taoseñoresident of Taos, New Mexico; pertaining to Taos, New Mexico, USA. Also: taoseña (feminine resident, or feminine descriptor of Taos). [Spanish]
Tara“savior,” “star;” Hindu/Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Wisdom; Great Mother. Worshipped by Tibetan, Mongolian, and Nepali Buddhists, she is considered the feminine aspect of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara who carries out the work of protecting and helping humanity. She is said to be born from Avalokiteshvara’s tears of compassion or from her own vow to be enlightened and stay in a woman’s form. [Sanskrit: ; Tibetan: , Dölma]
tarota deck of cards used for fortune-telling. Traditionally a deck consists of 78 cards: 4 suits (cups/hearts, pentacles/coins, wands/batons, swords/spades) of 14 cards each (the Minor Arcana), and 22 other cards (the Major Arcana). From the mid-15th century in Europe, the Tarot was played in card games, but the archetypal imagery of the Tarot was increasingly interpreted by mystics for divination.
telluricof the Earth; terrestrial; from the soil; pertaining to Planet Earth
templotemple [Spanish]
TerranEarthling, native of Earth, human (in contrast to extraterrestrials). Also: Gaian
tetrahedron a polyhedron with four faces, which are triangles; pyramid with a triangular base.
– double tetrahedron: two interpenetrating tetrahedrons, a form of sacred geometry that is foundational to how energy manifests into matter. The first cells of an organism will form a double tetrahedron before differentiating to build tissues or organs. In the merkaba, one (“masculine”) tetrahedron points up and rotates clockwise, and one (“feminine”) tetrahedron points down and rotates counterclockwise, drawing energy from the universe and the Earth, respectively. The merkaba/star tetrahedron demonstrates that two opposite but complementary halves can exist in perfect equilibrium. Some meditators visualize themselves inside the rotating merkaba, a “divine light vehicle,” which allegedly facilitates interdimensional travel.
thali“platter;” an Indian or Nepalese meal made up of several small bowls arranged around a platter of rice. The bowls of vegetables, spicy sauces, dal (bean stew), chutney or pickle, yogurt, fried breads, and dessert ideally present the six different flavors of sweet, salt, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy on one single plate. [Hindi: थाली, Tamil: தட்டு, Nepali: थाली] Also: thalli
thangkaVajrayana (Tantric/Tibetan) Buddhist devotional image painted on silk, with embroidery. Usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala, it is the object of contemplative practice. [Tibetan: ཐང་ཀ] Also: tangka, thanka or tanka.
theospherespiritual domain. In Integral philosophy, Ken Wilber describes the impulse of evolution moving through the physiosphere (living cosmos), the biosphere (developing life forms), the noosphere (interacting minds), and the theosphere (evolving spirit). Each succeeding domain transcends and includes the previous one(s). For example, the biosphere of plants and animals includes and expands upon the physiosphere of elements and minerals. When people encounter the archetypes – whether as deity, angel, nature spirit, totem animal, or spirit of an ancestor – they are interacting with the theosphere. Teilhard de Chardin proposed that the whole purpose of evolution was to reach what he called the Omega Point, where humanity would embody God. Eastern sages, such as Ramana Maharshi, taught that self-realization was to become aware of the self as Self or the Divine.
tipia conical tent traditionally made of animal skins and wooden poles used by Native American tribes of the Great Plains. Also tepee, teepee. [Lakota]
Tiwaone of the Pueblo Indian tribes residing in the American Southwest. It was in New Mexico in 1540 that the Tiwa welcomed Spanish Conquistador Coronado, who found them growing corn, beans and various melons, as well as hunting local game, and making robes of skins, feathers and cotton. Before long, however, the Spaniards murdered them and subjugated the survivors. Taos Pueblo inhabitants still speak the Tiwa language. Also Tigua. [Spanish]
torus3D shape made by revolving a circle about an axis that is in the same plane as the circle. It usually looks like a ring, inner tube, or hollow doughnut.
More accurately, it is a process. The torus depicts how energy flows in the most balanced way. Energy flows into the “top” vortex, through the central axis, out the “bottom” vortex, and then wraps around itself to return to the first incoming vortex. The center point of the torus is a singularity of perfect balance and stillness.
