Human spiritual phenomena

A number of symbols portray alleged phenomena of the spiritual life. Some are of the type of illuministic images of the aureole, the halo, the nimbus, the mandala, and various crowns, and robes as well as emanations of glory from the depicted body. Other imagery may show the glorious emanation as a figure emitted from the body, taking the form of a brilliant winged creature; a butterfly or small angel; or in the form of a person's own likeness. Another phenomenon depicted may be the entry into, or union with, a person's body or soul, by a light-being (e.g., the Iranian Daena angel or the Christian Dove) or by a light-ray (e.g., from the Holy Spirit, Shekmah or Christ).

These symbols represent spiritual illumination (knowing), spiritual grace (being), sanctification, salvation, or apotheosis.