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

Vajrayana Buddhism - 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 as such, and holding the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, and/or interpolations thereon as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm. Vajra (Sanskrit) Diamond or thunderbolt; one possessing this scepter, or diamond-thunderbolt, possesses great spiritual, intellectual, and psychic powers; among others, the occult ability to repel evil influences by purifying the air, as ozone does in chemistry. The vajra mystically refers to indestructibility and to the wondrous reflective powers of the diamond. 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 Vajrayana Buddhism (also see: the complete entry on Buddhism.)

Valentinian Gnostic -Famous 2nd century Gnostic who in many ways was the unacknowledged teacher of the Church Fathers Origen and Clement. His teachings, largely those of the ancient wisdom, were probably derived from the esoteric schools in Alexandria. He is author of "The Shepherd of Hermes" and various Homilies and Epistles, and is said to have been the author of the celebrated Gnostic gospel, the Pistis Sophia, where his doctrines are set forth. His school, the Valentinians, had Italian and Asiatic branches, which gave rise to other offshoots, thus spreading his influence far and wide and exerting an enduring effect on thought. He averred that the apostles had not publicly given out all they knew, but that they had esoteric knowledge. He taught that the primal cause, which he names Bythos (depth), manifested itself as the pleroma (fullness), the sum total of all manifestation. His teachings on pleroma are defined by a vast, intricate diagrammatic scheme, representing a process of emanation on a hierarchical plan with threefold, sevenfold, tenfold, and twelvefold hierarchies; mankind itself forming a lower branch of these hierarchies. Thus he is enabled to explain the origin of mixture or evil, and to reconcile the goodness of God with the imperfection of nature by pointing to minor demiurgic creators; thus too he can give the true meaning of Christ and redemption.

Values - Values are that which we seek to achieve or maintain according to our life as the standard of evaluation. Values are the motive power behind purposeful action. They are the ends to which we act. Without them, life would be impossible. Life requires self-generated action to sustain itself. Without values, one could not act, and death would follow. Value specifies a relationship between a person and a goal. A value requires a valuor--a particular person who aims to achieve or maintain something. An object cannot have value in itself. Value is relational, and so requires a person and a goal. The goal to which one aims is called the "value", but the relationship is always required. This means an object cannot be a value in itself. It only gains the title of value when a person acts to achieve or maintain it. Values are essential to ethics. Ethics is concerned with human actions, and the choice of those actions. Ethics evaluates those actions, and the values that underlies them. It determines which values should be pursued, and which shouldn't. Ethics is a code of values. It is important to keep in mind that virtues are not absolutes. Or, put another way, they are contextually absolute. They are not to be followed blindly and dogmatically. Virtues only apply within the context in which they were formulated. To understand the context and when a virtue applies is why you must understand the "why" behind the "what" of each principle. When it is not clear whether a virtue applies or how to apply it, you must fall back onto your ultimate standard of value, your life, to guide your actions.

Vedic (other than traditional Sanatan Dharma) - 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.

Vegetal Celebratory Preparation Materials - When the term Vegetal Celebratory Preparation Materials is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to any type of compstumables, specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same,

Veil - (see also Perfection billows around Her Veil, All that May Be Veil, Opener of the Ways Veil, Irresistible is her Harbinger Veil, Glamour and Voluptuousness Veil, She is Glorious Veil, My Heart is as a Feather Veil, ) When the term Veil is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to a cloth, ordinarily translucent (may vary from virtually transparent to almost opaque) which is used to view through, specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same,. Metaphorically of course it may be used as a reference to any object or condition which is between any observer and observed.

Versicles - When the term Versicles [in Aleister Crowley's 777 Tables of Correspondences, key number 8] is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to a short verse or sentence said or sung by a leader in public services and followed by a response from other Celebrants, specifically created for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same,, also called responsive reading, so versicles would be the texts that are responsively read. Middle English, from Latin versiculus, diminutive of versus, verse

Vessel - When the term Vessel 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,

Vestments - When the term Vestments is used in reference to a Magickal Implement, Sacred Object, Ceremonial Tool and/or Focus it generally refers to any type of raiment, specifically made for general or particular Magickal Working, and/or consecrated to the same, including for example: Robes, Headresses, Cloaks, and Wings.

