Ancient religions and Mythologies Books

Book SynopsisFrom the second century AD to the conversion of the first Christian emperor, Constantine, Robin Lane Fox''s Pagans and Christians in the Mediterranean World gives a fascinating new perspective on an extraordinary era. The transition from pagan to Christian in the ancient Mediterranean world was a process whose effects we still live with today. How did this monumental conversion come about? How did Christianity compare and compete with the pagan gods in the Roman Empire? This scholarly work, from award-winning historian Robin Lane Fox, places Christians and pagans side by side in the context of civic life and contrasts their religious experiences, visions, cults and oracles. Leading up to the time of the first Christian emperor, Constantine, the book aims to enlarge and confirm the value of contemporary evidence, some of which has only recently been discovered. ''This brilliant book is a wholly unexpected and central contribution to its subje

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Book SynopsisA landmark study of ancient Greek and Roman cults, from the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis to the cults of Dionysus and Mithras. Mystery cults are one of the most intriguing areas of Greek and Roman religion. In the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis, participants dramatically re-enacted the story of Demeter's loss and recovery of her daughter Persephone; in Bacchic cult, bands of women ran wild in the Greek countryside to honour Dionysus; in the mysteries of Mithras, men came to understand the nature of the universe and their place within it through frightening initiation ceremonies and astrological teachings. These cults were an important part of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, but their actual practices were shrouded in secrecy, and much of what they were about has remained unclear until now. This is the first book to describe and explain all the major mystery cults of the ancient world, cult by cult, reconstructing the rituals and exploring their origins. It makes plenTrade Review'A wonderful revelation. Piece by archaeological and textual piece, Bowden jigsaw-puzzles together the heady, high-octane, highly-charged world of mystery ritual in Greece and Rome' - Bettany Hughes'Bowden debunks an impressive number of myths about ancient mystery religions' - Mary Beard, Times Literary Supplement'Will be of immense value not just to those studying Greek and Roman civilizations but to students of early Christianity ... a most valuable survey' - Contemporary Review'As clear and well-informed an account as one could imagine. In a highly accessible way Hugh Bowden puts together the literary and material evidence. Well-paced and an attractive read' - Robin Osborne, Professor of Ancient History, University of CambridgeTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Eleusinian Mysteries 2. The Mysteries of the Kabeiroi and the Great Gods of Samothrace 3. Other Mystery Sanctuaries in the Greek World 4. The Mother of the Gods 5. Dionysus 6. Private Initiation 7. Words Written on Gold 8. Isis 9. Mithras 10. The End of the Mysteries 11. Encountering the Sacred Map of Mediterranean and Near East

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Book SynopsisVesper and Aster need Excalibur to save the day. They must journeythrough the enchanted realm of Camelot, with King Arthur and hisloyal knights to help them on their quest. But will they returnin time to defeat the daemons vying to rule the world?

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Book SynopsisCicero's philosophical works are now exciting renewed interest, in part because he provides vital evidence of the views of the (largely lost) Greek philosophers of the Hellenistic age, and partly because of the light he casts on the intellectual life of first century Rome. This edition uses the 1997 Clarendon text by the acclaimed translator P.G. Walsh.Trade ReviewThe translation is both lively and accurate; the introduction is judicious and informative. The notes are especially strong on the identification of the many historical references in the work. * Phronesis *

