Psychometry In its scientific sense, the measuring of the time taken by mental processes and sensations; borrowed by Prof. J. R. Buchanan to signify the occult power of receiving from various articles impressions as to their owners or as to events connected with them. It is the seeing or reading with the inner sight of incidents that have taken place in the neighborhood of physical articles.

The art has been applied to such objects as fossils, fragments of ancient ruins, and old manuscripts, and the psychometers have been able by touching these articles, putting them to their forehead, etc., to describe ancient civilizations and bygone, forgotten, or unknown pages in human or world history. These phenomena show that material objects retain the impressions of events with which they have been associated, and presumably exert an influence even upon people who do not have psychometric power. This throws light on the subject of talismans, amulets, relics, etc.

The astral light is nature's storehouse of the images of events, and contact with the object puts the psychometer in rapport with the impressions concerned. The psychometer brings his inner self in contact with the "soul" of the object. But as the phenomena involve the properties of planes other than the physical, any attempt to explain them in terms of the physical plane must necessarily be lame. The physical plane limits both the powers of nature and our own faculties, and the psychometer rises to a plane where some of these barriers are removed, for nothing is destroyed and there is unity and intercommunication throughout all nature.

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

AMULET

Any unusual object or token whose fascination is intended to fascinate the Fascinator and thereby distract the Fascinator from wreaking his destruction. It is an occult charm serving as a protection against evil. Quite different from a talisman. Although one's own tailored creation is always best, there are a few traditional amulets, such as the kamea, holy inscriptions, idols, garlic, crucifixes, rose madder, etc. In order to provide its protection, the amulet must be worn (and preferably should be clearly visible) or remain in contact with that which is being guarded, such as the animal heads hanging over doorways that the druids and others used.

The value of quartz as an amulet is twofold: it bestows vitality and, as Antitoxin, routs evil spirits. It is effective because it derives from the detritus of other, possibly malignant spirits, in dark mineral springs. However, quartz crystal has been so exploited by New Age merchants that it is rapidly losing its meaning and power.

The most popular origin of the word (Arabic: hamala, "something carried") is the least correct. Latin amuletum, which was a little case or receptacle for carrying magical objects (like the Judaic mezuzah), derives from ampla, ama ("bucket" or something with handles, like a jug). The ama was also a bucket used in putting out fires.

(See also: AMULET , Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul,)

A Yoga Dictionary from Abhyasa to Yukti.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Space Usually the universe as perceived by our physical senses. It is disputed whether space exists apart from objects or is a property of objects, and also whether it is objective or subjective. Such difficulties arise from our attempt to abstract extension from the reality of which it is an aspect, just as we attempt to abstract matter and energy. The physical basis of our universe appears under these three aspects, and the attempt to conceive each of the three as separate existences and to construct the universe out of them is to court contradiction and to proceed in the inverse order.

In most arguments about the nature of space, space is unconsciously assumed at the outset of the inquiry, so that the reasoning becomes viciously circular. Is space the ultimate residue left after we have removed everything conceivable? In that case how can we define it in terms of anything which is supposed to be derived from it? We must either leave it undefined, as a primary postulate, or else define it in terms of something which lies beyond the physical plane altogether.

Again, the question whether the dimensions belong to space or to material objects arises from a false separation between these two, so that we speak of objects being in space, just as we speak of life as being in matter. We think of space as an absence of matter, as we think of darkness as an absence of light, and silence as absence of sound; and having thus created vacuums we proceed to fill them. In the view of occultism it would be nearer the truth to say that light is the absence of darkness, sound the absence of silence, and matter a form of the presence of space; and this is true in the sense that those things which appear to us most real are derived from those which seem to us most unreal, because not immediately physically perceivable. In theosophy, space is the infinite, eternal background of Being, Being itself, the ever-lasting substratum of, as well as the presence of, the universe; its apparent vacuity is due only to its lack of physical qualities to which our senses respond, and also to its perfect unity and uniformity. Space is living, incomprehensibly conscious, and hence a divinity; it is the only real world, while our manifested world born from and in it is a mayavi (illusory) one.

