Zoroastrianism

Zarathustra

Founder of Zoroastrianism, now widely called Zoroaster

faravahar

"Divine Glory" winged symbol of Zoroastrianism

Mazdayasnian religion

Name of Zoroastrianism used in the past by most Zoroastrians.

Ahura Mazda

"Wise Lord," the single, all-powerful God worshiped by Zoroastrians.

Parsis

Name for Zoroastrians in India also spelled Parsees.

Axial Age

Period from 600-400 BCE when many religions and value (axial) systems were founded.

Cyrus Cylinder

Artifact recording Cyrus's rule including his release of captive peoples.

Avesta

First and basic Zoroastrian scripture

Tower of Silence

Stone funeral structure where the Zoroastrian dead were placed and bones stored

Zarathustrian Assembly

International group placed in California advocating a modernized form of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrian Studies Association

Organization of Zoroastrian traditionalists based in Mumbai, India

Angra Mainyu

Spirit of destruction, supernatural head of all evil in the cosmos.

dualism

Teaching that the cosmos is composed of two competing forces.

Twin Spirits

The Bounteous Spirit and the Deceitful Spirit, two supernatural beings under Ahura Mazda

daevas

Pre-Zoroastrian gods who chose to sere evil instead of good.

Amesha Spentas

Six benevolent immortal spirits who are intermediaries between Ahura Mazda and humanity.

Chinvat Bridge

Requiter Bridge, where deeds are weighed for a soul's assignment to either heaven or hell.

kindred marriage

Requirement that Zoroastrians marry only Zoroastrians.

fire temple

Zoroastrian house of worship centering on sacred fire.

magi

Order of priests originally Zoroastrian.

haoma

Sacred liquid offered in the fire sacrifice to Ahura Mazda.

navjote

Initiation ceremony when young Zoroastrians reach the age of seven or ten.

kusti

Sacred thread tied around a Zoroastrian's body.

patet

Formula expressing resolve not to sin again.

Nowruz or Noruz

Iranian New Year festival celebrated by both Zoroastrians and Muslims.