Zoroastrianism

Zarathustra

aka zoroaster

The prophet and founder of zoroastrianism

Ahura Mazda

the supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom, light, and goodness

Spenta Mainyu

Holy spirit, force of good, creativity, and order

Angra Mainyu

• Destructive spirit

  • represents chaos, destruction, and evil

Asha

representing truth, order, righteousness, and the cosmic law. It is the principle that upholds the universe.

Druj

the antithesis of Asha, representing falsehood, deceit, and chaos. It is associated with Angra Mainyu and the forces of evil.

Zurvanite

a sect that emerged in the late Achaemenid period, emphasizing Zurvan (Time) as the supreme deity, from whom both Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu emanate.

Ohrimazd

Another name for Ahura Mazda

Cosmic Dualism

a fundamental concept in Zoroastrianism, representing the eternal struggle between the forces of good (Ahura Mazda and Spenta Mainyu) and evil (Angra Mainyu).

Amesha Spentas

seven divine beings created by Ahura Mazda to assist in the governance of the universe. They represent various aspects of creation and virtues.

Yazatas

lesser divine beings or angels in Zoroastrianism who are worthy of worship. They serve Ahura Mazda and assist in the maintenance of the world.

Fravishi

the guardian spirits of individuals and communities. They are considered to be the divine essence of each person and play a protective role.

Farahavar

a well-known symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing a winged disc with a human figure. It symbolizes the human soul's journey towards Ahura Mazda and the principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

Ahriman

Another name for Angra Mainyu

Daena

the Zoroastrian concept of religion, faith, and the inner self. It is also personified as a divine being who guides the soul after death.

Chinvat Bridge

• Souls must cross after death.

• wide for the righteous

  • narrow for the wicked

Avesta

sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism

Sedreh

A sacred undershirt worn, symbolizing purity and protection

Kusti

A sacred cord worn around the waist

• tied during prayers and symbolizes the binding of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds

Atar

The sacred fire, representing purity and the divine presence

Dakhma

Tower of silence, a structure used for the exposure of the dead in zoroastrianism

Nowruz

Zoroastrian New year, celebrated at the spring equinox

Daeva

Maleovolent spirits or demons associated with Angra Mainyu and the force of evil

They are opposed to the Yazatas

Indo-Iranians

roots of zoroastrian

Haoma

sacred plant and ritual drink, symbolizes immortality and divine grace