Emanations

Emanations refer to the process by which something flows forth from a source. The term is used across disciplines to describe both literal physical release and more abstract emanation of qualities, powers, or forms.

In philosophy and theology, emanation describes a passive outflow from a primary source rather than an act of creation. In Neoplatonism, the One generates the Nous (Intellect), which in turn generates the World-Soul and then the material cosmos. Emanation implies dependence and necessity rather than deliberate production. Similar ideas appear in mysticism and some strands of Kabbalah, where divine attributes or emanations unfold from an absolutely simple source.

In science, emanation denotes the release of particles or energy from a material. A well-known example is radon emanation, the gas produced by the decay of uranium or thorium minerals. Emanation processes are distinguished from mere emission by their connection to radioactive decay and diffusion. The term is used in radiation safety and environmental monitoring to describe how much radioactive gas may enter the atmosphere from a source.

In broader usage, emanation can describe the outward expression of a quality, tendency, or influence from a person, organization, or phenomenon, even without a physical release.

Etymology: from Latin emanare, to flow forth, from e- “out” plus manare “to flow.” The concept appears in both historical philosophy and scientific contexts as a general description of outward arising or radiating of something from a source.