I AM Books Lexicon

In order to assist you in shopping at I AM BooksOnline.com, we have created this dictionary of terms used on our site.

The first section is a listing of the subject areas of our books, organized by category and subcategory. The words defined here are linked to their definitions so that you may easily find the book or books you are seeking.

The second section contains the definitions themselves, along with other definitions of holistic, metaphysical, mystical or spiritual terms used on the site.

These definitions were compiled by Billii Roberti, inspired by information from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, www.wikipedia.org. If you choose to quote this information, please give a credit and link to this site. Thank you.


Subject Categories & Definitions


The following categories and subcategories are provided to help you find the books you are seeking here at I AM BooksOnline.com,. We offer definitions through the links below.


Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Wisdom, Archeology/History, Atlantis, Myth & Folklore, Prophecy (Ancient), Zecharia Sitchin's Earth Chronicles
Ascension: Ascended Masters, Ascension, ETs associated with Ascension, Earth Changes, I AM, Prophecy, Ascension , Theosophy
Children/Parenting: Children's Spirituality, Parenting, Pregnancy
Consciousness: Afterlife, Afterlife Science, Channeling/Mediumship, Conscious Language, Creativity/Manifestation, Death, Dying & Grief, Dreams, Exploring Consciousness, Meditation, New Thought, Out-of-Body Experience, Peace, Remote Viewing, Shamanism
Divination: Astrology, Divination, Other, Numerology, Palmistry, Pendulum, Tarot and Non-Tarot
Fiction, Visionary : Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Occult Fiction, Visionary Poetry
Healing: We have arbitrarily separated healing into Physical, Psychological, Spiritual Healing, and Healing Society, as well as Aromatherapy, Body/Mind, Crystal Healing, Energy Healing, Herbal Healing, Nutrition/Diet, Past Life Healing, Relationships, Recovery, Shadow Work, Sound Healing, Spirit in Business,and Stress Reduction
Inspiration: Inspiration, Angels
Kabbalah: Jewish Kabbalah, Other Qabalah
Movement/Fitness: Exercise, Movement, T'ai Chi, Yoga
Nature: Co-Creation with Nature, Crop Circles, Crystals, Earth Energies, Environment/Ecology, Feng Shui, Gardening/Plants, Pets/Animals, Sustainable Living
Religion: Bahá'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Essenes, Hinduism, Islam/Sufism, Judaism, Native Traditions, Other Religions, Taoism, Yoga Philosophy, Zen, Zoroastrianism, other Bibles, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, Comparative Religion
Sacred Geometry: Flower of Life, Golden Mean or Phi, Labyrinths, Sacred Geometry
Science, Frontier : Chaos Theory, Evolution, Quantum Physics, Science & Spirituality
Spiritual Psychology: A Course in Miracles, Jung, Men's Studies, Spiritual Psychology, Soul Mates, Women's Studies
UFOlogy
Western Mystery Tradition: Alchemy, Eckankar, Fourth Way, Gnosticism, Hermetic Tradition, Holy Grail/Templars, Magic, Occult Philosophy, Western Mystery Societies, Witchcraft

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Definitions


Afterlife Science

Afterlife science is the study of phenomena associated with survival of consciousness after death, including near-death experiences, after-death communications, life after life (death) and reincarnation.

Alchemy (We're still working on a definition.)

Ancient Wisdom (We're still working on a definition.)

Ankh

The ankh is the Egyptian hieroglyphic character meaning life. In Egyptian art, gods carried an ankh-shaped tool by the loop, or held one in each hand crossed over the breast. They frequently conferred the gift of immortality while pointing an ankh at the heart of a pharaoh. It is the symbol most closely identified with ancient Egypt, although what it represents remains a mystery to Egyptologists.

Ancient Egyptians often carried ankh amulets, possibly for protection. Nowadays, the ankh is a widely used pattern in sacred jewelry for magical rituals as well as for everyday wear.

The ankh pendant, above left, is created by Peter Stone and is for sale at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art of using scents, such as essential oils, absolutes, carrier oils and other fragrances from plants to heal. It is an alternative or complementary form of healing that traces its origins back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The most common agents used are therapeutic-grade essential oils. The healing can be a result of the effect of the scent on the olfactory system (sense of smell) to alter emotional states. Or healing can be due to the effect of the substances in the essential oil that enter the bloodstream via the skin to alter physical states, such as pain, injuries, organ functioning or other physical challenges. Some substances in essential oils are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus affect the functioning of the brain.

Essential oils are powerful healing agents and should be used carefully and knowledgeably.

Ascended Masters

AM Saint Germain

Ascended Masters (AMs) are humans who have attained the ascended state of being. They figure prominently in the religions of the world. Among them are Jesus the Christ, Mother Mary, Moses, Elijah, the Buddha, Krishna, and Muhammad.

Other well-known Ascended Masters are Saint Germain, Kuthumi (pronounced Kuh-Too-Mee), El Morya, Vywamus, Djwhal Khul and Kryon. Images of Ascended Masters are available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Ascension

Ascension is the "Shift of the Ages" the ancients described, the "End Times" of Mayan prophecy, the "Armegeddon" of the biblical Gospel of John. It is the "End of Time As We Know It" and figures in the prophecies of every religion in the world.

Ascension is the process of re-membering Who We Are. This process profoundly connects us to Source—God, Goddess, I AM, the Almighty, the Universe, Divine Intelligence, All That Is—whatever word you use to describe It. It is the process whereby we, while remaining in physical form, Know that we are Divine.

In knowing that we are God and human, we heal the illusion of polarity—the illusion that we were separate from our Source—and we return to awareness of Oneness.