Theosophy, regarding the physical universe as merely one of many planes of kosmos, applies the term space to a much larger range. Yet it has the same characteristic meaning in all its applications: it figures, for instance, as one aspect of the trinity of space, energy, matter which is equivalent to the primordial unity. The fundamental hypostases are all derivative from ever-enduring, frontierless space, and Be-ness is symbolized by space, which no mind can either exclude nor conceive, and motion. In this conception are combined abstract space, motion, and duration.

Space is symbolized by the circle; a central point denotes spiritual monadic activity arising within abstract space. It is equivalent to akasa or aether, water or the waters; Chaos as the spatial deeps. Sometimes space in its manifestation is represented as a serpent with seven heads or as the great sea or deep. Occasionally called aupapaduka (parentless), because it is primary and the source of all, it is spoken of both as mulaprakriti and as parabrahman. In its manifested aspect it is bright space, son of dark space, the former being the ray dropped into cosmic depths. Parent space is the eternal ever-present cause of all -- the incomprehensible divinity, whose invisible robes are the mystic root of all matter and of the universe. Space is called Mother before its cosmic activity, and Father-Mother at the first stage of reawakening of manifestation.

In this connection a very clear distinction is drawn between abstract space, the limitless, frontierless, beginningless, and endless encompasser, container of all the various manifested spaces, which as individuals appear from and in its fathomless womb; and these latter spaces which are its offspring and which are collectively and individually the spatial ranges comprised within the boundaries of any manifested universe, such as a galaxy or solar system. Thus, we have the boundless spatial All or abstract space, and the innumerable universe or limited spaces arising within it. The former is absolute infinity and eternity; the later are the innumerable, relative spaces or universe scattered over the fields of the Boundless, called the spawn of the Great Mother.

Physical space is said to have six directions, the four cardinal points plus the zenith and nadir; or eight directions given by the axes joining the opposite corners of a cube. The six and the eight combine in the cube and octahedron. Nothing in the definition of geometrical space excludes the possibility of other spatial constructions, coexistent with our space and interblended with it and with each other. This helps in understanding such matters as chains of globes -- which, when we attempt to represent them by drawn diagrams, seem so confusing and contradictory -- and the manner in which other planes of consciousness and of objectivity may be related to the physical.

(See also: Space , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

A Christian theological definition of Dowsing according to CARM - The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry:

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Dowsing

See also: Dowsing , Christianity, Body Mind and Soul

Scrying

A method of divination using a crystal ball, shiny stone, dark mirror,, bowl of water or other reflective object or surface until psychic visions appear. The art dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and practitioners aim to answer questions, solve problems, find lost objects or people, and help solve crimes.

The tool of scryers is called a speculum, which can be any object, but is usually one with reflective surface. The French physician and astrologer Nostrodamus used a brass bowl of water on a tripod. Dr. John Dee, astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I, used a crystal egg and black obsidian mirror. The stereotypical speculum is the crystal ball as popularized by gypsy fortune-tellers.

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

Hats

Hats as noteworthy objects in dreams are not too common. A hat can be seen as an extension of power and influence in the dream. Removal of the hat by another person can be taken as an invitation to confrontation. Giving a hat to another may be considered a romantic wish-fulfilment projection.

Also, the presence of a hat may be related to a dream of perceived balding. In some cases, the hat is simply a reminder of another event, such as a sporting event involving a professional team, or an activity like skiing or fishing.

Source: iVillage, http://www.ivillage.co.uk

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

Sleep In sleep the ego becomes unconscious on the physical plane in its brain -- except in the cases of dreaming; the connection between the mind and the bodily senses is quiescent and there is no direct self-conscious cognition of physical objects and events.

In short, the ego is functioning on a different plane of consciousness. On awaking, we have confused recollections of experiences of the state of imperfect sleep which fringes the waking and sleeping states, but the sleeping state is not a single state. Many planes of consciousness are enumerated, of which what we call the waking state is one.

One Hindu system has a fourfold division of consciousness into

1)    jagrat, the waking state;

2)    svapna, the dream state;

3)    sushupti, the state of dreamless sleep; and, highest,

4)    the turiya, which is relatively complete egoic or spiritual consciousness on interior planes.

