S.E.P.I.A's Glossary of Terms
(((Terms Taken From All Over The World)))
A
Afreet: In Arabic lore, the vengeful spirit of a murdered person which arises from the victim's shed blood.
Akashic Records: Originally a Hindu concept of a vast, and ever increasing, psychic repository of every thought and
emotion - human or otherwise - which has ever been, and into which some individuals seem able to tap.
Alchemy: The exploration and application of the sciences, particularly chemistry and the pseudo science of astrology,
such as they were understood during the middle ages and early Renaissance period. Alchemists were chiefly
dedicated to the worthy pursuit of producing gold from baser metals and various materials.
Allee, John Dewey: (b. March 8, 1951) Occult author and founder of a "Satanic Church" in Salem, MA, and New
England's version of Aleister Crowley. Note: On May 1st, 2003, Dewey's organization reported he'd expired; it turns out
he's merely retired.
Alma: Russian wildman encountered in Siberia and northern China, generally described as being covered in hair and
powerfully built, though shorter in stature and more human appearing than the Yeti. Some researchers have
suggested that Almas may be decended from Neandertals (Homo Neandertalensis).
See also: Bigfoot, Yeti
Amulet: A symbol with magical significance, which is worn as a pendant or ring.
See also: Icon, Pentacle, Rune, Talisman
Angel: "Messenger of God," a celestial being, benevolent in nature and if visable, appearing in human form, and
possessing miraculous abilities such as teleportation, healing powers and knowledge of future events. There have
been accounts of angels aiding people in times of crisis throughout the ages, albeit with no real consistency to their
'modus operandi.'
Anomaly: An occurance or condition removed from ordinarily understood experience.
See also: Paranormal
Anthropomorphize: The humanocentric tendancy of imposing human perceptions and priorities upon spirits and other
wordly creatures or forces, assuming that all consciousnesses must be akin to ours on some basic levels. (This is a
logical assumption when applied to the survival instinct and perhaps to physical procreation; anything more is merely a
guess.)
Apparition: The projection or manifestation of a quasi-physical entity.
Astral Travel: Belief or theory that a person's spiritual awareness can temporarily detach itself from the physical body,
remaining connected by what is called the "silver cord," and experience things in other locations, time frames or
dimensional planes. Some refer to this as "Astral Projection" or "Mind Projection."
Atavism: Reversion to an earlier, ancestral type.
Aura-world: A reflection of our own sphere of existence, composed of the electromagnetic emanations of physical
matter, and probably influenced by thought and emotion. It is another dimensional plane proceeding from one in which
we exist.
Avatar: Hindu belief in divine incarnation.
B
Baphomet: Demon character supposedly worshiped by the Knights Templar in 14th century France. Some present day
practicioners of the black arts regard Baphomet as a "god" of lust and regeneration, or as symbolic of the Devil.
See also: Sigil of Baphomet
Banishing: Formal, ceremonial, procedure effected to cast an invisible presence or influence out from an area. This
term can refer either to a spiritual cleansing, or the closing of a magical rite, when the invoked powers are dismissed.
Bigfoot: A bulky, hair covered, bipedal humanoid which appears to possess both human and ape-like characteristics.
Also known as Sasquatch and Yeti, depending upon locale. Sightings of these creatures have for centuries been
widely reported.
Bogey(-Man): A grim spectral figure who delights in menacing mortals with rather gruesome pranks and abductions.
Although the lore of this character has degenerated into a familiar device used to threaten rambunctious shildren, the
'Bogey' was formerly soundly dreaded in Celtic regions, and was said to prowl the stretches of fields, marshes, and
moors, looking for hikers and travelers who had strayed from their paths.
C
Cabot, , Laurie: (b. 1933) Wicca spokesperson, author, and for the past thirty years, recognized as the official High
Priestess of the Witches of Salem, MA.
Carcosa: A mysterious nether region or outer-world containing the mythical lake called "Hali," which appears in the
fiction of authors Ambroce G. Bierce ("An Inhabitant of Carcosa") and Robert W. Chambers ("The King in Yellow" :
"Cassilda's Song"). There are students of arcane, mystical lore who believe that Carcosa may truly exist, which is why
it is included with this roster of terms.
Chupacabra: Spanish for Goat sucker. In Puerto Rico, for twenty some years, numerous livestock and stray pets have
been found with throats torn out, drained of blood and bearing mysterious puncture wounds. On the scene sightings of
the creature supposed responsible are exceedingly rare, and descriptions always include "glowing red eyes." Locale
and the absence of distinct tracks rule out either wolverines or monitor lizards, both of which always drag off their prey.
The most feasible suggesion is a coyote or feral dog, but again, the behavior doesn't match. Whatever is the true
culprit, Chupacabra has become a popular sensation on the island.