Ascension transforms the mortal body into an immortal one. As such, the human consciousness is free of the karmic cycle of physical death and rebirth. The Ascended body now functions beyond prior limitations through the gifts of telepathy, teleportation, and multilocation, just to name a few.

The image of Ascended Master Saint Germain is available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Astrology (We're still working on a definition.)

Aum See Om (We're still working on a definition.)

Bahá'í

The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion, whose members follow the teachings of the prophet Bahá'u'lláh. It is the youngest of the world's independent religions, having been established in 1844 by their first prophet the Báb ("gate" in Farsi).

The Bahá'í Faith is the second most widespread of the world's independent religions in terms of the number of countries in which it is represented (second only due to its absence from the Vatican City). It is established in 236 countries and territories throughout the world. Bahá'ís come from over 2,100 ethnic, racial, and tribal groups and are numbered at approximately 6 million adherents worldwide. The central works of the Bahá'í Scriptures have been translated into 802 languages.

Bahá'u'lláh taught that there is one God who progressively reveals His will to humanity. Each of the great religions brought by the Messengers of God—Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb—represents a successive stage in the spiritual development of civilization. Bahá'u'lláh, the most recent Messenger in this line, as Bahá'ís believe, has brought teachings that address the moral and spiritual challenges of the modern world. As such, although the Bahá'í Faith is not traditionally included among the Abrahamic religions, it recognizes many of the same personages, including its own.

The Bahá'í Faith advocates ethical behavior, the equality of all races and of women, the importance of the family and education of the young. Its central theme is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification into one global society.

Buddhism (We're still working on a definition.)

Cabala See Kabbalah

Chaldeans (or Chaldees)

Roman and later authors used the name Chaldeans (pronounced "Kall de' an") in particular for astrologers, magicians and mathematicians from Babylonia of about 600 BC. Chaldean wisdom is considered to be part of the Western Mystery Tradition.

The word "Chaldeans" is said to have come from the Hebrew name Kasdim, meaning "sorcerers." The Biblical Abraham was born at "Ur of the Chaldees" in the southern portion of Babylonia, Lower Mesopotamia, during the Babylonian captivity. Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, is in modern-day Iraq.

Channeling

Channeling is a new term, coined in the 20th century, for a very old ability. Many of the world's holy texts were inspired by God and can thus be considered to have been channeled. The Qur'an is said to have been channeled to Muhammed from Allah, via the Archangel Gabriel. On Mount Sinai, YHWH gave Moses the information that became the Torah.

In channeling, a human "channel" sits quietly and yields control of his/her mental capacities to a nonphysical entity with the intent of receiving information. The process has been likened to a radio receiving a signal from a transmitter. As in all transmission and reception, the quality of the information is only as good as the clarity and reliability of the channel, and the knowledge and wisdom of the transmitting entity.

Such entities may be Angels, Ascended Masters, Deities or "Universal Mind." The identity of an entity should always be ascertained before any information is channeled.

Channeling is most often done orally. The nonphysical entity often speaks in a voice and rhythm different from the channel. The entity's word use and grammar can be different, too. It is as if the entity's personality—which has a unique sense of presence—inhabits the body of the channel. The sense of humor, body language, and other distinct attributes of personality, usually different from the channel, come through.

Yet as different as human channels are, when a specific entity channels through several people, he/she/it is identifiable by these same traits. In addition, there are channels who connect with several entities, with each one having its own vocal patterns, characteristic use of words, and body language, even though the same body is being used.

The most famous channel of the last hundred years was Edgar Cayce. In a hypnotic trance, he channeled the Universal Mind to access information to help people recover from illnesses. Other famous channels include Helena P. Blavatsky, Alice A. Bailey, Janet McClure and Jane Roberts.

Entities that have channeled their wisdom include the Ascended Masters Saint Germain, Jesus/Sananda, El Morya, Kuthumi, Vywamus, and Kyron.

Automatic writing is also a form of channeling. In this situation the receiver holds a pen in hand while some external force writes the words on the page. The Conversations With God series of books by Neale Donald Walsch was written in this way.

Contrast with Medium.

Christianity (We're still working on a definition.)
Cross, Calvary

Co-Creation with Nature (We're still working on a definition.)

Conscious Language

Conscious Language is speaking with awareness, knowing every word you think and speak affects your perception of reality.

Your personal power is reflected by the "I" statement, and language is the key to transforming your current reality into your heart's desire. Conscious language requires pronoun specificity: "my body" rather than "the body." Conscious language uses present tense statements to bring the experience of "having" into your present moment.

By combining the creative force of your emotions with your new thought patterns, you attract your desired outcomes to you.

Robert Tennyson Stevens, of Mastery Systems Corp., writes:

Words we use shape our thoughts and experiences just as a computer operating system instructs a computer. The feelings and emotions our words carry form our human operating system, which determines our reality. Just as one change in a line of software code changes an entire program, our alteration of even one word can change our entire experience of a specific reality.

Consciousness

Consciousness is generally defined as the state of being aware of oneself and one's environment. It also can be used to contrast the normal waking state from that of being asleep or being in a coma.

"Being aware" includes qualities such as being self-observant, having sensory perceptions, being able to think and reason, and being able to discern the relationship between oneself and one's environment.

A third meaning comes from the '60's when "consciousness" was raised to become aware of pervasive attitudes controlling society that needed to be re-examined. One example at the time was the inequality of rights between men and women.

Many scientists consider consciousness to be a function of the brain. In studies of brain activity, they have found specific frequencies of brain waves associated with specific subjective states of consciousness. For example, "alpha" waves correspond with states of deep relaxation such as meditation, "beta" waves are associated with active, waking consciousness, "delta" waves with sleep and "theta" waves with states of accelerated learning.

