New Age Terminology

This is an alphabetical list and guide of New age words and their meanings, as well as various spiritual and metaphysical terminology often connected to the new-age world-view and commonly used within the New Age community. There are many misconceptions and assumptions about some of these new age words and what they mean and refer to. Often we fear what we don't understand, so hopefully this guide will clear things up a bit as to how these terms are understood within within and outside of the various new age mind set and belief systems.

[A]   [B]   [C]   [D]   [E]   [F]   [G]   [H]   [I]   [J]   [K]   [L]   [M]

[N]   [O]   [P]   [Q]   [R]   [S]   [T]   [U]   [V]   [W]   [X]   [Y]   [Z]

A


Age of Aquarius An Astrology this term refers to the current or upcoming astrological age. According to one method of calculation, we are already feeling the energies of this new age. The Aquariuan age is associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius, and it involves a major Shift in intellectual thinking and spiritual understanding. This shift will bring about major changes on the physical planet, in political systems and within the consciousness of humanity. An astrological age occurs because of the astronomical phenomenon known as the procession of the equinox and each age lasts for around 2,150 years. The effect of the Aquarian age energy was strongly felt within the advent of the New Age movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Age of Aquarius


Aquarius: In Astrology and Astronomy it is the eleventh Zodiac sign known as the Water-carrier or Water-bearer. The sun enters the constellation of Aquarius between January 21 and February 19. Aquarius is a fixed, masculine, Air sign and is ruled by the planet Uranus. Aquarius is associated with qualities such as humanitarianism, intellectualism, independance, unpredictability, and eccentricity.


Akashic Records: In theosophy and anthroposophy, the akashic records are a library of mystical knowledge encoded in a non-physical plane of existence. The term comes from the Sanskrit word akasha which means 'sky' 'space' or 'aether'. These akashic records are are said to contain all soul memory and knowledge of human experience, and the history of the cosmos. They are often described as the "universal supercomputer" and the "Mind of God". The Akashic records can be accessed through remote viewing, obe, or altered states of consciousness.


Alpha Waves: Alpha waves are one type brain wave that can be detected by an EEG machine; they predominantly originate from the occipital lobe and are in the frequency range of 8–12 Hz. Alpha waves are produced during states of relaxation or light meditation, creative inspiration, visualization, and shortly before drifting off to sleep. Alpha brain waves are produced naturally and are one of the five disctinct brain waves that we cycle through every day. Alpha brain waves can also by induced at will in order to experience deeper states of peace and higher levels of consciousness. Various types of meditation techniques and brainwave entrainment can used to induce alpha and other brain wave states for subconsciouss re-programming, hypnosis, past life regression, healing, and accelerated learning.


Animism: A belief that life is activated by a spiritual force or essence that permeates all things, and that everything has a soul or or contains this spirit, (anima in Latin), including animals, plants, rocks, mountains, rivers, celestial objects, natural phenomena, elements of nature and even man-made objects and words and language. The idea in Animism is that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical (or material) world. This concept has parallel connections to quantum theory in modern Science. Animism can also be understood to be the experience of being part of the biosphere.

Animism is a worldview shared by indigenous tribal peoples especially prior to the development and/or infiltration of civilization and organized religion. The idea of Anamism is still very much a part of indigenous belief systems today. It can be also be found within Shamanism and in forms of Shinto, Serer, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Pantheism, Paganism, and Neopaganism.


Anthroposophy: A a human oriented spiritual philosophy mainly developed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Anthroposophy was born out of a philosophy of freedom and is sometimes referred to as a spiritual science. Its goal is to synthesise and/or bridge the gap between the sciences, the arts, and the spiritual/religious aspect of humankind and to nurture the life of the soul in the individual and in human society,


Ascended Masters: Originating mainly in Theosophical thought, the Ascended Masters are believed to be spiritually enlightened beings who in past incarnations were ordinary humans, but who have undergone a series of spiritual transformations originally called initiations. These individuals attained a higher level of consciousness/Illumined State beyond duality and the birth/death cycle; and as an aspect of, or by the Will of God, became self-realized and present to serve humanity. The Ascended Masters are often thought to be guiding humanity and assisting individuals with the process of spiritual evolution that is currently taking place within humanity.

Examples of those believed to be Ascended Masters by these organizations are: Jesus, Sanat Kumara, Gautama Buddha, Maitreya, Confucius, Mary (mother of Jesus), Lady Master Nada, Enoch, Kwan Yin, Saint Germain, and Kuthumi, to name but a few.


Astral Body/Plane: A non-material or subtle body that is an intermediate between the soul and the physical body. It is composed of subtle energy. Early concepts of the Astral Body are derived from the philosophy of Plato, and later the term was adopted by nineteenth-century Theosophists and neo-Rosicrucians. The Astral Body is also referred to as the emotional body because it is part of the human soul related to emotions. The Astral body is often used in reference to the astral plane--a dimension/state of consciousness that is associated with out of body travel (astral projection) and the afterlife.

Within many religious philosophies and even the field of psychology, there exists parallels between the idea of the astral and that of the subconscious/unconscious mind both individually and collectively; the astral body/plane, is seen as a bridge between mind and matter that is driven by archetypal forces, symbolic language, memory, dreams and visions and the afterlife. In more metaphysical belief systems, the Astral Plane is associated with the Fourth Dimensional plane, or a 4D vibration/state of consciousness. It is also referred to as the dimension of Time, or time itself.