From this last state of perfect awakenment, the jagrat or physical waking state is the farthest removed; what is to us the dream state (svapna) is a closer approach; and sushupti, which to us is complete loss of physical brain-mind consciousness, is actually the closest approach to the complete consciousness experienced by the ego in turiya. Turiya is the complete oblivion to the outside world, for the ego is functioning in its spiritual vehicle of consciousness.

These four distinct states of consciousness into which the human egoic self can enter, are the manifestations during imbodiment of what takes place on a more profound and radical scale at death. Sleep is a small death, and death may be called a larger sleep: in both, the ego, liberated successively form various bonds, travels inwards and upwards through different grades of consciousness and reaches the experiences proper to those planes.

Sleep is also used figuratively, in contrast with waking, to denote a state of nonmanifestation, when there is no contrast between subject and object; the term so used is relative, and sleeping on one plane may coincide with waking on another.

(See also: Sleep , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

EMPATH: a person who can feel the emotions of other animate (living) entities, such as human, plant or animal. Some include inanimate objects as well under this word. NOTE: see Psychometry: inanimate objects.

(See also: EMPATH , Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Dowsing:

The paranormal detection of underground water or mineral deposits (or lost persons and objects) using a divining rod or pendulum.

(See also: Dowsing , Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Wind

The wind in your dream could be symbolic of your own spirit or the life force. The wind may represent changes in your life. The greater the force of the wind, the grater the change. A very gusty wind could represent stress and turmoil but also the energy that you need or have to make changes. The sound of the wind and the movement of objects around you are probably what alert you to the wind in the dream, rather than a sensation of wind on your skin (most people don't have tactile experiences in their dreams). The sound of the wind is considered by some to be special because it is a sound of nature and has spiritual significance.

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

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

Bhairava:

Bhairava is the God Shiva in one of his most fearsome, terrifying aspects. In this aspect, He is said to destroy the false self. When referring to the non-differentiated essential form of Bhairava or the non-differentiated Self, tantric writers emphasize the utterly transcendent, uncreated aspect of God. In this aspect God cannot be known intellectually. He is the eternal, witnessing Subject that can never be an object of thought. Although He is the source of those attributes, which characterize created objects, He himself cannot be characterized.

 The word, Bhairava, can be derived etymologically in two different ways:

1. The syllables of the name represent the initial syllables of the Sanskrit words for projecting, maintaining, and withdrawing. In other words, the name Bhairava characterizes God's relationship with the created universe. First He projects it, then He maintains it, and finally He withdraws it back into Himself.

 2. Alternatively, the name may also be derived from two Sanskrit words, which have been joined together, i.e. the Sanskrit words for light and comprehends. According to Jaideva Singh, this derivation suggests that Bhairava is the Light of consciousness which comprehends the entire universe in His very Self.

(See also: Bhairava , Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Aura:

One or more energy fields supposedly generated by and surrounding all beings and many objects; those persons blessed with clairvoyance or other psychic talents can “read” the patterns of energy and determine information about the person or object. See Kirlian Photography.

(See also: Aura , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Thamaso ma Jyothir gamaya:

Thamaso ma Jyothir gamaya: "From darkness, lead me unto light" (SSS-II) Prasanthi Vahini: "O Lord, when the objects of the world attract me, remove the darkness which hides from me the all-pervading all constituting Atma, which every object really is."

(See also: Thamaso ma Jyothir gamaya , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

A dictionary of Parapsycology. Please note that words in grey are hyperlinked to a corresponding archive with articles related to that particular topic.

Phenomena [from Greek phainomena appearances from phainomai to appear]

The impermanent, ever-changing outward appearances of things, as opposed to onta, the permanent enduring realities behind. Also, objects of perception as opposed to objects of cognition; that which is perceived by the senses, contrasted with that which is conceived by the mind.

The word correlates with both meanings of noumena. Under the first meaning it may be said that, in one sense, everything is phenomenal except the one Reality; but the word may also be used relatively.

Under the second meaning, we may speak of phenomena as a word stressing the mechanical aspect of things, as contrasted with the unseen intelligences behind, as in the contrast between the forces of science and the intelligent noumena of which they are merely the manifestations.

In modern popular use it also denotes a supernormal event, such as an exercise of occult or magical powers, or again a portent, what the Latins would have called a prodigy.