Many cultures and religions believe consciousness resides in the soul. Scientists on the frontier of knowledge have come to believe consciousness, intelligence or the "Mind of God" is the underlying organizing principle of the Universe.

Esoteric teachings state there is a spectrum of consciousness that permeates all existence, with human consciousness able to reach the highest level—awakened—and animals, plants and minerals decreasing in consciousness to the lowest level—a trance-like state.

Crop Circles

A crop circle is a design that usually appears in a field of cereal crops. The early designs were mostly simple circles and patterns of circles in fields, hence the name "crop circle." Over the years, the designs have evolved into complex pictograms composed of straight lines, angles, and spiral rings that often illustrate sacred geometry relationships.

Crop circles were first reported in the British media in the 1980s, although farmers in the UK claim it's been going on for generations. Crop circles appear during the spring and summer seasons on almost every continent and in over 70 countries worldwide, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Russia, India, Germany, and South Africa.

We place crop circles in the Earth Energies section.

Cross, Calvary (We're still working on a definition.)

Cross, Equi-limbed (We're still working on a definition.)

Crosses (We're still working on a definition.)
Ankh
Cross, Calvary
Cross, Equi-limbed

Dead Sea Scrolls (We're still working on a definition.)

Destiny (contrast with Fate) (We're still working on a definition.)

Divination

Divination is the ancient art of connecting with Divine forces for information. It is a universal cultural phenomenon present in virtually all religions and cultures in all ages up to the present day.

The process most likely involves the unconscious mind receiving information from Source or some agent of Source. The tools used (astrological chart, numbers, tarot cards, pendulum, tea leaves, crystal balls, etc.) help focus the mind to retrieve this information.

The purpose of divination is to provide guidance. Some consider divination the art or gift of prophecy, but it is more than that. It aids in the process of making choices.

Although psychic gifts such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, etc., are all technically modes of divination, generally they are not used in and of themselves to aid in determining a course of action. More often they are used in the interpretation of information derived from standard divination methods.

Familiar methods include astrology, numerology, cartomancy (Tarot card reading), dowsing (with a rod or pendulum), palmistry, I Ching, Ouija, scrying and sortilege (the casting of lots, such as sticks, stones, runes, beans, etc.).

Palmistry (more formally, chiromancy or cheiromancy) is the art of reading the palm of a person's hand to determine his character and past, current or future life. The various "lines" (life, heart, etc.) and "mounts" (bumps) are interpreted by the reader based on their relative sizes and intersections.

The I Ching is a form of Chinese divination using a set of 64 hexagrams composed of six horizontal lines made up of elements of yin and yang. The hexagrams represent a state, process, and change happening at the present moment, and thus offer guidance for future action.

Ouija (pronounced wee-jee or wee-juh) boards are used to receive messages using a planchette ("pointer"). Participants place their fingers on the planchette, which then moves about a board covered with numbers, letters and symbols, so as to spell out messages.

Scrying is the occult practice of seeing the past, present, or future in a shining surface such as a mirror, glass, a crystal ball, or oil on water.

Other methods of divination include bibliomancy (using a randomly opened book to find guidance in the text), graphology (the study of handwriting), and oneiromancy (dream interpretation).

Earth Chronicles

The "Earth Chronicles" are a series of books written by Zecharia Sitchin, a biblical scholar, who dedicated himself to understanding Genesis, the first book of the Bible. In the process, he went to source material predating the Hebrew records. He learned Sumerian and Sumerian-based languages to study Sumerian, Babylonian and Akkadian texts and art to discover remarkable parallels to Biblical characters and stories.

Sitchin concluded that the Elohim (translated as "giants") in the Hebrew Bible were the same as the "Anunnaki" gods described in the ancient Sumerian writings. He also discovered they were extra-terrestrials from a still-unknown 12th solar planet, Nibiru, which approaches Earth every 3600 years.

The technologically advanced Anunnaki came to Earth thousands of years before the Biblical flood, established colonies and interbred with early hominids to create Homo sapiens, modern man. Just before the Flood they returned to their home.

The results of his research are compiled in his books: The Twelfth Planet, Stairway to Heaven, Wars of Gods and Men, When Time Began, The Lost Realms, Divine Encounters, The Cosmic Code, Lost Books of Enki and th companion volume, Genesis Revisited.

Eastern Religions (We're still working on a definition.)

Eckankar (We're still working on a definition.)

Energy Healing (We're still working on a definition.)

Enneagram

The Enneagram (from the Greek word "ennea" meaning "nine") is a nine-pointed diametric figure composed of a circle enclosing an equilateral triangle and an irregular hexagon that connect nine points around the circle's circumference.

The Enneagram figure is possibly a variant of the Chaldean Seal from the times of Pythagoras. It is sometimes claimed that that the Enneagram can be found in ancient sources, especially within the Sufi spiritual tradition, However, the first established use is found in the teachings of the Greek-Armenian teacher G. I. Gurdjieff. His student, P.D. Ouspensky, continued the use of this symbology in his books on the Fourth Way.

The Enneagram figure has been used to indicate a dynamic model of nine observably distinct yet interconnected psychological "character archetypes" or personality types, often called the Enneagram of Personality.

Its first definitely established form as a personality typology is found in the teachings of Bolivian-born Oscar Ichazo (b. 1931) and his system of "Protoanalysis." Much mainstream Enneagram teaching has been largely derived from the teachings of the Chilean-born psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo who first learned the basics of the Enneagram from Ichazo. It was principally from Naranjo that the Enneagram became established in the United States and these teachings were then further developed and applied by others.