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Book Synopsis''A poetic, erudite exploration of history and myth'' Financial TimesAn unforgettable journey through centuries and across cultures to the pivotal moment in evolution - when humans did something that no species had yet tried - when we became the hunter and no longer the prey. Informed by Greek and Egyptian myth, the stories of poets, shamans and gods, Roberto Calasso''s expansive exploration of our relationship to animals and sacrifice, encourages us to reframe our understanding of our place in history, and in the world. ''Calasso has created a much discussed original genre for these books ... a dense pastiche of myth, biography, criticism, philosophy, history and minutiae ... woven together by Calasso''s unflagging vision'' The New YorkerTrade ReviewBeguiling, captivating, vital ... Informed by myth, this damning exploration of man's detachment from the animal world is ninth in a staggeringly learned series -- Stuart Jeffries * Guardian *The Celestial Hunter is an "initiation through the book", speculative but capable of changing how you see things -- Dominic Green * Spectator *A spellbinding modern magus . . . he writes like a poet, not a professor, in glinting, enigmatic nuggets of narrative. At a moment when atavistic kinds of peril, awe and terror seem close at hand, it feels no great stretch to share Calasso's core belief that "the gods always return" -- Boyd Tonkin * Financial Times *Calasso is especially good at describing the characters of myth and legend with a novelist's omniscient authority ... leaves you feeling not out of your depth, but smarter and better read -- A. E. Stallings * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisWhat is so special about spring water? How are wells holy? Why are so many known for 'the healing of eyes'? The ancient holy wells of the British Isles are amongst the most beautiful and magical places anyone can visit. Often untouched by all but the most delicate hands, and located in some of the most secret nooks and crannies of the country, their stories evoke a lost world of pagan gods, healing forces, second sight and holy visions. This beautiful book, beautifully illustrated throughout by the author, tells the story of the holy waters of the British Isles through hand-picked examples. A useful gazetteer at the back of the book catalogues further rewarding sites to visit. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. India, one of the great, ancient civilizations, spawned a fascinating canon of myths and legends. With multiple gods, and a riot of colour and character, this fantastic new book, Indian Myths & Legends, explores the themes and landscapes that created the tales, and reveals the boundless energy that brought us the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, retelling the stories of Krishna, Buddha and Shiva, and some of the many different versions of creation. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction, authors, myths and tales without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new introduction and a Glossary of Terms.

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Book Synopsis''Lively'' THE TIMES''Engrossing'' THE SPECTATOR''Stunning'' WOMAN & HOME''Marvellous'' BBC HISTORY MAGAZINEThrough ancient art, evocative myth, intriguing archaeological discoveries and philosophical explorations, Bettany Hughes takes us on a voyage of discovery to reveal the truth behind Venus, and why this immortal goddess is so much more than nudity, romance and sex. It is both the remarkable story of one of antiquity''s most potent forces, and the story of human desire - how it transforms who we are and how we behave.Trade ReviewErudition, with an erotic frisson ... In this lively, wide-ranging book, Hughes paints a portrait of a darker Venus, a violent, vengeful "shape-shifting" Venus, with salt in her hair and surf at her feet -- Laura Freeman * THE TIMES *An intriguing tale that tracks the gorgeous and omnipresent Venus of western civilisation back 6,000 years ... engrossing -- Charlotte Hobson * THE SPECTATOR *A marvellous biography of a goddess that delves beneath her passive modern image ... Hughes's account of Aphrodite's early evolution forms the most fascinating sections of this superb book -- Catherine Nixey * BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE *Explore the mythological Goddess of Love with this stunning book by historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes. She looks at the origins, archaeological revelations and philosophical implications of the woman known to the Romans as Venus, and to the Greeks as Aphrodite * WOMAN & HOME *

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Book Synopsis''Thought-provoking and charmingly rendered.'' GuardianImagine a world where seductive male sirens lure brave heroines to their death, where Icara and her mother fly too close to the sun, and where beautiful men are forced to wed underworld queens...For thousands of years, Greek myths have been told and retold. In these stories, brutality and bravery are reserved for men, while women are wicked witches or helpless maidens. Today, these myths continue to shape our ideas about justice, tragedy and what makes a hero''s journey. Karrie and Jonathan love these stories, and have found a way to breathe new life into them by making one crucial change...Following the incredible success of Gender Swapped Fairy Tales they have taken that same simple step. They haven't rewritten the stories in this book. They haven't reimagined the endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders.You'll be enchanted by t