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

rupa (ruupa): Body; physical phenomenon; sense datum. The basic meaning of this word is "appearance" or "form." It is used, however, in a number of different contexts, taking on different shades of meaning in each. In lists of the objects of the senses, it is given as the object of the sense of sight. As one of the khandha, it refers to physical phenomena or sensations (visible appearance or form being the defining characteristics of what is physical). This is also the meaning it carries when opposed to nama, or mental phenomena.

 (See also: Rupa , Buddhism, Body Mind and Soul)

A Dream Dictionary including dreams about:

Cholera, Christ , Christmas Tree, Chrysanthemum, Church, Churchyard, Churning, Cider, Cipher, Circle, Cistern , City, City Council, City Hall, Clairvoyance, Clams, Claret, Claret Cup and Punch, Clarionet, Clay , Clergyman , Climbing, Clock

For more dream interpretation, see: Dream Dictionary

For more about dreams, see: Dreams.

Karnak (Egypt, Egyptian). The ruins of the ancient temples, and palaces which now stand on the emplacement of ancient Thebes. The most magnificent representatives of the art and skill of the earliest Egyptians. A few lines quoted from Champollion, Denon and an English traveller, show most eloquently what these ruins are.

Of Karnak Champollion writes: -  "The ground covered by the mass of remaining buildings is square; and each side measures 1,800 feet. One is astounded and overcome by the grandeur of the sublime remnants, the prodigality and magnificence of workmanship to be seen everywhere. No people of ancient or modern times has conceived the art of architecture upon a scale so sublime, so grandiose as it existed among the ancient Egyptians; and the imagination, which in Europe soars far above our porticos, arrests itself and falls powerless at the foot of the hundred and forty columns of the hypostyle of Karnak! In one of its halls, the Cathedral of Notre Dame might stand and not touch the ceiling, but be considered as a small ornament in the centre of the hall."

Another writer exclaims: "Courts, halls, gateways, pillars, obelisks, monolithic figures, sculptures, long rows of sphinxes, are found in such profusion at Karnak, that the sight is too much for modern comprehension." Says Denon, the French traveller: "It is hardly possible to believe, after seeing it, in the reality of the existence of so many buildings collected together on a single point, in their dimensions, in the resolute perseverance which their construction required, and in the incalculable expenses of so much magnificence! It is necessary that the reader should fancy what is before him to be a dream, as he who views the objects themselves occasionally yields to the doubt whether he be perfectly awake. . . . There are lakes and mountains within the periphery of the sanctuary. These two edifices are selected as examples from a list next to inexhaustible. The whole valley and delta of the Nile, from the cataracts to the sea, was covered with temples, palaces, tombs, pyramids, obelisks, and pillars. The execution of the sculptures is beyond praise. The mechanical perfection with which artists wrought in granite, serpentine, breccia, and basalt, is wonderful, according to all the experts animals and plants look as good as natural, and artificial objects are beautifully sculptured; battles by sea and land, and scenes of domestic life are to be found in all their bas-reliefs."

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

Altar - A sacred space. Often a small table or shelf for sacred objects which vary by tradition

(See also: Altar , Pagan, Wicca Pagan Dictionary)

Fire-walking The ability to walk unharmed across a bed of live coals, or to handle fire and heated objects with impunity. Recently this feat has been corroborated by research. It is well known to many ordinary Oriental fakirs, tribal medicine men, sorcerers, and adepts. Some mesmerists who, with a few passes, can anesthetize a limb use the same means as the fire-walkers. While some mediums are entranced before being rendered invulnerable to fire, in Tibet and India the condition is produced consciously and at will.

In all these cases the condition results from a compression of the astral fluid already existing "about a person, so as to form an elastic shell, absolutely non-penetrable by any physical object" (IU 1:378).

Nor does ordinary heat register, as such, on astral substance. This invisible shell of compressed astral fluid also accounts for the instances where the person so protected cannot be shot. In these cases the bullets appear just beyond the muzzle of the weapon, quiver in the air, and fall to the ground, as if meeting an impenetrable barrier.

This protecting, elastic shell also explains why heavy blows and attacks with sharp instruments will make no impression upon "convulsionaries" as was shown by the historic records in the cases of the convulsionaries of St. Medard (IU 1:373-6).

(See also: Fire-walking , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)