Special Note: At the risk of belabouring the extremely obvious, this page is a work in progress, with quite a distance to go before it sleeps.
Definitions, Premisses and Info

Oath - When the term Oath is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to

Obdurate - the inertia of physical reality

Obea - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Obea is a polytheistic religion and magickal system of West African origin found in the Caribbean, South America and North America today. It recognizes that there are a multitude of gods and ghosts who each have their own myths, rites, offerings, taboos, and magical forces. Obeah is a healer god, who can also be invoked to bring illness and other calamities to one's own enemy. Also known as Obea, Obeah, Obi, Oby, and Jamaican Voodoo. Obea, Obeah, Obioby: The polytheistic religion and magickal system of West African origin found in the Caribbean, South America and North America today. It recognizes that there are a multitude of gods and ghosts who each have their own myths, rites, offerings, taboos, and magical forces. Obeah is a healer god, who can also be invoked to bring illness and other calamities to one's own enemy. Also known as Obi, Oby, Jamaican Voodoo.

Obeah - When the term Obeah is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

Objective Realist - When used in reference to a point of view within the field of Ethical, Value and/or Behavioural Matters, this is a Point of View in which the prime parameter for effectuating a course of action is determined by choosing that which is

Objectivism - When used in reference to a point of view within the field of Ethical, Value and/or Behavioural Matters, this is a Point of View in which the prime parameter for effectuating a course of action is determined by choosing that which is

Occult ("hidden, concealed")- Secret, esoteric; term used for magick and other esoteric arts and sciences, such as astrology or alchemy.

Oculomancy - A type of divination by inspection of the eye A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Odhinnism - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Odhinnism is a form of Norse Paganism that recognizes only the Aesir, the Sky Gods, including Odin, Frigga, Thor, Loki, Balder and others. Odhinnism does not acknowledge the Vanir, the Gods concerned with earth, agriculture, fertility and the cycle of death and rebirth.

Odontomancy - A type of divination using teeth A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oenomancy - A type of divination by studying the appearance of and patterns made by wine A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Of the First Water -

Officiant - Any Individual performing a Leadership function including a specifically Spiritual Aspect. Such function having primary effect most often (but not limited to) at a Working (Manifestation, Focalization, Facilitation, and others).

Oil - When the term Oil is used in reference to Magickal Implements, Sacred Objects, Ceremonial Tools and/or Foci it generally refers to any of various substances that typically are unctuous viscous compounds, often combustable liquids or solids easily liquefiable by warming, which produce pronounced fragrances corresponding to certain concepts and/or forces, often specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same.

OldSaharan - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Ololygmancy - A type of divination using the howling of dogs A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oloreal Arts - Oloreal Arts is a constructed phrase, parallel in manner of delineation to Visual (meaning capable of being input by the sight receptors, translated and transmuted by the Brain and processed by the part of the Mind and Consciousness that processes input from such receptors) Arts, except relating to the receptors and parts of the Brain, Mind and Consciousness that process input from receptors of the Olfactory frequencies.

