Spiritual Terms that Start with S
This page lists spiritual and witchcraft terms that begin with the letter S, including common magic and religious concepts used across traditions. S contains some of the most important spiritual language, including soul, spirit, surrender, and silence.
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Letter S
SabbatA seasonal festival marking natural or agricultural cycles.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)The energy center of creativity, emotion, and pleasure.
SacrificeThe act of giving up something valued for spiritual devotion or greater good.
SacredSomething regarded as holy, deeply meaningful, or worthy of reverence.
Sacred UnionThe spiritual merging of complementary energies.
SacrilegeAn act of disrespect or irreverence toward sacred objects, places, or rituals.
SadhanaA dedicated spiritual practice leading toward realization.
SageA wise person.
Sahasrara / Crown ChakraThe energy center of spiritual connection, enlightenment, and higher consciousness.
SaintA person revered for exceptional holiness or spiritual virtue.
Salamanders (Elementals)Beings of transformation, passion, and energy. Represents the element of Fire.
SaltUsed for cleansing, purification, grounding, and boundary-setting.
Salvation (Christian)Deliverance from suffering, sin, spiritual separation and death through faith in Christ.
SamadhiA state of profound spiritual absorption and unity.
SamhainA Pagan festival marking the end of harvest and honoring the dead and ancestral spirits.
SamsaraThe cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma.
SamskarasImpressions or karmic patterns shaping behavior.
Sanctification (Christian)The ongoing process of becoming holy and Christ-like.
SanctifyTo make sacred or spiritually purified.
SanghaA spiritual community of practitioners.
Sashes / Ritual BeltsFabric belts or sashes worn to signify purpose, rank, or intent. They can be color-coded for the elements, Sabbats, or magical focus. Some witches tie charms or pouches to their belts for easy access during ritual.
Sat-Chit-AnandExistence, consciousness, and bliss as ultimate reality.
SatguruA enlightened teacher who guides disciples toward truth and liberation.
SatoriA sudden experience of awakening in Zen Buddhism.
SattvaThe guna of balance, clarity, and harmony.
SBNR“Spiritual But Not Religious,” describing individualized spiritual belief without formal religion.
Scrying BowlA bowl, usually black, dark blue, or silver, filled with water or another reflective surface. Used to enter trance states and receive visual or intuitive messages.
Second Coming (Christian)The anticipated return of Christ to judge and redeem the world.
SectA distinct group within a larger religious tradition.
SeerA person who can perceive spiritual truths beyond ordinary senses.
Self-ActualizationRealizing one’s highest potential.
Self-ConsciousnessAwareness of oneself as a distinct thinking and experiencing being.
Self-ExistentExisting independently without reliance on another cause.
Self-Knowing MindConsciousness aware of itself as both observer and creator.
Self-PropellingMoved by inner force rather than external influence.
Self-RealizationUnderstanding one’s true nature beyond ego, roles, or social identity.
SenseSpiritual perception or intuitive awareness beyond physical sight.
Separation ConsciousnessThe belief in isolation from others or Source.
SerenityCalm, balanced acceptance of life as it unfolds.
Servanthood (Christian)Living a life of humble service in imitation of Christ.
ShabdDivine sound or vibration that connects consciousness with ultimate reality.
Shadow SelfRepressed aspects of the psyche requiring integration.
ShaktiDivine creative energy, often feminine.
ShaktipatThe transmission of spiritual energy from teacher to student.
ShamanA spiritual practitioner who journeys between the realms or worlds for healing or guidance.
Shamanic HealingHealing through spiritual journeying and spirit communication.
ShamanismA spiritual practice involving altered states to heal or access spiritual realms.
ShapeshiftingThe spiritual or symbolic transformation of form or identity.
ShintoA Japanese spiritual tradition honoring nature spirits and ancestral presence.
ShunyataThe Buddhist concept of emptiness, meaning lack of independent existence.
SickleA crescent-bladed tool used in certain traditions for harvesting magical herbs or performing outdoor rites.
SiddhaAn accomplished spiritual practitioner with realized abilities.
SigilA symbolic design charged with specific magical intent.
Sigil BoardA dedicated board for creating or activating sigils.
SilenceA space where awareness deepens beyond words.
Silver CordA spiritual connection that links the soul to the physical body.
Silver CrescentA British Pagan organization supporting Wiccan and Pagan communities.
Simple ConsciousnessBasic awareness without complex thought or analysis.
SimranRemembrance of the divine through repetition or meditation.
SinA state of separation from spiritual harmony or moral alignment.
SincerityGenuine alignment between inner truth and outward action.
Sinful Nature (Christian)The inherent tendency toward sin present in all humans.
Sinner (Christian)A person separated from God due to sin.