The Enneagram pendant, above, is designed by Stone Age and is available at >IAMBooksOnline.com.

Essenes (We're still working on a definition.)

ETs

An Extra-Terrestrial (ET) is a life form that comes from outside Earth and its atmosphere.

ET is the less pejorative term for an alien to Earth. IAMBooksOnline.com, generally uses the term "ET" to refer to aliens considered to have a benevolent attitude towards humans, such as those transmitting information through human channels.

ETs also refer to groups of enlightened aliens, such as the Ashtar Command, Association (or Confederation) of Planets, Guardian Alliance, and others, who are here to help humanity through the tumultuous times leading to Ascension.

Some theorize ET contact with Earth is an ongoing saga, citing ancient texts of the Sumerians (and others), dating back to 4,000 BC and beyond, describing alien encounters. Zecharia Sitchin, author of the Earth Chronicles series of books, uses Sumerian and Biblical texts as the basis of his work.

A UFO is an Unidentified Flying Object. It is the most common term for the vehicles ETs use. UFOlogy is the study of UFO phenomena, which can include close encounters with ETs themselves.

Fate (contrast with Destiny) (We're still working on a definition.)

Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway," and meaning literally "wind" and "water") is the practical application of Sacred Geometry in working with the energy fields of the Earth. It is the Chinese art of reading Earth energies and altering the energy flow, or chi, to create beauty, harmony and tranquility in the environment. It can transform a space by using color, layout, lighting, artwork, aromatherapy, and decorative accessories to "cure" or enhance chi flow.

Feng Shui is used extensively in China to determine building location, placement and layout, and the arrangement and positioning of furniture and other objects in the space. Feng shui is also used in garden design, with the choice of color, type and size of plants, shrubs and trees, to assure it is in harmony with nature.

We place Feng Shui in the Earth Energies section.

Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci sequence is one of the basics of Sacred Geometry. It is a specific sequence of numbers in which each number equals the sum of the two preceding numbers, starting with 0 and 1: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, 10946...

Leonardo of Pisa (ca. 1200), also known as Fibonacci, first recorded this sequence in his book Liber Abaci. He showed that it described the curve of a wave, growth pattern of crystals, shells and plants, the breeding rate of rabbits and many other patterns found in nature.

The term Fibonacci sequence is also applied more generally to any sequence of numbers in which each number equals the sum of the two preceding numbers. Mathematically, it is a function g where g(n + 2) = g(n) + g(n + 1).

Johannes Kepler, the famous astronomer, showed that the growth rate of the Fibonacci numbers, that is, F(n + 1) /F(n), converges to the Golden Mean or Phi, 1.618... That is, take any two adjacent numbers and divide the larger by the smaller. By the ninth pair in the sequence, this ratio closely approximates Phi.

In addition, the spiral derived from the Fibonacci sequence approximates the Phi spiral.

Flower of Life (We're still working on a definition.)

Fourth Way (We're still working on a definition.)

Fractal (We're still working on a definition.)

Freemasons See Masons

Frontier Science

Frontier science is science outside the mainstream. Frontier science studies phenomena that are typically ignored or dismissed by the scientific establishment because they do not fit into the currently accepted theories. These contradictions or anomalies challenging the conventional worldview are the seeds of future mainstream science.

Frontier science embraces the interface of science and spirituality, quantum physics, cold fusion and other novel energy phenomena, chaos theory, revised evolution theory, consciousness (which has its own section at IAMBooksOnline.com,) and subtle energies, alternative and complementary medicine (which has its own section at IAMBooksOnline.com,) and UFOs (which has its own section at IAMBooksOnline.com,) and anomalous trauma.

As a result, a new view of the world is emerging from frontier science that is holistic, organic and drawn on the wisdom of ancient cultures, in which nature is respected, and in which mind and spirit are an integral part of the whole.

This emerging worldview celebrates the creative, wise, and enduring features of life inherent in the universe and in ourselves and offers a unified view of mind, matter, and spirit.

Gnosticism (We're still working on a definition.)

Golden Mean or Golden Section See Phi

Healing

Healing is the process of making whole and restoring a being to its normal, or a more optimal, level of functioning. It is a re-balancing of the self. By re-membering and acknowledging the wholeness that has been there all along, the self reunites all the members that have been forgotten or scattered by lack of focus.

Healing can refer to people, animals, plants, places or other features of the planet or the universe. Since each is part of the One, healing any part adds to the healing of the Whole.

Healing can occur at the different levels of the individual, family, culture, society, planet or universe. Healing can occur on different dimensions: Physical, Psychological (mental and emotional) and Spiritual. Healing at any level or dimension, affects all the levels and dimensions, because there is no real separation.

Healing can be effected by various modalities. The most effective modalities are those that are holistic, i.e. treat all three dimensions together, because they take into account how all the parts of the organism function as a system.

Aromatherapy
Body/Mind
Crystal Healing
Energy Healing
Healing Society
Herbal Healing
Nutrition/Diet
Past Life Healing
Physical Healing
Psychological Healing
Recovery
Relationships
Shadow Work
Sound Healing
Spirit in Business
Spiritual Healing
Stress Reduction

Helix See Spiral

Hemi-Sync® Technology (We're still working on a definition.)

Hermeticism, Hermetic Tradition (We're still working on a definition.)

Hinduism (We're still working on a definition.)

Holistic (or Wholistic)

Holistic (coined by General Jan Smuts in the early 1920's) refers to studying wholes or complete systems, and their functional components and relationships, to see how they fit together, because they cannot be completely understood or explained by the sum of their components alone.

Science is based on analysis, the breaking down of a system into its constituent parts. This method leads to the crucial loss of information about the system's reality.

By emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts, the holistic approach captures the vitality and dynamism of a system.

Holistic medicine attempts to treat the entire patient in all aspects; holistic ecology views man and the environment as a single system.

IAMBooksOnline.com, uses this term to refer to the body-mind-spirit complex that creates and maintains life.

Some people prefer to spell it "wholistic" from the word "whole."

I AM

On Mount Sinai, God told Moses his name was "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh," commonly translated into English as "I AM That I AM." Thus "I AM" is God's name. "I AM" expresses the eternal, self-sustaining beingness of God that is in each moment.

The name of God is a sentence meaning "I exist"! But "I AM" is more than mere existence, the name indicates the totality of how God exists and expresses in that very moment.

In time, the actual Hebrew name of God was abbreviated to the Tetragrammaton, "YHWH" (Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh).

However, with the coming of Ascension, the name I AM is returning to use as a result of Ascended Master Saint Germain's discourses on the "I AM Presence." The "I AM Presence," is our awareness of God's presence in us; it is the divine overlighting energy, which is our essence, our soul. Each of us is a part of God like our finger is a part of our hand. This is the Oneness of I AM.

Every time we say "I am…" we are acknowledging and aligning ourselves with the God within and defining ourselves by the words that follow. Thus, I am…" statements are very powerful.

The "I AM" Discourses volumes are available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Islam/Sufism (We're still working on a definition.)

Judaism (We're still working on a definition.)
Kabbalah
Seal of Solomon
Star of David

Kabbalah

[Also spelled: cabala, cabbala, cabbalah, kabala, kabalah, kabbala, kaballa, qabalah, qabbala, qabala, and other variations.

In general, spellings beginning with "C" are derived from Greek Gnosticism, those beginning with "K" are Judaic, and those with "Q" are Magical.]

Kabbalah, from the Hebrew word QBL meaning "an oral tradition," is a millennia-old Jewish esoteric knowledge system, a revelation from the remote past. It can be interpreted as a blueprint of the creation of the Universe.

Some believe its origins were neither Jewish nor Christian. They conclude cabala was derived from Babylonian (Chaldean) religion, Zoroastrianism, Gnosticism, and Platonism/Pythagoreanism roots from over 2000 years ago.

The term "Kabbalah" came into use sometime in the 11th century, and at that time referred to the Jewish esoteric mysticism.

The Kabbalistic Tree of Life glyph

The first book on Kabbalah to be written down is the Sefer Yetzirah ("Book of Creation"). The first commentaries on it date from the 10th century. The second Kabbalistic text is the Bahir ("Illumination"), first published in Provence, France, in 1176.

The Zohar ("Book of Splendor") is considered the most important work of Jewish mysticism. It is an esoteric mystical commentary on the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), written in the 13th century. It contains and elaborates upon much of the material found in Sefer Yetzirah and the Bahir.

By the early 18th century Kabbalah had passed into widespread use by non-Jewish groups. The Western Mystery Tradition, a major forerunner of both the neo-pagan and New Age movements, is heavily interwoven with various aspects of Kabbalah. Much has been changed from its Jewish roots, but the core of the tradition is still recognizable.

The most visible symbol of Kabbalah is the Tree of Life. (See image on left.) This is a glyph depicting the ten spheres of light (Sefirot) that correspond to the ten specific forces in the Universe. These Sefirot have distinct existences in four interwoven "worlds" or dimensions that create our reality.

The study of Kabbalah—in whatever form you choose—can open you to a new and profound, holistic way of perceiving reality. Discover how Madonna, the '80's "Material Girl," has transformed herself into the 21st century's "Spiritual Woman" through her study of Kabbalah. Other celebrities, such as Barbra Streisand, Roseanne, Naomi Campbell and Elizabeth Taylor have all reportedly studied this ancient knowledge system.

Knights Templar (We're still working on a definition.)

Labyrinth

A labyrinth is a kind of maze that has only one way into and out of the heart of the maze and no blind-alleys.

"Labyrinth" is often used interchangeably with maze, but a maze is a puzzle, with choices of path and direction while a unicursal labyrinth has only a single path to the center.

In Greek mythology, the labyrinth was an elaborate maze designed by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete to hold the Minotaur, a creature that was half human and half bull. The 'Minoan' dynasty of King Minos was called "the house of the double axe"; labrys is Greek for "double axe," but labyrinth is one of a small number of pre-Greek words absorbed by classical Greek.

Medieval French cathedrals were known for their labyrinthes de pavé, or paved labyrinths. The finest remaining example is in the nave of Notre Dame, in Chartres, France. Similar labyrinths formerly existed at Notre Dame, Paris, at the cathedral of Reims, and at Amiens. Some consider it a form of Catholic sacred geometry.

"Walking the labyrinth" is a meditative process of following the course of the labyrinth while the mind is allowed to empty or is focused on prayers or affirmations. To relax after a stressful day, trace a labyrinth with your finger using a hand-held or larger sized portable labyrinth. They are available at IAMBooksOnline.com,.

The term labyrinth has come to be applied to any single course maze of circular shape. The principal designs are the classical (or 7-circuit) and the medieval (or Chartres); although there are numerous variations, the basic shape is easily discerned.

Classical or 7-circuit	Medieval or Chartres	Santa Rosa (new)

These labyrinths are made of wood by iSpiritual. Labyrinths of wood, plastic and lucite are available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Leonardo's Canon (or Vitruvian Man) (We're still working on a definition.)

Lightbody See Mer-Ka-Ba

Magic (We're still working on a definition.)

Mandala (We're still working on a definition.)

Martial Arts (We're still working on a definition.)