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Book SynopsisThis textbook is endorsed by OCR and supports the specification for GCSE Classical Civilisation (first teaching September 2017). It covers the Thematic Study Component 11 and all three Literature and Culture options (Components 2123):Thematic Study: Myth and Religion by Ben GreenleyLiterature and Culture 1: The Homeric World by Dan MenasheLiterature and Culture 2: Roman City Life by James RenshawLiterature and Culture 3: War and Warfare by James RenshawWhy does Greek and Roman mythology remain so popular today? Why is the hero Odysseus such an interesting character? What was it like to watch a gladiatorial fight? Why was the Roman army so successful? This book guides GCSE students to a greater understanding of such issues. The opening chapter examines the lives of women in Greece and Rome, and also focuses on women in myth and legend. The following three chapters invite readers to explore the culture of the Mycenaeans, city life in the Roman world, and ancieTrade ReviewComprehensive, clear and well signposted for GCSE students. We have been waiting a long time for something as good as this. * Stephen Ridley, Durham High School For Girls, UK *Table of ContentsIntroduction How to Use This Book Thematic Study: Myth and Religion Literature and Culture Option 1: The Homeric World Literature and Culture Option 2: Roman City Life Literature and Culture Option 3: War and Warfare Glossary Index

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Book Synopsis'Charlotte Higgins's Red Thread is a masterwork' Ali SmithA thrillingly original, labyrinthine journey through myth, art, literature, history, archaeology and memoir. The tale of how the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur, finding his way out of the labyrinth using Ariadne's ball of red thread, is one of the most intriguing, suggestive and persistent of all myths, and the labyrinth - the beautiful, confounding and terrifying building created for the half-man, half-bull monster - is one of the foundational symbols of human ingenuity and artistry. Charlotte Higgins, author of the Baillie Gifford-shortlisted Under Another Sky, tracks the origins of the story of the labyrinth in the poems of Homer, Catullus, Virgil and Ovid, and with them builds an ingenious edifice of her own. Along the way, she traces the labyrinthine ideas of writers from Dante and Borges to George Eliot and Conan Doyle, and of artists from Titian and Velázquez to Picasso and Eva Hesse. Her intricately constructed narrative asks what it is to be lost, what it is to find one's way, and what it is to travel the confusing and circuitous path of a lived life. Red Thread is, above all, a winding and unpredictable route through the byways of the author's imagination - one that leads the reader on a strange and intriguing journey, full of unexpected connections and surprising pleasures.Trade ReviewCharlotte Higgins's Red Thread is a masterwork, an open-eyed analysis of the everyday mazery we face without even realising it, and an understanding of psychic and narrative architecture that's a pretty crucial piece of equipment for wherever and whenever we find ourselves lost. I read it on the balcony of a hotel in Rome... and it was as if the city itself opened playfully and thoughtfully around the reading experience in its amalgam of pasts and presents, histories and mysteries.Any bookshelf would be graced by the presence of [Red Thread]… [it] ask[s] readers to surrender to the unpredictable pleasures of getting lost… playful and gorgeously written. -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst * Guardian *A serious, substantial, scholarly and yet also highly personal book about mazes… Red Thread is a book to admire as much as to enjoy. -- Ian Sansom * Spectator *[Charlotte Higgins] is no ordinary author. Her thrillingly original book – it really is like no other – is itself a sort of maze of facts and thoughts, ancient tales and modern phenomena… on every page there is a sparkling idea or a fascinating piece of information. It is also beautifully written… a beautifully produced volume, full of colour illustrations of sculptures and paintings and tantalising maps of mazes. -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *In this beautifully produced and richly illustrated book… Charlotte Higgins takes us on a fascinating meander through the art and literature of the last 2,500 years… After reading this book you will see labyrinths everywhere. -- Michael O’Loughlin * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis‘Wow! I thought I knew a thing or two about astrology, but Rich has stirred the pot and brought new ways of working with the Universe into being.’David Wells, astrologer and the author of The Tree of Life OracleAccess the ancient wisdom of the runes to cast your birth chart and reveal your destiny with this essential guide to runic astrology. Richard Lister explores the powerful combination of the ancient Nordic symbols of the runes and the millennium-old tradition of astrology. Through a unique combination of mythos and practical advice you will discover:· the deep cosmic art of runic astrology· your Runic Star Path or birth chart· your connection to the energy of the cosmos through your Sunna (Sun), Manni (Moon) and Jord (Earth/rising) runes· the effect of the wandering gods – what it means when the gods ‘go retrograde’· how to uncover the hidden codes to access your cosmic luck and good fortuneWith this powerful knowledge, you can connect with the energy of the universe to navigate your way through life with passion, prosperity and purpose.

