This glossary page covers words beginning with the letter A.

Air: One of the four elements, Air is all around us and inside of us as the air we breathe. The creatures of Air are known as Sylphs. The Air signs of the zodiac are Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. Thoughts are connected with this element. Represent Air on an altar with incense or a feather for example.

Angels: heavenly beings, usually depicted as winged, angels are seen as the messengers between the Divine source and humankind. Belief in angelic beings is widespread across cultures, religions and civilisations. Many believe we have a Guardian angel who stays with us throughout our lives. We can also call on other angels for specific help. The Archangels Raphael, Gabriel, Michael and Uriel are most invoked of all.

Acupuncture: a traditional Chinese system of healing. The Chinese believe we have energy channels known as meridians flowing through our body distributing life force energy known as chi. When chi is blocked or deficient illness results. Meridian points are stimulated to promote and harmonise the flow of chi energy around the body. Most acupuncturists use needles to stimulate the points, but some will also burn herbs known as moxa.

Aromatherapy: a holistic therapy using the properties of essential oils to heal mind, body and spirit. Use of fragrant oils in healing dates back to Ancient Egypt at least. Aromatherapists should be able to create a range of therapeutic blends and be aware of safety considerations regarding the oils which are highly concentrated substances. Aromatherapy massage combines the properties of the oils with massage techniques.

Aura: the popular term for the human energy field. This field surrounds the body and its healthy maintenance is crucial for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Clairvoyants often perceive the layer of the field known as the emotional body in colour and can tell a lot about a person from this.

Glossary of New Age Terms