Toroidal energy fields can be observed fractally, from the subatomic to galactic scales: how an apple grows, how hurricanes spin, how the Earth’s magnetic field flows, how galaxies spiral. “In this way we can see that there is a seamlessly dynamic exchange of energy and information (a.k.a. consciousness) occurring throughout the entire cosmic experience. It is like a “stepping down” and “stepping up” from level to level wherein the balance of energy dynamics comes into coherence appropriate to each scale.” – Marshall Lefferts/cosmometry.net
totem“mark of my family;” a natural object/animal/plant assumed as the symbol of a clan, family, or group in traditional cultures. The spirit being, sacred object, or emblem was often carved or painted to evoke the group’s ancestry. [Ojibwa]
toutperson who solicits business in a persistent or direct way, often in public streets
transgender a gender outside of the man/woman binary; someone whose determination of their sex and/or gender is not universally considered valid; someone whose behavior or expression does not match their assigned sex according to society.
transhumanisma movement working to transform the human race by using science and technology to evolve it beyond its current physical and mental limitations. Many transhumanists believe that by rationally developing AI (artificial intelligence) and genetic technologies, we may become posthumans not subject to illness, suffering, mental debilities, or death. See also: AI
Trimurti“three-form;” Hindu concept of the three-fold nature of the Kosmos, consisting of the principles of creation, maintenance, and destruction. The Hindu Holy Trinity of deities (gods/goddesses) consists of Brahma/Sarasvati, Vishnu/Lakshmi, and Shiva/Kali. [Sanskrit: त्रिमूर्ति]
tutuaffectionate term for grandparent or elder. Tutu Pele = Grandmother Pele. [Hawaiian]
tweena young person, generally between 10 and 12 years of age, considered too old to be a child and too young to be a teenager.
ujjayi“victorious breath;” yogic breathing pattern using the diaphragm and the nose for equal inhalations and exhalations. The yogic practitioner creates a rushing sound with the breath (it is also-called “the ocean breath”), and receives the benefits of its calming and balancing effects. [Sanskrit: उज्जायी] See also: pranayama
vagina dentata“toothed vagina;” female genitalia with teeth. This frightening archetypal image from worldwide folktales, dreams, and art, implies injury, emasculation, or castration of the male upon his entering the female wombspace. Psychologically, it can cause panic in men who feel that they are diminished by sexual intercourse, or that they could be consumed, just as living beings are consumed by Mother Nature when they die. [Latin]
VaishnavismHindu sect which reveres the god Vishnu as supreme. Vaishnavas/Vaishnavites honor Lord Vishnu in his ten incarnations, with Krishna being the most popular. Devotees emphasize the practice of devotion through bhakti yoga. [Sanskrit: वैष्णव धर्म]
vajra“lightning flash,” “thunderbolt;” magical weapon of the Hindu god Indra. In Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, the vajra, known as the dorje, is a symbol for diamond hardness, shining jewel, clarity, beauty, and truth. These associations carry forward to the vajra’s association with the lingam. [Sanskrit: वज्र]
Vajrayana“diamond vehicle;” branch of Buddhism that focuses on meditation, study, Tantric yoga, and highly developed ritual practices (mantras, mudras, mandalas), with the goal of transcending duality and experiencing the fundamental on
eness of all being. Vajrayana is practiced mostly in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and Mongolia. Some consider the Japanese Buddhist school of Shingon to be Vajrayana also. [Sanskrit: वज्रयान]
varnasocial class ranked according to traditional desirability; each of the four main Hindu castes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. [Sanskrit: वर्ण)]
Vedanticpertaining to Vedānta, a Hindu philosophy based primarily on the holy scriptures called the Upanishads (one of the Vedas). Vedānta focuses on realization of Brahman – the eternal, transcendent, immanent Reality, the divine ground of Being. [Sanskrit]
Vedas“sacred knowledge;” ancient Hindu texts. These scriptures were considered “revealed knowledge” from Brahma (Creator God) and include liturgy for ritual as well as science (medical, agricultural, spiritual). The Vedic period, when the texts were written, spans the ancient period of 1500-500 BCE. The principal Vedas are the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. [Sanskrit: véda: वेदा]
Vedic of or relating to the Vedas, the seminal holy scriptures of Hinduism.
