Emanationism technically is a henotheism component in the cosmology or cosmogony of certain religious or philosophical systems that argue a Supreme Being did not directly create the physical universe, but instead emanated lower spiritual beings who created the world.

According to this paradigm, Creation proceeds as an outpouring or even a transformation in the original Absolute or Godhead. The Supreme Light or Consciousness descends through a series of stages, gradations, worlds or hypostases, becoming progressively more material and embodied, before finally turning around to return to the One, retracing its steps through spiritual knowledge, contemplation and ascent.

The primary classical exponent of Emanationism was Plotinus, wherein his work, the Enneads, all things phenomenal and otherwise were an emanation from the One (Hen). In Ennead 5.1.6 emanationism is compared to a diffusion from the One, of which there are three primary hypostases, the One (hen), the Intellect/will (nous), and the Soul (psyche tou pantos). For Plotinus, Emanation, or the “souls descent” is due to the Indefinite Dyad, or tolma; the primordial agnosis inherent to and within the Absolute, the Godhead.

Emanationism is, by nature, the opposite of both antinomies of Creationism (sentient creator God who is self-aware), and

Other models of Emanationism than Neoplatonism, are that of Advaita Vedanta, and Buddhism, all of which posit agnosis/nescience as the principle of emanation (proodos) which, by means of contemplative and assimilative techniques, the Soul is able to assimilate (epistrophe) itself in union with the One.

Emanationism is a key feature of:

• Platonism and Neoplatonism
• Gnosticism
• Mandaeanism
• Manicheanism
• Catharism
• Kabbalah
• Surat Shabda Yoga
• Rosicrucianism
• Esoteric Christianity

And, arguably Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient Egyptian religion.

Emanations are sometimes featured in speculative fiction as well (especially in fantasy fiction). Some examples include:

• the Ainur of the world of Middle-earth created by author J. R. R. Tolkien.
• Clive Barker's Imajica
• Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials

Emanatsioon Emanatie 流出説 Эманация Emanaatio Emanation