Olympian Tradition - A MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by it's members and/or adherents as such, and holding reverence for some or all of the archaic Hellene Divinities and the Teachings concerning them especially from Classical and/or Archaic sources as primary or critical parameters of their Spiritual Paradigm. Mount Olympus was the seat of power and the abode of the great Gods in Grecian mythology in Homer and Hesiod. Such heavenly abodes are usually associated with mountains, such as the Hindu Meru, the Greek Atlas, and the Hebrew Sinai; in this case the name was given to the summit of the range dividing Macedonia from Thessaly, but there were other mountains called Olympus. Later philosophers, perhaps more mystically minded, placed Olympus in the zenith, as the abode of the divinities. There were many Olympi, the references in story occasionally being to the higher globes of the earth-chain, and in a cosmic sense the higher planes of the solar system. At one time in Greek legend both the gods and their abode had a character of voluptuousness, comparable wit the Hebrew Eden (which means "delight"), the heaven of Indra, or the abode of the Arabian houris; but this was when degeneracy had set in and the people had forgotten the significance of the deities, and lost the key enabling them to interpret the myths and allegories forming their respective mythologic religions. Although in Greek mythology the gods are said to dwell on Olympus, three of the main Olympian divinities, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades (or Pluto), had their habitats respectively in what may be called heaven or the inmost world of spirit, the cosmic spaces or the waters of space, and the underworld of the universe. Yet these three same divinities, because of their permeating cosmic forces or energies, and strictly on the law of analogical reasoning, had the same functions and occupy the same relative places in the minor forms of their respective manifestations: as, Zeus in the sky, Poseidon in the oceans of the globe, and Hades or Pluto in the underworld of our earth. Or again, the twelve great gods of the Mediterranean peoples may be considered to be the twelve main cosmic and intelligent powers who-permeate nature and activity is as apparent in the universe itself as in every atom or minor division thereof. In the mystic language of ancient time, a holy mountain universally signified a school of esoteric teaching. Just as a mountain on earth raises its summits towards the free heaven, and therefore mystically towards spirit and the gods, so in the ancient esoteric schools the training and the initiations conducted raised the neophytes or initiates towards the spirit, both cosmically and inner, and hence likewise towards the gods. See also Parnassus (n.) A mountain in Greece, sacred to Apollo and the Muses, and famous for a temple of Apollo and for the Castalian spring. a mountain in central Greece where (according to Greek mythology) the Muses lived; known as the mythological home of music and poetry; "Liakoura is the modern name of Mount Parnassus" The Greeks, according to Plutarch, had five different traditions of the Deluge, that of Deucalion being the most important. According to this, Prometheus warned his son Deucalion of the flood which Zeus had resolved to bring upon the earth by reason of its wickedness. Accordingly, Deucalion constructed an ark and took refuge in it, but with his vessel was stranded on Mount Parnassus in Thessaly, whereupon they disembarked and repopulated the earth by the fantastic process revealed to them by the goddess Themis of throwing stones about them, those which Deucalion threw becoming men and those which Pyrrha threw becoming women. Lucian's form of the legend, however, is less fantastic and more nearly in line with Semitic tradition. In the Greek legend as in the Semitic, a dove is sent forth which returns both a first and a second time, its feet being tinged with mud the second time, intimating the abatement of the flood. But neither Homer nor Hesiod have this tradition. Probably it was borrowed from the Semites or the Hindus. Parnassus, mountain, central Greece, rising to an altitude of 2457 m (8061 ft). In Greek mythology, Parnassus was sacred to the god Apollo, whose oracle, Delphi, was situated at its base. It was also believed to be a favorite habitation of the Muses and a center of musical and poetic inspiration. Parnassus was also the site of worship of the gods Pan and Dionysus. Puthon {poo'-thone} from Putho (the name of the region where Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle, was located); in Greek mythology the name of the Pythian serpent or dragon that dwelt in the region of Pytho at the foot of Parnassus in Phocis, and was said to have guarded the oracle at Delphi and been slain by Apollo
(some of the information presented is drawn from a WebSite created by Aaron Atsma at http:// )
Classification of Divinities
The Ancient Greek divinities can be divided into six classes:
The First of these were the Protogenoi or First Born, consisting of those elemental beings that made up the fabric of the universe -
          Gaia (Earth), Pontos (Sea), Ouranos (Sky), Nyx (Night),
          Ourea (Mountains), Khaos (Air), Aither (Upper Air), Potamoi (Rivers),
          Okeanos (River Ocean), Okeanides (Clouds), and so forth.
          (As well as being their element they could also appear simultaneously in an anthropomorphic form.
