Special Note: At the risk of belabouring the extremely obvious, this page is a work in progress, with quite a distance to go before it sleeps.
Definitions, Premisses and Info

Waking Conscious State - The state of human consciousness when perceiving the physical world, conscious of other people and things. Termed the jagrat state in Hindu philosophy, it is the lowest of the four states into which human consciousness is divided: jagrat, svapna, sushupti, and turiya. The reason we cannot remain continuously in the waking state, but must seek another aspect of consciousness during sleep, is that "our senses are all dual, and act according to the plane of consciousness on which the thinking entity energizes. Physical sleep affords the greatest facility for its action on the various planes; at the same time it is a necessity, in order that the senses may recuperate and obtain a new lease of life for the Jagrata, or waking state, from the Svapna and Sushupti. . . . As a man exhausted by one state of the life fluid seeks another; as, for example, when exhausted by the hot air he refreshes himself with cool water; so sleep is the shady nook in the sunlit valley of life. Sleep is a sign that waking life has become too strong for the physical organism, and that the force of the life current must be broken by changing the waking for the sleeping state. Ask a good clairvoyant to describe the aura of a person just refreshed by sleep, and that of another just before going to sleep. The former will be seen bathed in rhythmical vibrations of life currents -- golden, blue, and rosy; these are the electrical waves of Life. The latter is, as it were, in a mist of intense golden-orange hue, composed of atoms whirling with an almost incredible spasmodic rapidity, showing that the person begins to be too strongly saturated with Life; the life essence is too strong for his physical organs, and he must seek relief in the shadowy side of that essence, which side is the dream element, or physical sleep, one of the states of consciousness". Human beings, animals, and plants die not because of a lack of life, but because their vehicles become finally worn out, precisely because the life-currents within have become too strong, and the building power of the vehicles less able to repair the damages of the life-force. Paradoxically, it is the life-force which itself brings about both sleep and death, and thus life repairs its own damage, both building and destroying.

Wampeter - in the context of the Vonnegutian Bokononist Religion is "the pivot of a Karass, around which the souls of the members of the Karass revolve." A Karass has two Wampeters at any time, one waxing and one waning.

Wand - (see also Lotus Wand, Papyrus Wand, Phoenix Wand, Sekhem Wand) When the term Wand [in Aleister Crowley's 777 Tables of Correspondences, key number 4, 12, 20 and 31] is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to a practitionor's Wand of Force (hence the Latin term referring to force) used to represent the component of Will and Intuition in Workings and help focus or direct the flow of the Energy created. In most Traditions the Wand is considered to correspond to the Elemental Fire Energies. The wand of Hermes or caduceus, the magician's wand, the rods of Moses and Aaron, the scepter of kings which shows the force of temporal power, and the crosier of a bishop, are prototypes and antitypes of a universal principle -- the straight line, representing the masculine, active, positive power in nature. The magician may be said to possess a magic wand -- a name for the power he can wield -- and there may be various material copies of this, ranging from an actual magic wand supposedly prepared according to secret formulas, down to the humble stick or cudgel with which the ruffian enforces his will. In the four symbolic suits of the Tarot, the first is that of the batons, now become the clubs.

Wanga - When the term Wanga is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Watcher -

Water Scrying - A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Weaving Energies -

Welsh - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Welsh Cymri Wicca - A Wiccan Tradition based on Y Tylwyth Teg, a Welsh-based tradition named for the faery folk of that land, which maintains deeply Celtic roots and very humanistic philosophy. Students of both these paths are asked to place heavy emphasis on the study of Welsh myth, folklore, and faery lore.

Welsh Rite Gwyddonaid - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. A Welsh/Celtic Tradition of Wicca, worshipping a Welsh Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. Gwyddonaid, roughly translated from Welsh means "Tree Witch".

Welsh Witchcraft - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Western Emergent Buddhism - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents as such, and holding the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, and/or interpolations thereon, usually by Western and/or Western oriented Teachers and an emphasis on meditative practice as primary or critical parameters of their Spiritual Paradigm. It is useful to define this Tradition of Buddhism since it is quite distinct from the Buddist Traditions which arose in Asia, around and close to the places where Siddhartha Gautama Buddha lived and Taught. Of course it is not itself a monolithic Tradition, but consists of a variety of lineages which emanate from various Teachers and groups of Teachers who have turned their attentions toward Western Civilization and/or individuals who have interpreted the Teachings for themselves but still from a Western perspective. What may be termed Western Emergent Buddhism is well represented by an essay found at http://home.att.net/~meditation/Buddhism.html (assuming it's still there, but we paraphrase it here in the complete listing) entitled: 'Call For a New Buddhism', and specifically references Jiddu Krishnamurti such as in the quotation: "Intelligence is the ability to ascertain the essential." The complete entry on Western Emergent Buddhism (also see: the complete entry on Buddhism.)