Attunement : Attunement is also referred to asat-one-ment and It is the feeling of being connected/aligned to, or at Harmony with God, Source, The One, Creator, Higher Self, Spirit (whichever term you prefer). Attunement is also spiritual technique used to bring about emotional balance and a feeling of well-being. It is also considered a healing practice that uses vibrational energy transmitted through touch. In Reiki, attunement is the name of the process to become a Reiki master or healer, and it also means the methods the Reiki master uses to heal.


Aura: An aura is a field of subtle, luminous energy that surrounds and radiates from a person, and even animals and objects; often, it is considered to be the electromagnetic field of the body which is energetic or vibratory in nature, varying in color and intensity, and made up of many layers. This aura can be perceived by those with devoloped psychic abilities more naturally, or by anyone with enough practice.

The auric field is connected with the chakra energy centers of the body and associated with specific colors and qaulities. It has also been described as a map of the thoughts and feelings surrounding a person. Those skilled in detecting and interpreting auras can diagnose an individual's state of mind or emotion, and their spiritual and physical health.

In parapsychology and many forms of spiritual practice, an Aura reading is the art of investigating the human energy field and is a basis for techniques used in holistic healing, and includes such practices as bioenergetics, energy medicine, energy spirituality, and energy psychology. In religious and spiritual art, the aura is often depicted as a halo of light above the head to indicate an enlightened individual.


Automatic Writing: Automatic writing, also called psychography, is the process of writing material that does not come from the conscious thoughts of the writer. Automatic writing is sometimes done in a trance or altered state of conscious or deeply relaxed state. Other times the writer is consciously aware of their surroundings but not of the actions of their writing hand. The writings are said to be produced by knowingly or unknowngly accessing the thoughts and feelings of the unconscious or subconscious mind, or ones own higher self/soul. Some consider the source of the automatic writings to be from an external source such as a spiritual guide, mentor or non-physical entity.


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B


Bhagavad Gita: In Hinduism, this is a sacred text. The Song of the Bhagavan, often referred to as simply the Gita, is a 700-verse scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This scripture contains a variety of theological and philosophical issues and serves as a guidelines for those on the path of self-realization.


Biofeedback: Biofeedback involves the use of special electronic equipment, plus mental exercises such as visualization and meditation, to influence psychological responses. Some of the processes that can be controlled through Biofeedback include brainwaves, muscle tone, skin conductance, heart rate and pain perception. Biofeedback is often practiced in order to effect brain waves and to induce various states of consciousness. Biofeedback is also used as a complementary and alternative treatment. It may be used to affect or improve ones physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. The biofeedback process can assist in changing the physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance eventually without the continued use of external devices or instruments.


Brain Waves: Brain waves are rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current, as seen on an electroencephalogram (EEG machine).The five distinct brain waves are Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma. The brain cycles through the various brain wave states naturally and throughout the day. Particular brain waves states can be induced at will through various techniques and practices. See also: Alpha Brain Waves


Bodhisattva: A being who has supposedly earned the right to enter into Nirvana or into illumination, but instead voluntarily turns back from that state in order to aid humanity in attaining the same goal. The Christ is said to be a Bodhisattva.


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C


Chakras: Each of the centers of spiritual energy in the human body. There are seven main chakras (some systems use more), and each chakra is connected to vital points in the physical body such as the glands and organs.glands and organs within the physical body. Each chakra also corresponds to specific mental and emotional qualities, and imbalances or blocks within the chakras can be attributed to certain mental, physical, emotional and spiritual issues. The Chakras are considered to be centers of Prāṇa--the spiritual life force, or vital energy of the body. Their name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning" because the energy of each chakra is considered to be a spinning vortex or energy.

The concept of Chakras are fundamental to various eastern philosophies and belief systems such as in the tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Other eastern philosophies, and western metaphysical and esoteric systems work with these energy fields through meditation and visualization for the purpose of spiritual self-realization and for health and holistic healing purposes. The chakras have three main functions in relation to the Aura: they are used to energize each auric body, develop different aspects of the consciousness, and to regulate the flow of energy between the auric layers.

The seven main chakras are in order from lowest to highest are as follows: Muladhara: The Root Chakra; Swadhisthana: The Sacral Chakra; Swadhisthana: The Sacral Chakra; Anahata: The Heart Chakra; Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra; Ajna: The Brow (Third Eye) Chakra; Sahasrara: The Crown Chakra. Each chakra also corresponds to specific key note frequencies, colors, elements and other various associations.


Centering: Centering is a way to become self aware and responsible for your own energy. It is spiritual likened to the concept of 'pulling yourself together, energetically speaking'. It is the focus of returning all of your scattered energies to yourself and back to self-realized wholeness. The concept of 'Centering' is usually used before meditation or when preforming any spiritual work such as energy healing, divination or magick, in order to prepare and protect yourself. You do this by grounding yourself, centering your energies, and shielding yourself from unwanted or negative influences.


