Arcana

Arcana (plural of arcanum, derived from Latin meaning "secrets") refers to the mysterious, esoteric, or hidden knowledge of a particular subject, especially spiritual or occult matters. It often implies a deeper, more profound understanding beyond the superficial or readily apparent. This hidden knowledge is often guarded and revealed only to initiates or those deemed worthy. arcana can encompass rituals, symbols, traditions, and philosophies that are considered sacred or capable of unlocking higher states of consciousness or insight. The term is particularly associated with esoteric practices, divination, and secret societies, where specific information is deliberately withheld from the general public, accessible only to select individuals. It speaks to the idea of a veiled reality, where deeper truths are hidden from the uninitiated and must be actively sought or revealed by a mentor or through diligent study.

Arcana meaning with examples

• The ancient scrolls, filled with arcane symbols and cryptic prophecies, were believed to hold the secrets of the universe, the true arcana of existence, kept hidden for centuries. Only a chosen few would have access to such knowledge. Their meaning was lost to time.
• As a devoted student of tarot, she spent years delving into the arcana of the cards, painstakingly memorizing their symbolic meanings and the intricate connections between them, hoping to unlock their deeper significance and apply it to her life's path.
• The clandestine society's rituals involved the recitation of forgotten spells and the performance of sacred dances, believed to tap into the arcana of the elemental forces, manipulating the very fabric of reality.
• The magician's mesmerizing performance drew its power from the arcana of illusion, skillfully manipulating light and shadow, the magician kept the crowd entranced in a sense of wonder. They believed the secret was worth more than all the gold in the world.
• The author's novel delved into the arcana of political machinations and the hidden agendas of powerful figures, uncovering the concealed truths behind the events shaping the nation, a look at the reality most people could not see.