Widdershins is a term used to describe movement in a counter clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, typically the opposite direction of the sun’s apparent motion across the sky. This term is often used in various magical, pagan, and ritualistic contexts to convey a specific kind of movement or energy flow.
In many cultures and belief systems, widdershins movement is associated with concepts like undoing, releasing, banishing, or reversing energy. It’s often used to symbolize actions such as breaking a spell, dispelling negative energy, or undoing a previous action. The term has its roots in Middle English and Scots, where “widdershin” or “withershins” meant “against the way” or “contrary to the natural course.”
In contrast, “deosil” refers to clockwise movement, which aligns with the sun’s apparent motion and is often associated with invoking, building, or attracting energy. These directional terms can play a role in various magical workings, spellcasting, and ritual practices, where practitioners use movement and symbolism to align themselves with specific intentions or energies.
Eclectic Ordained Pagan Priest