effluvium

n. a supposed flow of physical particles too subtle to be perceived by ordinary sensory mechanisms that is sometimes cited as an explanation for various paranormal and spiritualistic phenomena (Latin, “flowing out”). In the 18th century, the term was widely used to explain such phenomena as magnetism and electricity and later became associated with the idea of animal magnetism. In spiritualism and parapsychology, it is often linked with the notion that people and things have an invisible aura. See also Reichenbach phenomenon.

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Psychology term of the day

September 17th 2024

scrying

n. a divination practice in which a person attempts to see visions of or gain insights about the past, present, or future by staring into fire, smoke, or more commonly, a shiny, opaque, or reflective medium, such as water, crystals or a crystal ball, glass, or mirrors. See also crystal gazing.