          For example Gaia was always the earth itself but would also manifest herself as a comely woman in her dealings with the younger gods.)
The Second were the nature Daimones or Spirits -
          Naiades (Fresh Water Nymphs), Satyroi (Fertility Spirits), Dryades (Tree Nymphs), Nereides (Sea Nymphs), etc.
The Third were the immortal human-affecting Daimones or Spirits -
          Hypnos (Sleep), Keres (Violent Death), Elpis (Hope), Eris (Strife), Ploutos (Wealth), Eros (Love), Peitho (Persuasion), Tykhe (Luck), etc.
The Fourth were the Lesser Gods -
          Pan, Persephone, Helios (who also falls into the first category as the Sun), the Titanes, Hekate, Hestia, etc.
The Fifth were the twelve Greater or Olympian Gods who ruled and were served by all of the other divinities -
          Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysos, Apollo, Ares, Hephaistos
The Sixth were the Giants and the Monsters, some mortal, some immortal and all unusual in appearance -
          The Hekatonkheires, The Kentauroi, Typhoeus, Hydra, Kerberos,
          Sphinx, The Gorgones, Pegasos, The Kyklopes, Antaios, Kharybdis, Minotauros, and so forth.
Amongst the Pantheon there were many divinities who fell into more than one of these categories. Tykhe is a good example, she was worshipped as a goddess and therefore could be classed as one of the lesser gods, she was also a spirit of the Third category who walked the earth unseen dispensing good fortune, and lastly she was one of the Okeanides (Clouds), and so belonging to the First or Second categories as well. The sea was present at creation. In perhaps the oldest Greek creation myth, according to Carl Kerényi in The Gods of the Greeks, all living things were born of the union of the Sea-Mother, Tethys, and Oceanus, god of the river Ocean surrounding the outer edge of Earth.
Tethys and Oceanus shared with most other Greek sea deities their non-Olympian status. Possibly these goddesses and gods remained as relics of worship from tribes before the Greeks.
Certainly the Minoan Cretans were known as seafarers, as were the early Shore Dwellers from whom the northern Greek horsemen took the mainland. In classical times, the non-Olympian sea deities existed beside and even seemingly in ignorance of Olympian Poseidon, their nominal king.
Lovely Aphrodite, the foam-born, mistress of several islands, also had obvious connections to the sea. She shared titles with sea-goddesses, particularly the Oceanids, such as Peitho, "persuasion." She conducted her first love affair beneath the waves, with Nereus's son Nerites, who mated with her in cockle-form. One myth engendered Aphrodite from the contact of sea-water with the severed genitals of Uranus; another gave her for mother the goddess Euonyme, consort of Cronos. Kerényi calls Euonyme a corruption of Eurynome, the name of the Oceanid who with Ophion ruled the Titans before Cronos and Rhea, which rulership they lost when their rivals tossed them into the sea. Ophion had a serpent's body and seems another Old One of the Sea, like Phorkys and Nereus. In another creation myth, Eurynome and Ophion made the world. However Aphrodite was born, she was a child of the sea.
The ruling gods of the Greek Pantheon were the twelve Olympians - Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athene, Hephaistos, Ares, Aphrodite, Apollon, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysos.
These twelve gods demanded worship from all believers.
Those who failed to honour any one of the Twelve with sacrifices and libations were duly punished.
Artemis, Aphrodite and Dionysos, the gods with the least privileges (spheres of power), were especially vigilant in this regard.
The Twelve gods governed all aspects of human lives. Their privileges included, amongst other things-
     * Zeus - Fate, Kingship, Weather
     * Hera - Women, Marriage, Childbirth
     * Poseidon - The Sea, Horses, Earthquakes, Rivers
     * Demeter - Agriculture, The Afterlife
     * Athene - Crafts, Counsel
     * Hephaistos - Metalworking, Fire
     * Ares - War
     * Aphrodite - Love, Sex
     * Apollon - Music, Prophecy, Healing & Disease
     * Artemis - Hunting, Wilderness, Children
     * Hermes - Travel, Trade, Livestock
     * Dionysos - Wine, Madness, The Afterlife
The numerous other Gods and Daimones of the pantheon fell within the spheres of one or more of the Olympians.
The other major god Hades was often incorrectly numbered among the Olympians. As the ruler of the dead he had no role in the lives of the living and was not usually worshipped. Indeed it was Demeter (with her daughter Persephone) and Dionysos who were worshipped through their Mysteries as the gods of the Afterlife.
Iconography - Usual attributes of the Olympian Gods in Greek Vase Paintings
     * Zeus - Lightning bolt, Lotus staff, Eagle
     * Poseidon - Trident
     * Hera - Lotus staff, Crown, Lion
     * Demeter - Grain, Lotus staff, Torch
     * Athene - Helmet, Aigis, Spear
     * Hephaistos - Hammer, Prongs, Donkey
     * Ares - Helmet, Spear
     * Aphrodite - Eros
     * Apollon - Lyre, Laurel wreath, Bow & arrow
     * Artemis - Bow & arrows, Hunting spears, Lyre, Deer
     * Hermes - Petasos, Kadukeos, Winged boots
     * Dionysos - Thyrsos, Vines, Panther
The Titanomachy was a war between Zeus and the Titans. This war lasted for 10 years. Zeus had the Cyclopes, Hecatonchires, Themis, Prometheus , and the Olympian pantheon an his side. The Titans were defeated and placed in Tartarus. There to be guarded for eternity by the Hecatonchires.

