Karma: Originates from the Buddhist and Hindu belief system and is classed as the natural law or the universal law of cause and effect, meaning that good deeds attract good results and bad deeds attract negativity. Buddhists believe that if one creates good karma in their present life, their next incarnation will hold positivity. Karma is an energy created by one’s actions. If you commit a positive deed, it will result in a positive response. By performing a negative action, a negative result might be expected. By changing one’s intentions and actions, you can alter your life’s course positively or negatively. (Browne, 2003.)
Kelpie: The kelpie originated in Scotland, and most substantial bodies of water or lochs are thought to house one. It is believed to be a shape-shifting creature resembling the form of a horse and having the ability to transform into a human bodily form with only the hooves remaining. Some Christians believed the kelpie to be Satan because of its similarity to the cloven-hoofed goat. On a more positive note, kelpies are thought to warn little children about dangerous waters and fast-flowing tides, also encouraging young females to take care when encountering handsome strangers.
Killcrop: (See Changeling.)
Kinesiology: The study and therapy of body movements and how they relate to a person’s physiology, biomechanical action, and psychology. This method of observation was developed in the 1960s by Dr. George Goodheart, combining modern Western medicine and physiological practice with Eastern health regimes. Kinesiology makes use of muscle testing techniques to monitor the flow of energy throughout the body. Kinesiologists believe that by using a holistic approach and addressing physical ailments and malfunctions, they can achieve much deeper results, affecting the patient’s mind and emotions by restoring the natural flow of energy through their body. (Currie, 2019.)
King Scale: A circle of colors based on the colors of the rainbow, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Order of the Golden Dawn, made notorious by its preeminent member Aleister Crowley, extended the original seven colors to twelve. They added extra shades so that they could affiliate each color to a sign of the zodiac for use in their astrological work and magic practice. The colors on the king scale became red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, indigo, violet, and red-violet. The astrological signs were linked, starting with Aries and red and finishing with Pisces and red-violet. (Bletzer, 1986.)
Kirlian Photography: A collection of photographic techniques utilizing high voltages at the time of processing an image to capture coronal electrical discharges from a thing or person. This was discovered in 1939 by Madame Kirlian. Subsequently, studies of aura sizes, shapes, and colors have been used by alternative health practitioners as a diagnostic tool, believing the patient’s aura or energy field, as shown by Kirlian photography, reflects their state of health. Colors are said to signify certain medical conditions, with the size of the aura showing the patient’s level of strength or well-being; however, mainstream health practitioners do not accept these views or place any value in Kirlian photography. (Grujin, 2019.)
Kirtan: A meditation performed by singing and chanting, mostly in groups. It originated in the thirteenth century in India and has gained popularity, especially in the West in the late 1990s when musical artists such as Dave Stringer, Krishna Das, Wah!, and Jai Uttal introduced kirtan to different yoga studios. The melodies or ancient chants are sung in Sanskrit with the hope that the collection of voices will resonate together, elevating the soul and becoming one voice. In the US, there is a trend in many yoga classes and yoga festivals to use kirtan to achieve this elevated state. (Adam Bauer, 2017.)
Kismet: One’s fate and destiny. The higher spiritual beings already have your itinerary in life. Nothing you planned to do will change it, and by the laws of the universe, it must run its course.
Kitchen Witch: Cottage witch; origins, Scandinavia. A little doll or poppet, representing the crone, made from twigs and fabric and given as a good luck charm to ward off evil. When the doll is hung from the ceiling, it stops stews and food from spilling over or burning. In neopagan faiths, a kitchen witch is a person who practices witchcraft and gathers herbs, plants, hedge fruit, nuts, and vegetables to use in spells. By blending the properties found in individual plants, the witch will concoct not just tasty but also magical food. The kitchen witch might even make cosmetics, such as soaps and perfumes.
Kivas: Certain Native North Americans, such as the Hopi and Pueblo peoples, were said to gather in underground caverns or sacred chambers to communicate with their ancestors and etheric world guides with the hope that they would assist them in seeing future events. The tribal members would meditate and go into a trance to enhance the clarity of the messages that were given by the elders.
Kundalini: Meaning “to coil or spiral.” A powerful energy source that is vital for life. Sometimes called “the little death.” Many books have been written about the history and effects of the kundalini, but only certain people will experience this phenomenon—mainly mystics, yogis, or anyone who is trying to improve their spiritual self. At the base of the spine is a coil of energy that is trapped, but through meditation, mantras, and allowing oneself to reach a higher consciousnesses, the kundalini can free this energy, which then travels up the spine and ascends toward the crown chakra. Electrical currents drive through the person at a fast rate, and a buzzing noise encases them, resulting in a strong, vibrational shaking of the body. It is not uncommon for a person to experience involuntary muscle spasms or a surge of emotion. Some might become terrified or feel like they are going to die. Although it might feel distressing, it is said to bring relief to any physical ailments. Each individual who has this feeling can experience it in many different ways. (Edwards, 2013.)