Channeling: Channeling is a means of communicating with any consciousness, either in physical or non-physical form, by allowing that consciousness to express itself through the channel (or channeler). The process of channeling is often used bypsychics, spiritists and mediums for the purpose of gaining information from non-physical entities, spirit guides, or from one's own higher self or subconscious mind, or to access information from non-physical planes/dimensions or states of consciousness.

Edgar Cayce, the well known holistic doctor and clairvoyant believed that we are all natural channelers because all thoughts are coming from and stored in the Akashic Field/Collective /Mind, and we constantly 'channel' through us, or select the thoughts we are receiving, whether consciously or unconsciously. The channeling experience is unique for each individual. Channeling may occur under hypnosis, through automatic writing, in deeps trances or through meditation and other spiritual practices, and includes the processes of imagination, intuition, inspiration, and premonition.


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D


Deja Vu: Déjà vu, from French, literally meaning "already seen", is the phenomenon of having the strong sensation that an event or experience currently being experienced had been experienced in the past. It is possible that déjà vu as caused by a person having a brief glimpse of an object or situation, before the brain has completed "constructing" a full conscious perception of the experience. Déjá vu is also associated with the concept of reincarnation, where these experiences occur as memories surfacing from the unconscious mind, or soul, of past lives or even parallel lives.


Divination: Divination (from Latin divinare "to foresee, to be inspired by a god", related to divinus, divine) is the attempt to gain insight on a situation or to foresee future events or energies through a specific process, by using tools or divination devices or through altered states of consciousness and ritual. Divination has been used in various forms throughout history by various cultures. Interpretations of the information is made by reading signs, events, or omens, dreams and visions, or through contact with the spirit or non-physical realm, or via accessing the unconscious mind or collective unconsciousness. Some methods and systems used for Divinvation include, Astrology, Numerology, Tarot Cards, Runes, Tea Leaves, Palmestry, Dream Interpretation, and many others.


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E


Elementals: The basic Elemental forces are: earth, air, water, and fire, and each have specific roles. Physical and non-physical entities that evolved in the Four Elements - earth (gnomes), air (sylphs), water (undines), and fire (salamanders), and the energies they represent are associated with non-physical realms or dimensions, such as the astral plane where they are said to reside. They may be termed the forces of nature, and will either operate effects as the servile agents of general law, or may be employed energetically to produce desired results. They are in popular mythology and folktales referred to by various names depending on the element they represent. These forces of nature are known as Pixies, Gnomes, Fauns, Elves, Dwarfs, Trolls, Norns, Kobolds, Brownies, Nixies, Goblins, Pinkies, Banshees, Moss People, White Ladies, Spooks, Faeries, etc


Energy: The term "Energy" is used frequently in and outside of new age belief systems. It can be used in a general sense, but also has specific meaning depending on the context in which it is used. In can be considered in some ways, similar to the idea of “Force”, a fundamental idea such as Newton's scientific law of motion. There is also an idea that a “vital force" or "energy" animates the living body, and permeates all things from the microcosmic level to the macrocosmic level, and that in essence, all things are connected by this energetic life force. There is also the understanding that there is an energetic force that flows through all things and has a specific vibration or frequency. This life force is often referred to as Chi/Qi, and Prana in eastern thought. It is also this 'energy' or life force that is worked with in spiritual practice and used in many different alternative and holistic healing modalities.

The physical sciences (from chemestry and biology to astronomy and quantum physics) do have an understanding of how the inner and outer workings of the body, material and celestial obejcts, and the universe itself involves these 'forces' which animate the inner and outer working of life, and often express these ideas in terms of “energy”. In a more spiritual context, or when related to healing, 'energy' is often used to refer to the subtle energy bodies of a human being, energy connected to objects and places, past, present and future (feelings and vibrations of energy), and in reference to the Chakra or energy systems of the human body.


Esotericism: The term derives from the Greek (esôterikos), and pertains to the more inward or mystical path, or hidden knoweldge. The term can refer to the academic study of esoteric religious movements and philosophies. Examples of esoteric religious movements and philosophies include Alchemy, Astrology, Anthroposophy, early Christian mysticism, Gnosticism, Magic, Mesmerism, Rosicrucianism, Taoism, Swedenborgianism, Spiritualism, and some forms of Theosophy. Not all of these involve "inwardness", mystery, occultism or secrecy as a crucial trait. Esotericism involves the access, study and understanding of knowledge that was often kept hidden or secret and shared within various mystery schools or groups; or in general, it relates to the 'secret, hidden or mysterious' knowledge that is obscure or hard to understand; these may involve the understanding of universal principles, the human mind, body and spirit, and things that are only apparent when one is initiated or more self-realized along the spiritual path.

The opposite of Exoteric. Meaning the inner. The mystical. The inner meaning of different mystic schools of thought as opposed to the outer intrepretations of different religions. The outer, exoteric interpretations are often dualistic - that Man and God are different. Esoteric meaning is that the Divine is resident in man, referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven, Self and the Divine Spark. Esoteric Christianity is a mystical form of Christianity that sees its core truth as identical to the core truth of every other religion (i.e., man is divine). Exoteric Christianity -- Theology , a form of Christianity, identified with historic or orthodox Christianity that New Agers describe as being devoid of all spiritual authenticity.