Omnibenevolent - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited graciousness and well intended promotion of happiness and prosperity for all, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omnicompetent - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited ability to perform all actions and/or having such ability in totality.

Omniepistêmient - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited knowledge of the mechanics of the Cosmos including the manner in which things are known, and/or having this characteristic in totality. The term Omniepistêmient comes from the Greek word epistêmê general knowledge, to have knowledge of, especially scientific knowledge, science

Omnificent - The condition of being unlimited and/or having total Creative power, and by extension, the condition of having Created all.

Omnikatamanthanient - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying perception of everything that occurs in detail and with understanding, and/or having this characteristic in totality. The term Omnikatamanthanient comes from the Greek word katamanthanô to observe well, examine closely, to learn thoroughly, to perceive, understand, to discover, find, to learn thoroughly, and to have learnt, to be aware, to consider.

Omnilegent - The condition of having read everything, or being in the process of reading everything. The term Omnilegent is one of the few "Omnis" which is not necessarily a divine characteristic.

Omnimetechôient - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited capacity to share and mutually partake in with those with which it is in contact, and/or having this characteristic in totality. The term Omnimetechôient comes from the Greek word metechô to partake of, enjoy a share of, share in, take part in, to partake of a person's friendship, tôn pentakischiliôn to be members of the 5000 in turn, metechô tinos tini to partake of something in common with another.

Omniomphalient - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying a condition where the center, source or point of view is everywhere, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omnipotent - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited capacity, power, authority and infuence, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omnipresent - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited existence in all places at all times, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omniscient - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited possession of universal or complete knowledge, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omnisunoidient - The condition of comprising and/or existing as a pool of universal joint-knowledge consciousness. The term Omnisunoidient comes from the Greek word sunoida to share in knowledge, be cognisant of a thing, be privy to it, heautôi suneidenai ti to be conscious of a thing; emautôi oud' hotioun sophos ôn --with part., which may be; xunoistha g' eis em' ouk euorkos ôn to be conscious that,; emautôi ouden epistamenôi I am conscious that I know nothing; xunoid' Orestên se ekpagloumenên I know well that thou admirest him, suneidos suneidêsis, joint knowledge consciousness.

Omnivalent - The condition of identity with, containing and/or exemplifying unlimited capacity to attract, unite, react and/or interact with that which it is in contact with, and/or having this characteristic in totality.

Omoplatoscopy - A type of divination by observing cracks in burning scapulae A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Omphalomancy - A type of divination utilizing the knots in the umbilical cord A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Omphilomancy - A type of divination using observation of the navel A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oneiromancy - A type of divination by dreaming, especially Lucid Dreaming and/or the interpretation of dreams A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Onomancy - A type of divination using a donkey or ass A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Onomatomancy - A type of divination by sounds in a name or of the letters therein A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Ontological Ethicist - When used in reference to a point of view within the field of Ethical, Value and/or Behavioural Matters, this is a Point of View in which the prime parameter for effectuating a course of action is determined by choosing that which is

Ontology - A Field of Study (Branch of the Science of MetaPhysics) relating to the Nature of the Being, including but not limited to the component parts of Existence and the relations of such with the Cosmos.

Onychomancy - A type of divination using observation of the nails A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oo'wast - In an Ægyptian Paradigm the Oo'wast has independent existence but also functions as a component of a sentient Being during a particular incarnation and/or series of incarnations. When discussed in reference to a particular Individual within a specific incarnation the Oo'wast may be considered as the primal level of strength of the Entity, the raw force, separate from goals or results. When the Oo'wast functions within the field of the Magickal forces it is sometimes referred to as a component of the Secret Force. If considered within a Sanatana Dharma Chakric context, the Oo'wast might be considered to work in the arena of the Svadisthâna Chakra or what is often called in the West, the Sexual Chakra. A more complete listing of the various component parts in this particular system of reconstituted Ægyptian Parts of the Entity.

