émanation

Émanation is a term with diverse meanings across various fields, primarily referring to something that comes forth or originates from a source. In philosophy and theology, it describes the act of originating or flowing from a divine or fundamental principle. This concept often suggests a process of gradual unfolding or emission, where the emanation is less a creation ex nihilo and more a direct expression of the source. The emanated substance or energy is typically seen as less pure or powerful than the original source, but still intrinsically connected to it.

In scientific contexts, émanation can refer to the emission of particles or energy. For instance, radioactivity involves the émanation of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation from unstable atomic nuclei. The term was historically used to describe radioactive gases, such as radon, which was once called radium emanation. This usage highlights the idea of something being released or projected from a material.

The concept also appears in spiritual and occult traditions, where it might describe the projection of spiritual energy, thoughts, or even physical substances from a person or entity. This can be linked to ideas of aura, psychic energy, or the manifestation of desires. Across these different applications, the core idea of something originating and extending from a central point remains consistent, though the nature of the source and the émanated substance varies greatly.