White Tincture -

Wholistic Thinking -Whole Brain Thinking - Memory is stored in our unconscious mind and in every cell of our body. Whole brain thinking utilizes the right and left brain together so that truly free conscious thinking occurs allowing us to make conscious choices. Stuck patterns and fear that have influenced our decisions in the past are released. We then respond, versus react, to life.

Wicca - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Any religion that follows the beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies laid out by Gerald Gardner (Gardnerian Wicca) or Alex Sanders (Alexandrian Wicca) that have been passed down through Initiation and Consecration, including those religions founded by Initiated and Consecrated members of another form; Any religion that has no initiatory connection to Gardner or Sanders, but have based their rituals and practices upon Gardnerian Wicca or Alexandrian Wicca., including solitary Wicca practitioners. Wiccan Witch-This tradition combines the beliefs of Wicca with the "workings" of Witchcraft. It can be based on an eclectic, solitary, or any other type of tradition. Wiccans tend to do "self motivated" magick. Whereas Witches do magick for the "greater good". Again, this is subjective, depending on the individuals beliefs. This particular tradition can be very wide ranging. From doing healing work only, to doing love spells for friends. It can include crystal magick, candle magick, herb magick, meditation, auras, chakras, and any combination that the individual feels "comfortable" with.

Wiccan Rede -

Wiccan Shamanism - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Wiccan Shamanism is an eclectic pagan tradition created by Selena Fox, high priestess of Circle Sanctuary, that blends Wiccan practice, humanistic psychology and a variety of shamanistic practices from tribal societies around the world. Healing is the primary focus of a Wiccan Shaman, and practitioners observe all the Sabbats, traditional activities, and the Wiccan Rede in conjunction with shamanic practices such as vision questing and dreamtime. Founded by Selena Fox in the 1980's. Ecumenical and multicultural focus. Combination of Wicca, humanistic psychology and a variety of shamanistic practices from around the world. Emphasis on healing. Uses traditional shamanistic techniques to change consciousness, such as drumming and ecstatic dancing.

Wine - When the term Wine [in Aleister Crowley's 777 Tables of Correspondences, key number 23] is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Winged Egg - When the term Winged Egg [possibly in Aleister Crowley's 777 Tables of Correspondences, key number 31bis] is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to the spiritualized potential energies. The Egg is a symbol of Akasha or Akasa, the fifth element of Spirit, the source of all creation. There are many equivalent symbols. specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Winged Heart - When the term Winged Heart is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Winged Sphere - When the term Winged Sphere is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Wings - When the term Wings is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to a type of Vestment which emulates one or some combination of natural wings, which can be worn by an individual to indicate their particular Spiritual strivings and or characteristics specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Wisdom -

Wita - The study and practice of the religion of the Picts, the pre-Celtic inhabitants of northern Scotland. Pecti-Wita is concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing, and honors the Celtic Deities. The main tools in Pecti-Wita are the Staff and the Athame or Dirk. Pecti-Witans use a "Keek-Stane" which is, in effect, a scrying stone or the equivalent of a crystal ball. Also known as Pecti-Wita, Pictish Witchcraft. An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. It is very similar to the Scottish Pecti-Wita which is evolved from Pictish, rather than Irish, tradition. Also known as Witta.

Witchcraft - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Witchcraft-Webster's Dictionary definition: witchcraft-a form of sorcery, or the magical manipulation of nature for self-aggrandizement, or for the benefit or harm of a client. This manipulation often involves the use of spirit-helpers, or familiars. Public uses of magic are generally considered beneficial; sorcery, on the other hand, is commonly practiced in private and is usually considered malevolent. Nevertheless, accusations of sorcery are frequently public and explicit. Anthropologists have observed that in societies that lack formal political processes, sorcery accusations are often an indication of other social and economic tensions and conflicts. They have analyzed the killing of accused sorcerers as a form of control through which antisocial people are eliminated and social cohesion is reinforced. Anthropologists distinguish sorcerers, who acquire their powers through study and initiation, from witches, who inherit their powers. In some cultures, especially European, however, the two terms are used interchangeably. European diabolical witchcraft was a form of sorcery that appealed to pre-Christian symbolism and was associated by Church leaders with heresy. The origins of witchcraft in Europe are found in the pre-Christian, pagan cults such as the Teutonic nature cults, Roman religion, and the speculations of the Gnostics (see Gnosticism), the Zoroastrians, and the Manicheans. These pagan religions and philosophies believed in a power of evil and a power of good within the universe. Later, among certain sects, the worship of good was repudiated as false and misleading. Religious persecution of supposed witches commenced early in the 14th century. Trials, convictions, and executions became common throughout Europe and reached a peak during the 16th and 17th centuries. Under the authority of the Spanish Inquisition, as many as 100 persons were burned as witches in a single day. The auto-da-fe, as this mass burning was called, took on the qualities of a carnival, where one could buy souvenirs, rosaries, holy images, and food. Suspicion also fell on many who were interested in scientific experimentation. The colonies of North America shared in this fanaticism, particularly in Salem, Mass., where in 1692, 20 persons were executed as witches.