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F


Feng Shui: Feng Shui (Wind and Water) is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. This system of knowledge uses the laws and principles of both the spiritual and the physical to help improve life, and to rearrange your physical space so that it supports what you want from life. In Feng Shui, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being is also achieved by receiving positive qi (Chi, Prana, Life Force) Energy, so that energy and good things can flow into one's life. Feng Shui can be used for cleansing, clearing and balancing of positive or negative energy. This Energy can be associated with physical objects and even colors--each which have energetic vibrations depending on how they are used, and have a unique connection and effect on the personal inner world or mood of the individual.

Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures The original designation for the Feng shui discipline is Kan Yu , which in Chinese literally means: Tao of heaven and earth. It is used as an art of healthful arrangement of rooms, furniture and buildings to effect spiritual, psychological and physical well-being.

In the 19th century, Christian missionaries in China translated feng shui as "geomancy" due to their observations of local shamans and priests manipulating the flow and direction of energy based on aesthetics, location, and position of objects and buildings. Although it stems from a distinct tradition, the term "geomancy" now commonly includes feng shui.


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G


Gaia: Gaia, is a word from Ancient Greek that means "land" or "earth". Gaia was the goddess or personification of Earth in ancient Greek religion. Gaia was the great mother of all. The Roman equivalent of Gaia is Terra. The term Gaia is often used to simply refer to the planet Earth. It also refers to the Human inter-relationship with the planet Earth, and the understanding that we are not separate, but a part of the biological and ecological system of the planet.


Gaia Hypothesis: The Gaia hypothesis, is also known as Gaia theory or Gaia principle. The hypothesis was formulated by the scientist James Lovelock and co-developed by the microbiologist Lynn Margulis in the 1970s. The Hypothesis proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a self-regulating, complex system that contributes to maintaining the conditions for life on the planet. Topics of interest include how the biosphere and the evolution of life forms affect the stability of global temperature, ocean salinity, oxygen in the atmosphere and other environmental variables that affect the habitability of Earth. The Gaia Hypothesis being used in disciplines such as geophysiology, Earth system science, biogeochemistry, systems ecology, and climate science


Gnosticism: Gnosticism (from the Greek word gnōsis, which means knowledge) is a thought and practice found amoung various sects of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries, although it's earliest origins are still largely enveloped in obscurity. Gnosticism is not an organized religion, but rather a general way of thinking. Formerly Gnosticism was considered mostly a corruption of Christianity, but clear traces of Gnostic systems existed centuries before the Christian Era began, and may have influenced it in many ways. Much of the early Gnostic ideas can found within Christianity beliefs and mythology. There is often a distinction made between “Gnosis” and “Gnosticism”. Gnosis is based in the sensibility and knowledge of the heart. Gnosticism, on the other hand, is the world-view based on the experience of Gnosis. The New Age world-view is often considered to be "Old Gnosticism", or inspired by the idea of Gnosis.


God: The term 'God' is used in many different contexts within many different religious traditions and philosophies around the world, and throughout history. God means many things to many different people. In spiritual, new age, metaphysical and esoteric thought, the word "God" is used to refer to the omipotent and omnipresence of an eternal and universal Being that is connected to All things.This is extremely similar to Christian concept of God, but because of the dogma that surruonds modern-day religouns, other terms are often used in place of the word God, such as: Creator, Source, The All, The Universal Mind, Spirit, and The One. Those who share New Age beliefs or a new age world-view may have different ideas and opinions about what God is, and what God is not.

In spiritual and new age belief systems, God is associated with Absolute and Uncondition Love, Truth, Beauty, Harmony and there is nothing and noone that is separate from the Being that is referred to as God. God is within and we are within God. God is believed to be the Nature of All things, and to be found in Nature, and all things. God is considered to be the Universal Consciousness, or the creator of All things that are conscious, and often the individual, who is considered a part of this Universal Being and Energy, is thought of as being a Co-Creator with God.


Guru: Guru is a Sanskrit term for "teacher" or "master", especially in Eastern religions and philosophies.The word is commonly used in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions to indicate a religious teacher. The Hindu guru-shishya tradition is the oral tradition or religious doctrine transmitted from teacher to student. The guru as a spiritual teacher, is someone who leads a disciple to wisdom and self-realization, imparts knowledge on the disciple or student. In the west, the concept of the guru extends beyond teachers of spirituality and religion. Anyone who acquires followers and who is considered an authority in their arena may be called by this name. Many westerners, however, do retain the religious association with the concept.


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H


Harmonic Convergence: The Harmonic Convergence is the name given to the world's first globally synchronized meditation. This global meditation event occurred on August 16–17, 1987. The event also closely coincided with an powerful and rare alignment of planets in our solar system

The timing of the Harmonic Convergence has significance in the Maya calendar and within some Eastern Astrologica traditions. The chosen dates have the distinction of allegedly marking a planetary alignment with the Sun, Moon and six out of eight planets being "part of the grand trine."


