Definitions

We would like to give you some definitions for some of the words that have been used throughout this web page so that you will have a good idea of the meanings of them. Some words are unique to our tradition and there are some people that may have come across the Wiccan religion for the first time. It is only fitting that we explain some of the terms and usages in the text to better keep you on the right track.

The definitions given below might not fit with the "Webster's Dictionary" but that book of English was written by bias Christians anyway and NONE of the editors have ever researched their history to find the origins of these words anyway. Gee...I'm not bitter...hahahha Enjoy. Remember, knowledge is power and power is rooted in your faith.

SPIN:

In reference to the spiral dance, this is done when a member of a coven who has finished their training, is ready to formally leave their coven of teaching and form a coven of their own. The male or female will announce to the clergy of the "Mother Coven" that they are ready to "Spin" and then announce the "New" covens name. At the ritual, the new coven may have already formed students of his/her own and they are brought to the rite of passage to join him/her as they leave the "mother coven" and form their own circle.

ESBATS:

Formally the name of the "Full Moon Ritual" performed on or about the night of the event once every 28 days or so. It is the formal name given to the 13 sacred nights in the year in which Witches gather to do works of magic, perform healings for loved ones or those in need, or even set the wheels in motion for positive change through weaving spells, casting chantings or anything of positive creation that, as prayer, are made to benefit ourselves or our sacred mother earth or father sky.

SABBATS:

This is the formal name given to the "Sacred Holy Days" of the Wiccan faith. There are eight (8) of them celebrated throughout each year. These are days of fun and reverence of change as the events of the seasons change so do our lives and what we do in them. It is not a time, in OUR tradition, to work magic but to honor our Gods and celebrate or recognize their ever changing path upon the "Wheel of the Year" Of the eight holy days, there are times of joy and sorrow, prosperity and foreboding of the future, but all-in-all they are the times that all Wiccans/Pagans come together and rejoice in the cycles of life that is the cornerstone of our faith. Birth, Life, Death and rebirth.

CORE:

This is the term given by our tradition to the basic set of classes given. They are also required to take to "understand" what is being taught. It too is the name given to the members of the coven that show, through commitment, that they have what it takes to being a future High Priest/ High Priestess. By coming to all the classes, assisting with public and private events voluntarily, and committed to learning the tradition(s) being offered. Out of a coven of 12 or more you might find a "Core" of about 5-7 that are in this position and not everyone can commit to such a position do to family or work requirements. But understand, this does not belittle those that are not "core" it only makes it harder for those that are. If you are "Core" you will be asked to fulfill more duties. Yet the knowledge you gain is irreplaceable. All core members are those that have finished their "first degree" and are now "Members" of the coven. These people will become the "Maiden" or "Red Priest" and begin their formal training into the Priesthood. In our Coven, you are not a "member" or "core" until you complete your first degree. This is because the leaders of the coven at that point, take on the responsibility of your training and also your "KARMA" until you Finnish your training. This is to protect you as you learn.

CALAFIA:

The Calafia Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess is a religious organization that represents many San Diego county witches, and now one Alaskan one too. Local councils handle membership for covens and solitaires in their area and provide support for the local Wiccan community. In Calafia this support includes a scholarship fund, Beltane in the Park, Witches' Night Out (Samhain), and other community events.

PAGAN:

"One who lives in the country" is the true definition, yet it has been the creed of Wiccans to follow this term of definition for those of us that follow a way of religion that is "earth" based or away from the mainstream religions. Pagan is general, like Christian...what kind of Christian are you? What is your "denomination" such as "Christian Science" or in Pagan, "Druid" is a "Denomination" of Paganism. And so on.