See also: Lurking Enigma
Construct, Psychic: It has been theorised, and experimentation has been conducted to support this premise, that
through directed psychic energies a responsive spirit-like entity can be created, continuing for a time to exist
independently.
Continuance: Commonly refered to as life-after-death, survival of the psyche post cessation of the biological organism
which had generated it.
Cleansing (Psychic): A less ritualized fom of exorcism, where-in a dwelling or site is purified and malevolent influences
are banished through prayers, spoken as the petitioner moves through the area.
Crop Circles: During the past three centuries, throughout the British Isles but with a particular concentration in the
southern region of England, circular impressions spanning sometimes several hundred feet in diameter and often quite
intricate in design, have frequently nd inexplicably been appearing overnight in wheat and grain fields. Sometimes the
source can be traced to haoxters; sometimes the details do not allow for any satisfactory, mundane explanation. Much
documentation, as well as speculation, regarding this topic is available.
Crowley, Aleister (Edward Alexander): (b. 1875, d.1947) Scottish-born occultist, metaphysician, sorcerer, adventurer,
poet and author of many occult treatises and manuals, including 'Magick In Theory And Practice.' Crowley oncec
dubbed himself "The Greaat Beast 666," one of the few of his many monikers which stayed with him, and the press
refered to him as "The Wickedest Man in the World." Although in some respects brilliant, Crowley gave himself over to
excess, amorality and eventual dissipation. His writings are still studied and analyzed by many present day, serious
students of the magic(k)al arts.
Crypto-zoology: The branch of paranormal research which deals with the exploration of legendary creatures such as
Bigfoot, lake and sea monsters, thunderbirds, etc. It should be noted that the Giant Squid (the "Kraken"), orangutans
(the "Red Men of the Forest"), Komodo Dragons and gigantic Nepalese elephants all were formerly included in the
roster of fabled creatures!
Crystal Skulls: Five human skull models, exquisitely crafted in antiquity from solid quartz crystal, have been found in
various locations throughout Latin America, the best known of these being the 'Mitchell-Hedges Skull,' discovered in
1924 in the Balese Jungle of Labuton by Anna Mitchell-Hedges while on an expidition with her father, and still in her
possession in Canada. The others are kept in collections in Guadamala, Texas, the Smithsonian and the British
Museum. Mayan legend tells that eight more crystal skulls remain, and that by the time all thirteen are united, mankind
will have learned how to extract and decipher the vital information, history and revelations, which they contain.
C'thulu: A creation of author H.P. Lovecraft and a favorite of horror/science fiction enthusiasts, C'thulu' (pronunciation
is interpretive) is described as a kind of demon-god from another world, a monstrosity resembling a gigantic squid or
octopus who "sleeps and dreams" in his lair at the bottom of the Arctic ocean, biding his time until some foolhardy
"diciples" find means to call him to rise and reclaim dominion of the earth. Doubtlessly, some are actually trying! See
also: H.P. Lovecraft and Necronomicon.
D
Dee, Doctor John: (b. 1527, d. 1608) Alchemist, astrologer, seer and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I of England who,
along with his somewhat unscrupulous associate Edward Kelly, supposedly devised a method of deciphering an
angelic language, known as the "Enochian Calls."
Demon: Hostile and resentful entity, supposedly of non-human origin, which some believe to be "fallen (from grace)
angels." [Read More]
Doppelganger: German for "Double-goer." A person's duplicate or identical counterpart, seen as a result of
bi-locational or astral travel. This phenomenon has been overshadowed by the more modern (and viable) concept of
cloning, with its speculative ramifications.
Druid: A Celtic priest of the Bronze or Iron Age, trained in healing, divination and astronomy, whose tradition was
passed on to successors by oral tradition.
E
Ectoplasm: A filmy, quasi-solid substance which supposedly issues from the bodies of mediums (from the mouth,
nostrils, eyes, ears, navel or nipples) during trance states. In photographs, this phenomenon seems to resemble
soaked muslin fabric. Whether or not it has ever been genuine, curiously, virtually no ectoplasm has been reported in
the past fifty years.
Elementals: In magical tradition and ceremony, spirits which govern the four corners of the earth and are associated
with, or reside within, the four basic elements. They are called Sylphs (the east, air), Salamanders (the south, fire),
Undines (the west, water), and Gnomes (the north, earth). Check out our Nature Spirit Dept.
Empath: An individual who is particularly sensative to the psychic emanations of his or her surroundings, even to a
degree of telepathically receiving and experiencing the emotions of others in their proximity. Obviously, psychic
empathy can be regarded as a mixed blessing, and the empath must learn to gain a measure of control over this ability.