Vin-Dit - in the context of the Vonnegutian Bokononist Religion is "a sudden, very personal shove in the direction of Bokononism".

Virginity -

Virtual Particle -

Virtuality -

Virtuism - 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 or philosophy in which the prime parameter for effectuating a course of action is determined by choosing acts of virtue which in turn produce the aesthetic experience which is a proof in the benevolent meaning of life. In particular see Emotive Virtuism, a philosophy developed by Robert Pearson.

Vision - When used in reference to a MetaPhysical Orientation of Experiential Spiritual Methodology, which is ordinarily characterized by much emphasis being placed on experiencing or interpreting events beyond ordinary sensory reality

Visionary Trance -

Visual Arts - Visual Arts is a standard phrase, 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. The phrase is commonly used to differentiate Paintings and other types of Art which are primarily studied with vision from those types of Art which either are mainly received by other senses (Musical by the auditory senses) or have components of other types of receivability (Sculpture by visual and tactile receptors).

Vivekananda Vedic 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 as a primary or critical parameter of their Spiritual Paradigm.

Vodun - 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. Vodun is sometimes called Voodoo, Vodoun, Vodou. Religions related to Vodun are: Candomblé, Lucumi, Macumba, and Yoruba) Vodoun, Voodoo, Voudou, Voudoun (Fon, vodu: 'spirit'): Like Santaria, Vodoun is a blending the worship of traditional Catholic saints, Christ and the Gods (Loas) of Africa, for example, a Vodoun practitioner could beg for intercession from St. Patrick and really be calling on their serpent God, Danbhalah-Wedo. Vodoun worshippers believe that the work of the Loas appears in every facet of daily life and that pleasing the Loas will gain the faithful health, wealth, and spiritual contentment. The Loas speak to their devotees through spirit possession but only for a short time during ceremonies and manifest to protect, punish, confer skills and talents, prophesy, cure illness, exorcize spirits, give counsel, assist in rituals and take sacrificial offerings. The priest (houngan) or priestess (mambo) acts as an intermediary to summon the Loa and help the Loa to depart when his or her business is finished. Magick, for both good and evil, is an integral part of Vodoun. Also known as Voudou, Voudoun. Vodun (a.k.a. Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa ) is commonly called Voodoo by the public. The name is traceable to an African word for "spirit". Vodun's can be directly traced to the West African Yoruba people who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey. Its roots may go back 6,000 years in Africa. That country occupied parts of today's Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Slaves brought their religion with them when they were forcibly shipped to Haiti and other islands in the West Indies. Vodun was actively suppressed during colonial times. "Many Priests were either killed or imprisoned, and their shrines destroyed, because of the threat they posed to Euro-Christian/Muslim dominion. This forced some of the Dahomeans to form Vodou Orders and to create underground societies, in order to continue the veneration of their ancestors, and the worship of their powerful gods." 1 Vodun was again suppressed during the Marxist regime. However, it has been freely practiced in Benin since a democratic government was installed there in 1989. Vodun was formally recognized as Benin's official religion in 1996-FEB. It is also followed by most of the adults in Haiti. It can be found in many of the large cities in North America, particularly in the American South. Today over 60 million people practice Vodun worldwide. Religions similar to Vodun can be found in South America where they are called Umbanda, Quimbanda or Candomblé. Today, there are two virtually unrelated forms of the religion: • the actual religion, Vodun practiced in Benin, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Haiti, Togo and various centers in the US - largely where Haitian refuges have settled. • an evil, imaginary religion, which we will call Voodoo. It has been created for Hollywood movies, complete with "voodoo dolls", violence, bizarre rituals, etc. It does not exist in reality, except in the minds of most non-Voduns. Vodun, like Christianity, is a religion of many traditions. Each group follows a different spiritual path and worships a slightly different pantheon of spirits, called Loa. The word means "mystery" in the Yoruba language. Yoruba traditional belief included a chief God Olorun, who is remote and unknowable. He authorized a lesser God Obatala to create the earth and all life forms. A battle between the two Gods led to Obatala's temporary banishment. There are hundreds of minor spirits. Those which originated from Dahomey are called Rada; those who were added later are often deceased leaders in the new world and are called Petro. Some of these are • Agwe: spirit of the sea • Aida Wedo: rainbow spirit • Ayza: protector • Baka: an evil spirit who takes the form of an animal • Baron Samedi: guardian of the grave • Dambala (or Damballah-wedo): serpent spirit • Erinle: spirit of the forests • Ezili (or Erzulie): female spirit of love • Mawu Lisa: spirit of creation • Ogou Balanjo: spirit of healing • Ogun (or Ogu Bodagris): spirit of war • Osun: spirit of healing streams • Sango (or Shango): spirit of storms • Yemanja: female spirit of waters • Zaka (or Oko): spirit of agriculture There are a number of points of similarity between Roman Catholicism and Vodun: • Both believe in a supreme being. • The Loa resemble Christian Saints, in that they were once people who led exceptional lives, and are usually given a single responsibility or special attribute. • Both believe in an afterlife. • Both have, as the centerpiece of some of their ceremonies, a ritual sacrifice and consumption of flesh and blood. • Both believe in the existence of invisible evil spirits or demons. • Followers of Vodun believe that each person has a met tet (master of the head) which corresponds to a Christian's patron saint. Followers of Vodun believe that each person has a soul which is composed of two parts: a gros bon ange or "big guardian angel", and a ti bon ange or "little guardian angel". The latter leaves the body during sleep and when the person is possessed by a Loa during a ritual. There is a concern that the ti bon ange can be damaged or captured by evil sorcery while it is free of the body.