Masons (We're still working on a definition.)

Meditation (We're still working on a definition.)

Medium

Medium is a Latin word meaning "the one in the middle." A medium mediates between people in the physical world and those on the "other side."

Mediumship is similar to, but different from, channeling. The medium maintains control of the situation and no sense of the contacted personality comes through. Rather, a medium passes on information he or she "hears" or "sees." Mediums most often connect to everyday people who have "crossed over," revealing the survival of consciousness into the phase of existence called death.

Mediumship is related to the concept of "spiritism," a belief in the existence of immortal souls that can communicate with people in the physical world after death.

In the past, mediums ("media," is more correct, but less used) conducted séances to connect with those on the other side. Nowadays, some mediums are research operatives of Afterlife Science.

Well-known mediums include John Edward and Sylvia Browne.

Mer-Ka-Ba (We're still working on a definition.)

Native Traditions (We're still working on a definition.)

Near-Death Experience (NDE)

A near-death experience (NDE) is an event reported by a person who has nearly died or who was clinically dead and then revived. It is somewhat common, especially since the development of cardiac resuscitation techniques, and is reported in approximately one-fifth of persons who are revived from clinical death.

Typically, the NDE follows a distinct progression, starting with the sensation of floating above the body and seeing the surrounding area, followed by the sensation of passing through a tunnel, meeting deceased relatives and/or religious figures, and concluding with an encounter with a being of light.

A "core" NDE includes the profound sense of peace, joy and harmony, followed by insight and mystical or religious experiences. The most intense NDEs also involve an awareness of things occurring in a different place or time.

Neo-paganism (and Paganism) (We're still working on a definition.)

New Age (We're still working on a definition.)

New Thought (We're still working on a definition.)

Non-Tarot Divination Cards (We're still working on a definition.)

Numerology (We're still working on a definition.)

Om (sometimes also Aum) (We're still working on a definition.)

Ouroboros (We're still working on a definition.)

Out-of-Body Experience (We're still working on a definition.)

Paganism See Neo-paganism

Palmistry (We're still working on a definition.)

Pendulum (We're still working on a definition.)

Pentagram

The word pentagram comes from the Greek word pentagrammon, meaning roughly "five-lined" or "five lines."

Also known as the pentacle, it is a five pointed star formed by 5 straight lines between the vertices of a pentagon and enclosing another pentagon. The line segments are in Phi ratio, and thus is considered to be a sacred symbol.

The pentagram first known use dates back to about 3000 B.C. in Sumer; it was also used by the ancient Babylonians and was a favorite symbol of the Pythagoreans, who called it "Hygieia." Some sources refer to the pentagram as the "star of Solomon."
Nowadays, many magicians and pagans wear pentagram jewelry because of its magical properties.

(The inverted pentagram—two points up, one point down—also used by the Pythagoreans, is now used by Gardnerian witches, some Hindu/ Buddhist/ Brahman sects and Satanists.)

The pentagram pendant, above, is created by Stone Age and is for sale at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Phi or Golden Mean

The Golden Mean, also called the golden ratio, golden section (sectio aurea), golden number or divine proportion (proportio divina), is usually denoted by the Greek letter Phi, φ, which is mathematically equal to 1.618… (The "…" indicates Phi, like pi, cannot be solved to a terminal decimal, such as 1.5.)

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Hindus knew Phi, a specific type of logarithmic spiral. They found this proportion throughout nature, in the size of leaves, the branching patterns of trees, in the human body and approximated in nautilus shell's spiral structure. As an expression of the natural world, Phi is aesthetically pleasing.

The Phi ratio is seen in art and architecture throughout the ages. The elements in paintings and sculptures are often arranged in golden ratios. Even the "rule of thirds" in photography is based on Phi.

In architecture, buildings, courtyards and monuments, such as the Parthenon and the Great Pyramid at Giza, were designed with golden rectangles. The United Nations building in New York also incorporates Phi in its structure.

The golden mean also describes the dimensions of ideal body features, as illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci in his "Vitruvian Man." Recent studies show that faces and body shapes considered beautiful have features in golden ratio.

In mathematics, Phi is defined as a unique positive real number. It is considered an irrational number since its decimal expansion neither terminates nor repeats (e.g. 1.3333…).

Phi is the proportional relation between two divisions of a line (the Golden Segment) or two dimensions of a plane figure (the Golden Rectangle), such that "short is to long, as long is to short + long." AB is BC to as BC is to be AC.

The Golden Rectangle is one whose sides DF and AD are in the golden ratio, representing the Phi proportion in two dimensions.

The Phi spiral is formed when successively smaller or larger rectangles are created and their arcs connected. The Phi spiral can be represent Phi in two or three dimensions.

The Golden Mean is a fractal, since it preserves this relationship with itself under scaling. It is unique in that its reciprocal (1/Phi) also creates the same relationship but in reverse scale. (1/Phi is denoted "phi," with a lower case "p," and equals 0.618... )

In geometry, Phi ratios appear in the regular pentagon and the regular icosahedron. The pentagram, once popular among the Greek Pythagoreans and now worn by magicians, New Agers and others, also contains the golden ratio.

No explanation of Phi is complete without discussing the Fibonacci Sequence, since this is the formula used to approximate the Phi ratios found in nature. The Phi spiral has no beginning and no end. The Fibonacci Sequence has a beginning, and by its ninth iteration, the ratios of successive terms approaches the golden ratio.

In music, the ratios of correctly tuned octave, fifth, and major and minor sixths are ratios of consecutive numbers of the Fibonacci Sequence, making them the closest low integer ratios to the golden ratio.

Platonic Solids

The Platonic solids were first described in the Timaeus of Plato, a Pythagorean scholar.