Enochian: A magical, "angelic" language first translated by Dr. John Dee, and used in the rituals of both the "Hermetic
Order of the Golden Dawn" in the 19th century and the "First Church of Satan" in the 20th century.
See also: Dee, Doctor John
Entity: A disembodied "consciousness" commonly referred to as ghost, spirit or (if of an apparently malicious or
resentful nature) demon.
Entropy: The observation that everything in the material Universe will eventually, inevitably wind-down, burn-out, fall
apart ... well, I'm sure you get the (dismal) picture.
E.V.P: 'Electronic Voice Phenomena.' Disembodied "voices" and sounds imprinted on audio recording devices.
Exorcism: Ceremonial expulsion of invading spiritual/demonic entities from a person or dwelling, present in virtually
every worldly culture. The Jewish and Catholic Christian faiths each have a formal 'Rite of Exorcism' to be conducted
by the respective Rabbi or Priest.
Extra-terrestrials: Life forms originating on planets other than our own. This term usually refers to highly advanced
visitors from other worlds, who journey to our sphere in space crafts with the probable intention of observing and
studying our species.
F
Faustus, Doctor Johann: (b. circa 1455, d. 1540) Scholar, physician and alchemist from Wittenburg, Germany, who
was renown for his proficiency in treating victims of the plague contagion (to which the Doctor semed strangely
resistant), and the basis for the stories by Johann Wolfgang Goethe and Christopher Marlowe about a learned man
who sold his oul to the devil through his infernal agent Mephistopheles in exchange for "four and twenty years" of
knowledge, youth and power.
Fetch: A spectral double of a living person.
See also: Doppelganger and Wraith
Fetish: Aside from the modern sexual connotation, a fetish is a shamanistic tool in the form of a figurine, animal part or
a pouch containing items with magical associations.
Floating Orb: Spherical image, usually translucent white, though sometimes of a reddish or bluish hue, which
inexplicably registers on photographic film and videotape, also known as "Globule."
G
Ghost: The image of a person witnessed after his/her death, reflecting the appearance of the living, physical body yet
less substantial. These forms often seem to exist in a dream-like state of semi-awareness, at times though not always
cognizant of their human observers.
Globule: An anomaly where-in floating, circular forms appear on photographs or videotape, which seem indicative of
spirit activity. Globes are a natural containment formation of the miniscus of liquid, as in gas containing bubbles;
perhaps the interaction of energy and a quasi-physical substance produced by spiritual manifestations results in a
similar effect, the globules being an initial containment of energy. Presently, all we know is that they continue to
appear, and extraneous possible causes such as moisture, light refraction or emulsion seepage, etc., have been
considered and ruled out.
Golden-rod: A rare anomaly seen in videotape recorded at the site of a suspected haunting, appearing as bright, white
or yellowish lines rapidly moving across a room.
See Also: Globule, Vortex
Grey: The most frequently reported visitor from an alien world, described as having greyish skin, a bulbous cranium,
tapered chin, straight, unmoving, horitontal line for a mouth, slits substituting for a nose, slanted eyes, and a slight
body. In some accounts, it has three fingers plus an opposable thumb on each hand. Supposedly, such beings were
encountered by Betty and (the late) Barney Hill during their abduction in NewHampshire in september, 1961.
See Also: Apparition
H
Hallowe'en: 'The Eve of All Hallows,' also known by Pagan Celts and Wiccans as 'Samhain' (pronounced, 'Sow'-an'),
October 31, the night preceeding the Catholic Church's 'All Saints Day.' For a millenium, in much of Europe and the
British Isles, this was held to be the night when departed relatives were especially remembered, and the veil separating
the realms of the living and the dead was rendered thinner than usual. Jack-o' lanterns were placed on stoops and
window-sills to frightened off malicious spirits. Hallowe'en is presently celebrated as a night of revels and
masquerading, and in Mexico it is part of a traditional annual festival known as 'El Dia De Los Muertos' ('The Day of
the Dead').
Haunting: The manifestation of a ghostly presence, or presences, attached to a specific locale. Hauntings can be
categorized into four (usually) distinct types, these being Intelligent (responsive), Poltergeist (likely initiated by pent-up
stress on a subconcious level), Residual (replay) and Demonic (non-human origin).
See also "Infestation."
Hex: A magical working, or "spell," cast to influence a person's will or fate, most often refering to a curse rather than a
blessing or healing.
Hobgoblin: Mischievous sprite (fairy, spirit) who delights in perpetrating pranks upon hapless humans, once widely
believed in and dreaded throughout Europe and Celtic regions. (Caution: It is theorized that these diminuative
denizens of the netherworld will, upon occasion, interfere in psychic investigations by devices such as misplacing
directions and telephone numbers, draining flashlight and camera batteries, and even pulling keys right out of
investigators' pockets!) I assume that anyone who reads the preceeding caution will realize it is farcical!
