cosmic cycle: One of the infinitely recurring periods of the universe, comprising its creation, preservation and dissolution. These cycles are measured in periods of progressive ages, called yugas. Satya (or Krita), Treta, Dvapara and Kali are the names of these four divisions, and they repeat themselves in that order, with the Satya Yuga being the longest and the Kali Yuga the shortest. The comparison is often made of these ages with the cycles of the day: Satya Yuga being morning until noon, the period of greatest light or enlightenment, Treta Yuga afternoon, Dvapara evening, and Kali Yuga the darkest part of the night. Four yugas equal one mahayuga.

Theories vary, but by traditional astronomical calculation, a mahayuga equals 4,320,000 solar years (or 12,000 "divine years;" one divine year is 360 solar years) -  with the

• Satya Yuga lasting 1,728,000 years,
• Treta Yuga 1,296,000 years,
• Dvapara Yuga 864,000 years, and
• Kali Yuga 432,000 years.

Mankind is now experiencing the Kali Yuga, which began at midnight, February 18, 3102 bce (year one on the Hindu calendar [see Hindu Timeline]) and will end in approximately 427,000 years. (By another reckoning, one mahayuga equals approximately two million solar years.) A dissolution called laya occurs at the end of each mahayuga, when the physical world is destroyed by flood and fire. Each destructive period is followed by the succession of creation (srishti), evolution or preservation (sthiti) and dissolution (laya).

A summary of the periods in the cosmic cycles:

• 1 mahayuga = 4,320,000 years (four yugas)
• 71 mahayugas = 1 manvantara or manu (we are in the 28th mahayuga)
• 14 manvantaras = 1 kalpa or day of Brahma (we are in the 7th manvantara)
• 2 kalpas = 1 ahoratra or day and night of Brahma 360 ahoratras = 1 year of Brahma
• 100 Brahma years = 309,173,760,000,000 years (one "lifetime" of Brahma, or the universe).

We are in Brahma Year 51 of the current cycle. At the end of every kalpa or day of Brahma a greater dissolution, called pralaya (or kalpanta, "end of an eon"), occurs when both the physical and subtle worlds are absorbed into the causal world, where souls rest until the next kalpa begins. This state of withdrawal or "night of Brahma," continues for the length of an entire kalpa until creation again issues forth.

After 36,000 of these dissolutions and creations there is a total, universal annihilation, mahapralaya, when all three worlds, all time, form and space, are withdrawn into God Siva. After a period of total withdrawal a new universe or lifespan of Brahma begins. This entire cycle repeats infinitely. This view of cosmic time is recorded in the Puranas and the Dharma Shastras.

See: mahapralaya.

(See also: Cosmic cycle , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Accident

A warning, the details of which depend on other symbols in the dream. If you dream of an accident while traveling by car, this could be a hint that you should either avoid travel at this time, or, if you can’t avoid it, make sure that your car is in the best possible condition before you leave. Stay away from planes, trains, buses, boats, or dangerous walking, such as hiking in the mountains, for at least a day after you have the dream, and preferably for a week. If you must go, take a cell phone with you (in case you must call for help), as well as first aid supplies.

Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Accident , Meaning of Dreams about Accident , Dream Interpretation Accident )

Sky

Sunny skies denote happiness and prosperity, while cloudy or stormy skies foretell trouble ahead, perhaps family quarrels. The day sky represents the ability to see clearly, while the night sky hints at things hidden from view. The night sky, however, can also represent comfort and security. A sky full of stars, like sunny skies, is an omen of hope, and great opportunities lie ahead.

Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Sky , Meaning of Dreams about Sky , Dream Interpretation Sky )

God

Regardless of whether we believe in a God or not, all of us have been exposed to the idea of a supreme and omnipresent being. The dilemma over the existence of God is probably the most common dilemma of them all. Everyone from time to time will have a dream about "God." Its symbolism depends on the dreamer. God in our dreams can be considered a positive or self affirming symbol. It represents truth, purity, and love. It also represents the creative energy which is abundant in all of us (whether we know it or not). For a certain number of people, in the dream state, God may have negative connotations. For them God could represent eternal punishment, damnation, and invoke massive amount guilt. Most religions consider dreams to be a pathway to God or to the spiritual realm. Through dreams we have an opportunity to have experiences which are not available during the day. Our unconscious mind may be more capable of connecting to the eternal flow of spirit and it may be the dwelling place of the soul.