The five Platonic solids of Sacred Geometry are the pyramid/tetrahedron (4 sides), cube/hexahedron (6 sides), octahedron (8 sides), icosahedron (12 sides) and dodecahedron (20 sides).

These are the only five solids known that are made from the equilateral, equiangular polygons; they are also called "regular polyhedrons."

Tetrahedron, 4-sided Pyramid	Cube or Hexahedron	Octahedron	Icosahedron	Dodecahedron

Each face of the solid is the same size and shape. The tetrahedron, octahedron and dodecahedron have triangular faces, the cube has square faces and the icosahedron has pentagonal (five-sided) faces. These solids are the only ones able to fit neatly into a sphere with all their points coinciding with the surface of the sphere.

To the ancient Greeks, these solids symbolized the five elements. The pyramid represented fire, the cube, earth, the octagon, air, the icosahedron, spirit (or ether) and dodecahedron, water.

These regular polyhedrons represent ideal, primal patterns that occur throughout the universe, in countless variations in the crystal patterns of minerals, as well as in the energy fields of living beings and celestial systems.

Platonism (We're still working on a definition.)

Pythagoreanism (We're still working on a definition.)

Qabala See Kabbalah

Reincarnation (We're still working on a definition.)

Remote Viewing

Remote viewing (RV) is a technique in which a viewer gathers information on a target consisting of an object, place, or person, which is hidden from physical sight of the viewer. Typically, the viewer is separated from the target by distance, and sometimes by time (future or past).

It may be an out-of-body experience. Others consider it to be a form of clairvoyance. Either way, it uses a specific experimental protocol in which the viewer is given no information regarding the target being viewed.

Remote viewing came out of research conducted by the US and USSR's intelligence-gathering agencies to develop a reliable "spying system." The official project ended in 1995 after over 20 years of effort, with "little to show" for the efforts.

It should be noted that remote viewing is actually an updating and systematizing of an ancient occult practice.

Rosicrucians (We're still working on a definition.)

Rosy Cross (Rosae Crucis) See Rosicrucians

Sacred Geometry

Flower of Life

Geometry is the branch of mathematics that describes spatial relationships in terms of the equations of algebra.

Sacred geometry is beyond any algebraic description because it deals with the meaning behind the relationships. It is the study of the relatedness of all things to the One.

Sacred geometry holds the key to creation because these geometric shapes represent the underlying structure of both force and form throughout the Universe. It demonstrates the matrix of creation and helps us to hold a vision of what we choose to have so that we can create it for ourselves.

Examples of sacred geometry include the Golden Mean or Phi (1.618…), the Phi spiral, the Platonic solids (cube, octahedron, icosahedron, hexahedron, and dodecahedron), the Flower of Life, the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Vesica Piscis, The Pentagram, the Enneagram, the Labyrinth (a feature of cathedrals such as Chartres) and the Mandala.

Feng Shui, although sometimes considered Sacred Geometry, is really the practical application of Sacred Geometry in the use of earth energies to best advantage.

Leonardo's canon (also known as Vitruvian Man) is Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of sacred geometry within the human body.

Archaeologists, anthropologists, and geometricians use this term to refer to religious, philosophical, and spiritual beliefs concerning geometry.

Seal of Solomon (contrast with Star of David) (We're still working on a definition.)

Shadow Work (We're still working on a definition.)

Shamanism (We're still working on a definition.)

Soul Mates (We're still working on a definition.)

Source

There are hundreds of words in the human vocabulary that mean Source—God, Goddess, I AM, Allah, El, YHWH, Jehovah, The Eternal, The Almighty, Higher Power, the Universe, The Tao, Oneness, Divine Intelligence, Creator, Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Cosmic Consciousness, All That Is, The Force, etc.

This definition is an attempt to find a common denominator among the varied concepts of God that exist on Earth.

Source is the most general, non-anthropomorphic term for the underlying energy or consciousness that pervades the universe and which is the source of all existence. This consciousness, or intelligence, makes the universe possible.

Source is the unifying concept that interconnects all parts of creation. As the five separate fingers are all part of one hand, so are all parts of creation connected to Source.

Source is the One who is always the same; yet is forever changing. Source connects the polar extremes in our perceptions; and may, in fact, be beyond all understanding or definition.

Even if you are an atheist or agnostic, if you are alive you most likely sense an ineffable energy or force that moves the Universe, even if this force is simply the laws of science in action.

The most recent scientific discoveries of quantum physics have shown the universe to be self-organizing, creative, alive, intelligent, and evolving. As frontier science explores the universe more deeply, its discoveries are validating ancient beliefs about Source.

Spiral (and Helix)

Double Helix

A spiral can be a two-or three-dimensional curve. In 2-D, it is a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but with an ever-greater diameter. In 3-D it is a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle.

Familiar spirals include the logarithmic spiral, the Phi spiral and the helix.

The spiral is a symbol of creation, movement, fluidity and evolution. It reveals the cyclical nature of life and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. With no beginning and no end, the spiral curls eternally inward towards the Source of creation, and eternally outward in Source's ceaseless effort to be.

A helix is a three dimensional spiral that is not open-ended. When represented in two dimensions the shape is a circle, thus its diameter is constant. In 3-D, a helix is a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder, cutting the element at a constant angle.

Helices are important in biology, as many proteins have helical substructures. The most well known helix is the double helix of DNA. A double helix is like a spiral staircase, with one helix at each side and "steps" connecting them together.

The double helix shown on the right is called a Dancing Helix, by Twirly Things. It is available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Star of David (contrast with Seal of Solomon) (We're still working on a definition.)