Homunculus: A form of miniature human supposedly produced (for purposes unknown) in the laboratories of medieval
alchemists.
See also: Alchemy
Hypnosis: A state of profound mental focus, actually self-induced although an external agent - a "hypnotist" - often
acts as the catalyst, or director, for the subject entering this state. Also known as "Mesmerism" after Franz Anton
Mesmer who first popularized this practice (utilizing magnets as his props) during the last two decades of the 18th
century. As concerns paranormal investigation, hypnosis is sometimes used as a vehicle for "past lives regression"
and memory restoration in suspected (alien?) abduction cases.
I
Icon: A rendering or image of particular (often religious) significance.
Imbolc: In the Wiccan calendar, February 2nd is celebrated as the day when winter's end is in sight, and the return of
the sunn's warmth is anticipated. Also known as Candlemas and the familiar Ground Hog Day.
See also: Wicca
Incubus: Stemming from medieval lore, a demonic entity capable of sexually arousing and sometimes assaulting
human females. Cases of apparent incubus attacks continue to be documented, suggesting a germ of reality behind
the myth.
Infestation: Repeated and persistent paranormal phenomena, generally centered around a particular location or
person(s). Also known as a haunting.
Influence: An invisible entity of undetermined nature, effecting the inhabitants of a dwelling. This may initially manifest
as an inexplicable feeling of uneasiness, then be followed by more definite signs which reveal a haunting.
J
Jersey Devil: In the Pine Barrens region of northern New Jersey and New York, for more than two and a half centuries
there have been reports of a very strange and singular creature described as having an equine head, glowing,
reddish eyes, stork's legs, forelimbs with claw-bearing paws, a pointed tail and membranous, bat-like wings. It emits a
shrill, piercing scream, and has been sighted rifling through garbage, standing in paths and roads, and flying just
above the tree tops. One rather indistinct photo of this Jersey Devil has produced, but to the best of my knowledge, no
one has yet recorded its ear-splitting cry.
See also: Lurking Enigma
K
Kirlian Photography: Named after Semyon Kirlian who, in 1939, discovered - reportedly by accident - that when an
organic or nonliving object is placed upon a photographic plate and subjected to a high electric current, a glowing
"aura" forms around the object and is imprinted on the film. It is more accurate to say that rather than revealing a
natural aura, this process produces such. However, fluctuations in the magnetic fields surrounnding the subjects can
be detected in this way, and Kirlian photogrgaphy, the technique having been improved upon through the years, has
recently come into use as a medical diagnostic devicec. It also has a popular market at psychic fairs as a sort of
high-tech, more expansive version of the mood ring. Kirlian photography does produce some beautiful and interesting
effects.
L
LaVey, Anton Szandor: (b. April 23, 1930, d. Oct. 29, 1997) Birth name was Howard Stanton Levey. One of the major
figures of the occult revival of the 1960's and 70's. Charismatic and self-promoting, LaVey formed the 'First Church of
Satan' in 1966 and his 'The Satanic Bible' was published by Avon Books in 1968. LaVey's version of Satan was
allegorical, symbolizing "the Spirit of Rebellion" as well as an unknown, , but potentially implementable "force of
nature." The ceremonies he devised were entertaining psychodrama, and his Satanic philosophy was based on
rational self-interest, albeit with overtly diabolical trappings.
Lepke: A very unique and interesting type of spiritual manifestation, a ghost which has the appearance of a solid, living
person, may even converse with someone, then suddenly vanishes. "We were talking, I turned to face her again, and
she was just gone!" Such apparitions are most often reported to have been encountered within, or immediately outside
of cemeteries.
Levitation: A phenomenon sometimes encountered in hauntings, particularly with Poltergeists, rare yet credibly
reported, where solid objects (including persons) are moved and lifted by an unseen force. The first historcally
documented occurance was that of St. Francis of Assisi in the 14th century.
Lilith: Devil of Sumerian origin and later included in Hebrew beliefs, believed by Quabbalists to have been the first wife
of Adam, later excluded from the Talmud, and held by some occultists to be a vampire goddess and a powerful
succubus.
See also: Succubus, Vampire
Lore: Collective beliefs and legendry relating to a subject, as in "vampire lore".
Lovecraft, Howard Phillips "H.P.": (b. 1890, d. 1937) Horror fiction writer from Providence, Rhode Island, whose prose
apparently is so haunting and convincing that some present day cults practice rituals based on what is termed as
Lovecraft's "C'thulu Mythos."