See also: Meaning of Dreams about Jesus

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - God , Meaning of Dreams about God , Dream Interpretation God )

Urban Dictionary is an online dictionary whose definitions are contributed by users. Most words featured on Urban Dictionary are slang, particularly ambiguous slang. Urban Dictionary - Site features. One of the site's main purposes is to allow users to define words however they chose to define them, hence its slogan: "Define your world." Because of this, most words have multiple definitions. Definitions can be voted on based on a thumbs up/down scale. A running tally of votes is kept for each definit ...

Including:

• Urban Dictionary - Site features
• Urban Dictionary - Quality control
• Urban Dictionary - Volunteer Editing
• Urban Dictionary - Changes to the Editing Queue System
• Urban Dictionary - Editing Guidelines
• Urban Dictionary - More than just slang
• Urban Dictionary - Examples of definitions
• Urban Dictionary - Bibliography

Whales

For most people, dreaming about whales is a pleasant experience. These huge water dwelling mammals may be symbolic of the connection that exists between the unconscious and conscious mind. They may represent the dreamer's level of awareness, perceptiveness, and intuition. Some think that they represent our emotional power or are messengers from the spiritual realms. If the ocean waters were turbulent, and the whale in your dream was unpredictable or on the attack, considers the emotional environment in your every day life. Under such unpleasant dream circumstances, these large animals may represent overwhelming emotional or psychological issue and problem.

See also: Meaning of Dreams about Dolphin

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Whales , Meaning of Dreams about Whales , Dream Interpretation Whales )

Apollo:

Both a Greek god and a Roman god. Apollo was the God of the sun. Each day he rode his chariot led by fiery horses across the sky to give light to the world. He was the most beautiful god. Apollo is also the God of healing. of prophecy, of musical and artistic inspiration, and of archers. The Goddess Diana was his twin sister.

(See also: Apollo , Body Mind and Soul)

Running

Dreaming of running competitively should be distinguished from dreams which have you running to or from something. If you are simply running with no goal, it may be an indication that you need to slow down in your every day life. If you are competing, you need to consider your recent rivalries and realistically look at the current challenges. If you are running in a race and win, your unconscious may be expressing confidence that you may or may not feel in the wakened state. Running in your dreams may also symbolize the energy levels, the strength, or the force that you have to get through life. (A similar definition appears on top of the page for Race , since many people continue to ask me for running, I decided to list them separately.)

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Running , Meaning of Dreams about Running , Dream Interpretation Running )

Smoking

It is very common for ex-smokers to dream about smoking. This type of a dream could be called wish fulfillment or a compensatory dream. The smoker misses smoking. He can not smoke during the day, and therefore he smokes in his dreams. If you are dreaming about being surrounded by other people's smoke, you may be experiencing some confusion and anxiety in daily life or in regard to a particular situation. Smoke or smoking usually depletes people of energy and hampers ones ability to think clearly and act directly with the issues at hand.

See also: Meaning of Dreams about Cigarettes

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Smoking , Meaning of Dreams about Smoking , Dream Interpretation Smoking )

Agnus Dei (Latin) (from agnus lamb + deus god)

Lamb of God; originating in the New Testament: "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). It is applied to various emblems, cakes, anthems, etc., used in the services of the orthodox Christian churches. As a lamb was sacrificed and partaken of in the Jewish feast of the Passover, John said in effect: behold the true divine Paschal Lamb. However, the original idea that impurity is burnt out by the divine fire from the radiant source within each person was perverted, both in the case of agni and the Lamb of God, into the idea of vicarious atonement (cf SD 2:383).

(See also: Agnus Dei , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Apostle

(From the Greek apostolos, someone sent with a special message or commission. )

Jesus is called an apostle in Hebrews 3: 1. The term apostle refers to

1)    those leaders of the early Christian church who were chosen by Jesus. The twelve apostles of Jesus were Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Paul became an apostle after Jesus' resurrection along with Barnabas and others.

2)    Members of the top quorum of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(See also: Apostle , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

Dream Interpretation Shoe, shoes

If a woman dreams about shoes, this dream is usually connected with her love life. Trying on different pairs of shoes means, that she is looking for a partner or deciding about a partner. In other cases, shoes symbolize errands we run every day. Putting on a comfortable pair of shoes is a good omen saying that you are going to have success. Having very tight shoes on means that you feel uncomfortable in the current situation, or you are going to have some small difficulties ahead. Finding a shoe in the dream indicates that you will meet a stranger. If you are giving a pair of shoes away, it means that you want to get rid of a person, or that person is going to leave you soon. If you buy a pair of shoes, it means that you have a long way to go in order to achieve your goals. Looking at old worn-down shoes is a warning to pay more attention and care to solve an unpleasant matter. Worn-down shoes also could possibly mean your dissatisfaction and unhappiness in the present situation; or they also might imply that to be with your old partner is more comfortable and secure than to look for a new one.

Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Shoe, shoes , Meaning of Dreams about Shoe, shoes , Dream Interpretation Shoe, shoes )

Jupiter (Zeus)

Greek god Zeus and the Roman god Jupiter are one and the same. Zeus is the god of gods. He is the creator of day, thunder and lightning, the seasons and is the "sky god." Zeus holds supreme power and his decisions are not questioned as he is the father of gods and men. He represents external order and authority. His wisdom, power and sense of fairness supports the structure of the ancient Greek and Roman universe. Jupiter, or Zeus, is a "good father" that provides the opportunity for growth, development, prosperity and health. Jupiter, as a planet, has a central position among the other planets in the solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are on one side and Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto on the other. Astrologically, Jupiter represents balance, organization, abundance and optimism. If you are down on your luck or a bit disorganized, this dream may be calling for awareness of supportive internal and external forces. Our dreams often compensate for what is lacking in daily life. In this way, dreams attempt to balance the psyche. Thus, dreaming of Jupiter is reassuring and invites the dreamer to access the power in his own psyche and to embrace a positive attitude. Jupiter is a reminder that there is an order to the universe that provides us with an opportunity to have a prosperous, balanced and joyful life.

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Jupiter (Zeus) , Meaning of Dreams about Jupiter (Zeus) , Dream Interpretation Jupiter (Zeus) )

Annunciation Announcing; in Christianity, the foretelling to Mary of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel, celebrated on Lady Day, March 25. The fire and lamps used in this ceremony apparently point back to the marriage of Vulcan with Venus, to the Magi watching over the sacred fire in the East, to the Vestal Virgins in the West, and to the marriage of Father Sun with Mother Nature.

Some parallels from other religions are the luminous San-tusita (Bodhisat) appearing to Maya and announcing the coming birth of Gautama Buddha; the Hindu legend that there would be born the son of the Virgin (Krishna), the date of whose death marked the beginning of kali yuga; and in Egypt where scenes of an annunciation appear in the temple of Luxor.

(See also: Annunciation , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Holy Water. This is one of the oldest rites practised in Egypt, and thence in Pagan Rome. It accompanied the rite of bread and wine. "Holy water was sprinkled by the Egyptian priest alike upon his gods’ images and the faithful. It was both poured and sprinkled.

A brush has been found, supposed to have been used for that purpose, as at this day." (Bonwick’s Egyptian Belief.) As to the bread, "the cakes of Isis were placed upon the altar. Gliddon writes that they were ‘identical in shape with the consecrated cake of the Roman and Eastern Churches’. Melville assures us ‘the Egyptians marked this holy bread with St. Andrew’s cross’.

The Presence bread was broken before being distributed by the priests to the people, and was supposed to become the flesh and blood of the Deity. The miracle was wrought by the hand of the officiating priest, who blessed the food. . . . Rouge tells us ‘the bread offerings bear the imprint of the fingers, the mark of consecration ‘."

(Ibid, page 458.) (See also " Bread and Wine".)

(See also: Holy Water , Theosophy, Spirituality, Body mind and Soul, Spiritual Dictionary,)

Transcendental Meditation (TM): One of the two most important techniques of Maharishi Ayur-Ved. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi founded TM in 1957 and introduced it in the United States in 1959.

Transcendental Meditation is a means of experiencing pure awareness. It involves sitting comfortably, with eyes closed, for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day while one mentally repeats a mantra.

In Transcendental Meditation, a mantra is a thought-sound that has a known vibratory effect but does not have a designative meaning. The TM teacher chooses a mantra suitable for the initiate.

(See also: Transcendental Meditation , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Iacchos (Ancient Greek). A synonym of Bacchus. Mythology mentions three persons so named: they were Greek ideals adopted later by the Romans. The word Iacchos is stated to be of Phœnician origin, and to mean "an infant at the breast ". Many ancient monuments represent Ceres or Demeter with Bacchus in her arms.