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Book SynopsisRevised 20th anniversary edition. Embrace your magickal awakening with this essential guide to modern paganism. From Wicca to Druidry, Shamanism to Heathenry, Paganism is bound together by a collection of spiritual paths that are rooted in the ancient religions of our world. In this enlightening guide, pioneer of the modern Pagan movement Pete Jennings introduces the core concepts of each unique strand of Paganism, explaining their foundations, beliefs and practices to help you in your own personal spiritual journey. Exploring magick, sacred sites, celebrations and organisations and the pivotal role of nature and the divine, this is your guide to finding the path that feels good and true to you.Trade Reviewan essential reference work...a simply written, highly accessible guide to the pagan way * Prediction *an excellent primer, taking in all the traditional earth-centred rituals as well as the more recent emergence of eco and cyber-paganism * The Times *

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. Legends of the Sea, Bells, Mirrors and Tea, Japanese mythology is delightful and enigmatic, full of spirits, gods and legendary creatures. It draws on Buddhist and Shinto traditions to explain the nature of the world of the island of Japan, the mystical Mount Fuji and the heavenly status of the long line of emperors. The warrior class of the imperial court, and the natural spirits of the countryside represent parallel and interdependent aspects of Japanese society, explored through ancient legend and folklore. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction, authors, myths and tales without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new introduction and a Glossary of Terms.

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Book SynopsisStep into the magical realm of paganism with this enchanting beginner''s guide to the religions of oldFrom druidry and shamanism to modern witchcraft and Wicca, paganism is steeped in history, legend and ancient tradition, and is now one of the fastest-growing religions. Whether it''s the celebration of nature and its divinity, of female empowerment through the veneration of the sacred feminine, or a way to commit to climate conservation and sustainability, paganism has drawn worshippers through the ages.As well as outlining the pagan spiritual identity, including its history and development, pagan beliefs, and how the religion is practised, this beautiful book also explores:- Pagan deities and their associated folklore- The pagan calendar, including the eight festivals in the wheel of the year, what they represent and how they are celebrated- The influence of modern paganism on popular culture- How you can incorporate paganism into your own personal spiritual practiceAnd much more!

