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A belief system where humans have a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant. This practice often represents clan or group identity within a culture. It originates from indigenous tribal societies and can shape social structure and kinship.

A restriction on behavior imposed by social custom. In religious contexts, taboos can govern dietary practices, clothing, or interactions with certain objects and often carry spiritual significance. They form boundaries of acceptable behavior within cultures.

The belief in a single, all-powerful deity. This form of theism is characteristic of religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which have shaped large parts of global culture, ethics, and law throughout history.

A practice based on the belief that deceased family members still have a presence and can influence the fortune of the living. Common in many cultures, especially in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, it has implications for social norms, funeral practices, and family lineage.

The belief in or worship of more than one deity, usually assembled in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, along with their own mythologies and rituals. It stands in contrast to monotheism. Polytheistic religions were common in ancient cultures and continue in various forms today.

The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess distinctive spiritual essences. Potentially, it means everything can be animated and alive. Seen as the earliest form of religion, it is rooted in many indigenous cultures and influences their views on nature and existence.

The combination of different forms of belief or practice. In religion, syncretic processes blend practices from various traditions, often resulting from cultural interactions, colonization, or globalization. This leads to the emergence of new religious forms.

A range of beliefs and practices centered around communication with the spiritual world, usually led by a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits. These practices predate organized religion and have variations across cultures.

A religious practice in which offerings are made to a deity or as part of a ritual. This can involve animals, crops, or human sacrifices and serves various purposes, such as appeasement, gratitude or seeking favor. Its practice can be found in many ancient and some modern religions.

The reverence of objects believed to have supernatural powers or in some religions, as a residence for spirits. These objects can be man-made or natural and hold significant religious power within certain communities, often African tribal societies.

Ceremonial events marking a person's transition from one social status to another, such as puberty, marriage, or death. These rites often involve ritual activities and teachings that transmit cultural values and can be found in nearly all societies.

A traditional story with roots in a particular culture, which serves to explain the universe and humanity's place within it. Myths often include gods or other supernatural beings and are deeply embedded in the religion and cultural identity of a people.

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or unknown by supernatural means. It is a widespread cultural phenomenon, appearing in various forms, such as astrology, tarot reading, and the interpretation of omens.

The pursuit of achieving communion with or conscious awareness of ultimate reality, the divine, spiritual truth, or God through direct experience, intuition, or insight. Mysticism often focuses on practices that foster this experience and is found in many religious traditions.

The religious or spiritual practice of expelling supposed evil spirits from a person or an area. Notable within Christianity and various global religions, it is meant to relieve afflictions believed to be caused by demonic possession.

A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world or the Last Judgment. It is present in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other religions, addressing the nature of the afterlife.

A lifestyle of abstention from worldly pleasures, often for the purposes of pursuing spiritual goals. Practiced in many religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, it can involve fasting, celibacy, meditation, and poverty vows.

A journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Various religions include pilgrimages in their practice, such as the Islamic Hajj to Mecca, symbolizing both spiritual searching and community.

The distinction between what is sacred – set apart for worship or religious purpose – versus what is profane, or secular. This delineation shapes religious practice, spaces, and can organize society by assigning meaning and value to aspects of the world.

A belief that spirits, gods, or demons can take temporary control of a human body. Common in many cultures and religions, it often leads to altered states of consciousness and is sometimes seen as a form of communication with divine or otherworldly forces.

A system of religious beliefs and rituals that is directed toward a particular figure or object. Although often associated negatively with brainwashing or dangerous behavior, the term originally denoted simply a system of worship, without the connotation of deviation.

The practice of and belief in magical abilities and spells that can both harm and heal. Across cultures and histories, it has been treated with both veneration and suspicion, sometimes leading to witch trials and moral panics.

The use of images and symbols to portray and venerate sacred figures, as well as to teach and reinforce religious narratives and doctrines. Prominent in religions like Christianity and Buddhism, it plays an important role in worship and religious art.

The religious or philosophical belief that there are two fundamental types of entity or existence, such as good and evil, or mind and matter. In religious contexts, it often explains the struggle between opposites, shaping a believer's worldview.