Sixth SenseIntuitive perception beyond the five physical senses.
SkycladThe practice of performing ritual magic naked, or without any clothing or garb.
Sloth (Seven Deadly Sins)Spiritual apathy or resistance to growth and responsibility.
SmudgingCleansing practice using sacred smoke.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)The energy center of personal power, confidence, and will.
Solitary WitchA practitioner who works independently rather than in a coven.
SolsticeThe longest or shortest day of the year, marking solar extremes.
So Mote It BeA ritual phrase affirming intention or completion.
SoulThe non-physical essence of a person that carries identity, awareness, or life force.
Soul ContractA pre-incarnation agreement shaping life experiences.
Soul GroupSouls that incarnate together across lifetimes.
SoulmateA deeply resonant spiritual connection.
Soul PurposeThe deeper reason for one’s life experiences and growth.
Soul Winner (Christian)One who actively seeks to bring others to faith in Christ.
Sound Healing / Sound TherapyThe use of vibration and sound to restore energetic balance.
SourceThe ultimate origin of all existence.
Sovereignty (Christian)God’s supreme authority and control over all creation.
Space (Cosmic World)The vast field in which matter, energy, and consciousness exist.
SpaeOld Norse prophecy or seership.
SpellA ritual act using intention, tools, and energy to bring about change in the physical or spiritual world.
SpiritA nonphysical being, such as ghosts or entities, representing life, consciousness, or soul beyond the body.
Spirit GuideA nonphysical being who offers insight, protection, or guidance.
SpiritismBelief in communication with spirits of the deceased.
SpiritualRelating to inner meaning, purpose, or connection beyond material existence.
Spiritual EvolutionThe gradual development of consciousness toward higher awareness.
Spiritual HealingRestoring balance through spiritual or energetic methods.
Spiritual PracticesDisciplines intended to cultivate awareness or sacred connection.
Spirit WalkingThe practice of consciously exploring nonphysical realms or alternate spiritual planes.
SpiritualityA personal relationship with meaning, purpose, and transcendence.
Spiritual MinisterA person ordained or recognized to provide spiritual guidance or service.
Spiritual RealizationDeep understanding of spiritual truth through direct experience.
Spiritual WarriorOne who faces inner challenges with courage and integrity.
Spirit of ManThe divine or higher aspect of human consciousness.
Spirit of the UniverseThe universal intelligence or life force underlying all existence.
Spirit WorldA nonphysical realm inhabited by spirits or subtle beings.
SriAn expression denoting reverence, prosperity, or sacredness.
StaffA taller version of a wand used for grounding energy or leading ritual movement.
StalliA Heathen altar or sacred platform.
StangA ritual staff representing spiritual authority.
StarseedA soul that reincarnated on Earth, but was originally from another planet or dimension.
StigmataPhysical marks resembling sacred wounds, that are spiritually manifested.
Stream of ConsciousnessThe continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and awareness.
StrixA mythic nocturnal being associated with witchcraft.
SubjectiveRelating to inner experience rather than external observation.
Subjective ActivityMental or spiritual action occurring within consciousness.
Subjective CausationThe principle that inner thought produces outer effects.
Subjective TendencyAn inner inclination shaping perception and behavior.
SublimateTo transform instinctive or lower impulses into higher expression.
Sufi WhirlingA devotional dance used to achieve spiritual ecstasy and divine union.
SufismThe mystical dimension of Islam focused on love and direct experience of God.
SummerlandA peaceful afterlife realm in some Pagan beliefs.
SupplicationA humble request made through prayer or spiritual appeal.
SurrenderTrusting life by releasing excessive control.
SutraA concise spiritual teaching or scripture.
Svadhisthana / Sacral ChakraThe energy center of creativity, emotion, and pleasure.
Svartalfheim (Norse Mythology)Realm of the Dark Elves or Dwarves, skilled craftsmen and magicians.
SwamiA spiritual teacher who has renounced worldly life.
SwordA ritual tool symbolizing will, truth, and protection.
Sylphs (Elementals)Spirits of intellect, inspiration, and communication. Represents the element of Air.
SymbolAn image or sign representing deeper spiritual meaning.
Sympathetic MagicMagic based on symbolic resemblance or association.
SynchronicityMeaningful coincidences reflecting deeper spiritual alignment.
SynergismThe combined action of energies producing greater effect.
Sabbat
A seasonal festival marking natural or agricultural cycles.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The energy center of creativity, emotion, and pleasure.
Sacrifice
The act of giving up something valued for spiritual devotion or greater good.
Sacred
Something regarded as holy, deeply meaningful, or worthy of reverence.
Sacred Union
The spiritual merging of complementary energies.
Sacrilege
An act of disrespect or irreverence toward sacred objects, places, or rituals.
Sadhana
A dedicated spiritual practice leading toward realization.
Sage
A wise person.
Sahasrara / Crown Chakra
The energy center of spiritual connection, enlightenment, and higher consciousness.
Saint
A person revered for exceptional holiness or spiritual virtue.
Salamanders (Elementals)
Beings of transformation, passion, and energy. Represents the element of Fire.
Salt
Used for cleansing, purification, grounding, and boundary-setting.
Salvation (Christian)
Deliverance from suffering, sin, spiritual separation and death through faith in Christ.
Samadhi
A state of profound spiritual absorption and unity.
Samhain
A Pagan festival marking the end of harvest and honoring the dead and ancestral spirits.
Samsara
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma.
Samskaras
Impressions or karmic patterns shaping behavior.
Sanctification (Christian)
The ongoing process of becoming holy and Christ-like.
Sanctify
To make sacred or spiritually purified.
Sangha
A spiritual community of practitioners.
Sashes / Ritual Belts
Fabric belts or sashes worn to signify purpose, rank, or intent. They can be color-coded for the elements, Sabbats, or magical focus. Some witches tie charms or pouches to their belts for easy access during ritual.
Sat-Chit-Anand
Existence, consciousness, and bliss as ultimate reality.
Satguru
A enlightened teacher who guides disciples toward truth and liberation.
Satori
A sudden experience of awakening in Zen Buddhism.
Sattva
The guna of balance, clarity, and harmony.
SBNR
“Spiritual But Not Religious,” describing individualized spiritual belief without formal religion.
Scrying Bowl
A bowl, usually black, dark blue, or silver, filled with water or another reflective surface. Used to enter trance states and receive visual or intuitive messages.
Second Coming (Christian)
The anticipated return of Christ to judge and redeem the world.
Sect
A distinct group within a larger religious tradition.
Seer
A person who can perceive spiritual truths beyond ordinary senses.
Self-Actualization
Realizing one’s highest potential.
Self-Consciousness
Awareness of oneself as a distinct thinking and experiencing being.
Self-Existent
Existing independently without reliance on another cause.
Self-Knowing Mind
Consciousness aware of itself as both observer and creator.
Self-Propelling
Moved by inner force rather than external influence.
Self-Realization
Understanding one’s true nature beyond ego, roles, or social identity.
Sense
Spiritual perception or intuitive awareness beyond physical sight.
Separation Consciousness
The belief in isolation from others or Source.
Serenity
Calm, balanced acceptance of life as it unfolds.
Servanthood (Christian)
Living a life of humble service in imitation of Christ.
Shabd
Divine sound or vibration that connects consciousness with ultimate reality.
Shadow Self
Repressed aspects of the psyche requiring integration.
Shakti
Divine creative energy, often feminine.
Shaktipat
The transmission of spiritual energy from teacher to student.
Shaman
A spiritual practitioner who journeys between the realms or worlds for healing or guidance.
Shamanic Healing
Healing through spiritual journeying and spirit communication.
Shamanism
A spiritual practice involving altered states to heal or access spiritual realms.
Shapeshifting
The spiritual or symbolic transformation of form or identity.
Shinto
A Japanese spiritual tradition honoring nature spirits and ancestral presence.
Shunyata
The Buddhist concept of emptiness, meaning lack of independent existence.
Sickle
A crescent-bladed tool used in certain traditions for harvesting magical herbs or performing outdoor rites.
Siddha
An accomplished spiritual practitioner with realized abilities.
Sigil
A symbolic design charged with specific magical intent.
Sigil Board
A dedicated board for creating or activating sigils.
Silence
A space where awareness deepens beyond words.
Silver Cord
A spiritual connection that links the soul to the physical body.
Silver Crescent
A British Pagan organization supporting Wiccan and Pagan communities.
Simple Consciousness
Basic awareness without complex thought or analysis.
Simran
Remembrance of the divine through repetition or meditation.
Sin
A state of separation from spiritual harmony or moral alignment.
Sincerity
Genuine alignment between inner truth and outward action.
Sinful Nature (Christian)
The inherent tendency toward sin present in all humans.
Sinner (Christian)
A person separated from God due to sin.
Sixth Sense
Intuitive perception beyond the five physical senses.
Skyclad
The practice of performing ritual magic naked, or without any clothing or garb.
Sloth (Seven Deadly Sins)
Spiritual apathy or resistance to growth and responsibility.
Smudging
Cleansing practice using sacred smoke.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The energy center of personal power, confidence, and will.
Solitary Witch
A practitioner who works independently rather than in a coven.
Solstice
The longest or shortest day of the year, marking solar extremes.
So Mote It Be
A ritual phrase affirming intention or completion.
Soul
The non-physical essence of a person that carries identity, awareness, or life force.
Soul Contract
A pre-incarnation agreement shaping life experiences.
Soul Group
Souls that incarnate together across lifetimes.
Soulmate
A deeply resonant spiritual connection.
Soul Purpose
The deeper reason for one’s life experiences and growth.
Soul Winner (Christian)
One who actively seeks to bring others to faith in Christ.
Sound Healing / Sound Therapy
The use of vibration and sound to restore energetic balance.
Source
The ultimate origin of all existence.
Sovereignty (Christian)
God’s supreme authority and control over all creation.
Space (Cosmic World)
The vast field in which matter, energy, and consciousness exist.
Spae
Old Norse prophecy or seership.
Spell
A ritual act using intention, tools, and energy to bring about change in the physical or spiritual world.
Spirit
A nonphysical being, such as ghosts or entities, representing life, consciousness, or soul beyond the body.
Spirit Guide
A nonphysical being who offers insight, protection, or guidance.
Spiritism
Belief in communication with spirits of the deceased.
Spiritual
Relating to inner meaning, purpose, or connection beyond material existence.
Spiritual Evolution
The gradual development of consciousness toward higher awareness.
Spiritual Healing
Restoring balance through spiritual or energetic methods.
Spiritual Practices
Disciplines intended to cultivate awareness or sacred connection.
Spirit Walking
The practice of consciously exploring nonphysical realms or alternate spiritual planes.
Spirituality
A personal relationship with meaning, purpose, and transcendence.
Spiritual Minister
A person ordained or recognized to provide spiritual guidance or service.
Spiritual Realization
Deep understanding of spiritual truth through direct experience.
Spiritual Warrior
One who faces inner challenges with courage and integrity.
Spirit of Man
The divine or higher aspect of human consciousness.
Spirit of the Universe
The universal intelligence or life force underlying all existence.
Spirit World
A nonphysical realm inhabited by spirits or subtle beings.
Sri
An expression denoting reverence, prosperity, or sacredness.
Staff
A taller version of a wand used for grounding energy or leading ritual movement.
Stalli
A Heathen altar or sacred platform.
Stang
A ritual staff representing spiritual authority.
Starseed
A soul that reincarnated on Earth, but was originally from another planet or dimension.
Stigmata
Physical marks resembling sacred wounds, that are spiritually manifested.
Stream of Consciousness
The continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and awareness.
Strix
A mythic nocturnal being associated with witchcraft.
Subjective
Relating to inner experience rather than external observation.
Subjective Activity
Mental or spiritual action occurring within consciousness.
Subjective Causation
The principle that inner thought produces outer effects.
Subjective Tendency
An inner inclination shaping perception and behavior.
Sublimate
To transform instinctive or lower impulses into higher expression.
Sufi Whirling
A devotional dance used to achieve spiritual ecstasy and divine union.
Sufism
The mystical dimension of Islam focused on love and direct experience of God.
Summerland
A peaceful afterlife realm in some Pagan beliefs.
Supplication
A humble request made through prayer or spiritual appeal.
Surrender
Trusting life by releasing excessive control.
Sutra
A concise spiritual teaching or scripture.
Svadhisthana / Sacral Chakra
The energy center of creativity, emotion, and pleasure.
Svartalfheim (Norse Mythology)
Realm of the Dark Elves or Dwarves, skilled craftsmen and magicians.
Swami
A spiritual teacher who has renounced worldly life.
Sword
A ritual tool symbolizing will, truth, and protection.
Sylphs (Elementals)
Spirits of intellect, inspiration, and communication. Represents the element of Air.
Symbol
An image or sign representing deeper spiritual meaning.
Sympathetic Magic
Magic based on symbolic resemblance or association.
Synchronicity
Meaningful coincidences reflecting deeper spiritual alignment.
Synergism
The combined action of energies producing greater effect.
Browse the Glossary of Terms A - Z
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Disclaimer:
All content on this Website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Content is intended for personal enrichment, spiritual exploration, and self-guided learning. Any use of information, practices, rituals, tools, or materials is voluntary and undertaken at your own discretion and risk. You are responsible for your own safety, decisions, and outcomes. Never engage in practices that feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or misaligned with your beliefs, and consult licensed professionals when appropriate.
Disclaimer:
All content on this Website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Content is intended for personal enrichment, spiritual exploration, and self-guided learning. Any use of information, practices, rituals, tools, or materials is voluntary and undertaken at your own discretion and risk. You are responsible for your own safety, decisions, and outcomes. Never engage in practices that feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or misaligned with your beliefs, and consult licensed professionals when appropriate.
