As a noun, a type of whip. As a verb, the use of a whip. In some Pagan traditions (such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, or versions of them) it is used as a part of ritual cleansing. Some say this is done very lightly while others say it is done with exuberance.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...