Higher Self:


Holism/Holistic Health: Holism is the idea that natural systems (physical, biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) and their properties, should be viewed as wholes, not as collections of parts. This often includes the view that systems somehow function as wholes and that their functioning cannot be fully understood solely in terms of their component parts

A medical practice upholding that all aspects of an individual's health needs should be diagnoses and treated as a whole. This includes the physica, mental, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual. The holistic view that treatment is widely accepted within the field of alternative and comlimentary medicine today. Some holistic approaches claim that disease is a result of: physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. In Holistic healing, the mind, body and spirit is seen as a whole. Several disciplines in alternative medicine use the holistic health approach, including but not limited to: chiropractic, osteopathy,naturopathy, massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture, homeopathy, crystals, natural diet and herbal remedies.


Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a practice that is based on the concept that disease can be treated with minute doses of drugs thought capable of producing in healthy people the same symptoms as those of the disease being treated. This concept and practice has been in use since the19th century. The principle is similar to the concept behind exposure therapy for allergies.

Minute quantities of natural substance that have been potentiazed by a process of dilutions and succession (vigorous shaking with impact). Stimulate the body's own self-healing ability. If taken in larger doses, they would produce side effects similar to those of the disease being treated Homeopathy works by having an affect on the "vital force" or energy field of the human body.


Human Potential Movement: This movement hs its roots in humanistic psychology and emphasizes man's essential goodness and unlimited potential.The Human Potential Movement (HPM) originated around the 1960s and was formed around the concept of cultivating extraordinary potential that lies largely untapped in most people. The movement's premise is the belief that through the development of "human potential", humans can experience an exceptional quality of life filled with happiness, creativity, and deep fulfillment.


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I


Inner Self (Inner Child): The inner child or the Inner Self refers to the internal/inner divine nature that is possessed by all human beings. Although all people are said to possess an inner self, though not all are aware of it. Sometimes the Inner Self is referred to as the Overself.

In psychology, the inner child is the childlike aspect of our nature and includes all that we learned and experienced as children, before puberty. The inner child denotes a semi-independent entity subordinate to the waking conscious mind. The "Inner self" is also an expression for your private inner feelings and self-awareness. Self realization and spiritual practice, including meditation, is often used to awaken our consciousness and see our true inner self. The Inner Self also refers to the inner divinity from which the being and personality evolve. The Unconscious, the Subconscious and the Higher Self.


Initiation: This term is generally used in reference to the expansion or transformation of a person's consciousness. An "initiate" is one whose consciousness has been transformed so that he now perceives inner realities, or the individual is fully self-realized. There are varying "degrees" of initiation (i.e., "first degree initiates," "second-degree initiates," etc.). The term is often used in various western occult and esoteric traditions, and in eastern spirituality as well.


I-Ching: The I Ching, also known as the Classic of Changes, Book of Changes or Zhouyi, is one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts.The book contains a divination system comparable to Western geomancy The I Ching and its hexagrams were thought to pre-date recorded history, and the origins of its system, trace back to the 3rd to the 2nd millennium BC. During the Warring States Period, the text was re-interpreted as a system of cosmology and philosophy that subsequently became intrinsic to Chinese culture. It centered on the ideas of the dynamic balance of opposites, the evolution of events as a process, and acceptance of the inevitability of change.


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J





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K


Kabbalah (Also, Kabala, Cabbala, Qaballah): Kabbalah is an esoteric method, discipline and school of thought. While it is heavily used by some denominations, it is not a religious denomination in itself. Its definition varies according to the tradition and aims of those following it, from its religious origin as an integral part of Judaism, to its later Christian, New Age, or Occultist syncretic adaptations. Kabbalah is a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between an unchanging, eternal and mysterious Ein Sof (no end) and the mortal and finite universe (his creation). Inside Judaism, it forms the foundations of mystical religious interpretation. Outside Judaism, its scriptures are read outside the traditional canons of organised religion. Kabbalah seeks to define the nature of the universe and the human being, the nature and purpose of existence, and various other ontological questions. It also presents methods to aid understanding of these concepts and to thereby attain spiritual realisation.


Karma: In Eastern traditions, Karma is seen as the concept of "action" or "deed", and is understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect (i.e., the cycle called saṃsāra) originating in ancient India in the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh religions. Karma is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect, the Law of Action & Reaction, the Law of Retributioin is this Grand Law of Causation. Same as " What ye sow, ye shall reap" of the Bible.

The idea of karma was popularized in the Western world through the work of the Theosophical Society. In this conception, karma was a precursor to the Neopagan law of return or Threefold Law, the idea that the beneficial or harmful effects one has on the world will return to oneself. Colloquially this may be summed up as 'what goes around comes around.'


Kundalini: Kundalini literally means coiled. In the eastern philosophy and practice of yoga. Kundalini is a "corporeal energy" - an unconscious, instinctive or libidinal force or Shakti, that lies coiled at the base of the spine. It is envisioned either as a goddess or else as a sleeping serpent, hence a number of English renderings of the term such as "serpent power". It is reported that kundalini awakening results in deep meditation, enlightenment and bliss. In practical terms, one of the most commonly reported Kundalini experiences is the feeling of an electric current running along the spine. Kundalini is described as a sleeping, dormant potential force in the human organism. It is one of the components of an esoteric description of the "subtle body", which consists of nadis (energy channels), chakras (psychic centres), prana (subtle energy), and bindu (drops of essence).


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L


Law of Attraction (LOA):


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M


Mandala: Maṇḍalais a Sanskrit word meaning "circle." Mandalas have spiritual and ritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. The basic form of most Hindu and Buddhist mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the shape of a T. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas have been developed into sandpainting. In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the universe from the human perspective.