Star Tetrahedron See also Mer-Ka-Ba

Hematite Crystal Star Tetrahedron

The tetrahedron, a four-faced pyramid and one of the Platonic solids, is the most basic shape to be found in the 3-dimensional universe. The Star Tetrahedron is actually two interpenetrating tetrahedrons aligned point to base to form a three-dimensional Star of David.

The Star Tetrahedron is found in the Flower of Life sacred geometry pattern and the first eight cells of life form this configuration after conception. It is also the shape of the energetic body of the fully integrated human being—the blending of Heaven and Earth, Male and Female—and was known in Ancient Egypt as the Mer-Ka-Ba.

Sufi (We're still working on a definition.)

T'ai Chi (We're still working on a definition.)

Taoism (We're still working on a definition.)

Tarot Divination Cards See also Non-Tarot Divination Cards (We're still working on a definition.)

Templars See Knights Templar

Tetragrammaton (YHWH) See I AM.

Theosophy

Helena Blavatsky surrounded by AMs Kuthumi, El Morya and Saint Germain

Theosophy comes from the Greek words theos, meaning "God", and sophia meaning "wisdom;" it is generally translated as "divine wisdom."

Theosophy, founded by Helena P. Blavatsky in the U.S. in 1875, is a school of thought based on mystical insight. Its roots can be traced to the ancient world and chiefly follows Buddhist and Brahmanic theories, which include reincarnation. Information was often channeled from Ascended Masters, such as Kuthumi (pronounced Kuh-Too-Mee), El Morya, Saint Germain and others. Theosophy is the forerunner of much New Age thought.

Theosophy explores the psychic and spiritual powers latent in man, compares world religions, science, and philosophy, and seeks to form a universal brotherhood. The image to the right is available at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Tree of Life See Kabbalistic Tree of Life

UFOlogy

UFOlogy is the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), UFO reports and sightings (including cover-ups of sightings), alien life forms and other related phenomena and anomalies.

While many UFOlogists strive for legitimacy and some are respected scientists in other fields, UFOlogy has never been fully embraced by the scientific community, for a number of reasons. Some UFOlogists consider the general attitude of mainstream academics as arrogant and dismissive, or bound to a rigid worldview.

UFOlogists embrace a wide spectrum of approaches, beliefs and attitudes. Some argue that UFO reports are as worthy of study as any topic, and deserve case-by-case analysis using the scientific method. Study of UFO sightings this way has yielded very interesting and important results.

Vesica Piscis (We're still working on a definition.)

Vitruvian Man See Leonardo's Canon

Western Mystery Societies (We're still working on a definition.)
Golden Dawn
Knights Templar
Masons
Platonists
Pythagoreans
Rosicrucians

Western Mystery Tradition (We're still working on a definition.)
Alchemy
Eckankar
Fourth Way
Gnosticism
Hermetic Tradition
Magic
Western Mystery Societies
Witchcraft

Wholistic see Holistic

Wicca See also Neopaganism

Witchcraft Contrast with Wicca & Neopaganism

Yin/Yang

The Yin/Yang symbol, also known as the Taiji diagram or Taijitu, refers to the active and passive principles of the universe. The Egyptians used the words "Ba" for Yin and "Ka" for Yang.

Yin is the female, receptive or "negative" force (black with white dot), while Yang is the male, active or "positive" force (white with black dot). They combine to form the One, and their interaction maintains the harmony of the universe. The opposition and combination of these two basic principles is a large part of the basic philosophy of Taoism.

This symbol is also known as the T'ai Chi symbol or the Pictogram of the Supreme Ultimate.

This ying/yang pendant, left, is created by Peter Stone and is for sale at IAMBooksOnline.com.

Yoga (We're still working on a definition.)

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism was adapted from an earlier, polytheistic faith by Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in Persia between 1400 and 1200 BC (some scholars estimate as late as 600 BC due to the lack of written records). In the 8th century AD, Zoroastrians fled to India in large numbers, where they were given refuge. The religion is also sometimes known as Mazdaism.

Zoroastrianism combines elements of monotheism and dualism. Some modern scholars believe that Zoroastrianism had a large influence on Judaism and Manichaeism, and thus indirectly influenced Christianity and Islam.

The holy book of Zoroastrianism is the Zend Avesta. Of the Zend Avesta only the Gathas (the hymns) are attributed to Zoroaster.

Ahura Mazda (literally "the Wise Lord," also known as Ohrmazd) is revered and worshipped by Zoroastrians as the good God. Opposed to Ormazd stands Ahriman, who in some traditions is his twin brother. Modern Zoroastrianism considers itself monotheistic and looks upon Ormazd and Ahriman as allegorical personifications of Good and Evil.

According to Zoroastrianism, the Earth was created by Ormazd as a battlefield to fight Ahriman, where Ohrmazd is destined to win approximately 3000 years after Zoroaster, that is circa 1600-2400 AD. Human beings have free will to choose between Ohrmazd and Ahriman, however once this choice is made it is impossible or nearly impossible to change.

Those who align with Ohrmazd are believed to go directly to Heaven after death or resurrection (depending on the tradition), whereas those who align with Ahriman go to Hell for a period of time before then going on to Heaven. "Good thoughts, good words, good deeds" is a common slogan.

However, Zoroastrianism is not simply a purely ethical religion. Purification rituals are important, and Zoroastrians practice sacrifice as well as confession. Indeed a religious Zoroastrian must constantly be involved in a meticulous struggle against the contamination of death (which is associated with Ahriman) and of demons. Fire is an important religious symbol, and once started a ritual fire must be kept continually burning. The dead are not buried or cremated, but left for vultures to eat in special temples for that purpose.