| Alliance
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In Cao Dai, one of three periods of special divine revelation.
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| Anthroposophy
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A movement that grew out of Theosophy, which emphasizes education and other practical means for spiritual development.
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| Auditor
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In Scientology, a counselor who through a series of questions works to guide a person to greater self-understanding.
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| Bab
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A prophet who was the forerunner of Baha'u'lahm the founder of Baha'i.
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| Baha'I
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A modern theistic religion that grew out of Islam, which emphasizes unity and equality of individuals, cultures, and religions; also, a follower of the religion.
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| Baha'u'llah
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The founder of Baha'i.
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| Bard
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A first-level initiate in Druidism.
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| Bridge
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In scientology, a diagram of the stages of personal liberation.
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| Cao Dai
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A syncretic religion that began in Vietnam, which blends Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Catholic Christianity.
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| Clear
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In Scientology, the state of mental liberation.
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| CUT
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An acronym for the Church Universal and Triumphant, a religion that unites elements from Theosophy and Christianity.
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| Dreadlocks
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The long hair worn by some Rastafarians.
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| Druid
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A Celtic priest of two thousand years ago; a person who is a member of the modern re-creation of Druidism.
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| E-meter
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An electrical machine that records galvanic skin response; it is sometimes used in Scientology to assist the auditing process.
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| Engram
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In Scientology, an experience of earlier suffering (even from a past life) that keeps a person from relating healthily to the present.
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| Equinox
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The last two days of the year, in spring and autumn, when the hours of daylight and of night are equal.
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| Esbat
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The time of the full moon, often marked by a meeting or ceremony.
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| Eurhythmy
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A type of interpretive dance utilized in Anthroposophy as a technique for spiritual growth.
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| Falon Gong
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A modern Chinese religion that uses mediation and physical exercises.
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| Falun
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An invisible spiritual wheel, believed by followers of Falun Gong to spin in the abdominal region, distilling and spreading energy from the universe.
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| Loa
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A deity in Voodoo; also spelled "Iwa."
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| MEST
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It is the world of time and space, the world in which the spirits of human beings must live.
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| Neo-Paganism
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A general name for several movements that attempt to reestablish a pre-Christian European nature religion.
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| NRM
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An acronym that means "new religious movement."
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| Ocha
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In Santeria, any deity.
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| Orisha
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A general name for a deity in the Yoruba religion.
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| Oshun
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A female deity in Santeria, who is associated with love and fertility.
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| OT
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An acronym in Scientology for "operating thetan"-a fully liberated person.
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| Ovate
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A Druid at the second level of initiation.
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| Pre-clear
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A person who is not yet spiritually liberated, and who is only beginning to undergo the auditing process in Scientology.
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| Qigong
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A type of martial art.
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| Ras Tafari
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Another name for the Emperor Haile Selassie, often used by Rastafarians to emphasize his religious significance.
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| Sabbat
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One of eight seasonal turning points, marked by Neo-Pagans.
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| Samhain
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In Wicca, the end of the old year and beginning of the new, around Oct. 31.
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| Santeria
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The Yoruba-based religion that developed in Cuba.
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| Santero
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A priest of Santeria.
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| Scientology
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A modern religion that aims at focusing thought and clarifying life-goals.
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| Shango
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In Santeria, a popular god associated with lightening, thunder, and power.
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| Solstice
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The two days of the year, at mid-winter and mid-summer, when the season begins to turn into its opposite.
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| Theosophy
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An eclectic movement, particularly influenced by Hinduism, which focuses on the mystical elements of all religions.
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| thetan
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The name in Scientology for the human soul.
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| Wicca
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A Neo-Pagan movement that emphasizes feminine expressions of the divine.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education