See also: C'thulu and Necronomicon
Lucifer: Name taken from the Latin "luci" (light) and "fere" (to bear), originally a Roman lesser deity, "Son of the
Morning," formerly the name for the planet Venus when observed at dawn, in Christian theology identified with the
Devil: arch regent of fallen angels. Lucifer is sometimes called upon in pagan ceremonies and rituals. (See also Satan)
Lurking Enigma: "Lurk" means to furtively move about, and I can think of no more appropriate term to describe this
phenomenon - a type of entity which can be visable to human observers, yet appears in distorted, unidentifiable forms.
Common traits reported by witnesses include glowing red or silver eyes, dark color (fur or feathers), startling speed
and agility, in some cases winged and capable of flight, as with the 'Jersey Devil.' Although such nebulous creatures
seem to mean us no harm, encounters with them can be terrifying, and provoke much curiousity. As one would expect,
they are extremely elusive.
Lycanthrope: A person who projects a frenzied display of their innate savagery for periodic episodes, believing
themselves to be overcome by the spirit of a beast.
M
Magic: The practice of directing psychic ability, or "supernatural" forces to effect changes and fulfill desires. Many
modern practitioners have adobted the archaic spelling of magick, in the tradition of author and occultist, Aleister
Crowley (b. 1871, d. 1947).
Manzee: Hypothesized hybrid of Homo sapiens (human) and pan troglodyte (chimpanzee), also referred to as a
"sport". A disturbing notion, is it not?
See also: Cryptozoology
Metaphysics: Said to have been instituted by Aristotle, the line of philosophical thought which seeks the "why and
wherefore," the intrinsic meaning of existence and human endeavor.
Miracle: A wonderous and beneficial event, apparently brought about by supernatural/divine agent.
Materialization: A ghost appearing visually, suddenly or gradually, sometimes indistinct, sometimes seemingly quite
solid.
Matrixing: The natural tendancy for the human mind to interpret sensory input, what is perceived visually, audibly or
tactiley, as something familiar or more easily understood and accepted, in effect mentally "filling in the blanks."
Moon Madness: As the Lunar cycle waxes to its full point, incidents of psychotic behavior, violence and crime seem to
escalate. To a lesser degree, the phase of the New Moon seems correlated to a rash of abnormal behavior. Current
understanding of human psychology and physiology refutes the observation that our moon can exert significant
influence on the human mind, 'though statistics support it. (Hence the term "lunatic" for crazy person.) Naturally, it is
during the nights of the full Moon when cult activities will be at their zenith. Also, there are those pesky werewolves to
contend with!
Mumiai: Native American Indian spirit which behaves in the manner of a Poltergeist.
See also: Poltergeist
N
Nanteos Cup: During the Reformation in the 1520's, when King Henry VIII ordered the closing and destruction of
England's Catholic monasteries, the monks of Glastonbury Abbey bequeathed a small, unassuming vessel made of
olive wood to the stewardship of a certain family in Wales, saying only that it was their greatest treasure. The remnant
of this bowl is now in the keeping of the last living member of this family. Many believe this to be the actual 'Holy Grail,'
the cup of which Christ partook at the Last Supper, and whice, the legend tells us, was conveyed to Cornwall in A.D.
37 by Joseph of Arithamathea (who, as a prosperous tin merchant, would have been familiar with this trade route).
Healings have been attributed to the Nanteos Cup.
Nazca Lines: In the Nazca Valley of southern Peru are etched enormous tracings of figures of a club wielding man, a
plendid spider, a horse, a duck and other figures. Estimated to have been painstakingly etched into the rocky soul
more than a millenia ago, these enigmatic representations can be beheld in their entirety only from an arial viewpoint
(by ancient, sub-equatorial balloonists. perhaps?).
Necromancy: The practice of communicating with the dead to obtain knowledge of the future, others' secrets, etc. An
archaic term, the necromancer was said to employ magic spells and conjuration to summon, then banish, the spirits of
the dead.
Necronomicon: A grimoire (that is, collection) of ancient sigils and incantations of nebulous origins, discovered in the
8th century by the "Mad Arab," Abdul Alhazred, said to be capable of opening a chasm to the "Dread Dimension" and
unleashing the wrathful power of the timeless "Elder Gods." Although some occultists believe this tome to be at least
derived from genuine (and nefarious) sources, we are fairly confident that it sprang from the fiction of Providence,
Rhode Island-born horror author, Howard Phillips (H.P.) Lovecraft (b. 1890, d. 1937).
Necronomicon Spellbook: A toned-down, elegantly printed companion book to the 'Necronomicon,' also by Avon Books.