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Book SynopsisExplores the many forms and abilities of the devil in stories from around the world. The devil has many more guises than the cliché red boogeyman named Lucifer or Satan who haunts Christianity. In some traditions the devil is sinister and cunning, while others portray him as an oaf who can easily be conned and evaded by anyone with an ounce of cleverness. In other tales and legends, he is the primal shapeshifter, and the Roma, also known as the gypsies, claimed his talents of metamorphosis were so strong he could even assume the appearance of a priest. Drawing on folk traditions from all over Europe, including Transylvanian Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Switzerland, Italy, France, Scandinavia, Moravia, Bohemia, Lapland, and the Baltic countries, Claude and Corinne Lecouteux explore the many forms and abilities of the devil in stories, tales, and legends throughout the ages. They trace the devil’s shapeshifting powers back to their Vedic origins in ancient India and look at his connections with witches, storm magic, and other magical events. They examine the symbolic implications of the appearance of the devil in these tales, such as how he is often either limping or disfigured with the legs or feet of a goat or other animal traditionally linked to the lower powers or passions. They explain how the devil’s limp or his goat-like feet reflect the prevalence in world mythology of the sacred nature of crippling injuries. Peeling back the Christian veneer embedded in many tales and legends about the so-called Evil One, the authors ultimately reveal how many of the qualities and magical powers attributed to the devil were once those belonging to pagan gods, like the Lithuanian thunder god Perkūnas or the Titan Chronos, as well as to playful woodland spirits and the sometimes helpful, sometimes fearful fauns and satyrs of Greco-Roman mythology.Trade Review“In their majestic collection of folk stories about Satan, authors and curators Claude and Corinne Lecouteux unearth a truth that our culture translates into myth: we as a human community remain deeply affectionate toward our old gods. What in cinema is called Loki, Darth Vader, and Maleficent are the same archetypes that populate these Old-World legends in which our forebears were brave enough to call their antihero by his name. With the very able hand of translator Jon E. Graham, the Lecouteuxs have created a forbidden feast.” * Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award–winning author of Occult America and Uncertain Places *“How do you best the devil and live happily ever after? Read Claude and Corinne Lecouteux’s Tales and Legends of the Devil, stories from across Europe, and find out. Claude Lecouteux is a master of unearthing hidden treasures from the European tradition.” * Arthur Versluis, author of The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism *“Humanity’s relationship to adversity personified and elucidated in stories teaches us the value of the cunning trickster. From either the vantage point of moral hygiene stories or the lack thereof, these stories show us the importance and folly of cunning, something we all need to be reminded of. Claude and Corinne have done a fabulous job.” * Marcus McCoy, cofounder of the Viridis Genii Symposium and esoteric blacksmith at Troll Cunning Forg *“Claude Lecouteux has written extensively and meticulously on the supernatural figures that appear in what is often called ‘the lower mythology’ of the Middle Ages and has shown how these same figures (still) haunt our own world. More than twenty of Claude Lecouteux’s books (including several coauthored by his wife, Corinne) have been translated and published by Inner Traditions over the past fifteen years. Why did I feel compelled to write a preface for this particular book? Perhaps because ‘the devil made me do it.’” * Jon E. Graham, award-winning translator of the Bavarian illuminati *Table of ContentsTranslator’s Preface Introduction Chapter IThe Devil as Suitor Chapter II The Devil and His FamilyChapter III The Swindled and Battered Devil Chapter IV In the Devil’s Service Chapter V A Visit to Hell Chapter VIThe Devil and the Church Chapter VII Singular Tales Appendix 1 Tale Types in this Book Appendix 2Index of Motifs Associated with the Devil Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisEmbrace the Wise Woman within you.This oracle is an ode to the Wise Woman within every woman. Through storytelling from myth, folklore and contemporary tales about wise and knowledgeable feminine figures, let the Wise Woman Oracle reconnect you with She Who Knows: the healer, teacher and priestess within you who uses her understanding of her own life experiences, the natural world, and the mysteries of the universe to heal, care for and inspire herself and those around her.

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Book SynopsisHelena Norberg-Hodge is the founder and director of the International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC) and its predecessor, the Ladakh Project. She is the author of Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh and co-author of Bringing the Food Economy Home. Her articles have appeared in numerous journals such as The Ecologist, Resurgence, and YES! magazine. Norberg- Hodge's ground-breaking work in the Himalayan region of Ladakh is internationally recognized, and earned her the Right Livelihood Award.Trade ReviewThe book that has had the greatest influence on my life is Ancient Futures, about tradition and change in a remote corner of India that has never been subjected to the brutality of the modern, global economy. * Zac Goldsmith *

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Book SynopsisThis volume is full of exercises, meditations and discussion questions about Paganism for group or individual study. The text explores how the Pagan sacred year is arranged; what Pagans do in ritual; what magic is; and what Pagans believe about God, worship, human nature and ethics.

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Book SynopsisThis title deals with the myths and legends of the ancient worlds, from Greece, Rome and Egypt to the Norse and Celtic lands, through Persia and India to China and the Far East. It is a comprehensive A to Z of the classic stories of gods and goddesses, heroes, warriors and mythical beasts, with copious cross-references. Over 1000 alphabetical entries describe the central mythical figures of each culture and their importance to the ancient civilizations of their day. It is beautifully illustrated with over 1000 images spanning fifteen centuries of fine art, from the ancient world to the present, including specially commissioned artworks. It presents superb pictorial spreads on the mythical themes and symbols central to each culture. Timeless in scope and appeal, it is a classic and enduring reference work by two expert authorities. In this important volume, the mythologies of the ancient world are brought to life. In the first half, author Arthur Cotterell describes the central mythical figures of classical Greece and Rome, the Celtic heroes and the Nordic gods. In the second part, author Rachel Storm expertly leads us through the powerful pantheon of gods and goddesses of the East from Ancient Egypt, through Central Asia, to the dragon festivals of eastern lands. Pictorial features focus on recurring mythological themes, including heroes, oracles and prophecies. This comprehensive guide to the myths and legends of two great continents is timeless in its universal appeal.

