Rabbi (Hebrew, "teacher"). Jewish spiritual leader. Rosicrucians Knights of the Rosy Cross, a society stemming from the Knights Templar. Sacraments A formal church ritual frequently described as an outward and visible sign of an internal and spiritual grace. Sacraments...

Opus Dei A very conservative Roman Catholic lay organization organized in 1928, whose members have a strong dedication to the Vatican. Osiris The Egyptian male counterpart to Isis. Pagan Pre-Christian animistic or polytheistic practice. Passover This is the most important feast...

Monarchianism A Christian heresy which taught that God is a single entity and that Jesus was a pure man, born of a virgin, who was adopted by God. Monotheism The worship of one God in whom the...

Kabala A Jewish mystical tradition, See Cabbalah. Knights Templar An order of knights formed during the Crusades, they were given favorable treatment until their power threatened that of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1308 the Templars were...

Immaculate Conception The belief that before the birth of Mary (the mother of Jesus) was born, she was preserved from original sin at the time of her conception, circa 20 BCE. It is widely but...

Grail Meaning either vessel or, given entymological connections raised by the esoterics, "blood." Holy Grail In the mainstream, this is the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. In post-Biblical traditions, Joseph of Arimathea is said to...

Glossary E-F Esoteric As used by self-proclaimed "esoterics," it is that world-view which recovers pre-Christian beliefs in God/Goddess dualism, and the alternative history of Jesus which is available to initiated adherents of "esoteric" societies. Excavation The systematic digging...

Da Vinci Code The novel by Dan Brown. Also, referring to the art work of Leonardo Da Vinci, which esoterics believe holds several layers of meaning for the initiate. Da Vinci, Leonardo: A well-known artist,...