Nexus: The transitional, or joining point connecting physical matter (which, in a sense, is energy condensed) and pure
energy, and containing properties of both definites, i.e. the physical brain producing a mind through its network of
dendrites and firing axions, or the body's connection to the spirit. The concept of the Nexus is the basis for much
conjecture and postulating.
Non-religionist: A materialist, one who embraces no formal religious beliefs; a more descriptive term than atheist or
agnostic.
Nosferatu: Slavic, old world term for vampire, meaning "undead."
O
Oracle: A prophet, seer and visionary, especially one of renown. Also, a special device whice aids in prognostication,
such as a crystal ball. (i.e. "The Mystifying Oracle" of William Fuld's Ouija Board.)
Oui-ja (Board): A divining implement consisting of a small, round or more often rectangular platform with letters,
numbers and various symbols printed upon it, and a "plancette" which, when the fingers of two participants are lightly
placed along its edges, is intended to glide across the smooth surface of the inscribed platform and indicate
messages. Conceived of as a parlour game in the wake of popular spiritualism, this is potentially a very dangerous tool
for inviting in unpredictable, invasive forces. Experienced researchers vehemently advise against their usage.
P
Pact: The belief, prevalent in the late middle ages through the Renaissance, that someone could trade his or her soul
in return for wordly gain.
See also: Faustus, Doctor Johann
Paranormal: The realm of occurances and phenomena removed from those to which people are accustomed and
comprehend, and presently uncategorized by standard academia.
Parapsychology: The avenue of paranormal studies and research relating chiefly to psychic abilities (e.s.p., telepathy)
and spiritual phenomena.
Pentacle/Pentagram: The traditional five-pointed star design, with its interior pentagon dilineated, generally
representing both spirituality and protection when point "up"; when inverted, it is said to signify diabolism.
Phantom Lights: Sometimes they can be attributed to blue methane flame produced by swamp gas, or electrical
discharges in the form of what is termed ball lightning or perhaps even misplaced fireflies. Yet, in other instances, the
phenomenon of floating lights observed over water, the edge of woods, , lonely backroads and in the windows of
darkened houses just can't be dismissed by ordinary explanations. These might be globules which coalesce and
intensify in luminosity to the point where they become visible in dark surroundings.
Philosopher's Stone: A wonderous beacon of sublime wisdom and awesome revelation, a powerful conjurer's device,
perhaps even an extraterrestrial gem encoded with unimagined, otherworldly knowledge. For centuries alchemists,
mystics, learned men and seekers of truth questted for the fabled Philosopher's Stone, ,not really knowing where or
even precisely what it was. Oncee obtained, it would impart the wisdom of the world and of the angels. Should this
actually exist and is in someone's possession, ,it may well be regarded as one more enigmatic artifact, since it is
unlikely to include instructions!
Poltergiest: German for "noisy ghost." This is an extremely rare occurance wherein random objects are moved and
sounds produced by an unseen force, the sole purpose of which seems to be to draw attention to itself. The
phenomenon always involves a specific individual, frequently a child or adolescent. [Read More]
Possession: Invasion of the human mind by a spiritual or demonic entity, where the invading agent for a span of time,
influences or entirely subverts the personality of the human host. It is in these instances that the boundaries of
psychology, religion and spiritualism are rendered less distinct.
Precognition: The psychic perception of future events or conditions.
Psychic: Relating to the psyche, of the mind or soul, rather than the mundane. Psychic is the most familiar and
bandied-about term encountered in paranormal research ( "a psychic," "psychic investigation," etc.).
Psychic Vampire: This is a term for individuals who seem to instinctively draw and absorb the psychic energies from
others, usually while conversing with (or at) them.
Psychokinesis: A psychic pnemomenon where-in opjects are remotely inprinted or displaced and moved around, solely
by the powers of the mind (psychic force).
Q
Quabbala (also Cabbala, Kabbala): A very ancient and complex system of Jewish mysticism, probably influenced by
Assyrian-Babylonian and Macedonian beliefs and existing as the basis of an underground cult during much of the
middle ages.
R
Radiant Child: The apparition of a child which is seen glowing or surrounded by a bright aura.
Regents: In medieval Eurpean lore, chief spirits who preside over the four regions of the earth: 'Oriens' is Regent of
the east, 'Amemon' is Regent of the south, 'Boul' is Regent of the west, 'Eltzen' is Regent of the north.
Reincarnation: The belief that a person's soul will, following bodily death, inhabit a new body in a long cycle of rebirths,
purportedly for the soul's evolution through gaining experience.
Residual (Haunting): Psychic imprint of a scene which is repeatedly played out, where the witness of such
phenomenon essentially is peering into the past. The ghostly participants of these time-displacements often seem
unaware of their living observers. (Read more about Residual Hauntings Here.)
