AGENT
A person, generally an adolescent female, who unknowingly triggers paranormal activity in the form of a poltergeist. Experts think that this phenomena manifests from suppressed emotional stress and anger and that it the activity will dissipate once the trauma is resolved.


AETHER
Rare element or matter that fills the upper region of the universe above the earth.


ALPHA RHYTHM
An electrical activity in the brain of a person that is associated with a state of mental relaxation with eyes closed (8–13 Hz rhythm).


ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (ASC)
A consciousness that lies outside of the normal state of physical and mental awareness or repose.


ALUX
A sprite-like elemental from Mayan folklore generally associated with natural features such as forests, caves, stones, and fields. When they choose to make themselves visible they are said to resemble small traditionally dressed Mayans. If treated with respect they will be helpful and bring good luck, if not, they may cause destruction and illness.


AMULET
A protective object or charm that is believed to have the power to ward off evil; may be inscribed with symbols or incantations.


ANGEL
A supernatural being with superior intelligence and power that acts as a messenger or guardian. Angels exist in the lower order of celestial hierarchy.


ANIMAL GUIDES
Also known as totems, animal guides play an important part of the mythology and folklore of tribes and native peoples, where they act as helpers, guides, and protectors. They appear in the emblems of clans where they may be revered as founders or guardians. They also may appear as plants or natural objects.


ANIMAL GHOSTS
The incorporeal spirit of an animal that died yet continues to wonder the earth haunting places and living persons; generally appearing as transparent, shadowy, moving forms.


ANIMISM
The belief elementals inhabit all things.


APPARITION
A disembodied spirit that appears as a semi-transparent specter clothed in eclectic apparel. They are generally seen in and about the locations where they perished. These entities sometimes wish to communicate with the living and have been know to speak, move items, and make noises. They also have been known to display emotion.


APPORT
The appearance or materialization of a tangible object through paranormal means. Generally thought to be transferred through the request of a medium.


ASPORT
The transportation of a tangible object to another place through the aid of a spirit. Thought to be transferred thought the presence or request of a medium.


ASTRAL BODY
An intermediate state of consciousness that consists of an intelligent soul that exists outside of a physical body.


ASTRAL PROJECTION
Also known as astral travel, this is a form of out-of-body experience (OBE), where one’s consciousness or “astral body” travels outside of one’s physical body within an “astral plane.” It is associated with near-death experiences, crisis apparitions, dreams, and meditation.


ASTRAL PLANE
Also know as the “astral world,” this “plane of existence” is said to lie within the planetary heavens of astrology. It is believed the astral plane is crossed by the soul or “astral body” preceding birth and following death, and is said to be occupies by spirits, angels, and other incorporeal beings.


ASTROLOGY
The theory and practice that attempts to divine the influences of astronomical events in correlation with events on earth.


ATMOSPHERIC APPARITION
The appearance and reappearance of people and events that occur in an environment. Not believed to be caused by a ghost or spirit, but rather recorded and played through material or psychic means. (see residual hauntings)


AURA
An atmosphere or field(s) of luminous radiation believed to manifest around certain objects, places, and human or supernatural beings. Experts believe that they are perceptible either spontaneously or through practice and may be associated with personality traits.


AUTOMATIC WRITING
A form of communication where a ghost or spirit controls the writer’s hand or stylus in order to send a message.


AUTOMATISM
Paranormal communication through unconscious means or spontaneous muscular movement; believed to be caused by a ghost or spirit. (see automatic writing)


AUSTOSCOPY
(see astral projection)


ANIMISM
A belief system that claims that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical world, and that souls or spirits exist not only in humans but in all forms of the living and nonliving world.


AZIZA
1. A fairy-like elemental from African folklore generally associated with forests
(living in anthills and trees). They are said to be small and hairy, and to be beneficent, providing good magic for hunting as well as and practical and spiritual knowledge.
2. A god of the Urhobo people of Nigeria.