Mantra: A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation". Its use and type varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. Mantras originated in the Vedic tradition of India, becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. In the context of the Vedas, the term mantra refers to the entire portion which contains the texts called Rig, Yajur or Sama.

The Mantra word or phrase that is to be chanted repetitively is an effort to empty the mind and attain Cosmic Consciousness. A Mantra is a codified prayer. Divine Grace is immanent in mantras. Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially 'thought forms' representing divinities or cosmic powers, which exert their influence by means of sound-vibrations


Mediumship (Medium): Mediumship is defined as the practice of certain people—known as mediums—to mediate communication between spirits of the deceased and other human beings. The practice is associated with several religious belief systems such as Spiritualism, Spiritism, Espiritismo, Candomblé, Voodoo, Umbanda. There are several different variants of mediumship; the best known forms are where a spirit takes control of a medium's voice and uses it to relay a message, or where the medium simply 'hears' the message and passes it on. Other forms involve manifestations of the spirit, such as apparitions or the presence of a voice, and telekinetic activity.

In Spiritualism, psychic senses used by mental mediums are sometimes defined differently than in other paranormal fields. A medium is said to have psychic abilities but not all psychics function as mediums.


Metaphysics: Metaphysics is a traditional branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world. Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms: What is there and What is it like? A person who studies metaphysics is called a metaphysicist or a metaphysician. The metaphysician attempts to clarify the fundamental notions by which people understand the world, e.g., existence, objects and their properties, space and time, cause and effect, and possibility. A central branch of metaphysics is ontology, the investigation into the basic categories of being and how they relate to each other. Another central branch of metaphysics is cosmology, the study of the totality of all phenomena within the universe. Prior to the modern history of science, scientific questions were addressed as a part of metaphysics known as natural philosophy. aracter into the nature of existence.


Mind: A mind is the complex of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, thinking, reasoning, perception, and judgement—a characteristic of human beings, but which also may apply to other life forms. A long tradition of inquiries in philosophy, religion, psychology and cognitive science has sought to develop an understanding of what mind is and what are its distinguishing properties. The concept of mind is understood in many different ways by many different cultural and religious traditions. Some see mind as a property exclusive to humans whereas others ascribe properties of mind to non-living entities (e.g. panpsychism and animism), to animals and to deities. Some of the earliest recorded speculations linked mind (sometimes described as identical with soul or spirit) to theories concerning both life after death, and cosmological and natural order, for example in the doctrines of Zoroaster, the Buddha, Plato, Aristotle, and other ancient Greek, Indian and, later, Islamic and medieval European philosophers.

Various religious traditions have contributed unique perspectives on the nature of mind. The Indian philosopher-sage Sri Aurobindo attempted to unite the Eastern and Western psychological traditions with his integral psychology, as have many philosophers and New religious movements. Judaism teaches that "moach shalit al halev", the mind rules the heart. Humans can approach the Divine intellectually, through learning and behaving according to the Divine Will as enclothed in the Torah, and use that deep logical understanding to elicit and guide emotional arousal during prayer. Christianity has tended to see the mind as distinct from the soul (Greek nous) and sometimes further distinguished from the spirit. Western esoteric traditions sometimes refer to a mental body that exists on a plane other than the physical. Hinduism's various philosophical schools have debated whether the human soul (Sanskrit atman) is distinct from, or identical to, Brahman, the divine reality. Taoism sees the human being as contiguous with natural forces, and the mind as not separate from the body. Confucianism sees the mind, like the body, as inherently perfectible.


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Namaste: Namaste is a common spoken valediction or salutation originating from India. It is a Culture ofry greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting. When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Añjali Mudrā or Pranamasana, can also be performed wordlessly and carries the same meaning. As it is most commonly used, namaste is roughly equivalent to "greetings" or "good day," in English, implicitly with the connotation "to be well". As opposed to shaking hands, kissing or embracing each other in other cultures, Namaste is a non-contact form of respectful greeting and can be used universally while meeting a person of different gender, age or social status. The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another.


Numerology: Numerology is any study of the purported divine, mystical or other special relationship between a number and some coinciding observed (or perceived) events. It has many systems and traditions and beliefs. Numerology and numerological divination by systems such as isopsephy were popular among early mathematicians, such as Pythagoras. Modern numerology often contains aspects of a variety of ancient cultures and teachers, including Babylonia, Pythagoras and his followers (Greece, 6th century B.C.), astrological philosophy from Hellenistic Alexandria, early Christian mysticism, early Gnostics, the Hebrew system of the Kabbalah, The Hindu Vedas, the Chinese "Circle of the Dead", Egyptian "Book of the Masters of the Secret House" (Ritual of the Dead).


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Out of Body Experience (OBE): An out-of-body experience (OBE or sometimes OOBE) is an experience that typically involves a sensation of floating outside one's body and, in some cases, perceiving one's physical body from a place outside one's body (autoscopy). The term out-of-body experience was introduced in 1943 by George N. M. Tyrrell in his book Apparitions, and was adopted by researchers such as Celia Greenand Robert Monroe as an alternative to belief-centric labels such as "astral projection", "soul travel", or "spirit walking". The researcher Waldo Vieira described the phenomenon as a projection of consciousness.