Venus“sexual desire;” Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. The ancients petitioned her for good fortune in seduction, romance, sex, marriage, fertility, and prosperity; hence her temples were widespread in the Mediterranean world. She was also patroness of sailors and soldiers. According to myth, Venus loved to laugh and to enjoy pleasurable pastimes (dance, music) with the Graces; the three main Graces were named Aglaea (“Splendor”), Euphrosyne (“Mirth”), and Thalia (“Good Cheer”). Her husband Vulcan (Hephaestus in Greek), as god of the forge, fashioned her a gold girdle which enhanced her allure, making her even more irresistible to the many lovers she took. Venus, with her yielding, seductive yet persistent feminine nature, represents the water element, while her principal lovers, Mars and Adonis, are clearly fiery, active masculine archetypes. Her son, Cupid, is considered the messenger of love.
As Goddess of Love, Aphrodite/Venus is the most enduring of the Greco-Roman pantheon. Along the way, she has acquired many totem animals (for example: dove, dolphin, fish), plants (rose, myrtle), fruits (apple, pear), and other symbols (rain/dew, seashells, children, five-pointed star). She has been depicted in all forms of art. To the Greeks, she was Aphrodite. [Latin]
– Venussecond planet from Sol (our sun). Venus is a terrestrial planet and is sometimes called Earth’s “sister planet” because of their similar size, mass, proximity to the Sun, and bulk composition. It is the second-brightest natural object in our night sky after the Moon
vicuñaa camelid animal, native to the high Andes Mountains of South America, prized for its very fine and warm wool. Smaller and more delicate than llamas, alpacas, and guanacos, they were revered by the Incas and now are protected by law, after having been hunted nearly to extinction during the Spanish period. [Quechua] See also: llama, alpaca
vinaIndian classical stringed instrument, a precursor to the sitar. It has a long hollow neck, strings, bridge, and gourd resonating chamber. The Hindu goddess Sarasvati is usually depicted playing a vina. [Sanskrit: वीणा] Also: veena.
Viracochacreator god(s) of the Andean (pre-Incan and Incan) people of South America. He was believed to be the creator of the Earth, Heaven, sun, moon, humans, etc., or the substance from which all things are created. When he finished his work, he departed westward across the Pacific Ocean, promising to return one day. [Quechua, Aymara] Also: Huiracocha, Wiraqoca, Wiro Qocha
Virgen de
Guadalupe Virgin of Guadalupe, “Blessed Virgin Mary;” Catholic patroness of the Americas. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. It commemorates the alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus) in 1531 at the site of the recently destroyed Aztec temple to the goddess Tonantzin/Coatlícue. [Spanish]
VishnuHindu god who brings peace and order into the world. As one of the Hindu Trimurti (Holy Trinity), he is the preserver or sustainer. Vishnu is the supreme lord in the Vaishnavite sect of Hinduism. [Sanskrit: विष्णु]
vision-logicthe ability to comprehend everything as a whole; visionary logic. In Wilber’s AQAL diagram, the lower and higher aspects of human imagination are associated with the stages he calls symbol and vision-logic.
In Sex, Ecology, and Spirituality, Wilber states: “It is the integrative power of vision-logic, I believe, and not the indissociation of tribal magic or the imperialism of mythic involvement that is desperately needed on a global scale. For it is vision-logic with its centauric/planetary worldview that, in my opinion, holds the only hope for the integration of the biosphere and the noosphere, the supranational organization of planetary consciousness, the genuine recognition of ecological balance,... and the enculturation of female agency (i.e., the integration of male and female, in both the noosphere and the biosphere) — all of which, in my opinion, is nevertheless simply the platform for the truly interesting forms of higher and transpersonal states of consciousness lying in our collective future — if there is one.”