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. Mesoamerican culture is rooted in the region of modern Mexico where some 3500 years ago ancient peoples called the Olmecs farmed and created beautiful art and pottery at roughly the same time as the Middle Kingdom Ancient Egyptians, the Babylonians and a little after the Indus Valley societies of India. After the Olmecs many different groups emerged, amongst them the sophisticated Maya 200 years after the beginning of the Common Era. In turn they would be superseded by the Toltecs, during the long period that the Vikings swept across the length of Europe in search of silver. Another precious metal, gold, was plentiful in the Americas, the control of which was mastered by the successors of the Toltecs, the Aztecs, also known as the Mexica, who grew to dominate the region from the 13th to the 15th Century. Soon they would lend their name to the a great new city, Mexico. Through a fascinating selection of historical texts on the region and a thoughtful new introduction summarising how we understand the region today, his book traces the development of the early peoples, the emergence of some of the key civilizations of the many rich and varied societies of Mesoamerica, ending tragically with arrival of the Spanish explorers hungry for land, and for Aztec gold. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction: authors, myths, tales and history without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new Introduction and a Glossary of Terms or lists of Ancient Leaders.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of BookAuthority’s Three Best New Robotics Audiobooks To Read in 2019"

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Book SynopsisExplore the magic of Welsh mythology, and how to incorporate the wisdom of these enigmatic tales into the very fabric of your magical and spiritual practices.

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Book SynopsisA clear, concise and compelling analysis of the eclectic and beautiful visual and material culture of shamanism. Entering trance states, healing body and soul, invoking animals as spirit guides and journeying to incorporeal realms these skills have been central to shamanism over thousands of years and across much of the world, from the Evenki shamans of northern and central Asia to contemporary Neo-Shamans of the West. Join cultural and social anthropologist Max Carocci as he explores an eclectic array of shamanic artefacts and images, decoding the symbolism and explaining their extraordinary shamanic ritual practices. Marvel at the adornments of a Siberian shaman's coat; examine the prehistoric rock art that depicts mystical transformations of shamans into animals; and discover the psychotropic plants that open our minds to interdimensional journeys of healing and wisdom. Carocci makes the manifold meanings encoded in the forms, colours and purposes of shamanic images and objects clear, painting a vibrant and in-depth picture of shamanic cultures past and present.

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Book SynopsisEmbrace Your Personal Power with 20 Queer-Specific Rituals Queer people go through all kinds of unique milestones and rites of passage as we grow into our true selves. Whether you are coming out, attending your first Pride parade, or changing your pronouns, this book will help you enter these rites of passage thoughtfully and spiritually. Explore rituals for honoring chosen family, going through gender transition milestones, exploring and affirming your gender and sexuality, entering your first queer relationship, and more. Enhance your rituals with a variety of magickal allies, including deities and community ancestors (such as queer activists and leaders). Regardless of your skill level or spiritual tradition, Queer Rites makes it simple to connect your lived experiences to your magickal practice and commemorate occasions in a way that resonates with your unique and wonderful self. Includes a foreword by Ariana Serpentine, author of Sacred Gender, and rituals by guest writers Storm Faerywolf, Misha Magdalene, Brandon Weston, and Rev. Ron Padrón

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Book SynopsisThrough its five attributes of Love, Law, Wisdom, Liberty, and Knowledge, the Pearl Pentacle shows you how to engage intimately with your community.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing more than eighty rituals, spells, and daily practices, this inspiring book of witchery will help you build a haven filled with love, joy, security, and enchantment. Wherever you live, The Witch?s Home encourages you to see your residence as a magical space, from the windows and doors to the basement and bathrooms. Explore the magical potential hidden in each room. Establish a home grimoire, work with land spirits, create meaningful handcrafts, and experiment with spiritual decluttering. Learn how to repurpose items and apply the power of color to make your practice more affordable. You?ll also discover how to use traditionally non-magical items, such as takeout menus, shoes, and asphalt. With inspiration from folklore around the world, this book will help you connect with every part of your space, turning your home into a true sanctuary.

