossary
Tables & Appendices
Amulet: An object worn, carried or placed to guard against negativity or other vibrations. A protective object.
Astral Projection: The practice of separating the consciousness from the physical body so that the former may move about unhindered by time, space or gravity.
Bane: A poison; that which destroys life. “Henbane” is poisonous to hens.
Banish: To drive away evil, negativity or spirits.
Beltane: An ancient folk-festival day observed by Witches that celebrates the fully blossomed spring. April 30 or May 1.
Censer: A vessel of metal or earthenware in which incense is burned. An incense burner.
Chaplet: A garland or wreath of flowers or leaves worn on the head, as in the chaplets given to classical Greek heroes as symbols of honor.
Clairvoyance: Literally “clear seeing.” The ability to perceive facts, events and other data by other than the five “normal” senses, unaided by tools.
Curse: A concentration of negative and destructive energy, deliberately formed and directed toward a person, place or thing.
Divination: The art of finding things out through means other than the five senses, using tools such as tarot cards, crystal balls, and so on.
Enchant: “Sing to.” Magically speaking, a procedure whereby herbs are aligned with your magical need prior to their use.
Evil Eye, The: Supposed glance capable of causing great harm or fear, once almost universally feared.
Fascination: The art of placing other people under one’s power through sounds, gazes, colors, etc.
Hex: An evil spell; a curse.
Incubus: A male demon or spirit which was believed to sexually tempt and abuse women; the succubus was the corresponding female demon.
Infusion: An herbal tea.
Lughnasadh: An old harvest festival celebrated on August lst or 2nd in Europe, reverencing the abundant (harvested) fruits of the Earth. It is still observed by Wicca.
Magic: The practice of causing needed change through the use of powers as yet undefined and unaccepted by science.
Magic Circle: A ritually-created circle (or sphere) that offers protection to the magician during magical rites.
Magician: A person of either sex who practices magic.
Magus: A magician.
Midsummer: The Summer Solstice, usually on or near June 21st, one of the Wiccan festival days and an excellent time to practice magic.
Pendulum: A tool of divination which consists of a heavy object suspended from a string or cord. The end of the cord is held between the thumb and forefinger; questions are asked and their answers divided by the movements of the pendulum.
Pentagram: A five-pointed star which has been used in magic for centuries. Highly symbolic, it is also a protective device.
Poppet: A small doll made of various substances to influence a person’s fife. In herb magic, either a carved root or a cloth image stuffed with herbs. The use of poppets is known as “image magic.”
Power Hand, The: The hand you write with; the dominant hand. This is a magically potent hand.
Samhain: An ancient festival day marking the beginning of winter. Also known as “Halloween” and All Hallows Eve. It is observed by Wicca with religious ceremonies.
Scry: To gaze into a pool of ink, fire, crystal ball, etc. to awaken and summon psychic powers.
Spell: A Magical rite.
Talisman: An object worn or carried to attract a specific influence, such as love, luck, money, health; as opposed to an amulet which keeps forces from its bearer.
Wicca: A contemporary religion with spiritual roots in prehistory that worships the life-force of the universe as personified as a God and Goddess. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as “witchcraft.”
Witch Bottle: A bottle or jar containing herbs, pins, shards of glass and other objects, designed to protect a person or area from evil and curses. Usually buried or placed in a window.
Witchcraft: The practice of natural magic, as that of herbs, stones, and candles. Spell-casting. Still used by some to refer to the religion of Wicca.
Wort: An old word meaning “herb.” Mugwort preserves the term.