Mysticism

285. Mysticism

See also 267. MEDITATION ; 349. RELIGION

Boehmenism, Behmenism

the mystical teachings of Jakob Boehme (1575-1624), an influence on George Fox and Quakerism. —Boehmenist, Boehmist, Boehmenite , n.

Bourigianism

the mystical theories of Antoinette Bourignon (1616-80), popular in the Netherlands and in Scotland.

Gnosticism

the beliefs and practices of pre-Christian and early Christian sects, condemned by the church, especially the conviction that matter is evil and that knowledge is more important than faith, and the practice of esoteric mysticism. —Gnostic , n., adj.

Hermeticism

1. the occult concepts, ideas, or philosophy set forth in the writings of the hermeticists of the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance.

2. adherence to, belief in, or propagation of these concepts and ideas.

3. Literature. a symbolic and arcane style similar to that of the hermeticists, especially in the poetry of certain French symbolist poets. —hermeticist, hermetist , n. —hermetic, hermetical , adj.

metagnosticism

the doctrine that knowledge of the Absolute is within human reach, but through a higher religious consciousness rather than by logical processes. See also 183. GOD AND GODS . — metagnostic , adj.

mystagogics, mystagogy

1. the principles, doctrines, and practices of mysticism.

2. the interpretation of mysteries, as the Eleusinian. —mystagogue , n. —mystagogic, mystagogical , adj.

mystagogue

a teacher of mystical doctrines.

omphalopsychism

the practice of staring at one’s navel to induce a mystical trance. Also called omphaloskepsis. —omphalopsychite , n.

pleroma

the Gnostic concept of the spiritual world, representing the fullness of the Divine Being and the eons emanating therefrom.

theosophy, theosophism

1. any of various forms of philosophical or religious thought claiming a mystical insight into the divine nature and natural phenomena.

2. (cap.) the system of belief and practice of the Theosophical Society. —theosophist , n. —theosophical , adj.