This dictionary contains terminology contained in Esoterics, Holistic Medicine, Mythology, Parapsychology, etc... The terms are arranged alphabetically. This A-Z is constantly being updated, so if you don't find what you're looking for, please check back later.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art and is similar to acupuncture in theory. However, instead of the needles used in acupuncture, pressure is applied to the meridian points (pressure points) using the fingers (hands, elbows or various other devices) to release muscular pain, tension and increase the circulation.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils to promote health, healing and well-being to body, mind and spirit.
The Athame (air dagger) is a ritual, black-handled knife, (usually with a double-edged blade) traditionally engraved with magical or astrological signs. It is used for drawing circles in the earth, directing magical air energies into a symbol and for sending negative energy skywards to be transformed into sunbeams or rainbows.
Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning 'life science'. It has its origins in India (7 or 8 BC) and is a system of preventative health care. It states that health is based on the harmonious relationship between three biological principles called 'doshas' ; Vata (air) , Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water). Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and places equal emphasis on body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.
The Bagua (ba-gua) is a invaluable tool used by Feng Shui practioners. It is a kind of 'grid' which, when placed over a plan of your home, business, etc.. shows which area each of the rooms falls into. (For example.. wealth, health, relationships, etc..)
Banishing magic and protective magic drive away fears and negative feelings by 'burying' the focus of the negativity
The Bates method is a (somewhat controversial) system of exercises used to improve the eyesight through relaxing the eye. Devised by William H. Bates in 1919 in a book entitled 'Perfect Sight Without Glasses'.
The word Bhagavad-Gita is Sanskrit and means: song of the Blessed One (Krishna) . It is a sacred Hindu text that is incorporated into the Mahabharata and takes the form of a philosophical dialogue in which Krishna instructs the prince Arjuna in ethical matters and the nature of God.
The Book of Changes otherwise known as The 'I Ching' (I=change, Ching=book) is both an ancient Chinese oracle and book that provides an Oriental philosophical perspective to give insight on situations and problems. It is perhaps one of the oldest books in existence! It has evolved over the centuries and is a mixture of Taoist and Confucian philosophy. The 'I Ching' philosophy is that nothing in the Universe is static and we therefore should adjust to these changes.
The Book of Shadows is traditionally a witch's journal / notebook used to record occult information, spells, magick, etc... Also known as 'BOS'
Chromotherapy (also known as Colourology or Colour Therapy) is an alternative medicine method using colour and light to balance 'energy' and to release blocks and alleviate physical, emotional, spiritual or mental conditions.
Colour therapy is an alternative medicine method using colour and light to balance 'energy' and to release blocks and alleviate physical, emotional, spiritual or mental conditions. Also known as; Chromotherapy
Dervishing involves the interpretation of the fall of a person who has whirled round & round until getting dizzy and falling down (apparently in a state of pure ecstasy).
Dharma is a Sanskrit word, derived from the root word 'dhri' which means 'manner of being' or 'purpose in life'. It is said to represent an individual's 'internal law', which must be obeyed if that person is to live in accordance to Divine Will. The Law of Dharma says that we have taken on physical form to fulfill a purpose, that each one of us has a unique talent and it is our purpose to express that talent.
Dracomancy is also known as 'Dragon magick'. Dragons have been historically thought of as magical creatures with great wisdom and are often known as the ‘Ancient Wise Ones’. In using Dragon Magick you call upon dragons to help you and become co-magicians with you. Dragon Magick may be practiced on its own or along with other traditions. It is said to be extremely powerful form of magick.
Dreamcatchers were traditionally used by native North American Indians and those in Central and South America to prevent bad dreams and encourage wise ones. They can also dramatically improve dream recall. They are hung above one's bed or in the window. Dreamcatchers are widely available in New Age shops, but can be easily made at home.
Ear candling is an ancient technique practiced by many ancient civilizations, whereby a funnel made of muslin and soaked in beeswax or paraffin is placed in the ear and lit, creating a vaccum, which is said to clean out the ear canal. It is a profound healing art, the process continuing for days after the 'coning'. It can help a number of ailments, including: allergies, sinus problems and earaches.
The Earth symbol is the astrological sign for planet Earth consisting of a 4-armed cross within a circle, symbolising money, fertility, achievement and harmony.
Energy vampires, also known as Energy pirates are entities that exist on the inner planes. They snatch whatever spare energy they can find on Earth and auction it off on the inner planes. They frequent Mind/Body/Spirit festivals where there is a surplus of healing energy available. (Invoke Healing Angels to absorb surplus energy when doing any treatment to combat this).
Enlightenment is defined in eastern religions as the loss of `ego’ or the loss of the delusion of the `me.’
Esoteric teddy bears are the 'rituals' you use to invoke protection during meditation: kneeling, lighting candles, using symbology,etc...
Ether is the invisible medium through which energy is transmitted.