Ooup S'Sha - In an Ægyptian Paradigm the Ooup S'Sha has independent existence but also functions as a component of a sentient Being during a particular incarnation and/or series of incarnations. When discussed in reference to a particular Individual within a specific incarnation the Ooup S'Sha may be considered as the Opened Mouth, characterized most specifically as the ability to effectively communicate with other Entities, to learn and offer teachings. Even a highly developed Entity in all other ways, with a weakly developed Ooup S'Sha, will not be able to affect to any great extent, any of the levels that are outside the internal workings of that Entity. If considered within a Sanatana Dharma Chakric context, the Ooup S'Sha might be considered to work in the arena of the Vishuddha Chakra or what is often called in the West, the Communication Chakra. A more complete listing of the various component parts in this particular system of reconstituted Ægyptian Parts of the Entity.

Oomancy - A type of divination using eggs, in some cases divination of the future sex of a child by incubating a hen's egg between the breasts of the mother to be A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Opener of the Ways Veil - When the term Opener of the Ways Veil is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to the Green and Yellow Veil of Perfect Understanding.

Opening the Circle - At the end of a Working, the reintegration of the Sacred Space with the Global Consensus Reality.

Ophidian - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Ophidian Traditional Witchcraft - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Ophidiomancy - A type of divination by observing the features and/or behaviour of snakes A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oracular Trance -

Orb - When the term Orb is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to

Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Order of the Thelemic Golden Dawn - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Order of the Thelemic Golden Dawn: http://www.tgd.org/ Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. There is now established in the world a New Order of the Golden Dawn. It is a Magical-Religious-Scientific Order dedicated to the teachings of Aleister Crowley. The principal function of the New Order is to assist in the initiation of aspirants into the Magical Life of Thelema. It is a Magical Order of the New Aeon wherein men and women, by the essential aids of Science and Religion, can participate in the Great Work of Thelema.

Ordo Anno Mundi - http://www.oam.clara.net/ "The arts of Traditional Witchcraft, which flourished amongst our Pagan and Heathen ancestors in ancient Europe, are preserved and passed on by the OAM (Ordo Anno Mundi), a magical order of Initiates dedicated to the training of its members in the arcane sciences of nature." (from site)

Ordo Argentum Astrum - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Ordo Templi Astarta - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Ordo Templi Orientis- (see Typhonian Ordo Templi Orientis , Society Ordo Templi Orientis, Caliphate Ordo Templi Orientis and "Necessity of Securing the Lineage" )When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding Aleister Crowley's reinterpretation of the teachings of an ancient mystery school and secret society known as Ordo Templi Orientis and interpolations thereupon as primary or critical parameters of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Oreomancy - A type of divination by separating Oreo cookies A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oriental Astrology - A type of divination based on a 12 year cycle, involving 12 animals, but is not based directly or specifically on the movement of the stars or planets A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Original Source ReConstructionist Buddhism - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by it's members and/or adherents as such, and holding the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Some postulate that there is no monolithic Buddhism as such, but that there are Buddhisms such as Sinhala Buddhism or more precisely Sinhala Theravada Buddhism, Siam or Thai Buddhism, Myanmar or Amarapura Buddhism and so forth. The complete entry on Original Source ReConstructionist Buddhism (also see: the complete entry on Buddhism.)