Witches League of Public Awareness (WLPA) - An international organization founded in 1986 by Laurie Cabot and Christine Dumas to protest the filming of John Updike's novel, The Witches of Eastwick, a gross misrepresentation of the Craft. The WLPA works to end prejudice and bigotry against Witches and Witchcraft. It does not handle individual discrimination cases.

Witta - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. WITTA: An eclectic Irish path which keeps very old Irish traditions and combines them with the influences of the Norse. Witta values Irish Pagan history and recognizes that at each stage in its development, over many centuries, each generation has been able to add something of value. Until recent times Wittan covens were characterized by strict stratification and one-on-one teaching for its apprentices. Today most Wittan covens operate on a consensus basis and will accept self-initiation and the solitary life as valid. It is very similar to the Scottish Pecti-Wita which is evolved from Pictish, rather than Irish, tradition. Also known as Wita.

Wizardry - (Middle English, wis, 'wise'): Most often associated with the magickal systems of Ceremonial Magick including alchemy, the Hermetic wisdom, and the doctrines of Agrippa, Dee, Paracelsus and other Neoplatonic philosophers. In archaic use, a wizardry was synonymous with magick of any kind.

Women's International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell - (anagrammatically: WITCH) Women's International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell is a feminist organization that originated on American college campuses in the 1960's. WITCH purported that the original guerrilla fighters against the oppression of women and minorities were witches and gypsies. WITCH members demonstrated for numerous causes dressed in rags, wearing pointed, conical hats, carrying brooms, and shrieking curses at the Establishment. One of the core beliefs of the Women's International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell is that any woman can become a Witch by saying 'I am a Witch' three times.

Woodland Pagan - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents as such, and holding the Sacredness of Nature, and the desirability of having such Celebrations in clearings in undisturbed wilderness as primary or critical parameters of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Working - Garden of Life considers Working or Werking a Pagan Sacrament. In a preliminary description Working or Werking may be an Act and/or Process specifically including an Effectuation of Will, performed by any Celebrant or group of Celebrants which focuses on particular and agreed upon Spiritual Goals. One type of Working is called The Great Work, which is focused on the achievement of the Ultimate Potential Perfection of one or more of the Individual and/or Individuals participating. Many instances of Working are directed toward some aspect of Conscious Spiritual Evolution. Celebratory Circles are the most fundamental type of Working. Such Circles are performed by a Group of Celebrants who join together to Commemorate a specific Holy Time and/or Work for a specific Goal or Goals. Another example of Workings are those of a Divinatory Nature.

Below please find the wording that Garden of Life uses in it's Articles of Organization to delineate this Sacrament:
an Act, Acts, a Process, Processes and/or Series of Acts and/or Processes including Effectuation of Will, performed by any Celebrant or group of Celebrants focused on particular (clearly delineated and if multiple Individuals are involved, agreed upon) Spiritual Goals. Often such Workings are focused upon the achievement of the Ultimate Potential Perfection of the Individual and/or Individuals participating. In the case of The Great Work, the Goal always either is, or contains as a resultant: Conscious Spiritual Evolution specifically. Celebratory Circles (the most fundamental type of Working performed by the Temple) are a specific type of Working, in which a Group of Celebrants join together to Commemorate a specific Holy Time and/or Work for a specific Goal or Goals. Most frequently applied among the other Categories of Workings is that of Workings of a Divinatory Nature.

Wraith -The fleeting apparition of a person, about the moment of death, to another person in kinship or psychomagnetic sympathy. Though wraith may cover different cases, in general it is due to the mayavi-rupa of the person who is dying. It is produced by his thought, though he is unaware of the effect he is producing. An intense and anxious thought about the person he wishes to see becomes objective to the seer, and the apparition wears the aspect and commonly the ordinary clothing of the dying person. In some cases the apparition may not be due to any thought on the part of the dying person, but to abnormal sensitiveness or clairvoyance on the part of the seer. Being in close sympathy with the dying one, he bears the image of that one in his latent memory; and when the event occurs, his higher senses, being aware of it, cause the objectivization of this memory as a visual apparition. The thought itself is objective to a mind capable of perception on that plane; but to become objective to the physical senses, it must clothe itself in matter of a lower grade; and this objectivization may vary from a picture in the mind's eye to an apparition seen by the physical vision. In any case the organism of the seer can provide the necessary vehicle for such an objectivization. Distance plays no part in the phenomenon, and there is no projection of a physically substantial body through space from one place to another. The above case should be distinguished from an appearance of the astral double seen near the graves of the recently deceased. See also Eidolon; Phantom; Ghost; Specter

Wrang-Wrang - in the context of the Vonnegutian Bokononist Religion is "a person who steers people away from a line of speculation by reducing that line, with the example of the Wrang-Wrang's own life, to an absurdity.