This is a modern review of the homeopathic theory of miasms, taking Hahnemann's groundbreaking hypothesis as the starting point, and extending it to include positive as well as negative traits, exploring how miasms can and do contribute to a growth in human consciousness. Considering the miasms as challenges to humanity, the author describes each major miasm in terms of its life issues and affinities, with the disease aspects being incorporated into a much larger picture. It includes the five chronic miasms of psora, sycosis, syphilis, tuberculosis and cancer, plus the more recent miasms of radiation and AIDS. It also includes the organ and tissue affinities, associated homeopathic remedies and flower essences.