Qin (Mandaeism)

In Mandaeism, Qin is the mother of Ruha and Zahreil, and grandmother of Ur in the World of Darkness or underworld. In Mandaean texts, she is frequently mentioned as the "queen of darkness." One of her epithets is Sumqaq, which also refers to a well of polluted water in the World of Darkness. Her husband is the demon Anathan.

Yazuqaeans

The Yazuqaeans are a religious group mentioned by the Mandaeans in the Ginza Rabba, the central religious text of Mandaeism

Tamasha (ablution)

In Mandaeism, tamasha or ṭamaša is an ablution ritual that does not require the assistance of a priest. Tamasha is performed by triple immersion in river (yardna) water. It is performed by women after menstruation or childbirth, men and women after

Piriawis

In Mandaean cosmology, Piriawis, also known as the Yardna Rabba, is the sacred life-giving river (yardna) of the World of Light. It is the heavenly counterpart of rivers on earth (Tibil), which are considered by Mandaeans to be manifestations of the

Taga (Mandaeism)

In Mandaeism, the taga is a white crown traditionally made of silk that is used during Mandaean religious rituals. The taga is a white crown which always takes on masculine symbolism, while the klila is a feminine symbol that complements the taga

Scroll of the Great Baptism

The Scroll of the Great Baptism is a Mandaean religious text. It is a ritual scroll describing the 360 baptisms (masbutas) for a polluted priest. The scroll is also called "Fifty Baptisms" and the Raza Rba ḏ-Zihrun

Laufa

In Mandaeism, laufa or laupa is the concept of a spiritual connection forged between Tibil (Earth) and the World of Light. It has been variously translated as "communion," "spiritual union," "spiritual connection," or "vital connection

Zahreil

In Mandaeism, Zahreil or Zahrʿil is the daughter of Qin, sister of Ruha, and mother of Ptahil. According to Book 5 of the Right Ginza, during Hibil Ziwa's descent to the World of Darkness or underworld, he marries Zahreil, who then gives birth to the

Left Ginza

The Left Ginza is one of the two parts of the Ginza Rabba, the longest and the most important holy scripture of Mandaeism. The other part of the Ginza Rabba is the Right Ginza

Klila

In Mandaeism, the klila is a small myrtle (asa) wreath or ring used during Mandaean religious rituals. The klila is a female symbol that complements the taga, a white crown which always takes on masculine symbolism

Gaf (Mandaeism)

In Mandaeism, Gaf or Gap is the male consort of Ruha, the queen of the World of Darkness or underworld. His son is Ur, king of the World of Darkness. He is mentioned in book 5 of the Ginza Rabba. Gaf is typically portrayed as a giant