(L.). The astral shells of deceased ancestors. The term is used by early Latin writers particularly Apuleius. Helena P. BLAVATSKY says that there are three kinds of lares: lares familiares, the guardians of the family circle; lares parvi, small idols used for divinations and augury; and lares praestites, which were supposed to maintain order among the others. (Th. Glossary). See LARVA.

© Copyright by the Theosophical Publishing House, Manila