Retrocognition: The psychic perception of past events or conditions.
Revenant: An entity which projects an appearance of being distressed or misplaced.
Rune: An archaic character inscribed upon a stone or clay tablet, signifying some virtue or property, as with the Norse
Runes, and used for divination and as a talisman.
S
Sanguinor: A person exhibiting vampiric tendancies (the desire to ingest blood) and attributes. These may be either
contrived or pathological.
Satan: Hebraic term for "Adversary," the "Tester" in the Biblical Book of Job, the most familiar name of the Devil, the
"Falled Angel" and the "Evil One." Investigators sometimes come across evidence of the activities of Satanic cults, who
perform animal sacrifices and apparently believe that desecrations and obscenities are devotions to their dark lord.
Séance: A group effort to contact the spirit world. In standardized format, the lighting of the chamber in which the
séance is conducted is subdued, and the participants sit around the table, either holding hands or with hands palm
down, flat against the table's surface and with fingertips touching those of the adjacent partners. A candle generally is
set on the center of the table. The appointed director or "medium" addresses the spirit(s) with whom contact is sought,
and then it's "We await a sign..." TAPS Note: We do not endorse the use of séances.
Shade: An entity resembling a once-living being (human or animal).
Shaman: A tribal priest who, following much preparation and rite of initiation, uses the forces of magic to effect
healings and divinations.
Shuck: ('Black Shuck,' 'Old Shuck') A phantom black dog with glowing yellow eyes. Hikers in the British Isles who
encounter this spectral creature by lonely roadsides and paths are said to be doomed to die within a year of the
sighting. It is from this legend that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for his Sherlock Holmes adventure, 'The
Hound of the Baskervilles' (1902).
Sidhe: (pronounced Shee) Irish term for Fairy folk, the "little people" who sequester themselves in woodlands and
caverns.
See also: TAPS Nature Spirit Dept.
Sigil of Baphomet: Leit-motif if Satanism, this emblem is composed of an inverted pentagram containing a goat head,
ancompassed by two, concentric circles, in between which are placed five Hebriac characters.
Signet: A ring bearing a personal or family emblem.
Silky: A female ghost which is attired in a rustling silk garment (sometimes seen, other times just heard) and performs
domestic chores for a household after the occupants have retired for the night.
Spirit: Existence apart from, or transcending, the purely physical; also, the life-force of an organism. A spirit commonly
refers to a ghost.
Spirit Rescue: Attempting contact with entities, intended to alleviate the entities' distress and aid them in the resolution
of their conflicts, and in "crossing over" to a higher, spiritual plane.
Spook: Benevolent spirit exclusively of America which comes from the legends of the Red Indians.
Spunkies: The sad spirits of unnamed, unchristened or unbaptized children, believed by old Gaelic and English
tradition to wander country roads in search of someone who will name them.
Stigmata: Persons have been observed periodically bleeding from points on their bodies corresponding to the wounds
of the Crucifixtion. Although the physiological mechanisms which produce this effect are not understood, it is
apparently and externalization of religious fervor. Stigmata has been thought to be an indication of sanctity. St. Francis
of Assisi was said to have displayed the stigmatic bleeding, and the best documented case is that of Padre Pio (b.
1887, d. 1968).
Succubus: "Female" counterpart of the incubus, a demonic entity said to inspire lust in men (and most
inconveniently!), sometimes capable of physically attacking and inflicting injuries (bruises & slashes). Following a
nocturnal visitation from a succubus, the human victim will always feel ill and depleted of vitality, and inexplicably
"un-clean."
Synchronicity: Unexplained system of causal interaction which binds together events, actions and thought, manifesting
as uncanny coincidences. Term for and existence of this phenomenon was first proposed by pioneering
psycho-analyst, Carl Gustav Jung (a contemporary of Sigmund Freud). Synchronicity indicates there is more to the
Universe than our understanding of simple cause and effect, and that the subtleties of the mind and matter are
somehow interconnected.
T
Table-tipping: An experiment in psychokenisis which can fairly easily be replicated. Three or four participants lightly
place their fingers along the edges of a small table top, then in unison chant "table move, table move..." With sufficient
cooperation and concentration, and after several minuntes of chanting, the table shouold start to wobble, pivot on its
legs and possibly even lead the participants on a scurry about the room.
Talisman: A design or inscription that is worn, carried or displayed, for the purpose of invoking strength, power,
protection or the aid of spirits.
Tash: Irish name for a ghost which can appear in either human or animal form. Also called Thevshi.
Telekenisis: A psychic phenomenon where-in objects are remotely displaced and moved around, solely by the powers
of the mind.
Thought Transference: Telepathic transmitting of images and messages from the mind of one person to that of
another.
