Practical and Esoteric Magic

Natural Magic and Ritual Explained

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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.

  • magic item

    an object or item, often a common thing and not usually a living being, that has been charmed or enchanted with magic for some purpose.

  • magical act

    The actions or procedures that form magical operations. Magical acts are made from magical techniques.

  • magical operation

    The backbone of a magician’s work, operations, also called procedures, workings, spells, rituals, etc., are the processes one undergoes to achieve significant magical results. Operations are composed with magical acts.

  • magical technique

    The small skills, movements, or processes that are the building blocks of magical acts. Techniques themselves are made of fundamental movements or intentions.

  • mark

    a visual and hand-created character-symbol (meaning a symbol made from shapes, lines, arcs, and other elements resembling alpha-numeric structures), a symbol placed on an item for purposes of enchantment.

  • meaning

    1. a thing’s or an event’s interpretation, ideally if such an assessment is correct. 2. the definition of x, i.e. the coherent message of a thing, the intention, or a thorough description of a thing or individual that includes the intention of the thing or individual. meaning is often assigned by the observer.

  • metal

    a mineral, highly conductive and able to be melted and re-solidified without losing structural integrity.