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.

  • 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.

  • good

    1. generally anything beneficial but especially if the benefit is not accompanied by harm or drawbacks.
    2. intent or activity for the aid, benefit, or betterment of another.
    3. proficient, skilled, effective