Ornithomancy - A type of divination using the observation of the flight of birds and/or feeding patterns of birds A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Orphic - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents which holds teachings originating in and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Orthodox Discordian - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Orthoskosmeômancy - (see also Qimancy) divination using Feng shui A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Oryctomancy - A type of divination using excavated objects A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Osho - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (1931-1990) was born Rajneesh Chandra Mohan in Kuchwara, a town in central India. One source states that "Bhagwan" means "The Blessed One" and that "Shree" means "Master". At the end of his life, he changed his name to Osho. His parents' religion was Jainism. However, Osho never subscribed to any religious faith during his lifetime. He received "Samadhi" (enlightenment in which his soul became one with the universe) on 1953-MAR-21 at the age of 21. Rajneesh obtained a master degree in philosophy from the University of Saugar. He taught philosophy at the University of Jabalpur for nine years and concurrently worked as a religious leader. In 1966, he left his teaching post and gave his full attention to teaching his sannyasins (disciples) while pursuing a speaking career. He had an apartment in Bombay where he often met individuals and small groups, where acting as spiritual teacher, guide and friend. Most of his Sannyasins came from Europe and India in the early years. In 1974, Osho moved from Bombay southward to Pune, India. Some anti-cult groups have claimed that this decision was made because of local opposition from the public in Bombay. In reality, it was to establish an ashram (place of teaching) which would provide larger and more comfortable facilities for his disciples. The ashram consisted of two adjoining properties covering six acres in an affluent suburb of Pune called Koregaon Park. Some estimate as many as 50,000 Westerners spent time seeking enlightenment there with the guru. In 1979, he saw his movement as the route to the preservation of the human race. He said: If we cannot create the 'new man' in the coming 20 years, then humanity has no future. The holocaust of a global suicide can only be avoided if a new kind of man can be created." He taught a syncretistic spiritual path that combined elements from Hinduism, Jainism, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, ancient Greek philosophy, many other religious and philosophic traditions, humanistic psychology, new forms of therapy and meditation, etc. Osho developed new forms of active medication. The best known is Dynamic Meditation that often starts with strenuous physical activity followed by silence and celebration. These were expected to lead the individual to overcome repression, lower their personal inhibitions, develop a "state of emptiness", and attain enlightenment. The person then would have "no past, no future, no attachment, no mind, no ego, no self." Prior to 1985, the disciples wore red robes, and a necklace of 108 beads that had an attached picture of Rajneesh. Osho assigned a new name to each of the disciples. Men were given the title "Swami"; women were called "Ma". Although most members lived a frugal, simple lifestyle, Rajneesh himself lived in luxury. His collection 27 Rolls Royces, given to him by his followers, was well known. (Some sources say he had as many as 100 cars). Anti-cult groups claimed that he urged his disciples to sever their connection to their families of origin. It is true that he felt that the institution of the family was out of date and that it should be replaced with alternate forms of community and ways of caring for children. However, he actually encouraged individual disciples to make peace with their families. Many became disciples themselves, including Osho's own parents. He taught a form of Monism, that God was in everything and everyone. There is no division between "God" and "not-God". People, even at their worse, are divine. He recognized Jesus Christ as having attained enlightenment, and believed that he survived his crucifixion and moved to India where he died at the age of 112. Osho was noted for reading very offensive jokes; some were anti-Semitic; others were anti-Roman Catholicism; others insulted just about every ethnic and religious group in the world. He explained that the purpose of these jokes was to shock people and to encourage them to examine their identification with and attachment to their ethnic or religious beliefs. His contention was that national, religious, gender and racial divisions are destructive.

Ossomancy - A type of divination using bones A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Osteomancy - A type of divination using bones A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Otherism - When used in reference to a point of view within the field of Ethical, Value and/or Behavioural Matters, this is a Point of View in which the prime parameter for effectuating a course of action is determined by choosing that which is

Ouija Board - Occult "game" using wooden board and pointer which spells out messages from nonincarnated entities and/or from normally inaccesible areas of the participants consciousnesses, in some cases from the dead (which would of course be a form of necromancy). Many such messages are derived from the subconscious of the operators; however, there is always potential for influence of a beneficent, malignant or neutral type. Due to various sensationalist presentations, the Ouija Board is one of the most widely known instances of the usage of Grammatôndialegômancy, or divination utilizing alphabetical or syllabic boards and planchets (or some other form of indicator) A general Divinatory System list with short definitions.

Our Lady of Enchantment - Sabrina, Danville, CA Paganism, witchcraft (see Wicca), "the craft," goddess worship, moon festivals, psychic powers.

Ouranomancy - A type of divination using the heavens A general Divinatory System list with short definitions

Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) - Any experience in which a person believes that his or her spirit has temporarily left the physical body and then returned to that same body. Some OBEs are associated with near-death experiences; others are induced through occult or mystical practices, especially in Astral Projection.

Outer Robe of Concealment -

Overview -

Oxford Golden Dawn Occult Society - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation as to Tradition, Culture or Preferred Flavour, is primarily defined, usually selfdefined by its members and/or adherents holding as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.