See also: Integral, Kosmos
vog “volcanic smog;” a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight.
wakansacred, possessing power [Siouan]
watBuddhist monastery temple in Southeast Asia. The compound usually includes monks’ quarters, a temple, a large statue or image of the Buddha housed within a structure, and a classroom.[Thai: วัด]
winkteLakota transgender man who traditionally lived as a woman, taking the role of medicine woman, caregiver to the weak or orphaned, mediator, namer of children, and counselor to the tribe. From the Lakota word, “winyanktehca,” which means “two souls in a person.” The Lakota/Sioux are Plains Indians. In the Native American tradition, Two Spirits (gay or transgender individuals) were respected and considered blessed to be able to harbor both genders, like the Great Spirit itself. [Lakota] See also: lhamana.
Xibalbathe Underworld in Mayan mythology. Below the Earth’s surface, Xibalba is the place where the twelve Lords of Xibalba tricked, humiliated, and trapped humans on their death journey (according to the Popol Vuh). Alternately, its location was considered to be in the sky, in the Dark Rift of the Milky Way. [Mayan]
yab-yum“father-mother;” sexual union of the God and Goddess; unity of the Masculine and Feminine principles; interpenetration of yang and yin energies of the Kosmos; resolution of all dualities into Oneness. As a Tantric sexual position, the couple sit facing one another, with the woman sitting in the man’s lap. This image appears in sculpture and painted thankas of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, as a focus for meditation. [Tibetan: ཡབ་ཡུམ]
yang Masculine force of the Kosmos associated with light, heaven, positive electrical charge, action, expansion, heat, brightness, hardness and dryness. In Chinese cosmology, it is one of the forces of the Kosmos at work in duality. [Chinese: 陽]
yantra“support,” “instrument;” symbolic diagram, pattern, or mystical design used to aid in visualization and meditation. The shri yantra, for example, is the most important yantra in Tantric meditation practice. [Sanskrit: यन्त्र] See also: shri yantra.
yinFeminine force of the Kosmos associated with dark, Earth, negative electrical charge, passivity, receptivity, contraction, cold, heaviness, softness, and wetness. In Chinese cosmology, it is one of the forces of the Kosmos at work in duality. [Chinese: 陰]
yin-yangtwo energies, polar opposites, that because of their interaction, give rise to manifest reality. In Taoist thought, the Tao, divided into yin and yang, appears as everything on Earth and in Heaven. The shape of the dark and light aspects indicates movement and fluctuation; the two spots indicate that each of the two energies contain the seed of its opposite, or that as one matures into its highest realization, it is about to transform into the other. [Chinese:
陰陽]
yoga“yoke;” communion of the individual with the Divine. In Hinduism, this “joining” with the godhead may be through different practices: karma yoga (selfless service), bhakti yoga (devotion to a deity), raja yoga (“royal” practices), jnana yoga (acquiring knowledge). In the West, yoga has come to refer to hatha yoga, a systematic practice of physical exercises and breathing. [Sanskrit: योग]
yogimale practitioner of yoga; saint who has self-mastery; adept of yoga. [Sanskrit: योगिन्] Also: jogi.
yoginifemale practitioner of yoga; shamaness; one of the goddesses encountered in the bardos, after death; female partner in the maithuna (sacred sexual rite). [Sanskrit: योगिनी]
yoni“womb,” “origin,” “source;” female genitals, vulva, vagina; universal womb. The yoni is represented by a downward-pointing triangle, and is venerated as the gateway into this world. As a receptacle, it is depicted as half of the yoni-linga (Shiva linga). [Sanskrit: योनि]
yoni-lingastatue or sculpture, usually in stone, that represents the lingam (phallus) of Shiva held by the yoni (womb) of Shakti.Because of the symbolic union of Masculine and Feminine, it also represents the ascending and descending currents of spirituality, and the power of creative energy and fertility. More commonly called the Shiva-linga, it is a focus of the worship of Lord Shiva, with emphasis on the Masculine Principle. [Sanskrit] Also: yonilinga, linga-yoni, Shiva-linga.
yugaeon of time; one of the four ages of the world referred to in the Hindu Vedas. Each yuga lasts thousands of years. The longest yuga, the Krita or Satya Yuga (Golden Age) lasts the longest, followed by the shorter Treta Yuga, followed by the even shorter Dvapara Yuga, and finally the shortest and most degenerate one, the Kali Yuga (theoretically 432,000 years). These four ages cycle through over and over again. [Sanskrit: युग]
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