Astral projection is a paranormal interpretation of out-of-body experiences that assumes the existence of one or more non-physical planes of existence and an associated body beyond the physical. Commonly such planes are called astral, etheric, or spiritual. Astral projection is often experienced as the spirit or astral body leaving the physical body to travel in the spirit world or astral plane


Om: Om or Aum is a mystical Sanskrit sound of Hindu origin, sacred and important in various Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.


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Parapsychology: The term parapsychology (also known as psi phenomena) was coined in or around 1889 by philosopher Max Dessoir, and originates from para meaning "alongside", and psychology. The term was adopted by J.B. Rhine in the 1930s as a replacement for the term psychical research. Parapsychologists study a number of ostensibly paranormal phenomena, including telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, near-death experiences, reincarnation and apparitional experiences.


Prana: Prana is the Sanskrit word for "life". The word indicates "the primary and all round motion of Life Energy". This life Energy has been vividly invoked and described in Vedas. In Ayurveda, tantra and Tibetan medicine "praṇā vāyu" is the basic vāyu (wind, air) from which all the other vāyus arise. It is the vital life force energy, the chi (Qi), and the spirit or breath that is inherant in all living things.






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Reincarnation: Reincarnation is the religious or philosophical concept that the soul or spirit, after biological death, begins a new life in a new body that may be human, animal or spiritual depending on the moral quality of the previous life's actions. This doctrine is a central tenet of the Indian religions and is a belief that was held by such historic figures as Pythagoras, Plato and Socrates. It is also a common belief of other religions such as Druidism, Spiritism, Theosophy, and Eckankar and is found in many tribal societies around the world, in places such as Siberia, West Africa, North America, and Australia


Reiki: Reiki is a system of healing and therapy that was developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing or hands on healing as a form of alternative medicine. Through the use of this technique, practitioners are transferring universal energy in the form of qi (Japanese: ki) through the palms, which allows for self-healing and a state of equilibrium.


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Sacred Geometry: Sacred geometry is the geometry used in the planning and construction of religious structures such as churches, temples, mosques, religious monuments, altars, tabernacles; as well as for sacred spaces such as temenoi, sacred groves, village greens and holy wells, and the creation of religious art. In sacred geometry, symbolic and sacred meanings are ascribed to certain geometric shapes and certain geometric proportions. In the ancient world certain numbers had symbolic meaning, aside from their ordinary use for counting or calculating ... plane figures, the polygons, triangles, squares, hexagons, and so forth, were related to the numbers (three and the triangle, for example), were thought of in a similar way, and in fact, carried even more emotional value than the numbers themselves, because they were visual.


Self Realization: Self-realization is an expression used in psychology, spirituality, and Eastern religions. The basic premise of self-realization is that there exists an authentic self which has to be discovered by psychological or spiritual self-striving. Self-realization can be a gradual or instantaneous phenomena depending on the school of thought but in all cases it involves extensive preparation of mind and emotions to recognize self-realization when it occurs. Self-realization is a maturing of the ego or personality to accept its own evanescence and thus allow space for the true Self to reveal itself. The moon veiled by clouds is an apt metaphor for the Self's apparent absence in our everyday lives. The dissolution of the ego's obsessive, internal pre-occupations with its psycho-somatic complexes frees the psyche's energy to directly experience Reality of the world as it is, free of any assumptions.


Shamanism: Shamanismis a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to encounter and interact with the spirit world. A shaman is a person regarded as having access to, and influence in the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enters into a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing. Neoshamanism refers to a "new" form or a revival of an old form of "shamanism", a system that comprises a range of beliefs and practices related to communication with the spirit world.


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Tantra: Tantra is a belief system which originated in India, praticed by a small number of Hindus and Buddhists. Tantra has become a synonym in the West for unbridled sexuality; however sexuality per se is only one facet of this elaborate spiritual practice, as a representation of the union of the soul with the God/Source/Goddess. The assertion of Tantra that sexual energy can be harnessed to achieve union with the divine is fairly unique among world religions. The encounter with this school of thought by western occultists had a profound impact on the development of modern Neo-paganism.


Taoism (the Tao): Taoism (modernly: Daoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The term Tao means "way", "path" or "principle", and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism, however, Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists. It is ultimately ineffable: "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao." The keystone work of literature in Taoism is the Tao Te Ching, a concise and ambiguous book containing teachings attributed to Laozi. Together with the writings of Zhuangzi, these texts build the philosophical foundation of Taoism.

This philosophical Taoism, evolved over time in the shape of a number of different schools, often integrating beliefs and practices that even pre-dated the keystone texts such as the concepts of yin-yang and the Five Elements. Taoist propriety and ethics may vary depending on the particular school, but in general tends to emphasize wu-wei (action through non-action), "naturalness", simplicity, spontaneity, and the Three Treasures: compassion, moderation, and humility.

Taoism has had profound influence on Chinese culture in the course of the centuries. Chinese alchemy (especially neidan), Chinese astrology, Zen Buddhism, several martial arts, Traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and many styles of qigong have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. Beyond China.


