Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

SIGIL

In Western Ceremonial Magick, sigils are symbols connected to a set of ideas by which spirits or deities may be summoned to awareness and controlled. They are used in divinatory practices. The term is derived from the Latin "sigilum" meaning "seal." The sigil itself does not call forth the spirit, but serves as a physical focus through which the Ceremonial Magician achieves the desired state of mind. Sigils represent the secret names of spirits and deities who manifest themselves differently to each Magick practitioner. Once the Ceremonial Magician has summoned the spirit or deity he may control it, if necessary, by subjecting its sigil to fire or the use of his magical sword.

Sigils may represent complex concepts. The Pentacle is the most powerful sigil used in Wicca and Neo-Pagan witchcraft and by many occultists. Other sigils serve as identifying logos of organizations. Individuals can adopt their personal sigils by selecting a letter from the rune or Theban alphabets. They have personal, secret meaning and are often inscribed on magical tools used in occult practices and ceremonies. Sigils also serve as amulets, talismans, or meditation tools.

Sigils designs are derived from geometric shapes, astrological signs, or symbols used in alchemy. They may be of various signs, such as crosses, associated with different deities. Some of the best sigils are attained through Intuition and Inspiration. Many come through meditation and the practice of Scrying; when a certain pattern seems to appear upon the object which the individual is gazing at.

Others believe symbols are occasionally mystically produced when asked for. The deity or spirit may inscribed the sigil in dew upon shiny objects or objects of silver, brass, gold, or glass. Such sigils are considered to be magically powerful.

see also: SEALS

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc