Hag: In British folklore, hag or haegtes is the term for a witch or a wizened old lady. In the county of Somerset in the UK, the hag gathers kindling from hedgerows and woods and is known as “woman of the mists.” In Germany, she is referred to as “hexe.” In her true form, she is taller than a man and has magical abilities by which she can shape-shift into anything she desires. Her quest is to harm and torment human beings. She will sit on their chest at night, causing feelings of suffocation and sleep paralysis. (Edwards, 2014.)
Halloween: (See also Samhain.) Also referred to as “Hallowe’en,” “All Hallows’ Eve,” and “All Saints’ Eve.” A celebratory festival that takes place each year on October 31. All Hallows’ Eve precedes All Hallows’ Day, which is otherwise referred to as All Saints’ Day in the Christian faith. Today, Halloween has become a more commercial festival, especially in America, with children dressing up in costumes and taking part in trick or treat to get money or confection from the public.
Halls of Learning: Psychics who have channeled the spiritual realms report that the afterlife has a place called “the halls of learning,” where a soul can go after death to study and attain knowledge in any subject they choose. It is also believed that when a living person is sleeping, they can astral travel to these halls and gain a profound understanding of the hidden secrets of the universe and the transcendental world of ideas. It is said that there are guides and enlightened ones who will help with this process.
Halo: Also called a “nimbus” or “aureole.” A radiant circle that vibrates and oscillates above the heads of holy or religious deities. Halos glow with luminous light that is filled with pure energy, love, and perception.
Handkerchief Healing: To empower a piece of cloth with magnetic energy. Before healing, the fabric is held by the practitioner while they verbally communicate healing messages toward it. The magnetism from the palms of the hand is said to engulf the cloth, leaving an energetic imprint behind. The handkerchief is given to the person requiring the healing, where they then place it over their affected area.
Hare: Associated with witches. A lunar animal who is steeped in superstition, especially in the southwest counties of England, where they are considered magical and revered. The moon-gazing hare is said to be esteemed and sacred to the goddess Eostre, who gave it her protection. Pagans had strong beliefs and superstitions that if they saw a moon-gazing hare, it would symbolize rebirth, abundance, and fertility, especially for their crops. To see boxing hares is also a lucky omen. There are numerous paintings and figurines of hares all over the British Isles, especially in Cornwall and Glastonbury. To have an image of a hare in the house is exceptionally fortuitous and brings abundance to the home. Witches are said to shape-shift into the form of a hare, especially on a full moon, to empower their spells. (Windling, 2014.)
Harpie: Also “harpy.” A mythological creature that first appeared in Greece. The head is that of a bird with a large beak; the arms and feet resemble an eagle’s legs with claws; the torso is mainly described as female. A harpie swoops down and captures any unsuspecting victims who are then carried away and devoured. (Sautter, 2017.)
Haruspication: An ancient Roman practice of taking the inner organs from an animal, throwing them on the ground, and then inspecting them for future predictions. If the entrails were healthy, especially the liver, then good things would ensue. If they were diseased, then this would foretell an ominous time ahead.
Haunting: (See also Ghost.) A repeated psychic interruption often caused by a ghost or spirit from a former incarnation. Some spirits can be scared or not realize that they are dead, whereas others might occupy a place because they used to live there and had happy memories. Hauntings don’t just occur with those spirits who have not yet crossed over—spirits who have made it to the other side can come back to visit a place on earth.
Haunted Houses: (See also Exorcism.) Residences or dwellings where a ghost lives within the property. Often, when there is a spirit haunting a house, the occupants might experience unexplained noises, ice-cold areas in individual rooms, feelings of being touched, or objects and trinkets going missing only to be found in bizarre locations around the home. Some theorists suggest that a ghostly presence is simply residual energy left behind after someone’s passing. Mediums are able to communicate with these entities and encourage them to cross over into the spiritual realms. Other ghosts will attach themselves to a child or a weaker person to increase their energy; this enables them to gain more power in being disruptive. If a persistent ghost is haunting a dwelling, exorcisms conducted by priests might be necessary.
Personal Haunting: When an entity haunts an individual rather than a place or dwelling. Often, there is no escape from this type of spirit, as it will follow the person from property to property. In these instances, exorcisms are usually conducted to stop the haunting from occurring. (Buckland, 2009.)
Hazel: In ancient folklore, the wood and nuts from the hazel tree were said to be embedded with mystical energies for psychic deeds. Often, witches would have their broomsticks, dowsing rods, and wands made from this sacred wood.
Healers: (See also Self-Healing.) A healer is a gifted person who can send energy healing to another. Most have psychic and spiritual beliefs. There are numerous forms of healing and many types of practitioners. Energy healing is a “mind over matter” technique, either by thought projection or the will and intent to regenerate the body’s cells to their former health. Some people are crystal healers who use the power of the crystal to balance the energies of the body. Another healing technique is Reiki, which is a form of energy healing that focuses on repairing the energy fields that surround the body. Additional practitioners and methods are hands-on healing, psychic surgeons, magnetic healers, absent or remote healers, and healing circles. A healing medium summons the help of otherworldly entities to repair and restore a person’s health. This psychic individual will place their hands on the patient and allow their body to be used by the spirit to convey therapeutic energy to the patient.
Heaven: The entire etheric world and universe; a realm of paradise. To be in heaven signifies total harmony and happiness. In many religions, this is the place a soul goes to when it dies, to reside alongside whichever god it worships. Here, you can meet your loved ones and pets who have previously passed. There are supposedly many realms of heaven that reflect the characteristics of each soul; one person’s paradise might be entirely different from another’s. (Alcorn, 2009.)
Hedge Witch: Wicca, witchcraft. A nature-based witch who utilizes plants and items collected from the environment in rituals. They have a vast understanding of herbs and plants and apply that knowledge into their medicinal practices. This type of witchcraft originates from a time when people resided in villages and neighboring forests. Hedge witches were adept at midwifery, healing the sick, and predicting weather patterns. In the past, village people would call on a hedge witch’s skills to wash and lay out the dead, as most were believed to be accomplished in the custom of embalming.
Hell: (See also Underworld.) The most widely recognized version of hell is probably that of the Christian faith. This is described in John’s book of revelations in the New Testament. The origin of this particular vision can be traced back to the early Persian religions—in particular, the Zoroastrian faith. Satan (Lord of Darkness or Lucifer), who was cast out of heaven by God for essentially believing that God loved humans too much, was given dominion of the underworld. In the mainstream Christian version, as described by John, hell is a place of brimstone and fire where souls are sent for eternity. This version of hell contradicts what is described in Peter’s book of revelations, which labeled hell as a temporary place of torment. When the Nicene council was given the task of creating the one version of the Christian bible approved by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD, the temporary version of hell was considered to be unsuitable as a deterrent to disbelievers. It was for this reason alone that the realm of eternal torment for the nonbelieving Christian was created. The esoteric concept considers Hell as one of the seven realms: a place thought to possess the densest vibration of them all. This habitation is encased with cruel, evil, resentful actions and thoughts perpetrated by humans. It is not permanent housing for a disruptive soul—more of a place that reflects the human characteristics of the individual. Higher beings like angels and guardians visit the soul in these realms to help raise their vibration. It is believed that as one reincarnates on earth, they can alter their consciousness and work on improving their soul so that it can journey to a higher plane upon death. (Carroll, 2004; L’Huillier, 2000; James, 1924; and Rose, 2011.)
Henbane: Hyoscyamus niger. Also called “hog’s bean.” A highly toxic but essential plant for those interested in magical practices. It has a vibrational frequency that can be used to ward off sinister and evil spirits and is usually placed in the spot where the sinister activity is at its worst. Henbane enhances psychic visions and is also commonly used in love potions to entice a lover. In the past, it was used to treat epilepsy and other nervous conditions, but it is best avoided, as when ingested its toxicity can cause any number of unpleasant symptoms, including hallucinations. (Devitt, 2017.)
Herbalism: Herbalist, herbal medicine. A person who has extensive knowledge in the medicinal properties of plants and uses them to alleviate illness and sickness. Before trying any floral or herbal remedies to treat a health issue, it is always advised to seek the advice of a medic or doctor.
Calendula: Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is one of the better-known flowers for healing. The petals hold antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and can be used to heal athlete’s foot or irritating skin conditions.
Echinacea: Echinacea purpurea. In the past, this would be used to treat open wounds and diseases. As there are alkylamine compounds in the plant, it can be beneficial for laryngitis and colds and influenza.
Jasmine: Jasminum. Can help relieve cramps, soothe the digestive system, and alleviate ulcers. Jasmine tea is readily available in most stores and eases aches and pains.
Rose: Rosa. This flower has many benefits, such as substantial doses of vitamin C. Its petals are reported to help with poor circulation and heart conditions.
Hawthorn: Crataegus monogyna. A relative to the rose family. A small white flower that packs a punch. May improve heart disease and lower blood pressure.
Lavender: Lavandula angustifolia. Used primarily in aromatherapy to banish stress and to act as an anti-inflammatory. It also soothes burns and chest conditions and is said to be a sleep aid.
St. John’s Wort: Hypericum perforatum. A bright yellow flowering shrub that can be formulated into a liquid extract to help ease depression. This can cause side effects, especially when mixed with certain medicines.
Passionflower: Passiflora incarnata. Dating back to the time of the Aztecs, this flower has been used to treat shingles, epilepsy, anxiety, and depression. (Beyerl, 1998.)
Hermit: A deeply spiritual person who wishes to live alone and enter a place of solitude to meditate and improve their soul. They want to be at one with the universe and to not communicate with humankind. The hermit in the tarot is the eleventh card of the major arcana and is said to dispense great wisdom to those who wish to listen. The hermits meaning is to be alone, to not be distracted, to improve self-worth, and to elevate the soul.
Hex: (See also Curse, Psychic attack.) A milder version of cursing in the form of black magic and psychic attack. To cause harm to another by hexing. A hexist is a person who negatively uses their psychic energy, transmitting it to another person with evil intent.
Hex Doctor: One who is adept at understanding how a hex has come about and how to counteract it with positive magic.
Hex Signs: Amuletic symbols or drawings that cancel out hexes and curses. Symbols and emblems of protection can neutralize negative energies.
Higher Magic: An instinctual knowledge of magic. A person who will know exactly what magical practices need to be performed in any event. A practitioner will not have to conduct any form of ceremony, but instead can access magic from deep inside their psyche. This form of knowledge is believed to exist in the subconscious. Perhaps the individual had a deep understanding of magic in a former life, and so the information is still present.
High Spirit: A knowledgeable spirit who works with the living, communicating wisdom and guidance from the etheric world.
Hollow Earth: According to Admiral Richard Byrd, the center of the earth is hollow and uninhabited and could be used for humanity to dwell in. Byrd was of the opinion that there were two entrances to this space, one at the South Pole and the other at the North Pole. In 1946, he took a task force of thirteen ships and five thousand men to Antarctica; this was called Operation High Jump. The mission was unexpectedly curtailed, and the force returned to the US. He later commented that America should protect themselves against the possibility of an attack by enemy aircraft stationed in the South Pole. Alien theorists have indicated that what he saw could have been alien crafts and a city. This suggestion is supported by a later comment from Admiral Byrd that when he observed the crafts, which he described as enemy planes, they could fly from pole to pole within a short space of time and that such speeds were impossible for known aircraft at the time. After the death of Admiral Byrd in 1957, his diary was found. He was very clear to state in it that he had seen and encountered strange things at the South Pole that the US government had ordered him to never mention. These accounts could explain why many of his previous statements were very vague and without adequate explanation. In 2017, his missing diary was published: Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s Missing Diary: A Flight to the Land beyond the North Pole into the Hollow Earth. In it, the full story was revealed. (Douglas, 2017.)
Hollow Moon: A concept that the moon has no interior. When Apollo 12 went to the moon in 1970, before the crew returned to earth, they crashed the ascent stage of the lunar module into the moon. When the craft impacted the surface, the moon was said to have “rung like a bell” for an hour, leading to the theory that the moon is hollow. Two Russian scientists, Michael Vasin and Alexander Shcherbakov, questioned if the moon was, in fact, a spaceship disguised as a moon. NASA scientists have disputed this theory and later conducted seismology experiments. They concluded that the moon’s geology is different from earth’s, and quakes on the moon are accordingly unlike ours.
Holy Grail: A cup or dish said to be used by Jesus at the last supper and later utilized by Joseph of Arimathea to collect Christ’s blood at the crucifixion.
In medieval times, the Holy Grail held great significance and became a prize for knights to seek and recover. In the legend of King Arthur, he and his knights were occupied with this mission. In later years, the Knights Templar were said to have searched for the religious relic and were rumored to have recovered it and taken it back to France. Today, archaeologists have scoured the world over in the hope of finding it. Some allege that Joseph of Arimathea buried it in Glastonbury, England. This information links to the Arthurian legend, where the Avalon myth is centered. Others believe that the Holy Grail was hidden at Montsegur in Southern France or that it is hidden under the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. Many theorists suggest that it is not a physical object at all but the continuing bloodline of Christ. (Barber, 2004.)
Holy Water: Sacred water blessed by a priest. Holy water has been a tradition of the church for many centuries. A priest would bless the water with a ritual to cleanse and purify it, leaving it energized for healings and christenings. Sometimes it is used to cleanse a person or property, especially where there are ghostly or unwanted spiritual activities.
Horseshoe: The superstition regarding horseshoes and their significance was a great part of Irish folklore. To be given a horseshoe is considered very lucky. In past times, they were usually made of iron, which was said to ward off bad luck and mischievous fairy folk. If a fairy touched the metal, it was said to burn them. There is controversy as to which way the horseshoe should be hung over a door to bring about prosperity, but generally the shoe is in the shape of an upward curve, and seven iron nails are hammered into the shoe for extra blessings. There is a Christian tradition for brides on their wedding day to receive a silver horseshoe for good luck. (Lawrence, 2008.)
House Blessing: (See also Smudging.) To cleanse and sanctify a home with the use of prayer or ritual. Residual energy left behind from conversations, arguments, or illness can manifest negative energy and cause more unwanted events to transpire. Blessings are usually performed by lighting candles in each of the rooms while speaking an incantation or chant repeatedly. Salt, crystals, and sage are also used to spiritually disinfect a home and achieve a balance of neutral energies. (Watkins, 2013.)
Humanoids: A variety of cryptids. An intelligent species that resembles human beings and possesses human characteristics. Some are said to be robotic in their mannerisms and have purportedly been seen vacating UFOs and spacecrafts. (History, 2013.)
Hydromancy: A way of foretelling the future by using water for divination. When three pebbles are dropped into a standing pool, the colors, ripples, and circles will be observed in detail and deciphered to predict future events. (Crystalinks, 2019.)
Hypnosis: To cause a person to enter an altered state of consciousness. The hypnotist will put a subject in a trancelike state by making them focus their attention on what the hypnotist is saying or doing. While performing this action, the hypnotized person’s awareness is reduced, and they will become more suggestible. This technique, referred to as “hypnotherapy,” is applied for restorative reasons and is most commonly used as a relaxation and anxiety-reducing treatment. Hypnotherapy can also break habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol, and combat phobias or fears. Hypnosis is now being implemented by the National Health Service in Great Britain and is offered as an alternative method of treatment for many people suffering conditions such as PTSD and anxiety related disorders. Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment where volunteers are hypnotized and encouraged to behave strangely or perform odd and amusing actions. (Hunter, 2010.)
Hypnotic Regression: A technique carried out by a qualified hypnotherapist where a person is hypnotized and can recall memories from a past life. The practitioner takes the subject into a deeper trancelike state, resulting in the sessions taking much longer than usual. Often, a person can access the memories from more than one life at a time and can recollect exact dates, names, and places with relation to their former selves. These details can then be checked by using one of the ancestor-finding websites once the session is over. Many people have reported that, in former lives, they have been born a different gender, and some have even been known to speak in languages that they have no knowledge of in their present-day life. (Kai, 2015.)