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Book SynopsisEnter the world of Titans and Olympians, Hercules and Zeus, gorgons and hydras with this excellent collection of mythological wordsearch puzzles based on classical Greek and Roman mythology.Join the gods and heroes of old on a quest to discover all of the words that have been cleverly hidden in the grids within. With a variety of fun and intriguing themes such as Jason and the Argonauts and mythological monsters, as well as puzzles based on excerpts from classic stories and text, you''ll be entertained for hours.Themes include: • Circe• Pandora''s Box• The Furies• Weapons of the Gods• The Stealing of HelenABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Classic Puzzles bring together mind-bending puzzles inspired by classic themes and figures from history and literature, from ancient antiquity to modern greats. These are presented in handsome decorative formats that make the perfect gift.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated handbook, profiling more than 50 characters from Greek Mythology “I love Caroline Lawrence and so should you.” - Natalie Haynes “Huge fun!” - Tom Holland Get to know the ancient Greek gods and goddesses...and find out why their stories are still so enthralling today. Discover how to identify each god, demigod, hero or monster from the ancient Greek world through their attributes and symbols, learn about their most famous stories from ancient sources and myths, and find out how these characters were viewed and worshipped in classical times. From Aphrodite to to Dionysus, Helen of Troy to the Minotaur, bestselling author and classicist Caroline Lawrence brings together all the information you need to really get to know the gods and goddesses. Classical sources such as the Homeric epics, ancient art and archaeological finds inform each god's profile, while sections

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition which brings to life the culture of one of the great founding civilisations. Companion volume to Egyptian Myths & Legends in the same series, this title brings to life the beginnings of human experience, the irrigation of the Nile, the origins of hieroglyphics in demarcation of land and water resources as the first people of North Africa gathered around the Nile to create one of the greatest and most enduring civilisations, one that fascinated the later titans of Antiquity, the Greeks and Romans. From these lands come the pyramids, the statues and the great Kings such as Khufu (reigning 2589–2566 BC), Hatshepsut (reigning 1478–1458 BC), Amenhotep III (reigning 1388–1351 BC), Akhenaten (reigning 1351–1334 BC), Tutankhamun (reigning 1332–1323 BC) and Ramses II (reigning 1279–1213 BC). Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction: authors, myths, tales and history without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new Introduction and a Glossary of Terms or lists of Ancient Leaders.

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Book SynopsisA guide to Iceland's rich literary heritage - from Norse witches to contemporary crime fiction. Iceland is an island of multiple identities in constant flux, just like its unruly, volcanic ground. Shaped as much by storytelling as it is by tectonic activity, Iceland’s literary heritage is one of Europe’s richest – and most ancient. Iceland: A Literary Guide for Travellers takes the literary-minded traveller (either in person or in an armchair) on a vivid and illuminating journey. It follows Iceland's many stories that have been passed down through the generations: told and retold by sheep farmers, psalm-writers, travelling reverends, independence fighters, scholars and hedonists. From the captivating Norse myths, which continue to inspire contemporary authors such as A. S. Byatt, to gripping Scandinavian crime fiction and Game of Thrones, via Jules Verne and J. R. R. Tolkien, W. H. Auden and Seamus Heaney, Iceland’s influence has spread far beyond its frozen shores. Peopled by Norse maidens and witches, elves and outlaws, and taking the reader and traveller from Reykjavik and the Bay of Smokes to the remote Westfjords and desolate highlands, this is an enthralling portrait of the Land of Ice and Fire.Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements About this book Introduction 1 Reykjavík & Reykjanes: Urban Iceland Bay of Smokes Hafnarfjörður Mosfellsbær Keflavík & Reykjanes Peninsula Akranes & Hvalfjörður 2 Western Region: Snorri Sturluson’s Pool 3 Westfjords: Water & Witchcraft 4 Northwestern Region: Monsters & Executioners 5 Northeastern Region: Home of Poets 6 Eastern Region: Heavy Metal in the Fjord 7 Southern Region: Parliaments & Pirates 8 Highlands: Here Outlaws Dwell Chronology of Events Bibliography Index

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