Thunderbird: Prevalent among the Amer-Indian peoples, particularly the Algonquin and Cheyene, are legends telling
of immense birds, and raging storms that would come in their wake. Interestingly, reported sightings of birds of truly
monstrous proportions persist, most frequently through the vicinity of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Mexico. In
the Miocene era, approximately eight to ten million years ago, a species of bird, discovered in only 1979 and dubbed
"Argentaevis Magnificens," (which means 'Magnificent Bird of Argentina') soared through South American skies, with a
wing-span of 25 feet and weighing perhaps 200 lbs! Just maybe...?
Time-displacement: The experience of a time span separate from the native time span of the observer. The
phenomenon is sometimes merely viewed and not participated in; sometimes a person seems to actually time-travel to
another era.
U
Ultra-terrestrials: Beings who appear human and visit our plane of existence with some form of message or mission,
then inexplicably vanish. Speculation abounds!
V
Vampire: A demonic (?) entity in the form of a deseased person, which perpetuates itself by draining the blood or
psychic energy of the living.
Voodoo: African magic traditions with a veneer of imposed Catholicism from the new world, taking root in the
Carribean, particularly the dark populous of Haiti. Similarities in origin and practices exist in the beliefs of 'Obia'
(Jamaica) and 'Santeria' (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic).
Vortex: pl. Vortexes or Vortices. An anomaly which sometimes shows up in still photographs taken at the site of a
suspected haunting, appearing as a transluscent white, tube or funnel shaped mass. Some researchers believe this
may be a porthole to the spirit realm.
See Also: Golden-rod, Globule
Vorthr: Norse guardian spirit. This name is the source of the word Wraith.
W
Warlock: Term originally meant "deceiver" or " one who misleads," in more modern parlance has become associated
with a male witch.
Werewolf: (Old/Middle English word for man = were) A human being capable of transforming into the form of a wolf (or
any variety of animals), then back to human; sometimes refered to as a "Shape-Shifter." See also "Lycanthrope"
Wicca: Witchcraft as a recognized religion, the practicioners of which refer to their system as, "The Old Way" and "The
Ancient Religion." Wiccans in their rituals align themselves with elementals and the earth's natural magnetic fields,
personified by the names of ancient Greek, Egyptian and Sumerian deities.
Witch: Broadly, a practitioner of the magic arts, spec. a woman who employs charms, herbs and incantations to effect
the workings of her will. Also, a practitioner of the Wicca craft.
Wizard: A male sorcerer and conjurer who is especially adept and experienced in his craft.
Wraith/Wrayth: The image of a person appearing shortly before or after his or her death; term can also be applied to a
ghost.
See also: Apparition, Ghost
X
Xenobiology: From the Greek word "Xeno" = strange, the observation/speculation of the biology of very uncommon or
unverified creatures. This term has usage in the research categories of cryptozoology and otherworldly aliens.
Xenophobia: A pronounced aversion to people, or beings, of foreign origins.
Y
Yaweh: (ronounced "Yah-vay") According to ancient Hebrew and Quaballistic teaching, the name of God abbbreviated
to "YHWH," (in Hebrew, pronounced "Yud-hey vav hey"), which is the Tetragammaton, whence is derived "Jehova." It
was deemed forbidden to pronounce, or even seek to learn, the full, true name of the Absolute. (The more
archeological evidence uncovered which tends to support Biblical accounts, the more arises suggestion and
speculation that, approx. 3,000 years ago, a powerful extra-terrestrial presence took a particular interest in a nomadic,
mercantile, tribal group of desert dwellers who would come to be known as the Israelites, the "People of God.")
Yeti: A legendary creature of Tibet's Himalayan Mountains region, an anthropoid with both human and ape
characteristics, the "Abominable Snow Man." As with its western counterpart, the Sasquatch or Bigfoot, credible
witnesses have reported sightings and numerous tracks have been found, but photographs and purported bodily
remnants of the creature remain inconclusive.
Z
Zarcanor - A malevolent spirit which attacks people while they're asleep, inspiring nightmares, and sometimes even
inflicting minor injuries such as scratches, bruises and what appear to be finger marks. The name is possibly of Slavic
origin.
Zephyr: Spirit bourne upon, governing, or manifesting as the western wind.
Zombie: Prevelent in Haitian lore, a cadaver disintered shortly after burial (ere it spoils) and reanimated through the
use of Voodoo, its sole purpose thereafter being servitude as a mindless slave. Combine secret pharmaceuticals
inducing simulated death with oxygen deprivation in a tomb, then a hasty exhumation in the dark of night, and there
emerges the horrid premise behind the myth.
Zoomorphism: Representation of a deity or devil with animal attributes.
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