Practical and Esoteric Magic

Natural Magic and Ritual Explained

Glossary Terms

Glossary Terms

In the true practice of magic it is increasingly important that we develop, refine, and maintain a consistent, internal terminology and nomenclature for discourse amongst ourselves, educating newcomers, and occasionally interfacing with those outside of our subculture. This glossary is my attempt towards this end, though it is most likely in vain. You may or may not see these terms echoed by other magic writers and bloggers.

  • crystal

    a mineral formed by repeating geometric patterns and having plane faces, excellent conductors and emanators of energy.

  • duality

    1 Two polar opposites or complementary phenomena that together compose the whole and are the fundamental natures of the constituent parts within the whole, e.g., light and dark, male and female, good and evil, etc. 2 In Occult philosophy, the duality is a specific axiom explaining the dual nature of the human being as flesh and spirit. It also explains the dual nature of the universe as God and Nature.

  • Elder Futhark

    Set of 24 rune characters often errantly called “Viking Runes”, It is the oldest written language of the European tribes. Each rune/character/letter represents a Rune (note capitalization) or cosmic principle, natural force, divine power, spiritual state, et al that was identified and cultivated by the Germanic people who utilized Elder Futhark. Norse legend tells of the ordeal Odin underwent to obtain the runes and subsequently the power of the Runes, which he then shared with his people. Today the runes/Runes are available to all who seek them, regardless of genetic ancestry, culture, nationality, race, et al.

  • enchant

    to charm, put a spell on, infuse with magic, cause to be magical, etc.

  • energy

    The fundamental entity required for performing work, existing in a) potential or resting state and b) kinetic or moving/working state.                 

  • evil

    1. an act or manner of being that willfully causes harm or loss to the innocent or undeserving, or could potentially cause harm or loss and is characterized by a lack of caring about how others are affected by one’s activities.
    2. a desire to see and possibly even participate in the suffering of others, especially those who do not deserve the suffering.
    3. a force that exists as a distinct entity and that inflicts, consciously or not, undue harm or suffering, possibly a compelling force

  • folk magic

    1. magic “of the people” meaning commonfolk , i.e. magic that is accessible without great expense or (usually without) undertaking lengthy education, normally low magic
    2. any branch of regional-specific magic practiced by indigenous people, also cultural magic of a generally practical nature within the low magic class.

  • force

    1. User agent, often impersonal or unknown, that moves, directs, or controls an energy or set of energies. 2. Two or more energies being used or moved by an agent cohesively as one unit, or two or more energies moving cohesively as one unit, when it is unknown whether or not a user-agent is present, e.g. natural forces or cosmic forces sans consideration for involvement of spirits or deities. 3. To compel or to cause an entity (energy, spirit, person, etc.) to act against or without that entity’s will or wherewithal to do so.

  • gemstone

    an ornate mineral, crystal or otherwise, with a standard monetary value.

  • glyph

    a magical or mystical character-symbol; magic symbol created with lines, arcs, and shapes that resembles alpha-numeric markings.