Fairies (faery)are small, human-like beings with tiny, insect-like wings and magical powers. They can be either good or bad. The word 'fairy' is derived from the place they come from: Faerie.
Journalling is a form of psychotherapy whereby one keeps a journal as a key to the psyche. Used by cognitive therapists as an aid to recovery. Journalling is considered extremely therapeutic.
Language of Light: An energetic tool consisting of a number of creative energies or Tones, able to be visualised as symbols and colour, and which can be tuned in to and applied to help transform and heal one's bodies and field.
Lightworkers are those who seek the truth on their spiritual journey toward Enlightenment. They feel the urge to heal others and a deep need to resolve the world's problems . They very often feel compelled to write, teach, or counsel others; and know without a doubt that they are here for a higher purpose. The feel they have a 'mission' to complete, but often may not know precisely what that mission is. There is a sense of urgency. Lightworkers often have psychic abilities and use them for the good of the world. Physically they may suffer from a persistent, sometimes painful 'ringing' in one ear. This ringing is thought to be 'messages' from Higher Beings; information from the fourth dimension being communicated directly to the Heart Chakra.
Loki was, According to Norse mythology, the giant god of mischief, a master of deception. Loki was an adept shapeshifter and could transform not only into animals, but change sex too. Him and Angrboda (a giantess herself) had 3 children: Jormungand (the sea serpent), Fenrisulfr (a giant wolf) and Hel (the goddess of the Realm of the Dead). Other spellings of Loki: Loke, Lokkje, Lohho.
A mantra is a mystical formula for invocation and is used during certain forms of meditation. 'Mantra' is a Sanskrit word meaning: "Sacred Counsel. Formula".
The Nadis are the 'nerves' that power your higher mental and spiritual levels.
In numerology, numbers are seen as symbols that carry their own spiritual power. Each number has a spiritual essence and capacity. The exact origin of numerology is not known, but what is known is that the Ancient Mayans and Mesopotamians were known to practice the art. The Kabbala (of Jewish origin) states the God created the Universe using letters and numbers.
Qi: Chinese term meaning 'vital energy or life force' Also known as: Prana, Chi.
Rolfing is a bodywork technique involving the deep massaging of the connective tissues that envelop the muscles and organs. The aim of rolfing is to ensure all bones, tissues and organs are in their correct position in the body. Benefits of rolfing are said to include: improvement in balance and flexibity, stress relief and higher energy levels.
Starseeds are beings not from this earth; they come from other planets, civilizations and universes. Although they walk around in human form, they are in fact not human at all.
Shapeshifting: see 'transmogrification'
The Sun symbol is a simple, geometrical magical symbol used as the astrological sign for the sun. It consists of a circle (which represents spirit , the Universe) with a dot inside it, representing new life. This is a powerful symbol of career, ambition, action and success.
Synchronicity is a Jungian term, created by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung to describe the alignment of "universal forces" with the life experiences of an individual. He believed that many experiences we perceive as 'coincidences', are not coincidences at all, but rather the the alignment of these forces creating the situation/circumstances we find ourselves facing.
Tattvas are elemental symbols of eastern origin used for meditation. Prithevi (earth)- a yellow square, Vayu (air)-light blue circle, Akasa (spirit)- dark blue oval, Apas (water) silver half moon, Tejas (fire)- red triangle. They may also be combined to make more complex symbols.
Transcendental Meditation, otherwise known as TM is a simple form of meditation originating in India. It is not a religion or philosophy and can be done anywhere at anytime. It is practiced twice daily for 15 to 20 minutes.
During TM the breathing slows down dramatically and the mind settles down to its most silent level - silent, yet fully alert (a state known as Transcendental Consciousness). As this happens, the body goes into a deep state of relaxation, even deeper than sleep. TM is wonderful for energising oneself, increasing creativity and is a powerful form of stress-release among other things. More than 6 million people worldwide practice TM.
Transmogrification is defined in Roget's dictionary as: "The process or result of changing from one appearance, state, or phase to another". Transmogrification is also known as 'shapeshifting' and is the process whereby a person changes into animal form or another human form or animal into human form. (This is not scientifically proven, but a common theme to be found in mythology and fiction). Common 'shapeshifters' include werewolves, vampires, changelings, Doppelgänger, Kitsune, the Devil, Selkie, Guul.
In Norse mythology Trolls are represented as a type of goblin; big, ugly and hairy. They can change their shape into anything they like and are said to have loads of hidden treasure.
Wheatgrass has been proven to benefit people in many ways. It is abundant in chlorophyll and cleanses the lymph system, strengthens the blood, removes toxic metals from the cells, aids the kidneys and liver and just generally restores vitality and balance to the body. It contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed, including B12, (which is difficult to obtain naturally). It should be juiced and drunk immediately on juicing to obtain maximum benefits. Wheatgrass is also available in powder and capsules from specialised stores.