Volition - Exercise of the faculty of willing. The supposition that an act of volition is a necessary precondition for any voluntary action notoriously leads to an infinite regress in explaining the voluntary nature of the volition itself.

Volitionism - A quick and dirty review of Free Will in case you have ever wondered if you know what you are doing. To have free will is to be able to make decisions without the influence of fate, causality, or biological conditions of brains, or whatever. Free Will means human behavior is entirely due to the decision making power of the individual, who reasons her choices and contemplates her decisions (hopefully!) before taking action. Free Will is presupposed in liberal democracies, like Canada. This is because it is assumed that all people have the free will to choose who they think is best qualified to lead the country, and so all people are given the opportunity to vote. Also, it is assumed that because all people make their own decisions, they can be held accountable for them, so our judicial system holds individuals responsible for their own actions. Other factors are not considered the cause of a crime, except in special circumstances or conditions when the plaintiff's reason has obviously fled (hence the insanity or "crime of passion" plead). The opposite view is called Determinism, and it is the view that humans actually have no free will, because all of our decisions are influenced or controlled by other forces. Those forces could be fate, the will of God, biological factors such as brain chemistry, the influence of planets as is the case of astrology, or through the psychological conditioning effect of society and education. Note that determinism is a presupposition of science, because science must assume that the universe is predictable and organized and determined or else investigation of the world in a scientific manner cannot proceed. There is a third view, and it is the position of philosophical libertarianism. This kind of libertarianism is not to be confused with political libertarianism, which is the position that governments should not get involved with economies because economies cannot be free otherwise. The position of philosophical libertarianism is the idea that human behavior is determined by forces, such as those listed above, but it is that very causality that gives us our freedom! If there was no necessary cause-and-effect in the world, then it would not be possible to impose our will upon the world, and our power of decision making would be empty. Without causation, exercising power over the world and our own lives would not be possible. Critique of Free Will: If nothing imposes itself upon our will, then nothing supports it either, and nor does anything cause it. That means human behavior is random, not willed at all. That means human behavior is something of an epileptic fit, random, uncontrolled, and unpredictable, which no one would mistake for freedom. Critique of Determinism: Do we not have a kind of innate sense that we are more than the sum of our biology? Is not free will something that everyone simply knows about herself? And, more profoundly, some scientific investigations are beginning to realize that the universe is not as predictable and determined as is usually assumed, particularly in the field of quantum physics. What implications the microscopic universe may have on the level at which we live, the macroscopic level, may be hard to understand. One of the implications of determinism is that people are not responsible for what they do. This means that criminals should not be punished, even for committing the most inhumane of crimes, because the deed was simply not their fault.

Volonté Générale - Rousseau's French term for the general will that properly guides the decisions of a civil society, rather than the sum of their individual self-interests, the volonté de tous.

Voluntarism - 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