alchemy a medieval chemical philosophy whose asserted purpose was to transform base metals into gold
autonomy  state of being free, independent, self-directed
chackra point along the spine supposed to contain energy (re: hatha yoga)
conflated   brought together, fused; two ideas combined into a whole
decimation selection by lot and killing of every tenth man; to destroy a large part
dogmatic referring to an established and official system of tenets, opinions
epoque/epoch  a period of time, an era
equivocal of uncertain significance; not determined, of doubtful nature
espoused to make one’s own; adopt or embrace as a cause
ethereal airy; very delicate or refined; intangible
gait a manner of walking, stepping or running
guise outward appearance, mode of dress
latent present or potential, but not evident or active
nuance a subtle distinction, as in color, expression, or meaning
oneiric   of or related to dreams
pernicious causing insidious harm or ruin
sardonic bitter or scornful
trussed tied, bound, skewered