Tarot Cards: The tarot was first known as trionfi and later as tarocchi, tarock, and others, and is a deck of 78 cards that was originally used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play a group of card games such as Italian tarocchini and French tarot. The tarot is also used for divination and is considered by many mystics and esotericists as a map of mental and spiritual pathways. The Tarot consist of 22 cards which make up the Major Arcan, and the Minor Arcana which makes up the rest of the deck and includes the four suits of Wands (staffs), Cups, Pentacles (coins) and Swords. The cards are traced by some occult writers to ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah.


Theosophy: Theosophy (from the Greek word theosophia, literally "divine wisdom"), refers to systems of esoteric philosophy concerning, or investigation seeking direct knowledge of the mysteries of being and nature and the nature of divinity. Theosophy is considered a part of the broader field of esotericism, referring to hidden knowledge or wisdom that offers the individual enlightenment and salvation. The word esoteric dates back to the 2nd century CE. The theosophist seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and the bonds that unite the universe, humanity and the divine. The goal of theosophy is to explore the origin of divinity and humanity, and the end of world, life and humanity. From investigation of those topics theosophists try to discover a coherent description of the purpose and origin of the universe.

In 1875 Helena Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge co-founded The Theosophical Society, which combines Eastern religious traditions with Western esoteric teachings to create a synthesis. Eventually the Theosophical Society became virtually synonymous with Theosophy, yet there are many differences between traditional Western theosophy and the Theosophical movement begun by Helena Blavatsky. When referring to the ideas related to Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society, the word "Theosophy" is capitalized; otherwise it is not.


Third Eye: The third eye (also known as the inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept referring to a speculative invisible eye which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. In certain dharmic spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, the third eye refers to the ajna, or brow, chakra. In Theosophy it is related to the pineal gland. The third eye refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye often symbolizes a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with religious visions, clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who are claimed to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers.


Transendental Meditation: Transcendental Meditation (TM) refers to a specific form of mantra meditation called the Transcendental Meditation technique, and can also refer to the organizations within the Transcendental Meditation movement and to the movement itself. The TM technique and TM movement were introduced in India in the mid-1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918–2008). The TM technique involves the use of a sound or mantra and is practiced for 15–20 minutes twice per day. The Transcendental Meditation movement s a method for relaxation, stress reduction and self-development. The technique has been described as both religious and as non-religious by sociologists and scholars.


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Urantia Book: The Urantia Book (sometimes called the Urantia Papers or The Fifth Epochal Revelation) is a spiritual and philosophical book that originated in Chicago sometime between 1924 and 1955. The authorship remains a matter of speculation. The authors introduce the word "Urantia" as the name of the planet Earth and state that their intent is to "present enlarged concepts and advanced truth." The book aims to unite religion, science and philosophy, and its enormous amount of material about science is unique among literature claimed to be presented by higher intelligences. Among other topics, the book discusses the origin and meaning of life, humankind's place in the universe, the purpose of evil and suffering, the relationship between God and people, and the life of Jesus. It has been described as "a rich and complex moral narrative, equal parts Tolkien and St. Paul.


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Vedas: The Vedas (Sanskrit वेदाः véda, "knowledge") are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas are apauruṣeya ("not of human agency"). The Vedic texts or śruti are organized around four canonical collections of metrical material known as Saṃhitās. The canonical division of the Vedas is: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Sama-Veda and Atharva-Veda. The various Indian philosophies and sects have taken differing positions on the Vedas.


Visualization (Guided Imagery): Visualization, which is also called 'Guided Imagery' or 'Creative Visualization, is a technique used by many natural or alternative medicine practitioners as well as some physicians and psychologists for aiding clients and patients to use mental imagery to help with healing their bodies, solving problems or reducing stress. Guided Imagery is also used for emotional healing or psychological issues. Guided Imagery is sometimes considered a form of hypnotherapy. Creative visualization refers to the practice of seeking to affect the outer world by changing one's thoughts and expectations. Creative visualization is the basic technique underlying positive thinking and is frequently used by athletes to enhance their performance. The concept originally arose in the US with the nineteenth century New Thought movement. The technique speciaficaly involves using one's imagination to visualize specific behaviors or events occurring in one's life. Advocates suggest creating a detailed schema of what one desires and then visualizing it over and over again with all of the senses.


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Yin/Yang: In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin-yang is used to describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world; and, how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. Many natural dualities (such as female and male, dark and light, low and high, cold and hot, water and fire, and so on) are thought of as physical manifestations of the yin-yang concept. The concept lies at the origins of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine, and a central principle of different forms of Chinese martial arts and exercise, such as baguazhang, taijiquan (t'ai chi), and qigong (Chi Kung) and of I Ching.


Yoga: Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline which originated in ancient India. Yoga is one of the six āstika ("orthodox") schools of Hindu philosophy. Various traditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The Yogic system is used for general mind, body and spirit health and , balance, and for attaining liberation from the material world and union of the self with the Supreme Being or ultimate principle.The various methods or disciplines prescribed consist of a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body and mind, healing, peace, tranquillity, and overal well-being.


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Zodiac: In both astrology and astronomy, the zodiac is a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic: the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. Historically, these twelve divisions are called Zodiac signs. Essentially, the zodiac is a celestial coordinate system. The 12 signs of the zodiac in order are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

New Age Information

New Age Information