One Iacchos was called Theban and Conqueror, son of Jupiter and Semele; his mother died before his birth and he was preserved for some time in the thigh of his father; he was killed by the Titans. Another was son of Jupiter, as a Dragon, and Persephone ; this one was named Zagremus. A third was Iacchos of Eleusis, son of Ceres: he is of importance because he appeared on the sixth day of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Some see an analogy between Bacchus and Noah, both cultivators of the Vine, and patrons of alcoholic excess.

(See also: Iacchos , Theosophy, Spirituality, Body mind and Soul, Spiritual Dictionary,)

pagan: Term used negatively by Semitic faiths to indicate a follower of another religion, or of no religion. Also names the pre-Christian religion of Europe, akin to shamanism and other of the world's indigenous faiths, which have survived to this day despite organized persecution. Pagans are gradually surfacing again, and have acknowledged their kinship with Hinduism.

See: mysticism, shamanism, pagan, paganism.

(See also: Pagan , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

11:11 - Eleven-Eleven

11:11 is said to be a pre-encoded trigger placed in our cellular memory banks prior to our descent into matter which when activated, signifies that our time of completion and ascension is near. It is believed that one knows when this particular gateway opens for them by continually seeing the numbers 11:11 in there every day lives as a continuous ocurrence. Activation of other gateways may be symbolized by other digits

(See also: 11:11 - Eleven-Eleven , Body Mind and Soul)

Anumati (Sanskrit) (from anu-man to approve, grant)

Assent, permission, approbation; personified frequently as a goddess. The fifteenth day of the moon's age "when one digit is deficient" (VP 2:8), a time said to be propitious for the offering of oblations to devas and pitris.

It is therefore the moon at full: "when from a god -- Soma -- she becomes a goddess" (TG 25). Mythologically the first fortnight of the moon or waxing period is often regarded as being masculine, and its second fortnight or waning period as feminine. The moon in some cultures is looked upon as masculine, in others as feminine. In Latin the moon was both lunus (masculine) and luna (feminine), but in most other languages the moon is almost consistently either masculine or feminine.

(See also: Anumati , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Alien

An intelligent extraterrestrial being; of extraterrestrial origin; non-human. A visitor from another planet, another world or dimension.

Eyewitnesses report a number of different types of alien creatures; in fact, they vary in almost every imaginable way. These reports have been around for centuries, but the number of sightings have increase dramatically since the first flying saucers were seen in the late 1940's. And the aliens come in a baffling variety of shapes and sizes. Surprisingly, however, the aliens themselves are not so very different from human beings - most have two arms, two legs, and one head. For this reason some ufologists doubt their existence: surely, they say, visitors from outer space would not look so much like ourselves.

The late Carl Sagan , astronomer and author of ' The Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective ', believes that the aliens sighted were "stodgy in their unimaginativeness" and were hence the inhabitants of human minds, not extraterrestrial spaceships. But whatever the experts may say, close encounters of the third kind continue to be reported till this day. See alien abductions, alien autopsy, men in black, UFO, area 51, flying saucer, grays.

(See also: Alien , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

Anubis (Greek) Anpu (Egyptian) The Egyptian jackal-headed deity, lord of the Silent Land of the West (the underworld). To him with Thoth was entrusted the psychopompic leading of the dead. In the judgment after death, Anubis tests the balance in the scene of the weighing of the heart. His offices were likewise those of the embalmer, mystically speaking.

Originally the god of the underworld, he was later replaced by Osiris. In Heliopolis during the later dynasties he was identified with Horus, for he was often regarded as the son of Osiris and Isis -- more often of Osiris and Nephthys (Neith). Plutarch writes: "By Anubis they understand the horizontal circle, which divides the invisible part of the world, which they call Nephthys, from the visible, to which they give the name of Isis; and as this circle equally touches upon the confines of both light and darkness, it may be looked upon as common to them both . . . Others again are of opinion that by Anubis is meant Time . . . " (On Isis and Osiris, sec 44).

The mysteries of Osiris and Isis were revived in Rome, and Apuleius (2nd century) in The Golden Ass tells of the Procession of Isis, in which the dual aspect of Anubis was portrayed: "that messenger between heaven and hell displaying alternately a face black as night, and golden as the day; in his left the caduceus, in his right waving aloft the green palm branch" (Gods of the Egyptians, Budge 2:264-5). In most of his attributes, Anubis is a lunar power, Plutarch connecting him with the Grecian Hecate, one of the names for the moon; and this is further emphasized by his being a guide of the dead. Also identified with Hermes as psychopomp.

See also Hermanubis

(See also: Anubis , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)